2021 UPSC CSE Mains GS 2 PYQs

2021 UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper 2 PYQs

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2021 General Studies Paper 2 is a crucial part of the examination, focusing on topics such as Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. It covers critical areas like the Indian Constitution (historical underpinnings, features, amendments, and significant provisions), functions and responsibilities of the Union and States, separation of powers, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Governance topics include policy interventions, transparency, accountability, and the role of civil services, while Social Justice addresses issues like welfare schemes, vulnerable sections, and human rights. Additionally, International Relations examines bilateral, regional, and global groupings, and India’s place in the international community.

This post provides a detailed list of Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to help aspirants understand the exam pattern, analyze the syllabus, and prepare strategically for future UPSC Mains. Practicing these 2021 General Studies Paper 2 PYQs will enable candidates to develop a robust understanding of key concepts and refine their answer-writing skills.

Polity

Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitution of the USA and India.
‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional’ with the help of relavant judicial decisions.
Explain the contsitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.
Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control ? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.
Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India ?
How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?
The jurisdiction of the Central Burea of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.
Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.

Welfare

“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.
“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchial.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu.
“Earn while you learn scheme needs to be strengthned to make vocational education and skill trianing meaningful.” Comment.

Governance

Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.

International Relations

“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India.
The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

NGO, SHG, Pressure Groups & Civil Services

Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken microfinancin of women SHGs ? Explain with examples.
Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benifit the common citizen ? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.
“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business association contribute to public policies.