(Download) UPSC MAIN EXAM : 2026 Agriculture (Paper-2)

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2026 Agriculture (Paper II)

• Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2026  Agriculture (Paper -II)
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed : Three Hours

खण्ड - A / SECTION — A 

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50

(a) What is somatic hybridization? Explain its steps in the production of hybrid plants.  [10 marks]

(b) What are the biochemical changes that take place in seeds under prolonged storage?  [10 marks]

(c) Describe the factors influencing nutrient absorption in plants from the soil.  [10 marks]

(d) Describe the characteristics of a clone.  [10 marks]

(e) Define mutagens. Explain the different mutagen groups.  [10 marks]

Q2. (a) Describe the causes and sources of disease resistance in plants.  [20 marks]

Q2. (b) Explain the functions and structure of mitochondria with a suitable diagram.  [20 marks]

Q2. (c) Describe the importance of molecular markers in plant improvement.  [10 marks]

Q3. (a) Define heritability. What do you mean by broad-sense and narrow-sense heritability? Explain its applications in crop improvement.  [20 marks]

Q3. (b) Discuss the principles and practices of seed production in self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops.  [20 marks]

Q3. (c) Define cytoplasmic inheritance. Explain briefly sex-influenced and sex-limited traits.  [10 marks]

Q4. (a) Discuss the problems and intricacies involved in the profitable marketing of seeds.  [20 marks]

Q4. (b) Explain the factors that affect the amount of soil water available for plants.  [20 marks]

Q4. (c) Describe the different seed-enhancement techniques used in the seed industry and their benefits.  [10 marks]

खण्ड - B / SECTION — B 

5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5 = 50 

(a) What is topiary? Describe the characteristics of plants ideal for it.  [10 marks]

(b) Describe a terrace garden and a moon garden.  [10 marks]

(c) Discuss the quality indices for cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.  [10 marks]

(d) Discuss the major constraints to enhancing food-grain production in India.  [10 marks]

(e) Discuss the role of osmoprotectants in plants with reference to salt and water stress.  [10 marks]

Q6. (a) What is high-density orcharding? Describe management practices for high-density orcharding in the citrus group.  [20 marks]

Q6. (b) Explain the biosynthetic pathways of chlorophylls and carotenoids in plants. How do environmental factors influence plant pigments?  [20 marks]

Q6. (c) What do you mean by nutrient deficiency in humans? Write the major causes of nutrient deficiencies in India.  [10 marks]

Q7. (a) Describe the scientific cultivation of mango with reference to regular-bearing varieties, propagation, transplanting time, and management of mealy bug and powdery mildew.  [20 marks]

Q7. (b) What are the major causes of poverty in India? Describe the role of agriculture in poverty alleviation and employment generation.  [20 marks]

Q7. (c) Explain the different types of seed dormancy. What factors are responsible for dormancy in seeds?  [10 marks]

Q8. (a) Explain the factors encouraging pest infestation during storage. Discuss control measures for pest infestation during storage.  [20 marks]

Q8. (b) Discuss the production technology of carnation for cut flowers in relation to improved varieties, growing requirements and season, flower regulation, post-harvest handling, and physiological disorders.  [20 marks]

Q8. (c) Discuss the steps taken by the Government of India to improve the food-processing industry.  [10 marks]