The concept of sustainable development plays a vital role in UPSC by addressing the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. Candidates are expected to comprehend the importance of sustainable practices in governance and policy-making. This relates directly to India's development goals and commitments to international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Integrating sustainable development principles in answers can demonstrate a candidate's ability to think critically about long-term impacts, making it a key area of focus in both the Mains and Interview stages of the exam.