GS2 · Topic
Vulnerable Sections
Legal and institutional protection for groups the state singles out.
136 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Vulnerable Sections that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The ‘third gender’ has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPoverty and Hunger
Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsFundamental Rights
"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes." Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Policy Design and ImplementationEducation
Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentWomen and Gender
The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryVulnerable Sections
The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
SC, ST and OBCWelfare Schemes
Delay in Population census has the potential to affect the efficacy and efficiency of developmental initiatives. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Policy Design and ImplementationWelfare Schemes
Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Women and GenderVulnerable Sections
Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesWomen and Gender
The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the Commission to give an impetus to women empowerment.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesWelfare Schemes
Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
Examine the need for prison reforms in India. Discuss the significance of Model Prison Act 2023 in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsJudiciary
Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
SC, ST and OBCWelfare Schemes
How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
Self Help Groups (SHGs) are the panacea for the socio-economic development of the country. Discuss the steps taken by the government to promote these groups.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyWelfare Schemes
What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Welfare SchemesPolicy Design and Implementation
Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
Despite government efforts and increasing awareness, child marriage remains a pertinent phenomenon. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsChildren
Discuss the need to formulate migration-centric policies, strategies, and institutional mechanisms to promote sustainable migration in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
Do you believe that as of late, giving citizenship in India is moving from Jus Soli to Jus Sanguine? Examine the statement with respect to Citizenship Amendment Act 2019? Recently the govt extended reservation to the EWS section through 103rd Amendt. In this context, examine the tool of reservation as a measure towards social justice.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureVulnerable Sections
Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Vulnerable SectionsChildren