2020 · GS 1 · 10 marks
Regionalism
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
Read question →READ THE QUESTION. RECOGNISE THE DEMAND.
UPSC Mains PYQs.
Thirteen years, organised by theme.
Search 1,043 questions across GS 1–4, including ethics case studies. Read them here, connect recurring demands and build an answer plan.
1043 questions · Page 18 of 44
2020 · GS 1 · 15 marks
Globalisation
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.
Read question →2020 · GS 1 · 10 marks
Kingdoms & Highlights
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
Read question →2020 · GS 1 · 15 marks
Literature as Historical Sources
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Indian Diaspora
‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Comparison
The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
SHGs
“Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Judiciary Vs Legislature
Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Federalism
How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
United Nations and its Agencies
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Election Dispute and Disqualification
“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Statutory Bodies
Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Health
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Presiding Officers
‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Local Self Government
The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Bilateral Relations
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Federalism
Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Poverty
“The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Bicameralism
Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
E-governance
“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Groupings beyond South Asia
‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times - Discuss.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Civil Services
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 10 marks
Transaparency and Accountability
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss.
Read question →2020 · GS 2 · 15 marks
Education
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.
Read question →The expanded collection is transcribed from the supplied theme-wise compilation. Original marks and wording are retained where available; consult the official paper if an extraction looks unclear.