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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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2017

  1. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksThe 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.
  2. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksWhat are the main functions of the United Nations? Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
  3. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksIs 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.
  4. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksPoverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed by political will. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.
  5. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksHow do pressure groups influence the Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?
  6. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksThe 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.
  7. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksDoes the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society? Discuss.
  8. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.
  9. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksExplain 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 the common national market for goods and services’?
  10. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksExamine the scope of Fundamental Rights in light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy.
  11. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksSimultaneous election 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.
  12. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksCritically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.

2016

  1. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
  2. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss from the Indian perspective.
  3. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“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?
  4. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDid the Government of India Act, of 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
  5. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?
  6. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent”. Discuss their relationship in the context of India.
  7. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss 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?
  8. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksEvaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
  9. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExercise 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 an audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.
  10. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksTo 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.
  11. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat 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. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“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
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