GS 1 · 15 marks
Diversity and pluralism
Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.
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UPSC Mains 2019:
read the demand, then plan.
Read 78 questions from this year below, organised by paper and theme. Official paper downloads are also included where available.
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- Underline the directive and separate every clause. Identify what the question states and what a complete answer must infer.
- Plan one argument for each substantive demand. Connect cause, consequence and a relevant limitation.
- Choose evidence that supports the argument; a long list of facts cannot replace it.
- Compare your plan with another year’s question on the same theme. Notice how the demand changes.
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Assamese Literature
Bengali Literature
English Literature
Gujarati Literature
Hindi Literature
Kannada Literature
Maithili Literature
Malayalam Literature
Manipuri Literature
Marathi Literature
Oriya Literature
Punjabi Literature
Sanskrit Literature
Sindhi (Devanagari) Literature
Tamil Literature
Telugu Literature
Urdu Literature
Essay
Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Vet. Science
Anthropology
Botany
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Commerce and Accountancy
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Geography
Geology
History
Law
Management
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Science
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science and IR
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
Statistics
Zoology
English Compulsory
Assamese Compulsory
Bengali Compulsory
Dogri Compulsory
Gujarati Compulsory
Hindi Compulsory
Kannada Compulsory
Maithili Compulsory
Malayalam Compulsory
Marathi Compulsory
Nepali Compulsory
Oriya Compulsory
Punjabi Compulsory
Sanskrit Compulsory
Sindhi Compulsory Dev
Tamil Compulsory
Telugu Compulsory
Urdu Compulsory
GS 1
GS 2
GS 3
GS 4
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GS 1 · 15 marks
Flora and Fauna
Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Various stages of Freedom struggle
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Urban Planning
How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Revolt and Mutiny
The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Secondary sector
Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Uniqueness of Indian society
What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Globalisation
Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15m,250 words)
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Secondary sector
Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Various stages of Freedom struggle
Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Tertiary sector
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
American and French revolution
Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Women and Associated concerns
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Oceanography
How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Flora and Fauna
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Buddhism
Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Water Management
What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Women and Associated concerns
“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Secularism
What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism. (10m,150 words)
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Various stages of Freedom struggle
Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Election Dispute and Disqualification
On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes
Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Bilateral Relations
‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Amendments
“Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Geo-politics affecting India’s Interest
“The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Role of MPs
Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Local Self Government
“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Quasi judicial Bodies
“The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Structural reforms and Actions
‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Federalism
From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Bilateral Relations
“What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
E-governance
Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Human Resources
Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Pressure Groups
What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policymakers in India and how effective are these methods?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Union Executive
“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Separation of Powers
Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Comparison
What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Structural reforms and Actions
The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
United Nations and its Agencies
‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Hunger
There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Fiscal Policy
The public expenditure management is a challenge to the government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Bio-Technology
How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Intellectual Property Rights
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Inclusive Growth X Sustainable Development
It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
GST
Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Integrated Farming System
How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Water Conservation
Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Space Technology
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Border Area Management
Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
GDP
Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Sustainable Development
Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Achievements of Indians in S&T
How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Food Processing Sector
Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
PDS
What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Act based
The Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Cyber security
What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Mining and Erosion
Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
EI: Concept and utility
“Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of a civil servant. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered as the backbone of any strong organisation. In line of duty, they take various decisions, at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. Though such decisions may…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance
What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Transparency X RTI
There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Rights to Information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians, as well as some senior police officers, are providing surreptitious patronage…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Public/Civil Service Values
“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words, 10m)
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Citizen’s Charter
Explain the basic principles of citizens’ charter movement and bring out its importance.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Probity in Governance
What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance
What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Mahatma Gandhi
“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people’s representatives forms the political executive and bureaucracy form the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives were…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Foundational values
What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set upon the additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the detrimental effect on the environment. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition. The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till rec…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Foundational values
What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Utilization of public funds
Effective utilisation of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilisation of public funds and their implications.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Socrates
“An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
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