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
What is the importance of Local Self Governments in a Democracy such as India? Why do you think did the makers of the Constitution not give adequate importance to this subject in the original constitutional document?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
Any democracy needs thriving and coherent opposition. How can the role of the opposition be made more effective for the better functioning of the democracy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate situation?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
HealthSocial Sector Services
FRs are not gifts bestowed upon by the state, rather an individual possesses them independent of the state. In this context, discuss desirability of reasonable restrictions on various FRs.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Sustainable alliance between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the State is critical for social change and development. Highlighting hurdles in this developmental alliance, suggest remedial measures for a more productive partnership.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on 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 AccountabilityE-Governance
India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Harnessing public sector data is vital for informed decision making, accelerating socio-economic transformation and democratizing innovation in the country. In this context, highlight the various bottlenecks in public data sharing and suggest strategies for unlocking true value of data.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
Berlin can be India's gateway to EU. Elaborate with respect to Germany's importance in India's relation with EU.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
What do you understand by the principle of subsidiarity? Explain how 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strives to achieve this principle.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
Higher education in India has expanded very rapidly in the last seven decades yet it is not equally accessible, available and affordable to all. Elucidate. Also, analyse the significance of 'Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2018' in transforming the higher education of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Education
Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
EducationPolicy Design and Implementation
Social Audit involves citizen's participation in governance along with increasing accountability of the government towards citizens. Substantiate the statement with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
How does the principle of "bail as the rule, jail as the exception" uphold the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution? Refer to the recent judgements.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
The tenets of independent judiciary, life-breath of constitutional democracy, stand perpetually undermined by the executive encroachment into the judicial domain. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Gender budgeting can be a useful tool to mainstream gender-responsiveness in the developmental policy formulation and resource allocation. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Policy Design and ImplementationWomen and Gender
ASEAN centrality, a key element in regional security and Asia's multilateral cooperation can be deployed to ensure that Asia's future is not dictated predominatly by greater power interests. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
SCO is seen as a major coordinating and balancing force in the region; however, its position is increasingly challenged by internal contradictions and divergences. In this context, critically evaluate the relevance of SCO in advancing India's interests.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Multistakeholder partnership are the key and localised implementation efforts be to leveraging collective expertise & networks. How can effective partnership accelerate achievements of SDGs in India?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Government of India? Discuss with logical arguments.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Executive
Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
E-GovernancePolicy Design and Implementation
Mission Karmayogi aims to create a professional, well-trained and future-looking civil service. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Civil Services
Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms are less adversarial and can provide a better substitute to the conventional methods of resolving disputes. Discuss. What are the government's efforts to bring out a transformative shift towards it?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers