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
Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ParliamentSeparation of Powers
How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsPolicy Design and Implementation
What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Parliament
The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureWomen and Gender
Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Elections and Representation
'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence'. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
ExecutiveFederalism
“A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.” In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
MinoritiesJudiciary
Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Comparative ConstitutionsExecutive
The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacyRegional Groupings
The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciaryVulnerable Sections
The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsRegional Groupings
What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Security and Strategic AffairsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsElections and Representation
How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
JudiciaryE-Governance
While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesFederalism
The Constitution envisages the "principle of federal supremacy" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations