GS Paper 2 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination plays a decisive role in testing a candidate’s understanding of Indian Polity, Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, and International Relations. A strategic way to master GS2 is through systematic analysis of Previous Year Questions (PYQs). This Analysis presents a comprehensive topic-wise and year-wise trends of UPSC GS2 PYQs from 2013 to 2025, highlighting high-frequency themes, evolving focus areas, and recurring sub-topics. By decoding these trends, aspirants can align their preparation with UPSC’s actual demand rather than relying solely on syllabus interpretation.
This GS Paper 2 PYQ analysis examines which topics dominate the GS2 question paper, how frequently they are asked, and what this means for answer writing, revision prioritisation, and syllabus coverage. The insights are derived from actual UPSC GS2 questions (2013–2025) and visualised through topic-wise data.
GS2 PYQs: Topic-wise Classification
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Morality, Judicial Independence, Accountability | 2025 | Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…”In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India. (15 M) |
| Right to Privacy (Article 21), DNA Testing | 2024 | Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference, discuss the law relating to DNA testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity. (15 M) |
| Free Legal Aid, NALSA | 2023 | Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (10 M) |
| Expanding Horizons of Right to Life | 2023 | “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (15 M) |
| Constitutional Perspectives of Gender Justice | 2023 | Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (15 M) |
| Article 356, Reduced Usage | 2023 | Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid-1990s. (15 M) |
| 101st CAA, Fiscal Federalism (GST) | 2023 | Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (15 M) |
| Parliamentary Committee System, Financial Committees | 2023 | Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? (15 M) |
| Right to Movement and Residence (Not Absolute) | 2022 | “Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute.” Comment. (10 M) |
| Constitutional Morality Doctrine | 2021 | Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (10 M) |
| Centralizing Tendencies in Indian Constitution | 2020 | Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (15 M) |
| Parliament’s Amending Power, Basic Structure | 2019 | “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? (15 M) |
| Financial Emergency (Article 360) | 2018 | Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (15 M) |
| 101st CAA (GST) | 2017 | Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? (15 M) |
| Right to Privacy and Fundamental Rights | 2017 | Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (15 M) |
| Article 370 (Temporary Provision) | 2016 | To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (12.5 M) |
| Adjectives in the Preamble (‘Republic’) | 2016 | Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? (12.5 M) |
| Coelho Case, Judicial Review, Basic Features | 2016 | What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (12.5 M) |
| Decline of Public Morality | 2016 | In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (12.5 M) |
| Uniform Civil Code (UCC) | 2015 | Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (12.5 M) |
| Right to Clean Environment, Burning Crackers (Article 21) | 2015 | Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard. (12.5 M) |
| Freedom of Speech (Article 19), Hate Speech, Films | 2014 | What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| Section 66A of IT Act, Article 19 Violation | 2013 | Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (10 M) |
| Article 371A (Nagaland) | 2013 | Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| J&K Legislative Assembly (Reorganization Act, 2019) | 2025 | Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (10 M) |
| Centre-State Financial Relations, Fiscal Federalism | 2025 | Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India? (15 M) |
| Decentralization, Decision-Making, Development | 2025 | “In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate. (15 M) |
| Local Bodies, Governance, Merger of Rural/Urban Bodies | 2024 | Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at the local level and bring out the pros and cons of merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (10 M) |
| Centre-State Relations (Recent Changes) | 2024 | What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (15 M) |
| State Reluctance to Empower Urban Local Bodies | 2023 | “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” (10 M) |
| Decentralization of Power, Governance Landscape | 2022 | To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralization of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (10 M) |
| Centralisation (National Parties) vs. State Autonomy (Regional Parties) | 2022 | While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. (15 M) |
| CBI Jurisdiction, Federal Character | 2021 | The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (15 M) |
| Cooperation, Competition, Confrontation in Federation | 2020 | How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples, to validate your answer. (10 M) |
| Local Institutions: From ‘Functionaries and Funds’ to ‘Functionality’ | 2020 | The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (15 M) |
| Federal Supremacy and Harmonious Construction (Judicial Resolution) | 2019 | From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (10 M) |
| Panchayat System, Local Government, Financing | 2018 | Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing developmental projects? (15 M) |
| Ineffective Local Self-Government | 2017 | “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (10 M) |
| 69th CAA, Delhi Administration, L-G Conflict | 2016 | Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of Indian federal politics? (12.5 M) |
| Government of India Act, 1935 (Federal Constitution) | 2016 | Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| Cooperative Federalism | 2015 | The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. (12.5 M) |
| Panchayats as Political Institutions (Not Effective Governance) | 2015 | In the absence of a well-educated and organised local-level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| Federalism in India (Strong Centre) | 2014 | Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. (12.5 M) |
