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
Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismCentre-State Relations
How do Self-Help Groups (SHGs) contribute to participatory governance in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyLocal Government
The question is not explicitly stated, but based on the content of the answer, the UPSC mains question asks about: 1) the role of the Supreme Court of India in interpreting international laws; 2) the convergence and divergence of Indian and US constitutional jurisprudence; 3) the impact of 44th Constitutional Amendment and challenges in legal enforcement of Fundamental Duties; 4) the administrative role and judicial tussle of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT); 5) various facets of equality under the Indian Constitution; 6) the evolution of pressure groups towards political parties; 7) the advantages and challenges of establishing foreign higher educational institutions in India; 8) private sector contribution to achieving 'Right to Health'; 9) the impact of global cooperation on poverty and hunger; 10) the need for change in the World Trade Organization (WTO); 11) the dilemma of dual governance in Delhi and its impact on cooperative federalism; 12) issues of independence versus insulation of the judiciary and alternatives to the collegium system; 13) impediments in the functioning of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and reforms; 14) the controversy regarding the Governor's power to reserve bills; 15) the paradox and relevance of the 9th Schedule; 16) the role of the Central Information Commission (CIC) as a guardian of democracy and limitations of its status; 17) the significance of the POCSO Act and changes required for effective implementation; 18) the role of technology in modernizing governance; 19) the transformation of India-US relations; 20) the evolution and challenges of India-ASEAN relations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
The Indian constitution provides a framework for urban governance, but despite various initiatives, significant challenges continue to persist in urban areas. critically analyse
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
Discuss the significance of 'Special Category Status' and its role in bridging regional imbalances. Also examine how the values of Justice are manifested in current government policies.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsWelfare Schemes
What is the process for amending the Constitution of India? Discuss the significance of the Kesavananda Bharati case in relation to the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic Structure
The insertion of "Socialist" and "Secular" into the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment sparked enduring debates on constitutional morality and ideological identity. Examine the historical context and contemporary relevance of these additions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
What are tribunals? How is Article 323A different from Article 323B of the Indian Constitution?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Compare the application of the doctrine of Separation of Powers as followed in the US, in the UK, and in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsSeparation of Powers
The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local Government
Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Policy Design and Implementation
Analyze the importance of the Indian diaspora in enhancing India's global standing and soft power. Highlight the Indian government's efforts to engage with the diaspora and harness their potential to promote India's projection in the world.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian Diaspora
The MPLADS scheme goes against the spirit of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
Many times imposition of the President's rule in a State is the direct outcome of the politicisation of the post of Governor. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
USA-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative to complement its existing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the significance and challenges to IPEF in the present scenario.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacySecurity and Strategic Affairs
Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Elections and Representation
Discuss the role of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in protecting children from sexual offences. What are the challenges in its implementation? 19. "India and the US ties are not additive but multiplicative." Discuss the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on this bilateral relationship. Suggest measures to mitigate tensions. 20. India aspires to become a pole in the multipolar world with South Asia as its sphere of influence. Discuss the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia and how it can navigate them.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Welfare SchemesChildren
The strategic partnership between India and the European Union holds a lot of untapped potential, but is constrained by a range of factors. Discuss. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
‘Freebies in welfare schemes work in the short term and aren’t really free, they also create a patron-client syndrome’. Analyze the statement in context of governance in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Policy Design and ImplementationWelfare Schemes