Elections and Representation

15 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Elections and Representation, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Elections and Representation toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q2“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2026 Q4Is the right to vote a fundamental right ? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters ?10 marks · 150 words
3. 2026 Q15To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests ? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2025 Q1Discuss 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.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2024 Q1Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2022 Q11Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void ? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision ? Refer to the case laws.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2022 Q13“While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2022 Q15Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2020 Q1“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
10. 2019 Q11On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 ? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.15 marks · 250 words
11. 2018 Q1In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?10 marks · 150 words
12. 2017 Q3“Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people.” Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
13. 2017 Q14To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?15 marks · 250 words
14. 2016 Q3“The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2013 Q1The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention ?10 marks · 200 words

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