UPSC MAINS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS ( 2013 – PRESENT )

1. POLITY ( GS PAPER 2 )

TOPIC QUESTIONS YEAR MARKS

 FEATURES OF THE 1. “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. 2023 10
CONSTITUTION Comment.
2. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant 2023 15
Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
3. ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its 2021 10
essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of
relevant judicial decisions.
4. Do you think Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of 2019 10
powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain.
5. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers 2019 10
by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have
emerged. Explain.
 FUNDAMENTAL 1. ” The Construction of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous 2023 15
RIGHTS dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with special
reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.
2. “Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely 2022 10
available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. “ Comment.
3. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the 2017 15
Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.
4. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers 2015 12.5/10
during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements
of the apex in this regard.
5. What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does 2014 12.5/10
it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane
from other forms of expression? Discuss.
6. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of 2013 10
the Constitution.
 AMENDMENTS 1. Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) 2017 15
Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes
 and provide for common national market for goods and services’?
2.
 JUDICIARY 1. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal 2023 10
Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.
2. “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization 2022 10
of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the
help of relevant case laws.
3. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to 2021 10
ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
4. Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged 2020 15
in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public
interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.
5. The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances 2019 10
and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising
its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain.
6. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle 2018 15
between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.
7. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary 2018 15
courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the
tribunals in India.
8. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments 2017 10
Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in
India.
9. What was held in the IR Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is 2016 12.5/10
of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?
10. What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. 2016 12.5/10

11. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of 2015 12.5/10
separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to
promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have
further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the
ordinances be repealed?
12. Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly 2014 12.5/10
 proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the
statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of
democracy.
13. ‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in
amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically. 2013 10
 Comparison - Indian 1. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary 2023 10
Constitution with sovereignty.
other countries 2. Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France 2022 15
are elected.
3. Analyse the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of 2021 15
the USA and India.
4. The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in 2020 10
recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the
two nations in terms of their judicial practices.
5. Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the 2018 15
two political systems are based.
 CONSTITUTIONAL AND 1. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of 2023 10
NON CONSTITUTIONAL dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent
BODIES decisions.
2. Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its 2022 10
transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.
3. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of 2022 15
the Model Code of Conduct.
4. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled 2021 10
the states to improve their fiscal position?
5. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the 2021 15
protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against
the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest
remedial measures.
6. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on
the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission.” Discuss. 2020 10
7. Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think
imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure 2020 15
 greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.
8. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines
(EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure 2018 10
the trustworthiness of elections in India?
9. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the
implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the 2018 10
religious minority institutions? Examine.
10. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain
how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the 2018 10
range of powers he can exercise.
11. How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the
terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. 2018 15
12. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to
problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to 2018 15
merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.
13. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has
proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are 2017 15
they significant to make democracy successful?
14. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems
that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your 2017 15
answer.
15. Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is
derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the 2016 12.5
Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG)
jurisdiction.

16. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its
tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability
of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an 2014 12.5
effective complement to the judiciary and the judiciary and other institutions. In
promoting and protecting human rights standards.
 17. ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of
immorality in public affairs.’ Discuss.
2013 10
 LOCAL SELF 1. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally 2023 10
GOVERNMENT as well as financially.” Comment.
2. To what extent, in your opinion, as the decentralisation of power in India changed 2022 10
the governance landscape at the grassroots?
3. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their 2020 15
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.
4. “The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has 2019 15
had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process”.
5. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local 2018 15
government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look
out for financing developmental projects?
6. The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument 2017 10
of governance”.
7. In the absence of well – educated and organised local level government system, 2015 12.5/10
Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective
instrument of governance. Critically Discuss.
8. Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional 2015 12.5/10
authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations.
Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set
the things right in this regard.
9. Many States Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like 2013 10
Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be
justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at
State level? Discuss.
10. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a 2013 10
departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government
finances.
 STATE EXECUTIVE 1. Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and 2023 10
 impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic
practices.
2. Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the 2022 15
Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor
without placing them before the Legislature.
 UNION EXECUTIVE 1. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of 2019 15
India.”
2. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 2015 12.5
through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve
India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.
3. Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public 2014 12.5
debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to
accept/reject such petitions ? Analyse.
4. The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as 2014 12.5
the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government
then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.

 PARLIAMENT 1. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the 2023 15
financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?
2. Discuss the role of the Vice –Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajyasabha. 2022 10
3. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the 2021 10
executive in India?
4. Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration 2021 15
on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of
such committees with suitable examples.
5. Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker!’ Do you think this practice should be adopted to 2020 10
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?
6. Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful 2020 15
supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in
which this transformation could be visible.
7. Individual parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in 2019 15
turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
 8. Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary 2018 10
work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.
9. Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the 2017 10
government to the people.
10. The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of 2017 15
the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also
the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.
11. The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged
in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and 2014 12.5
un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal
codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed?

12. The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years
and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually 2013 10
witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was
legislated but with a different intention?

 Bilateral, Regional and 1. ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above 2023 10
Global Groupings and statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems.
Agreements 2. ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic 2023 15
partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give
reasons and examples to support your answer.
3. Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC ? What are the 2022 10
similarities and dissimilarities between the two ? How are Indian foreign policy
objectives realized by forming this new organisation ?
4. How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in 2022 15
global politics?
5. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for 2021 15
India?
6. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in 2021 15
the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the
region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
 Bilateral, Regional and 7. ‘Quadilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a 2020 15
 Global Groupings and military alliance, in present times – Discuss.
Agreements 8. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of
‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? 2018 15
9. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the
internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future 2016 12.5
of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable
examples.
10. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.
11. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs 2015 12.5
on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such 2014 12.5
agreements have on India’s interests?
12. Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic
participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing 2014 12.5
equipment from the\ leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if there
exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the India context.
13. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far
below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this 2013 10
growth.

 INTERNATIONAL 1. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and 2023 10
RELATIONS political benefits for India.
2. “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be 2021 10
of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent
years.
3. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more 2021 10
challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
4. Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and 2020 10
European Countries.’ Comment with examples.
5. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? 2020 15
Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
6. The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, 2019 10
one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for
 Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.
7. “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 2019 15
 INTERNATIONAL order.’ Elaborate
RELATIONS 8. What introduces friction into the ties between India and United States is that
Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which 2019 15
would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable
examples.
9. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which
cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. 2018 10
10. A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a
zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining 2018 10
the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.
11. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national
interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? 2018 15
12. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s
economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian 2017 15
Countries.
13. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy
and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context. 2017 10/15
14. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the
context of the post Cold War international scenario. 2016 12.5
15. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What
is India’s position on these? 2016 12.5
16. ‘The situation today is far different to that prevalent fifty years back when the Indus
Water treaty was seined.’ Highlight the complexity of the current challenges on both 2012 25
sides of the border in this regard. Do you think that a review of the Treaty is in India’s
best interests?
17. Write a short analytical note on Indian Diaspora. How is the “New Diaspora” different
from the “Old Diaspora”? 2012 15
 INTERNATIONAL 18. Why have the resource rich African and South Asian countries remained poor of
RELATIONS decades? Explain. 2012 15
19. How have the US sanctions against Iran affected India’s bilateral relations with Iran?
 20. What are the salient features of the political and economic relationship between 2012 10
India and South Africa?
21. List the Central Asian Republics and identify those of particular strategic and 2011 12
economic importance to India. Examine the opportunities and bottlenecks in
enhancing relations with these countries. 2011 20
22. Is there still a role for the concept of balance of power in contemporary international
politics ? Discuss.
23. "Strategic interests seem to be replacing commercial interests for the host country 2011 12
with regard to Cam Ranh Bay." Amplify.
24. Highlight the role of the Indian peacekeeping contingent as part of MONUSCO. 2011 12
25. Compare the significance of IBSA and BRICS in the context of India’s multilateral 2012 10
diplomacy.
1. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent 2023 15
does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
2. While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties 2022 15
are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment.
 FEDERALISM 3. The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR 2021 15
and conducting probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States.
However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain
with special reference to the federal character of India.
4. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the 2020 10
nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.
5. Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of
the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the 2020 15
Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.
6. Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if
any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives 2016 12.5
and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you
think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal
politics?
7. To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note
“temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? 2016 12.5
Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
 8. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent
 FEDERALISM years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which 2015 12.5
cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
9. Though the federal principal is dominant in our constitution and that principle is one
of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian 2014 12.5
Constitution leans in favour of a strong Center, a feature that militates against the
concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
10. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to
address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process 2013 10
inadequacy or both? Discuss.
 INDIA AND ITS 1. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri 2022 10
NEIGHBOURHOOD Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.
2. ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop 2017 10
potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its
impact on India as her neighbor.
3. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian 2015 12.5
government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a
strategic dimension? Discuss.
4. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To 2015 12.5
what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help
generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
5. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension
affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation 2014 12.5
and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues
between India and China.
6. The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from
Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of 2013 10
the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of
challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.
7. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in
society between the nationalists. and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? 2013 10

 IMPORTANT 1. ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above 2023 15
INTERNATIONAL statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting
INSTITUTIONS environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.
2. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the 2020 10
Covid-19 pandemic.
3. “The incedence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty 2020 15
based on income alone.” In this context analyse the latest United Nations
Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.
4. Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the 2019 10
statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as
being ‘anti-Israel bias’.
5. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council 2017 10
(ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
6. “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international 2016 12.5
trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed
due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in
the Indian perspective.
7. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC. 2015 12.5

8. India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank 2014 12.5
(NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two
Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.

9. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries 2014 12.5
in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their
decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food
security.

10. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, 2013 10
are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s
economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many
common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different.
Elucidate.