Home / Topic / Buddhist philosophy
Topic Buddhist philosophy
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 8 years (2013–2021), peaking in 2013.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- Most asked in 2013
- Recurs across 2 years (2013–2021)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2013 → CAPF 2021
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (1 of 2) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CAPF2021
Madhyamika Karika, the basic text of Madhyamika School, was composed by
- A Nagarjuna ✓
- B Asanga
- C Vasubandhu
- D Dharmakirti
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Art & Culture › Religion & Philosophy
CSE2013
Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
- A The extinction of the flame of desire ✓
- B The complete annihilation of self
- C A state of bliss and rest
- D A mental stage beyond all comprehension
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Art & Culture › Religion & Philosophy
Study how UPSC repeats — not just the papers
₹199 / 1 year · Founding Member
Full access unlocks the three things no PYQ PDF gives you:
① Cross-exam learning — see the same idea recur across CSE, CAPF, CDS and NDA.
② Topic evolution — how each idea is framed, year by year.
③ Question intelligence — every PYQ + answer, linked to related concepts and similar questions.
e.g. Round Table Conference: CDS 2017 → CSE 2017 → … → CAPF 2024
15 days free, no card required — then ₹199 for 1 year.
Start your 15-day free trial →