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
Highlight the devolution of powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you think the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory so far?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Assess the strategic significance of Taiwan for the world, and how its position as a major economic power and a potential flashpoint in the Asia-Pacific region affects the geopolitical balance of power in the 21st century.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Global Institutions
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms have the potential to change the judicial landscape, however, their outcomes are very limited in scope. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
What are the grounds for disqualification for a people's representative under RPA 1951? Is it time to reconsider the Act?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Elections and Representation
How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Analyse the nature of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as an independent body.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Constitutional BodiesCivil Services
Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
EducationSocial Sector Services
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Statutory and Regulatory Bodies
Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
NeighbourhoodMajor Powers
In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsBilateral Relations
Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the Commission to give an impetus to women empowerment.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesWelfare Schemes
In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
FederalismLocal Government
Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Education
Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Transparency and Accountability
It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Examine the significance of the SVAMITVA Scheme in achieving the objectives of socio-economically resilient rural India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Policy Design and ImplementationLocal Government
An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Parliament