GS2 · Practice questions
Polity, governance, IR, social justice
1,564 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 42 themesFewer themes
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPoverty and Hunger
Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ExecutiveSeparation of Powers
Critically evaluate Finance Commission's crucial role in ensuring fiscal federalism and maintaining a balance between the fiscal powers of the central and state governments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Local GovernmentFederalism
Alternate dispute redressal in India provides a streamlined and efficient approach to resolve conflicts outside the traditional court system. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Critically analyze the interplay between 'Rule of Law' and 'Judicial Review' in the Indian context. 2. Discuss the distinct power dynamics of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi vis-a-vis State Governors. 3. How has the Indian Judiciary interpreted 'public order, morality, and health' to balance religious freedom with constitutional morality? Discuss with relevant case laws.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryExecutive
Discuss how the 15th Finance Commission report has the potential to transform the financial governance of India's municipalities?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government
Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
“National Health Protection Scheme is innovative and path-breaking in the history of public health in India, which may have a transformative impact if implemented in an effective and coordinated manner”. Critically analyse with suitable arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
HealthWelfare Schemes
"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression." Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
How would you explain the persistence of high malnutrition rates with declining poverty rates in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Poverty and HungerHealth
Do you agree that the directive principles function as 'Conscience of Constitution' apart from the fundamental rights? Substantiate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Directive Principles and DutiesFundamental Rights
Recently, demand has been rising in a state regarding enactment of Social Accountability law. How can such a law lead to good governance and boost citizens participation in decision-making? There is a need for convergence of "nutrition-specific" and "nutrition-sensitive" interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Welfare SchemesPolicy Design and Implementation
Regional identities in India have strengthened democratic participation, but their aggressive forms may challenge social cohesion. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismPressure Groups and Associations
"SR Bommai Vs Union ..." signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of state's admin". Discuss significance and impact of the judgement in cementing federal structure.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
FederalismJudiciary
It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Fundamental Rights
How scrapping of the Joint comprehensive plan of action by the U.S would affect India? Analyse. Also, discuss measures that could help India buffer the consequences of such a move.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
Describe the structure and mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Also, enumerate the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global Institutions
"What role should institutions like the Election Commission play in ensuring a level playing field in India's increasingly competitive electoral environment? Evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
Discuss the statutory basis, jurisdiction, and functions of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India. Critically analyze the challenges to its autonomy and effectiveness.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability
What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary