Federalism

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

1. 2026 Q13How 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.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2025 Q4Discuss 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.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2025 Q14Examine 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?15 marks · 250 words
4. 2024 Q13What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations ? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.15 marks · 250 words
5. 2023 Q13Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2023 Q15Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism ?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. 2021 Q11The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2020 Q3How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India ? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.10 marks · 150 words
10. 2020 Q11Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.15 marks · 250 words
11. 2019 Q4From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.10 marks · 150 words
12. 2018 Q11Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.15 marks · 250 words
13. 2016 Q1Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics ?12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2016 Q2To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary ? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2016 Q7Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution ? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2015 Q2The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 2014 Q2Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
18. 2013 Q3Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.10 marks · 200 words
19. 2013 Q5Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level ? Discuss.10 marks · 200 words
20. 2013 Q6Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both ? Discuss.10 marks · 200 words

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