UPSC Mains Internal Security PYQs, 2016-2026

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2026

1. 9

   Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these; menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2025

1. 9

   Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2024

1. 9

   Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2023

1. 9

   Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc ., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.

   150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

3. 19

   What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the 'No Money for Terror (NMFT)' Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2022

1. 9

   Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2021

1. 9

   Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   Keeping in view India's internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the; menace of terrorism.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2020

1. 9

   Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to cgunter the threat in the affected areas?

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2019

1. 9

   The banning of Jamaat-e-Islami' in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges.

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2018

1. 9

   The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China's larger 'One Belt One Road' initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Boefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (Answer in words)

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber comes. The Justice B. WN, Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   India's proximity to two of the world's biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2017

1. 9

   Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 10

   The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 19

   Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 20

   The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

   250 words · 15 marks

Internal Security questions in GS Paper 3 2016

1. 17

   The terms 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

   200 words · 12½ marks

2. 18

   "Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades." Analyze the above statement.

   200 words · 12½ marks

3. 19

   Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.

   200 words · 12½ marks

4. 20

   Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

   200 words · 12½ marks

Other GS Paper 3 topics

Indian Economy · Agriculture · Science & Technology · Environment · Disaster Management