| Judicial Activism and Democracy | 2014 | Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. (12.5 M) |
| Formation of Smaller States, Effective Governance | 2013 | Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that a greater number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at the State level? Discuss. (10 M) |
| Inter-State Water Disputes, Constitutional Mechanisms | 2013 | Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Judicial Independence | 2023 | “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment. (10 M) |
| Judicial Legislation, PILs, Separation of Powers | 2020 | Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (15 M) |
| Separation of Powers vs. Checks and Balances | 2019 | Do you think that the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers; rather, it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balances’? Explain. (10 M) |
| Ordinance Promulgation, SC Decisions, Repeal of Power | 2015 | Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of the doctrine of separation of powers. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed? (12.5 M) |
| SC Check on Parliament’s Amending Power | 2013 | The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on the arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Pardoning Power (India vs USA) | 2025 | Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are ‘preemptive pardons’? (10 M) |
| Secularism (India vs USA) | 2024 | Discuss India as a secular state and compare it with the secular principles of the US Constitution. (15 M) |
| Parliamentary Sovereignty (British vs Indian) | 2023 | Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (10 M) |
| Election of Presidents (India vs France) | 2022 | Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (15 M) |
| Right to Equality (USA vs India) | 2021 | Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (15 M) |
| Judicial Systems (India vs UK) | 2020 | The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (10 M) |
| Indian Secularism for France | 2019 | What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? (10 M) |
| Basic Tenets of Political Systems (India vs USA) | 2018 | India and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (15 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Amending Power of Parliament (Limitations) | 2025 | Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution. (15 M) |
| Cabinet System, Marginalisation of Parliamentary Supremacy | 2024 | The growth of the cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate. (10 M) |
| Role of Presiding Officers (State Legislatures) | 2023 | Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (10 M) |
| Role of Vice-President (Chairman of Rajya Sabha) | 2022 | Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (10 M) |
| Governor’s Legislative Powers, Re-promulgation of Ordinances | 2022 | Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. (15 M) |
| Dept-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) | 2021 | Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administrations on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. (15 M) |
| Legislative Councils (Establishment, Working, Status) | 2021 | Explain the constitutional provisions under which the Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (15 M) |
| Parliament’s Role in Ensuring Executive Accountability | 2021 | To what extent, in your view, is the Parliament able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (10 M) |
| Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’ | 2020 | Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (10 M) |
| Transformation of Rajya Sabha | 2020 | Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to a ‘supporting organ’ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas where this transformation is visible. (15 M) |
| Decline of Individual MP’s Role | 2019 | Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (15 M) |
| Parliamentary Committees (Estimates Committee) | 2018 | Why do you think committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (10 M) |
| Role of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) | 2017 | Discuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (10 M) |
| Joint Sessions of Parliament | 2017 | The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint sessions of the two houses of Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (15 M) |
| Whistle-blowers Protection Act, 2011 (Amendment Bill) | 2015 | If the amendment bill to the Whistle-blowers Protection Act, 2011, tabled in Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect. Critically evaluate. (12.5 M) |
| Parliamentary Privileges (Codification) | 2014 | The ‘Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed? (12.5 M) |
| Anti-Defection Law, Diminished Role of MPs | 2013 | The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result, healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated with a different intention? (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Collegium System, Appointment of Judges (India vs USA) | 2025 | Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA. (15 M) |
| PILs, SC as World’s Most Powerful Judiciary | 2024 | Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? (15 M) |
| Constitutionalization of Environmental Problems (SC) | 2022 | “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 M) |
| Role of Business Associations (Pressure Groups) | 2021 | “Pressure Groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how business associations contribute to public policies. (10 M) |
| Women’s Representation in Higher Judiciary | 2021 | Discuss the desirability of greater representation of women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. (10 M) |
| Farmers’ Organizations, Methods to Influence Policymakers | 2019 | What are the methods used by the Farmers’ organizations to influence policymakers in India, and how effective are these methods? (10M) |
| Attorney-General of India | 2019 | “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. (15 M) |
| SC Judgment (2018), L-G vs Elected Govt of Delhi | 2018 | Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15 M) |
| Tribunals (Jurisdiction, Constitutional Validity) | 2018 | How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India. (15 M) |
| NJAC Act, 2014 (SC Judgement) | 2017 | Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on the ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of the higher judiciary in India. (10 M) |
