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
The Indian pension system has evolved from the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and, now to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). In this context, discuss the issues associated with the NPS and evaluate the significance of the Unified Pension Scheme.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Policy Design and ImplementationWelfare Schemes
How can civil society activities and public participation in governments' decision-making, reduce corruption?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Transparency and AccountabilityCorruption and Probity
‘India is taking a geopolitical balancing act in maintaining its longstanding friendship with Russia, even as it grows closer to the United States and its partners.’ How far has India been able to maintain its autonomy and look out for its own strategic interests? Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
World Bank data-rigging crisis highlights the 'deeper structural issues' in the governance of both the Bank and the IMF. In this context, elaborate on the roles, functions, and issues in the working of two Bretton Woods Institutions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global Institutions
Bringing out the differences between political parties and pressure groups, discuss how pressure groups play an important role in improving governance and democratic processes in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsTransparency and Accountability
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising healthcare ecosystem.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
HealthE-Governance
Being non justiciable in nature has made Directive Principles of State Policies ineffective. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Directive Principles and DutiesConstitution and Basic Structure
Discuss the importance of internal democracy in political parties and the reforms needed to address its absence.
Answered by 1 topper
Elections and Representation
Extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh would impact its cultural preservation and regional autonomy. In this context, critically evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with this potential change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismSC, ST and OBC
Critically discuss the social media rules brought in by the IT ministry.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability
India has had ancient, historical networks with Africa and its importance is being reinforced in contemporary times. Discuss. Q2. The China+1 strategy of the West presents an opportunity for India to become a global manufacturing hub. Analyze. Q3. Discuss the significance of the Gulf region for India's diaspora. Highlight the challenges faced by them. Q4. Critically examine the funding mechanisms of WHO and their implications for global health priorities. Discuss the role of developing nations in this context.
Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Is there a need for a balance between Fundamental Rights and Parliamentary Privileges to be re-examined? Discuss giving suitable arguments in support of your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentFundamental Rights
The Indian diaspora has played a critical role in strengthening the ties with many countries of the developed world. Enumerate the noted achievements that Indian diaspora has helped in? Also, highlight the steps taken by India to reach out to its diaspora worldwide. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
How is the President of the USA elected? How is this different from Indian President?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Comparative ConstitutionsExecutive
"The shift from 'government' to 'governance' has created a complex network of actors, but not necessarily accountability." Critically evaluate this statement in the Indian context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Transparency and AccountabilityE-Governance
Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/ her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
"Berlin can be India's gateway to EU". Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with EU.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Discuss the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act. How has the recent 'freebie culture' in elections impacted the fiscal health of states?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureElections and Representation
The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Local GovernmentFederalism
Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPoverty and Hunger
'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in ensuring financial accountability of the executive.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
Declining deliberation and frequent disruptions in Parliament have raised concerns about the quality of India's legislative process. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Parliament
'Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.' Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability