UPSC Mains 2026 · GS II · Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words

How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities ? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.

हिन्दी में

भारतीय संघीय ढाँचा कहाँ तक क्षेत्रीय एवं सांस्कृतिक विविधताओं को समायोजित करने में सफल रहा है ? असमान संघवाद की भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए एवं विवाद समाधान के तंत्र को और अधिक प्रभावी बनाने के लिए उपायों को सुझाइए ।

FederalismCentre-State Relations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.”

Astha JainAIR 9 · CSE 2025 · 130 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Asymmetric federalism refers to different provisions, powers and special treatment given to different federal units.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* Federalism in India * a) Article 245-263 -> govern centre-state relation * b) 7th schedule -> ensure list division * c) NITI Aayog, ISC (263) ensure cooperative federalism

Assymetry for accomodation

  1. Special provisions for tribal areas to accomodate diversities of their culture, practices -> 6th & 5th schedule, PESA etc

  2. Administrative assymetry -> Delhi governed under A. 239 AA

(3) Differential representation in Council of state (Rajya Sabha) under Schedule 4th (eq UP v/s Goa)

(4) Financial asymmetry -> Special grants to revenue hit states (eg Bihar) -> Special category status by FC to Himalayan states -> Central sponsored schemes -> North east get 90:10 share

(5) Constitutional differences such as special provisions for states (eg Nagaland, Gujarat etc)

(6) Regional needs accomodated by various mechanism (eg forming UTs, ISC (263) etc)

Close · a summary

Assemetry balance diversity and preserve federal balance with unity.

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II, Q13. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.