These 28 questions from UPSC Medical Science Optional papers (1995–2026) fall outside the present syllabus of their paper – mostly from papers set on the older syllabus. We keep them here for completeness.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
Paper I
24 questions
What is Henderson-Hasselbach equation? How is the acid base balance maintained in the body? [2007/20m/4c]
Describe drug-receptor interactions. Discuss G-protein coupled receptor mediated actions of drugs with suitable examples. [2006/20m/5c]
Describe the reactions that constitute the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (TCA-Cycle). Indicate the energy yield per each cycle. [2005/20m/4a]
Describe the explain the ventilatory changes in acid base balance. [2005/20m/4b]
Critically review the various routes of administration of drug. [2005/20m/5c]
Describe and explain the ventilatory changes in acid-base balance. [2004/20m/4b]
It is said that fatty deposits in the body represent concentrated storage forms of energy. From your knowledge of metabolic pathways, explain and substantiate the above statement. [2004/20m/4c]
What is drug? How are they absorbed and distributed in the body? Describe the factors that modify the absorption of drug. [2004/20m/200w/5c]
Classify barbiturates according to their onset and duration of action. Discuss about their pharmacological actions, uses and side affects. [2004/20m/7a]
Explain with the aid of flow chart, how metabolic pathways are integrated in starvation. [2003/20m/4c]
Describe in short the significance of drug metabolizing enzymes. Mention the consequences of microsomal enzyme induction. [2003/20m/200w/5c]
Classify benzodiazepines according to their prominent use. Discuss the therapeutic uses and adverse effects of diazepam. [2003/20m/7b]
Explain schematically the different phases of dose-response curve. Discuss the factors modifying the drug action. [2002/20m/200w/5c]
What do you mean by general anaesthesia? How are anaesthetics classified? What are the properties of an ideal anaesthetic? What are the common complications seen in general anaesthesia? [2002/20m/7a]
What is Michaelis constant? How is the difference in this constant between hexokinase and glucokinase important in the utilization and regulation of blood glucose levels? What would have been the consequences if normal distribution of hexokinase and glucokinase in liver and muscles were reversed? [2001/20m/200w/1d]
Describe drug receptor interaction and uses of partial agonists in therapeutics. [2001/20m/200w/5c]
Enumerate with suitable examples the mechanisms involved in conversion of a substrate to its products through an enzymatic reaction. [2000/12m/200w/1e]
Schematically depict the integration of the metabolic activities in liver and muscle in regulation of blood glucose after 72 hours of starvation. [2000/12m/200w/1f]
Mention different ways by which enzyme activity is regulated. Describe the regulatory steps of glycolysis. [1999/20m/200w/1b]
Write a note on drug management of Asthma. [1998/20m/200w/1d]
Describe the final common pathway by which carbohydrates, proteins and fats are metabolised. Explain why minimum glucose utilisation is needed even for the tissues that get their energy from aminoacids and fats. [1997/20m/2c]
Classify general anaesthetics. Write about the theories of anaesthesia, root of administration and important side-effects of the most commonly used anaesthetic. [1996/20m/200w/1e]
Describe the reciprocal regulation of glycogen synthesis and its breakdown in liver. [1996/20m/2b]
Describe various mechanisms present in human body for maintaining the blood pH. Give an account of acid base disorders – their causes and compensatory mechanisms. [1995/20m/200w/1c]
Paper II
4 questions
A young woman presented to the emergency department with a history of pesticide intake. She has massive frothing from the mouth and nose. (i) Which is the pesticide she is likely to have consumed? (ii) State what would be the clinical features and management in this patient. (iii) Define the “Intermediate Syndrome” which may occur in this setting and its management. [2018/15m/3c]
In Paediatric practice, what drugs should be avoided and what drugs should be used cautiously? [2005/20m/1b]
Calculation of fluid and electrolyte requirement in a 35-year old male with 40% superficial burns. [2001/12m/5b]
What is an abscess? Describe the method of draining a deep abscess by Hilton’s method. [1995/20m/5b]
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Last updated: 31 October 2026