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
Civil society is not only a check, a monitor, but also a vital partner in the quest for a positive relationship between the democratic state and its citizens. In this regard, write a note on the role that Civil Society plays in strengthening democracy. Does Civil Society always serve the cause of democracy? Justify your answer.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Pressure Groups and Associations
The amendment to the Citizenship Act reshapes the path to Indian citizenship, intensifying the debate over secularism in India. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureMinorities
How would you explain the persistence of high malnutrition rates with declining poverty rates in India? (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Poverty and HungerHealth
How can e-governance initiatives be leveraged to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance citizen participation in local governance in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentE-Governance
Discuss the reasons behind the multiplicity of amendments to the Indian Constitution. Has it served its intended purpose? Critically examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Constitution and Basic Structure
The Election Commission is one of the three institutions whose independence is critical for the functioning of democracy. Discuss the evolution of office of the Election Commission of India (ECI) since its inception.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyse the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Discuss the role of judicial activism in shaping public policy in India, while also highlighting its limitations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
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
Does a top-down approach in the implementation of Uniform Civil Code augur well for the Indian version of Secularism? Critically Examine
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic Structure
For creation of a stable, peaceful & prosperous multipolar order, UNSC reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement & present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Global Institutions
The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
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
What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Education
Technology can be a game changer in resolving the persistent issues of healthcare accessibility in India. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
HealthE-Governance
In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Centre-State RelationsJudiciary
The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
HealthPolicy Design and Implementation
Examine the influence of international donors and charities on India's development sector. How can India ensure that foreign aid aligns with national priorities and maintains accountability?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
The application of technology in governance initiatives to check leakages on one hand, and the need to protect the right to privacy of citizens on the other, poses a unique challenge to policy makers. How far do you think these concerns are valid? Give arguments in support of your answer, providing suitable measures to address these concerns.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
A distinctive feature of the Indian Constitution is that it seeks to impart flexibility to a written federal Constitution. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
What do you understand by the principle of subsidiarity? Explain how the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strives to achieve this principle.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
How coordinated action between government and judiciary would not only help reduce the pendency of litigation in Indian courts but also facilitate ease of doing business? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
NITI Aayog has replaced the Planning Commission as an institutional reform in the federal polity of India. Discuss. 2. "Contempt of court" provisions in India are often criticized for curbing free speech. Compare the Indian and American approaches to contempt of court.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersFederalism