Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC | Internal Security Mains PYQs IAS Exam | Internal Security UPSC Mains | Internal Security Questions UPSC Mains | Topic wise questions Internal Security UPSC Mains

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Internal Security Syllabus: UPSC Mains

Topic 1 – Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Topic 2 – Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Topic 3 – Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.

Topic 4 – Security challenges and their management in border areas; -linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Topic 5 – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC – Year wise Marks Weightage (2013 – 2025)

Year	Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2025	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2024	40 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2023	35 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2022	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2021	40 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2020	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2019	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2018	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2017	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2016	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2015	50 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2014	52.5 Marks
Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC 2013	50 Marks

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Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC – Year wise & Topic wise Collection (2013 – 2025)

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Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC (Topic 1 & 2)

Topic 1 – Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Topic 2 – Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

UPSC 2025

1. 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. 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)

UPSC 2024

1. Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2023

1. 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. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
2. Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2022

1. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2021

1. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)
2. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2020

1. 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 counter the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2019

1. 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 the influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
2. The 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 the prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2018

1. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2017

1. The north-eastern 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. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
2. 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? (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)
3. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2016

1. “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)      
2. 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. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2015

1. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left-wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks) 
2. Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country? (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2014

1. The diverse nature of India as a multi religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2013

1. Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on the growth of Left-Wing Extremism. (Answer in 200 words) (10 Marks)

Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC (Topic 3)

Topic 3 – Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

UPSC 2025

1. 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)
2. 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)

UPSC 2024

1. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2023

• 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. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2022

1. What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security.  (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
2. Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2021

1. Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber-attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2020

1. 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. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
2. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2019

1. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2018

1. 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. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
2. 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? (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2016

1. 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. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2014

1. International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)
2. How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)
3. In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65° East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns? (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)
4. China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does it dispose for India’s security? Critically examine. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2013

1. How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (Answer in 200 words) (10 Marks)

Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC (Topic 4)

Topic 4 – Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.

UPSC 2024

1. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2022

1. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2020

1. Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2019

• What is the Cyber Dome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2018

1. Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cybercrimes. The Justice B. N. 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 cyberspace? (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2017

1. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber-attack and the security framework to prevent it. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)

UPSC 2016

1. Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2015

1. Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)
2. Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

UPSC 2013

1. Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? (Answer in 200 words) (10 Marks)
2. Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (Answer in 200 words) (10 Marks)
3. What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present? (Answer in 200 words) (10 Marks)

Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC (Topic 5)

Topic 5 – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

UPSC 2023

1. 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.  (Answer in 250 words) (15 Marks)

UPSC 2020

1. Explain the ‘Higher Defence Organisation of India’.
2. What is ‘Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA)’ in the security perspective of India?

UPSC 2015

1. Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (Answer in 200 words) (12.5 Marks)

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Internal Security Mains PYQs UPSC | Internal Security Mains PYQs IAS Exam | Internal Security UPSC Mains | Internal Security Questions UPSC Mains | Topic wise questions Internal Security UPSC Mains