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UPSC Mains PYQs

1053 questions

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

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2025

  1. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks“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.
  2. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss 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.
  3. 2025 · GS2 · 10 markse-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.
  4. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks“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?
  5. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksWhat are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.
  6. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksDiscuss 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.
  7. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksExamine 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?
  8. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marksIndia-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
  9. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksIndian 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.
  10. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksInequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'.
  11. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksThe 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.
  12. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss 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.
  13. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marksComment 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.
  14. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
  15. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marks“With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.
  16. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marksWomen's social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.
  17. 2025 · GS3 · 10 marksWhat is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?
  18. 2025 · GS3 · 10 marksWhat are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?
  19. 2025 · GS3 · 10 marksDistinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth?
  20. 2025 · GS3 · 10 marksExplain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India.
  21. 2025 · GS3 · 15 marksExamine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?
  22. 2025 · GS3 · 15 marksExplain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies?
  23. 2025 · GS3 · 10 marksThe fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?
  24. 2025 · GS3 · 10 marksThe Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?
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