| Pressure Groups (Formal vs Informal) | 2017 | How do pressure groups influence the Indian political process? Do you agree with the view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (10 M) |
| Simultaneous Elections (Accountability) | 2017 | Simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering, but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people.’ Discuss. (10 M) |
| Indian Party System (Transition, Contradictions) | 2016 | “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| Khap Panchayats, Extra-Constitutional Authorities | 2015 | Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive, and judiciary to set things right in this regard. (12.5 M) |
| Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 (Ordinance) | 2015 | What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966, through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| President’s Delay in Commuting Death Sentences | 2014 | Instances of the President’s delay in commuting death sentences have come under public debate as a denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyze. (12.5 M) |
| Cabinet Size, Government Efficacy | 2014 | The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| Pressure Groups in India (Structure and Functioning) | 2013 | Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Corrupt Practices’ (RPA, 1951), Disproportionate Assets | 2025 | Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. (10 M) |
| Electoral Reforms, ‘One Nation One Election’ | 2024 | Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees, with particular reference to the “one nation one election” principle. (10 M) |
| Election Disputes (MP/MLA), Grounds for Void Election | 2022 | Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to case laws. (15 M) |
| Disqualification Procedure Simplification | 2020 | “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act.” Comment. (10 M) |
| Disqualification Grounds (RPA, 1951), Remedies | 2019 | On what grounds can a people’s representative be disqualified under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, mention the remedies available to such a person against their disqualification. (15 M) |
| EVMs, Challenges for ECI | 2018 | In light of the recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (10 M) |
| ECI’s Proposed Electoral Reforms (2016) | 2017 | To enhance the quality of democracy in India, the Election Commission of India proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms, and how significant are they in making democracy successful? (15 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Tribunals, Tribunal Reforms (2021) | 2025 | Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021. (10 M) |
| Attorney General of India (Responsibilities, Rights, Limitations) | 2025 | The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard. (10 M) |
| Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals | 2024 | Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (10 M) |
| CAG’s Duty (Legality and Propriety) | 2024 | The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. (10 M) |
| Competition Commission of India (CCI), MNCs | 2023 | Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to recent decisions. (10 M) |
| ECI, Model Code of Conduct (MCC) | 2022 | Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (15 M) |
| National Commission for Backward Classes (Constitutional Status) | 2022 | Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (10 M) |
| 14th Finance Commission, States’ Fiscal Position | 2021 | How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? (10 M) |
| Human Rights Commissions (Limitations) | 2021 | Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (10 M) |
| Constitutionalization of a Commission (NCW) | 2020 | Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (15 M) |
| RTI Act Amendments, Information Commission Autonomy | 2020 | “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission.” Discuss. (10 M) |
| Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) | 2019 | “The Central Administrative Tribunal, which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. (10 M) |
| Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) | 2018 | “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. (10 M) |
| NCSC and Reservation in Religious Minority Institutions | 2018 | Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in religious minority institutions? Examine. (10 M) |
| Finance Commission (Constitution, Terms of Reference) | 2018 | How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (15 M) |
| National Commission for Women (NCW) | 2017 | Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 M) |
| CAG Audit, Overstepping Jurisdiction (Policy Implementation) | 2016 | Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether the audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction. (12.5 M) |
| Quasi-judicial body | 2016 | What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. (12.5 M) |
| Regulatory Institutions (Independence and Autonomy) | 2015 | For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past. (12.5 M) |
| Rail Tariff Authority, Subsidies (Power Sector Experience) | 2014 | The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash-strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidies for the obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways, or the private container operators. (12.5 M) |
| NHRC, Accountability of Government | 2014 | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation, assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (12.5 M) |
| 13th Finance Commission (Local Government Finances) | 2013 | Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission, which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening local government finances. (10 M) |
| Lokpal and Immorality in Public Affairs | 2013 | A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.’ Discuss. (10 M) |
| SEBI and IRDA Merger | 2013 | The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services, strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| NCPCR, Challenges in Digital Era | 2025 | The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue. (15 M) |
| Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 | 2024 | What are the aims and objectives of the recently passed and enforced Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations are covered under the Act? (15 M) |
| Gati-Shakti Yojana, Govt-Private Sector Coordination | 2022 | The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (10 M) |
| Earn while you learn’ Scheme, Vocational Education | 2021 | Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (10 M) |
| Multi-level Planning, Neo-liberal Paradigm | 2019 | In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages. Discuss. (15 M) |
| Collaboration and Partnership (Development Discourse) | 2019 | The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above, examine India’s development process. (15 M) |
| Policy Contradictions, Environmental Degradation | 2018 | Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.’ Comment with relevant illustrations. (10 M) |
| WASH Scheme, Beneficiary Identification | 2017 | To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes. Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (10 M) |
| LPG Reforms, Governmental Responsiveness | 2016 | Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change? (12.5 M) |
| FDI in News Media | 2014 | Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. (12.5 M) |
| Aadhar and NPM (Concurrent Schemes) | 2014 | Two parallel-run schemes of the Government, viz. the Aadhar card and NPM, one voluntary and the other compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth. (12.5 M) |
| State-sponsored Talent Hunt vs. Reward Mechanism | 2014 | An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (12.5 M) |
| Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme | 2013 | The concept of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates, and success. (10 M) |
| Restructuring of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) | 2013 | The Central Government frequently complains about the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating the suffering of vulnerable sections of society. Restructuring of Centrally Sponsored Schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of the population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate. (10 M) |
| Electronic Cash Transfer (Welfare Schemes) | 2013 | Electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage, and facilitate reforms. Comment. (10 M) |
| PURA (Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) | 2013 | The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Society Organizations (Anti-State vs Non-State Actors) | 2025 | Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify. (10 M) |
| Environmental Pressure Groups | 2025 | What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. (15 M) |
| Public Charitable Trusts (Inclusive Development) | 2024 | Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (10 M) |
| Inadequate HRD, Measures to Address | 2023 | The crucial aspect of the development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (10 M) |
| E-governance, Inadequacies | 2023 | E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? (10 M) |
| Dependence on Donor Agencies, Community Participation | 2022 | Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify |
| Civil Society, NGOs, Alternative Public Service Delivery | 2021 | Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (15 M) |
| Microfinancing, SHGs, Gender Inequality, Poverty, Malnutrition | 2021 | Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (15 M) |
| Micro-Finance, SHGs, Asset Creation, Women Empowerment | 2020 | “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India.” Evaluate the role of the Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (15 M) |
| SHGs, Withdrawal of State from Development | 2017 | The emergence of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities.’ Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (15 M) |
| FCRA, 1976 (Foreign Funding of NGOs) | 2015 | Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (12.5 M) |
| SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP) | 2015 | The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. (12.5 M) |
| Role of NGOs in Environmental Protection (Constraints) | 2015 | How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to the protection of the environment? Discuss, throwing light on the major constraints. (12.5 M) |
| SHGs in Rural Areas, Socio-cultural Hurdles | 2014 | The penetration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (12.5 M) |
| SHGs, Micro-finance (Legitimacy and Accountability) | 2013 | The legitimacy and accountability of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Social Capital, Empowerment, Gender Equity | 2025 | Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain. (10 M) |
| DBT Scheme (Limitations) | 2022 | Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (10 M) |
| Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Sensitization) | 2022 | The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitization of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (10 M) |
| Inflation and Unemployment (Management) vs. Welfare Schemes | 2022 | Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss. (15 M) |
| Social Attitude towards Women (Patriarchal) | 2021 | “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (15 M) |
| Ineffective Welfare Schemes (Lack of Awareness/Involvement) | 2021 | Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss. (15 M) |
| Women’s Reservation in Local Self-Government (Limited Impact) | 2019 | “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. (15 M) |
| Multiplicity of Commissions, Umbrella Human Rights Commission | 2018 | Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (15 M) |
| Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Empowerment) | 2017 | Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society? Discuss. (10 M) |
| National Child Policy (Provisions and Implementation) | 2016 | Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (12.5 M) |
| Uplifting Communities, Exclusion in Urban Economies | 2014 | Do government schemes for uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (12.5 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Public Healthcare System, Marketization, State Role | 2024 | In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role in containing the adverse impact of marketization of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (15 M) |
| Skill Development, Education, Skill, and Employment Linkages | 2023 | Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement, analyze the linkages between education, skill, and employment. (15 M) |
| RTE Act, 2009 (Inadequacy of Incentive-based System) | 2022 | The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (15 M) |
| Primary Health Structure, Sustainable Development | 2021 | “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (10 M) |
| NEP 2020, SDG-4 (2030) | 2020 | National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (15 M) |
| Health Care Policies (Geriatric and Maternal Health) | 2020 | In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed, particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (10 M) |
| High Growth, Low Human Development Indicators | 2019 | Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (10 M) |
| Local Community-level Healthcare, ‘Health for All’ | 2018 | Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieving ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (10 M) |
| Amartya Sen’s Reforms (Primary Education/Health) | 2016 | Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? (12.5 M) |
| Demographic Dividend (Measures to Enhance Productivity) | 2016 | “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled, and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (12.5 M) |
| Foreign Educational Institutions, Quality of Higher Education | 2015 | The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country? Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| Private Sector in Health, Universal Health Coverage | 2015 | Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (12.5 M) |
| Academic Independence of Premier Institutes (IITs/IIMs) | 2014 | Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses, and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students? Discuss in light of the growing challenges. (12.5 M) |
| MDGs Related to Health, Government Actions | 2013 | Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Inequality, Ownership of Resources, ‘Paradox of Poverty’ | 2025 | Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’. (15 M) |
| Poverty, Malnutrition, Vicious Cycle, Human Capital | 2024 | Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (10 M) |
| Microfinancing, SHGs, Gender Inequality, Poverty, Malnutrition | 2021 | Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through micro financing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (10M) |
| Poverty, Intensity vs. Income, UN Multidimensional Poverty Index | 2020 | “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone.” In this context, analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 M) |
| Divergence in Poverty and Hunger, Shrinking Social Expenditure | 2019 | There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items, squeezing their food budget. Elucidate. (10 M) |
| Lack of Food Availability vs. Ineffective Human Development Policies | 2018 | How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (15 M) |
| Poverty Alleviation Programmes, Political Will | 2017 | Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will.’ Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (15 M) |
| Poverty Estimates (Reduction in Poverty) | 2015 | Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (12.5 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| E-governance, Technology Bias vs User-centric Designs | 2025 | e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine. (10 M) |
| Citizen’s Charter, Hindering Factors, Measures to Overcome | 2024 | The Citizens’ Charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (15 M) |
| E-governance, Transparency, Accountability, ‘Interactive Service Model’ | 2024 | E-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in the service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context, evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance. (15 M) |
| Civil Society, Women’s Participation in State Legislatures | 2023 | Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (15 M) |
| Digital Literacy, ICT Accessibility, Socio-economic Development | 2021 | Has digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (15 M) |
| Fourth Industrial Revolution, e-Governance | 2020 | “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government.” Discuss. (10 M) |
| ICT Projects (Vital Factors, Effective Implementation) | 2019 | Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based projects/programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. (10 M) |
| E-Governance, ‘Use Value’ of Information | 2018 | e-Governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also about the critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (10 M) |
| Citizen’s Charter (Limitations and Effectiveness) | 2018 | The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. (15 M) |
| Hunger and Poverty, Good Governance, Progress, Measures | 2017 | Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (10 M) |
| Role of Non-State Actors (Marginal) | 2016 | “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (12.5 M) |
| Effectiveness of Govt System and People’s Participation | 2016 | “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship in the context of India. (12.5 M) |
| Satyam Scandal (2009), Corporate Governance | 2015 | In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability. (12.5 M) |
| Citizen’s Charters, Citizens’ Satisfaction | 2013 | Though Citizens’ Charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Public Perception of Civil Servants (Integrity/Commitment) | 2024 | The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (10 M) |
| Institutional Quality, Civil Service Reforms, Democracy | 2020 | “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance.” In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (10 M) |
| Civil Services (Neutrality, Effectiveness), Drastic Reforms | 2017 | Initially, Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. (15 M) |
| Bureaucratic Structure, Socio-economic Development | 2016 | “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment. (12.5 M) |
| Cadre-based Civil Services (Slow Change) | 2014 | Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. (12.5 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| India’s Role in Sri Lanka Crisis | 2022 | India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (10 M) |
| China’s Economic Relations, Impact on India | 2017 | China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (10 M) |
| Cross-border Terrorism, Pakistan, SAARC | 2016 | “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (12.5 M) |
| Project ‘Mausam’ (Strategic Dimension) | 2015 | Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (12.5 M) |
| India-Pakistan Relations (Soft Power) | 2015 | Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent can the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. (12.5 M) |
| South China Sea Disputes, India-China Bilateral Issues | 2014 | With respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (12.5 M) |
| Shahbag Square Protests, Significance for India | 2013 | The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka, Bangladesh, reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (10 M) |
| Domestic Factors, India-Sri Lanka Relations, Foreign Policy | 2013 | In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (10 M) |
| Topic | Year | Question |
|---|---|---|
| India-Africa Digital Partnership | 2025 | India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate. (10 M) |
| Waning of Globalization, Sovereign Nationalism | 2025 | With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate. (10 M) |
| Energy Security, India’s Foreign Policy, Middle Eastern Countries | 2025 | Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years? (15 M) |
| The West, India as an Alternative to China | 2024 | The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. (10 M) |
| India’s Relations with Central Asian Republics (CARs) | 2024 | Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARS), highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (10 M) |
| UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) | 2024 | Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (15 M) |
| I2U2 Grouping (India, Israel, UAE, USA) | 2022 | How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (15 M) |
| India’s Climate Change Policy, Geopolitics | 2022 | Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international forums in the context of geopolitics. (15 M) |
| Africa’s Growth, India’s Influence in Africa | 2021 | “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (10 M) |
| AUKUS Partnership (China, Indo-Pacific) | 2021 | The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (15 M) |
| USA vs China (Existential Threat) | 2021 | “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (10 M) |
| Quad (Trade Bloc from Military Alliance) | 2020 | Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance in present times – Discuss. (15 M) |
| Indo-US vs Indo-Russian Defence Deals, Indo-Pacific Stability | 2020 | What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (15 M) |
| Indian Diaspora (Politics and Economy of America/Europe) | 2020 | Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries.’ Comment with examples. (10 M) |
| India-Japan Relationship (Global and Strategic Partnership) | 2019 | The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving a global and strategic partnership that will have great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (10 M) |
| India’s Image (Leader of Oppressed Nations) | 2019 | “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.” Elaborate. (15 M) |
| India-US Ties (India’s Position in US Global Strategy) | 2019 | “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.” Explain with suitable examples. (15 M) |
| India-Israel Relations (Depth and Diversity) | 2018 | “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (10 M) |
| Central Asia, Ashgabat Agreement, 2018 | 2018 | A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (10 M) |
| US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy, India’s National Interest | 2018 | In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15 M) |
| Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia (Economy and Society) | 2017 | Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (15 M) |
| India’s Energy Security, Cooperation with West Asian Countries | 2016 | The question of India’s energy security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. (12.5 M) |
| India’s Look East Policy (Economic and Strategic Dimensions) | 2016 | Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (12.5 M) |
| India’s Interest in Africa (Pros and Cons) | 2014 | Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (12.5 M) |
| Information Technology Agreements (ITAs), India’s Interests | 2014 | The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information Technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? (12.5 M) |
| International Funding Agencies (Tied Aid) | 2014 | Some international funding agencies have special terms for economic participation, stipulating a substantial component of the aid be used for sourcing equipment from leading countries. Discuss the merits of such terms and whether there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. (12.5 M) |
| New Development Bank (NDB), AIIB (Role and Significance) | 2014 | India has recently signed to become a founding member of the New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two banks for India. (12.5 M) |
| ISAF Withdrawal from Afghanistan (Security Implications for India) | 2013 | The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. (10 M) |
| The String of Pearls’ (Impact on India, Counter Steps) | 2013 | What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (10 M) |
| India-Japan Economic Ties (Policy Constraints) | 2013 | Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints that are inhibiting this growth. (10 M) |
| Gujral Doctrine (Relevance) | 2013 | What is meant by the Gujral Doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (10 M) |
| Maldives Political Developments (Concern for India) | 2013 | Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be a cause of concern for India? (10 M) |
Conclusion: What UPSC Aspirants Must Focus on for Mains Preparation?
The GS Paper 2 PYQ trend analysis (2013–2025) clearly shows that UPSC follows a predictable yet dynamic pattern. While Polity and Governance form the static core, International Relations and Constitutional bodies have gained increasing prominence over the years.
For effective GS2 preparation:
- Prioritise high-weight topics such as International Relations, Constitution, Federalism, and Governance.
- Prepare low-frequency topics selectively but conceptually, as UPSC often frames them in analytical formats.
- Integrate current affairs with static GS2 subjects, especially for governance, IR, and social justice questions.
- Use PYQs not just for practice, but as a syllabus decoding tool.
In essence, GS2 PYQs act as a roadmap—guiding aspirants on what to study, how deeply to study, and how to write answers aligned with UPSC expectations.
Explore Latest GS2 Syllabus – UPSC Civil Services (Mains)
Understand the updated UPSC GS Paper 2 syllabus for the Civil Services (Mains) Examination, covering Polity, Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, and International Relations. Align your preparation with syllabus-specific demands and focus on core areas that directly influence GS2 answer writing and scoring potential.