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UPSC Mains PYQs

1053 questions

Every General Studies question since 2013, ready to attempt. Model answers arrive week by week.

GS2

265 questions

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2018

  1. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marksE-governance is not only about utilisation of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain.
  2. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksHow 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?
  3. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksHow 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.
  4. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksHow is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.
  5. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marks“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
  6. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksIndia and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
  7. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksWhat are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?
  8. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marksIn the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections?
  9. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksMultiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the 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.
  10. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marksA 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.
  11. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marks“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.
  12. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marksWhy do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee
  13. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marksUnder what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?
  14. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksIn what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?
  15. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marksWhether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.
  16. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksWhether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.

2017

  1. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksChina is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
  2. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksThe 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.
  3. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksTo enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
  4. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksTo ensure the 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.
  5. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksHunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.
  6. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksThe Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint sessions of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.
  7. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksIndian 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.
  8. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksInitially, 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
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