Polity (Mains PYQs Analysis)
Explore topic-wise Previous Year Questions (PYQs) analysis on Indian Polity for UPSC Mains GS Paper-II from 2013–2024. Click the links in the table below to jump to the relevant questions and detailed analysis to enhance your preparation.
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2019 Mains PYQs
48. 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. [250 Words, 15 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): MP’s role decline, debate quality.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (30 words) frames MP role. Body (170 words) covers decline (party whips) and impact (debates). Conclusion (50 words) suggests reforms.
Marks Allocation: 6 marks for decline reasons, 4 for debate impact, 5 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study anti-defection law, PRS reports on parliamentary productivity. Memorize data (70% bills passed with <1 hour debate). Practice evaluative answers. Avoid vague decline reasons.
Common Mistakes: Missing specific examples or data. Ensure specifics (2019 low attendance) within 250 words.
2013 Mains PYQs
49. The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. [200 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Cabinet size, government efficacy.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (25 words) frames cabinet role. Body (125 words) covers size impact (coordination) and counterviews (diversity). Conclusion (50 words) balances perspectives.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for size impact, 3 for counterviews, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 75, 2nd ARC report. Memorize data (65 ministers 2013). Practice evaluative answers. Avoid one-sided arguments.
Common Mistakes: Missing counterviews or data. Ensure specifics (2013 UPA cabinet) within 200 words.
2024 Mains PYQs
50. The role and the powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting good governance. Discuss. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): CAG’s role, good governance.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines CAG. Body (90 words) covers role (audit) and governance impact (transparency). Conclusion (40 words) assesses significance.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for role, 3 for impact, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 148, 2G scam audit. Memorize data (1500 reports/year). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing impact or examples. Ensure specifics (2024 audits) within 150 words.
2023 Mains PYQs
51. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Big Tech Companies in India. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): CCI’s role, Big Tech regulation.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines CCI. Body (90 words) covers role (anti-trust) and impact (fines). Conclusion (40 words) assesses effectiveness.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for role, 3 for impact, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Competition Act 2002, Google 2022 fine. Memorize data (Rs 1300 crore fine). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing examples or specifics. Ensure specifics (Amazon 2023) within 150 words.
2022 Mains PYQs
52. Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): NCBC’s role, constitutional status.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines NCBC. Body (90 words) covers role (protection) and transformation (102nd Amendment). Conclusion (40 words) assesses impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for role, 3 for transformation, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 338B, 102nd Amendment. Memorize data (2018 upgrade). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing transformation or specifics. Ensure examples (2022 reports) within 150 words.
2021 Mains PYQs
53. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): 14th Finance Commission, state fiscal improvement.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) frames commission. Body (90 words) covers recommendations (42% devolution) and impact (autonomy). Conclusion (40 words) assesses outcomes.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for recommendations, 3 for impact, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study 14th FC report, devolution stats. Memorize data (2015–20 implementation). Practice impact-based answers. Avoid vague recommendations.
Common Mistakes: Missing impact or specifics. Ensure examples (state budgets) within 150 words.
2019 Mains PYQs
54. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): 101st Amendment, federalism’s accommodative spirit.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines GST. Body (90 words) covers significance (tax reform) and federalism (GST Council). Conclusion (40 words) assesses spirit.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for significance, 3 for federalism, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study GST Act 2016, GST Council. Memorize data (2017 rollout). Practice evaluative answers. Avoid vague significance.
Common Mistakes: Missing federalism or specifics. Ensure examples (2023 GST tweaks) within 150 words.
2018 Mains PYQs
55. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Financial Emergency, consequences.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) frames Article 360. Body (90 words) covers circumstances (crisis) and consequences (central control). Conclusion (40 words) summarizes impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for circumstances, 3 for consequences, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 360, emergency provisions. Memorize data (never invoked). Practice procedure-based answers. Avoid vague circumstances.
Common Mistakes: Missing consequences or specifics. Ensure examples (hypothetical scenarios) within 150 words.
56. Assess the role of National Commission for Scheduled Castes in tackling the issues faced by the scheduled castes in India. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): NCSC’s role, SC issues.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines NCSC. Body (90 words) covers role (protection) and limitations (enforcement). Conclusion (40 words) assesses effectiveness.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for role, 3 for limitations, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 338, NCSC reports. Memorize data (20,000 complaints/year). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing limitations or specifics. Ensure examples (2018 atrocities) within 150 words.
