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
In the backdrop of changing geography of Arctic Ocean, the global order provides opportunity of shifting focus to untapped resources at Arctic region.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Global Commons and TreatiesTrade and Economic Diplomacy
An archaic and obsolete edifice of civil services does not augur well for a welfare state. Examine the various issues surrounding the civil services in the country. What suggestions would you make for their reform?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Civil ServicesTransparency and Accountability
FR are not gifts bestowed upon by the state. In this context discuss desirability of reasonable restriction on various individual possessions of FR.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Persistent inter-state disputes in India highlight the need for a robust institutional mechanism. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Critically analyse the impact of the Skill India Mission on enhancing employability and economic development.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Policy Design and ImplementationSocial Sector Services
1 Recently the word 'Laïcité' was in use. Explain what Laïcité is. Why was it in the news recently?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Comparative Constitutions
Analyze the significant obstacles in interstate river water governance and their repercussions on regional tensions within the nation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
World in 21st century is seeing rise of smaller groupings, instead of large groups of 20th century.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
Woodrow Wilson, wrote in 1885: "It is not far from the truth to say that Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work." In this context discuss the role played by Department related standing committees (DRSC) in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Parliament
Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
Reasonable balance between individual's liberty and the state's right to impose restrictions is vital for the functioning of a constitutional democracy. Explain with help of suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
India is one of the highest net exporter of ground water due to very high water intensity of our crops. What are the steps that have been taken by the govt for increasing the water efficiency in our agri sector? Also highlight the challenges in this process. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Policy Design and Implementation
Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
"In India regulatory standard and compliance is not the problem rather effective enforcement and timeliness is." Critically Examine
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Policy Design and ImplementationTransparency and Accountability
Interstate disputes are increasingly becoming intractable problems and causing significant bad blood between states. Discuss the constitutional and legal framework to resolve these disputes and explain why these mechanisms have failed to achieve the desired results. Suggest a joint approach for their resolution.
Answered by 1 topper
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanism is essential for a robust justice system. Discuss. Q2. State Finance Commissions are critical for the fiscal health of local self-government institutions. Explain their role and the issues faced by them.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
What do you understand by the concept of "Rule of law" under Indian constitution? How is it different from that in the UK constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Comparative ConstitutionsConstitution and Basic Structure
Giving a brief comparative analysis of Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, examine major issues that render provisions of both the schedules inefficient and less effective. Do you think that Sixth Schedule must now be replaced with Panchayati Raj Institutions? Justify
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
SC, ST and OBCLocal Government
Discuss the rationale behind the introduction and implementation of three new criminal laws. Highlight key features of the laws, and also state the associated concerns.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesConstitution and Basic Structure
"The Basic Structure doctrine, while safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution." Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The promotion of e-governance is critical for the realization of good governance in the country. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability