Detailed syllabus · Main examination · Paper III
UPSC GS Paper II Syllabus 2026 (Mains): Topic by Topic
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. 20 lines in UPSC's words, opened into sub-topics with the 224 questions UPSC set from 2016 to 2026.
हिन्दी में पढ़ेंGS Paper II in short
250 marks, three hours, essay-type. UPSC's 20 lines below drew 224 questions from 2016 to 2026; the busiest were Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States,… (24), Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements… (22) and Parliament and State legislatures (17).
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Line 1 of 20 · Constitution: evolution, features & basic structure · UPSC's words
“Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.”
15 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Historical underpinnings & evolution
1 PYQAsked in 2016
“Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.” 2016 · GS II Q7 →
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Features: Preamble, secularism, federalism
4 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2020, 2018, 2016
“Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.” 2023 · GS II Q13 →
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Fundamental rights & Article 21
9 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 3 more
“Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons…” 2026 · GS II Q1 →
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Amendments & the basic structure
10 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019 and 2 more
“Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of…” 2025 · GS II Q12 →
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Significant provisions: Article 370, 239AA & others
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2016
“Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post…” 2026 · GS III Q19 →
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Line 2 of 20 · Federalism & devolution · UPSC's words
“Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.”
24 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Cooperative & fiscal federalism
15 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 4 more
“Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature ? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in…” 2026 · GS II Q11 →
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Finance Commission, GST Council & devolution
4 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2018, 2017
“How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?” 2021 · GS II Q3 →
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Local government: 73rd & 74th Amendments
9 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 3 more
“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.” 2026 · GS II Q2 →
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Governors, Delhi & union territories
4 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2018, 2016
“Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” 2025 · GS II Q4 →
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Line 3 of 20 · Separation of powers & dispute redressal · UPSC's words
“Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.”
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Separation of powers & checks and balances
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2020, 2019, 2016
“What is meant by judicial legislation ? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”.” 2026 · GS II Q12 →
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Judicial independence & appointments
3 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2023, 2017
“Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.” 2025 · GS II Q2 →
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Tribunals & quasi-judicial bodies
3 PYQsAsked in 2019, 2018, 2016
“The Central Administrative 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.” 2019 · GS II Q2 →
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Dispute redressal: Lok Adalats, ADR & legal aid
4 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2023
“How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities ? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.” 2026 · GS II Q13 →
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Executive accountability & federal disputes
7 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2 more
“How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities ? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.” 2026 · GS II Q13 →
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Line 4 of 20 · Comparing constitutions · UPSC's words
“Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.”
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Parliamentary vs presidential systems
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2018
“Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the…” 2026 · GS II Q14 →
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Judiciary & judicial review compared
3 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2023, 2020
“Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.” 2025 · GS II Q13 →
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Rights & secularism compared
3 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2021, 2019
“Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.” 2024 · GS II Q15 →
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Federalism & constitutional design compared
1 PYQAsked in 2025
“Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are ‘preemptive pardons’?” 2025 · GS II Q3 →
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Line 5 of 20 · Parliament & state legislatures · UPSC's words
“Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.”
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Parliamentary committees & financial scrutiny
4 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017
“Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?” 2023 · GS II Q16 →
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Speaker, anti-defection & conduct of business
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 1 more
“Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok…” 2026 · GS II Q3 →
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Rajya Sabha, bicameralism & legislative councils
2 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2020
“Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.” 2021 · GS II Q14 →
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Representation: women's reservation & simultaneous polls
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2017
“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.” 2026 · GS II Q2 →
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Law-making: ordinances, joint sittings & amendments
5 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2017
“Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” 2025 · GS II Q4 →
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Line 6 of 20 · Executive, judiciary & pressure groups · UPSC's words
“Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.”
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Executive: ministries, bureaucracy & reforms
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2019, 2016
“Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.” 2026 · GS II Q8 →
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Judiciary: appointments, PIL & judicial activism
12 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 3 more
“What is meant by judicial legislation ? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”.” 2026 · GS II Q12 →
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Pressure groups & formal/informal associations
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2021, 2019, 2017
“To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests ? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power…” 2026 · GS II Q15 →
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Parties, coalitions & the party system
2 PYQsAsked in 2022, 2016
“While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment.” 2022 · GS II Q13 →
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Line 7 of 20 · Representation of the People Act · UPSC's words
“Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.”