2017 Mains PYQs
57. 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 answer. [250 Words, 15 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): NCW’s role, women’s issues.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (30 words) frames NCW. Body (170 words) covers role (advocacy) and limitations (enforcement). Conclusion (50 words) assesses effectiveness.
Marks Allocation: 6 marks for role, 4 for limitations, 5 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study NCW Act 1990, gender reports. Memorize data (10,000 complaints/year). Practice evaluative answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing limitations or specifics. Ensure examples (2017 campaigns) within 250 words.
2016 Mains PYQs
58. Evaluate the role and powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting financial accountability of the government. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): CAG’s role, financial accountability.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines CAG. Body (90 words) covers role (audit) and impact (transparency). Conclusion (40 words) assesses significance.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for role, 3 for impact, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 148, 2G scam audit. Memorize data (1500 reports/year). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing impact or examples. Ensure specifics (2016 audits) within 150 words.
2024 Mains PYQs
59. Discuss the legal framework for gender justice in India, with particular reference to the recent changes in criminal law. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Gender justice, criminal law changes.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines gender justice. Body (90 words) covers framework (BNS 2023) and changes (rape laws). Conclusion (40 words) assesses impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for framework, 3 for changes, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study BNS 2023, Nirbhaya case. Memorize data (2013 amendments). Practice framework-based answers. Avoid vague changes.
Common Mistakes: Missing specifics or examples. Ensure examples (2024 BNS) within 150 words.
2023 Mains PYQs
60. Examine the uniqueness of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in providing access to justice to the marginalized sections of society in India. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): NALSA’s role, access to justice.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines NALSA. Body (90 words) covers role (legal aid) and uniqueness (Lok Adalats). Conclusion (40 words) assesses impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for role, 3 for uniqueness, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study NALSA Act 1987, Lok Adalat data. Memorize data (50 lakh cases/year). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague roles.
Common Mistakes: Missing uniqueness or specifics. Ensure examples (2023 camps) within 150 words.
2022 Mains PYQs
61. To what extent have the constitutional and legal frameworks in India been able to reduce the practice of bonded labour? Discuss. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Bonded labour, legal frameworks.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines bonded labour. Body (90 words) covers frameworks (1976 Act) and limitations (enforcement). Conclusion (40 words) assesses impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for frameworks, 3 for limitations, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Bonded Labour Act 1976, NHRC reports. Memorize data (10 lakh rescued). Practice evaluative answers. Avoid vague frameworks.
Common Mistakes: Missing limitations or specifics. Ensure examples (2022 rescues) within 150 words.
2021 Mains PYQs
62. “While the right to health has been recognized as a part of right to life under the Constitution, the question of right to primary health care remains unresolved.” Discuss. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Right to health, primary health care.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) frames Article 21. Body (90 words) covers right to health (cases) and unresolved issues (access). Conclusion (40 words) suggests reforms.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for right, 3 for issues, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 21, NHM reports. Memorize data (70% rural access). Practice issue-based answers. Avoid vague issues.
Common Mistakes: Missing issues or specifics. Ensure examples (2021 COVID) within 150 words.
63. Discuss the importance of digital literacy in achieving the goal of a self-reliant India. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Digital literacy, self-reliant India.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines digital literacy. Body (90 words) covers importance (economy) and challenges (access). Conclusion (40 words) assesses role.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for importance, 3 for challenges, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Digital India, NSO data. Memorize data (40% literacy 2021). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague importance.
Common Mistakes: Missing challenges or specifics. Ensure examples (PMGDISHA) within 150 words.
64. Examine the importance of vocational education in meeting the skill demands of the Indian economy. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Vocational education, skill demands.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines vocational education. Body (90 words) covers importance (employment) and challenges (quality). Conclusion (40 words) assesses role.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for importance, 3 for challenges, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Skill India, NSDC reports. Memorize data (12% trained 2021). Practice role-based answers. Avoid vague importance.
Common Mistakes: Missing challenges or specifics. Ensure examples (ITIs) within 150 words.
2020 Mains PYQs
65. “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, but also about bringing systemic change in governance.” Discuss. [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): RTI, governance change.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) defines RTI. Body (90 words) covers empowerment (transparency) and systemic change (accountability). Conclusion (40 words) assesses impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for empowerment, 3 for change, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study RTI Act 2005, 2nd ARC. Memorize data (20 lakh applications/year). Practice impact-based answers. Avoid vague impacts.
Common Mistakes: Missing systemic change or specifics. Ensure examples (2020 amendments) within 150 words.
2018 Mains PYQs
66. 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 the trustworthiness of elections in India? [150 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): EVM controversies, Election Commission challenges.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (20 words) frames EVM issues. Body (90 words) covers challenges (trust) and solutions (VVPAT). Conclusion (40 words) assesses trust-building.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for challenges, 3 for solutions, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study ECI reports, VVPAT implementation. Memorize data (2019 VVPAT). Practice problem-solution answers. Avoid vague challenges.
Common Mistakes: Missing solutions or specifics. Ensure examples (2018 allegations) within 150 words.
2014 Mains PYQs
67. Recent directives from Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) direct the institutions of higher learning to reserve seats for the ‘Socially and Educationally Backward Classes’ (SEBC). What are the implications of such a policy for the autonomy of such institutions? [200 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): SEBC reservation, institutional autonomy.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (25 words) frames reservation. Body (125 words) covers implications (autonomy) and benefits (inclusion). Conclusion (50 words) balances views.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for implications, 3 for benefits, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 15, OBC reservation cases. Memorize data (27% OBC quota). Practice evaluative answers. Avoid one-sided arguments.
Common Mistakes: Missing benefits or specifics. Ensure examples (2014 IITs) within 200 words.
2013 Mains PYQs
68. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. [200 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Section 66A, Article 19 violation.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (25 words) frames Section 66A. Body (125 words) covers violations (free speech) and SC ruling (2015). Conclusion (50 words) assesses impact.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for violations, 3 for ruling, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Shreya Singhal case, Article 19. Memorize data (2015 verdict). Practice case-based answers. Avoid vague violations.
Common Mistakes: Missing ruling or specifics. Ensure examples (2013 arrests) within 200 words.
69. What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. [200 Words, 10 Marks]
Analysis for Aspirants:
Key Themes (30% of marks): Free speech, hate speech, film censorship.
Answer Structure (20% of marks): Introduction (25 words) defines free speech. Body (125 words) covers hate speech (limits) and films (CBFC). Conclusion (50 words) assesses differences.
Marks Allocation: 4 marks for free speech, 3 for films, 3 for conclusion.
Preparation Tips: Study Article 19, CBFC rules. Memorize data (2013 bans). Practice comparative answers. Avoid vague limits.
Common Mistakes: Missing film specifics or limits. Ensure examples (Udta Punjab) within 200 words.
Trend Analysis for UPSC Polity Mains (2013–2024)
The UPSC Polity Mains questions from 2013–2024 reflect a dynamic focus on constitutional principles, governance, and contemporary issues. Key trends include:
- Constitutional Dynamism (25% questions): Emphasis on Article 21 expansions (privacy, health) and basic structure (Kesavananda). Study Puttaswamy, Aadhaar cases.
- Federalism Shifts (20% questions): Questions on GST, Article 356, and cooperative federalism (NITI Aayog) highlight Centre-State dynamics. Focus on 101st Amendment, Bommai case.
- Judicial Role (15% questions): PIL, environmental law, and NJAC reflect judicial activism. Study Vishaka, MC Mehta cases for depth.
- Governance Reforms (15% questions): Local bodies (73rd/74th Amendments) and e-governance (Digital India) are recurring. Memorize devolution stats.
- Electoral Processes (10% questions): ONOE, anti-defection, and EVMs indicate reform focus. Study Kovind Committee, RPA 1951.
- Rights-Based Issues (15% questions): Gender justice, RTI, and bonded labour emphasize socio-legal frameworks. Focus on BNS 2023, NALSA.
Preparation Strategy: Prioritize case laws (70% questions link to SC rulings), memorize constitutional articles (50% questions cite Articles 19, 21, 368), and practice evaluative answers (60% questions require critical analysis). Use PRS, ARC reports for data. Avoid rote learning; focus on application.
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