Secularism

11 UPSC Mains GS I questions on Secularism, 2014 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Secularism toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q8Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2024 Q9Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2023 Q20Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2022 Q18Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.15 marks · 250 words
5. 2022 Q19Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism ? Justify your answer.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2019 Q10What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism ?10 marks · 150 words
7. 2018 Q10How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism ? Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
8. 2018 Q20‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2017 Q11The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2017 Q19Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.15 marks · 250 words
11. 2014 Q15How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West ?10 marks · 150 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.