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
Though emerging technologies have aided the public welfare in India, they pose challenges to regulatory bodies as well. Substantiate. Also, suggest way forward to address these challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
E-GovernanceStatutory and Regulatory Bodies
'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentConstitution and Basic Structure
The proposed multi-state cooperative societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to revamp the operation of cooperative societies in India. Discuss the key provisions of the Bill, emphasizing the importance of this amendment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation
Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Civil Services
'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsTransparency and Accountability
'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsHealth
The wellbeing of civil society depends upon its social capital and the way it works. Can a diverse and heterogeneous nation like India have strong social capital? What role does civil society organizations (CSO) play in building a strong social capital in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPressure Groups and Associations
Has the use of technology aided in ensuring free and fair elections in India? Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Elections and RepresentationE-Governance
Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Elections and RepresentationWomen and Gender
The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Asses the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient, and people oriented.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Civil Services
"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder." In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Poverty and HungerPolicy Design and Implementation
To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
"There is a confrontation between the limited financial resources and the unlimited need for public services." In this context, bring out challenges in front of the Urban Local Bodies as public service providers. Also, suggest suitable measures to address these challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentPolicy Design and Implementation
Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"Without reforms, United Nations is facing crisis of confidence". Suggest the reforms that can be taken to make United Nations more relevant to the present-day geopolitical realities.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Global Institutions
Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Global Commons and TreatiesSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes