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
"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime." Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability
"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence." Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesConstitutional Bodies
In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureDirective Principles and Duties
The Right to be Forgotten is an integral part of individual autonomy and forms a basic pillar of the right to privacy. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Mission Antyodaya has proved to be an important step towards alleviation of multi-dimensional poverty in India. Critically Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Policy Design and ImplementationPoverty and Hunger
"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space." Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability
In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability
Highlight the need for the creation of an independent umbrella authority for central investigation agencies. Do you think it will solve the concerns associated with the status of 'Caged Parrot' of CBI?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
ExecutiveFederalism
The vital role envisaged for the office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) necessitates its independence. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Constitutional BodiesTransparency and Accountability
Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Citizen Charters and Grievance RedressTransparency and Accountability
"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy." Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
Discuss factors and geopolitical interest which shapes India's engagement with central Asia. Also Mention steps which India need to take to enhance its reach in the region.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Despite being a cornerstone of the global trade architecture, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing a crisis of relevance. Examine the major challenges undermining the WTO's effectiveness and suggest measures for its revival in a multipolar world.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Social Sector ServicesEducation
On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
Gender budgeting can be a useful tool to mainstream gender-responsiveness in developmental policy formulation and resource allocation. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Welfare SchemesWomen and Gender
The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryVulnerable Sections
Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
SC, ST and OBCWelfare Schemes