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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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2016

  1. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.
  2. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksHas 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?
  3. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes. Discuss.
  4. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIn 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.
  5. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExamine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
  6. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksProfessor 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?
  7. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat is the quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
  8. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.

2015

  1. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIn the absence of well educated and organised local-level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically Discuss.
  2. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksTo achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past.
  3. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
  4. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIf an amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect. Critically Evaluate.
  5. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC.
  6. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine.
  7. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksKhap 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.
  8. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIn the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.
  9. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat 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.
  10. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
  11. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksProject ‘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. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe 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?
  13. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe 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.
  14. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExamine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.
  15. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksResorting to ordinances has always raised concern about the violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue has further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?
  16. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDoes the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.
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