Education

13 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Education, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Education toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q18Should education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation ? Critically evaluate.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2024 Q11What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 ? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ?15 marks · 250 words
3. 2023 Q6The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.10 marks · 150 words
4. 2023 Q18Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.15 marks · 250 words
5. 2022 Q18The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2021 Q7“ ‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2021 Q16Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2020 Q18National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2016 Q9Professor 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
10. 2016 Q16“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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
11. 2015 Q11The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
12. 2014 Q13Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2013 Q9The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.10 marks · 200 words

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