GS3 · Topic
Fiscal Policy and Budgeting
The Union and State budgets, fiscal deficit, FRBM, off-budget borrowing, counter-cyclical spending, devolution of revenue.
67 UPSC Mains GS3 questions on Fiscal Policy and Budgeting that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Fiscal policy of a country is often called the most important tool to promote growth and equity. Explain. Q.3. India's reliance on import of edible oils remains a persistent challenge. What are the key factors and what measures have been taken to address this?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingInclusive Growth
Recent spikes in food and fuel prices have pushed India's retail inflation above the RBI's target range. Examine the impact of inflation on household well-being and savings behaviour in India. What steps can policymakers take to balance inflation control with economic growth?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Macroeconomic IndicatorsMonetary Policy
The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
TaxationFiscal Policy and Budgeting
Highlighting the factors contributing to a high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingMacroeconomic Indicators
What is the status of India's fiscal deficit? Discuss the factors responsible for it, its potential consequences, and suggest measures for fiscal consolidation. Also, examine the potential of capital investment in the Indian economy and the challenges faced in this regard.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingMacroeconomic Indicators
Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Subsidies and MSPInclusive Growth
There is an increasing recognition to move ahead to an effective medium term fiscal framework from the annual budget cycles, for political and economic sustainability of fiscal policies. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingPlanning and Resource Mobilisation
Explain the concept of Outcome budgeting and discuss how it can be implemented effectively in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and Budgeting
What sets fiscal policy apart from monetary policy, and how do they influence the economy differently? Briefly elaborate on the tools that the RBI and the government employ to manage them.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Macroeconomic IndicatorsFiscal Policy and Budgeting
Identify the factors behind the high central and state fiscal deficit in India in recent times. Discuss its ramifications, and propose remedial measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and Budgeting
Demand-driven and future-ready skill development is essential to leverage the demographic dividend. Discuss the statement in the context of the skill development initiatives announced in the Budget 2024-25.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
EmploymentPlanning and Resource Mobilisation
How the Union budget 2018-19 attempts to direct the benefits of structural changes and sustainable growth to reach under-privileged people and uplift the under-developed regions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Inclusive GrowthFiscal Policy and Budgeting
UBI aims to empower India's diverse population by providing unconditional financial support, allowing individuals to fulfill their needs according to their unique circumstances and aspirations. In this context, assess the impact of replacing welfare schemes with a universal basic income.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Inclusive GrowthPlanning and Resource Mobilisation
The Indian economy and major world economies like USA, UK experienced a slowdown in growth in recent times. This slowdown, however, was momentary for Indian economy (GDP growth 7-8%) and unlike other Western economies. I agree with the assertion 'Indian economy remains insulated from recessionary trends' for the following reasons - Q2. The WTO was created in 1995 as a successor to GATT with aim of expanding free trade between developed and developing countries. Yet, its functioning has been marred with disputes between countries.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Macroeconomic IndicatorsTrade and Foreign Investment
Gender-responsive budgeting though it began as a promising fiscal innovation in India has not translated effectively into policies that impact on women. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingInclusive Growth
Financial stability is generally the domain of monetary authority; however, the fiscal policy of the government has the potential to either facilitate or undermine it. Analyse in the context of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Macroeconomic IndicatorsFiscal Policy and Budgeting
State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingPlanning and Resource Mobilisation
There has been a recent series of farm loan waivers by different state governments. Critically examine the impact of such waivers on fiscal health as well as on the farmers. Do farm loan waivers meet their intended goals?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Farm Credit and InsuranceFiscal Policy and Budgeting
In the FY 2023 the GOI reported a fiscal deficit of 5.9%. This highlights the increasing trend towards high fiscal deficits.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingMacroeconomic Indicators
"Despite progressive measures, gender budgeting in India has not translated into substantial gender equity." Discuss the major bottlenecks in its implementation and suggest government measures to make it more impactful.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingInclusive Growth
The Indian Budget 2021-22 has identified the development of physical & financial capital and infrastructure as one of its key pillars for sustained growth. Highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingInfrastructure
What is a windfall tax? Discuss its importance. Also, suggest other measures to promote wealth redistribution and greater economic equality.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
TaxationInclusive Growth
What is deficit financing? Explain its significance in the context of public finance in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Planning and Resource MobilisationFiscal Policy and Budgeting
Discuss the new disinvestment policy of the Government of India. What is the rationale behind the disinvestment of Government PSUs. Also, mention potential challenges of the disinvestment process. 17. What are the mitochondrial diseases? To what extent 3 parents baby treatments can be solution for it? Also, mention the challenges associated with the 3 Parents baby procedure?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Planning and Resource MobilisationMacroeconomic Indicators
An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingClimate Change
Fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument in diminishing income inequality and fostering inclusive development. Discuss in the context of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingInclusive Growth
Answer the following questions in not more than 150 words each (some questions may be longer): 1. What is a windfall tax? Discuss its merits and demerits. 2. Evaluate the performance of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in controlling inflation and promoting growth. 3. 'Millets are a miracle crop for agricultural sustainability.' Elaborate. 4. Critically analyze the Jal Jeevan Mission in the context of India's water crisis. 5. What are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Explain their relevance in the context of the Indian energy program. 6. Analyze the significance of the Gaganyaan mission for India. 7. Elaborate on the Green Hydrogen Mission, its advantages, and challenges. 8. Discuss the key lessons learned from the Joshimath disaster. 9. Critically evaluate the Khalistan issue and suggest measures to handle it. 10. Discuss the threat posed by drones to India's security and suggest measures to tackle it. 11. Discuss the Electricity Amendment Bill 2022, its features, advantages, and shortcomings. 12. Analyze the challenges faced by SEBI in the context of recent scams and suggest reforms. 13. Discuss the issues in agriculture in India and suggest technological solutions for the same. 14. Analyze the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources. Suggest measures for sustainable irrigation. 15. Discuss the contribution of Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai in shaping India's S&T landscape. 16. What is Generative AI? Discuss its impact on society and the challenges it poses. 17. Discuss the 'Mangrove Alliance for Climate' and the importance of mangroves in maintaining tropical ecology. 18. Critically analyze the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Suggest a new strategy to tackle disasters in India. 19. Analyze the impact of ransomware attacks on different sectors and suggest a strategy to tackle this cyber threat. 20. Analyze the challenges in the management of India's coastal and territorial boundaries and suggest measures for better coordination.
150 words · Answered by 1 topper
TaxationFiscal Policy and Budgeting
Discuss the three prominent themes as enumerated in the Union Budget 2020-2021.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Fiscal Policy and Budgeting
Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fiscal Policy and Budgeting
Recently, India marked the fourth anniversary of introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Given its envisaged objectives, evaluate whether it has been a successful reform.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
TaxationFiscal Policy and Budgeting