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Disqualification & decriminalisation of politics
1 PYQAsked in 2019
“On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 ? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.” 2019 · GS II Q11 →
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Election Commission & electoral reforms
7 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2022, 2018, 2017 and 1 more
“Is the right to vote a fundamental right ? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters ?” 2026 · GS II Q4 →
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Corrupt practices & election petitions
3 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2022, 2020
“Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of…” 2025 · GS II Q1 →
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Simultaneous elections & political funding
1 PYQAsked in 2024
“Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle.” 2024 · GS II Q1 →
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Line 8 of 20 · Constitutional bodies · UPSC's words
“Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.”
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Election Commission
7 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 1 more
“Is the right to vote a fundamental right ? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters ?” 2026 · GS II Q4 →
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CAG & public audit
3 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2018, 2016
“The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.” 2024 · GS II Q4 →
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Finance Commission
2 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2018
“How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?” 2021 · GS II Q3 →
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National Commissions for SCs, STs & BCs
4 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2020, 2018
“Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality ? Suggest…” 2026 · GS II Q5 →
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Attorney General, Speaker & other posts
3 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2020, 2019
“The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.” 2025 · GS II Q5 →
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Governor, Vice-President & other offices
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2021
“Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature ? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in…” 2026 · GS II Q11 →
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Line 9 of 20 · Statutory, regulatory & quasi-judicial bodies · UPSC's words
“Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.”
6 questions & model answers Write the 2025 question — free evaluation
Human rights & women's commissions
3 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2018, 2017
“Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical…” 2021 · GS II Q12 →
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Information commissions & RTI
2 PYQsAsked in 2020, 2016
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss.” 2020 · GS II Q2 →
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Tribunals & legal-aid bodies
5 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2019, 2018
“Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.” 2025 · GS II Q2 →
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Regulators & investigating agencies: CCI, CBI
2 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2021
“Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.” 2023 · GS II Q7 →
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Line 10 of 20 · Government policies & interventions · UPSC's words
“Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.”
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Education & skills policy
8 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2016
“What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 ? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ?” 2024 · GS II Q11 →
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Health & sanitation policy
3 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2019, 2017
“In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of…” 2024 · GS II Q17 →
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Poverty, employment & livelihood programmes
5 PYQsAsked in 2022, 2019, 2017
“Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.” 2022 · GS II Q16 →
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Delivery: DBT, targeting & convergence
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 1 more
“Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment ? Examine.” 2026 · GS II Q17 →
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Urban & rural development policy
2 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2016
“How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?” 2025 · GS I Q8 →
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Sectoral laws & reforms: labour codes, data protection
3 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2016
“Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.” 2024 · GS III Q10 →
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Planning & infrastructure policy: Gati Shakti, decentralised planning
2 PYQsAsked in 2022, 2019
“The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.” 2022 · GS II Q6 →
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Tribal & inclusive development policy
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2019, 2018
“Does India’s tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance ? Justify your answer.” 2026 · GS II Q6 →
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Policy actors & ICT implementation
2 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2019
“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.” 2021 · GS II Q5 →
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Line 11 of 20 · NGOs, SHGs & the development sector · UPSC's words
“Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.”
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NGOs, civil society & FCRA
4 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2023, 2021, 2016
“Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.” 2025 · GS II Q8 →
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Self-help groups & microfinance
3 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2020, 2017
“Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.” 2021 · GS II Q8 →
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CSR, donors & charities
1 PYQAsked in 2024
“Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.” 2024 · GS II Q6 →
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Community participation & partnerships
7 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 1 more
“Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.” 2025 · GS II Q6 →
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Line 12 of 20 · Welfare of vulnerable sections · UPSC's words
“Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.”
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Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2019, 2018
“Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality ? Suggest…” 2026 · GS II Q5 →
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Women: safety, budgeting & representation
8 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020 and 3 more
“Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.” 2025 · GS II Q6 →
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Children: rights, protection & nutrition
1 PYQAsked in 2016
“Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.” 2016 · GS II Q15 →
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Persons with disabilities, elderly & displaced
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2020, 2017, 2016
“How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.” 2026 · GS I Q9 →
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Welfare institutions & scheme performance
7 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2 more
“How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.” 2026 · GS I Q9 →
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Line 13 of 20 · Health, education & human resources · UPSC's words
“Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.”
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Health: primary care, insurance & workforce
5 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018
“In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of…” 2024 · GS II Q17 →
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Education: school & higher education
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 1 more
“Should education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation ? Critically evaluate.” 2026 · GS II Q18 →
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Human resources, skills & human capital
4 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2020, 2016
“The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.” 2023 · GS II Q6 →
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Nutrition & social-sector spending
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2019, 2016
“Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss.” 2026 · GS II Q7 →
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Line 14 of 20 · Poverty & hunger · UPSC's words
“Issues relating to poverty and hunger.”
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Measuring poverty: MPI & poverty lines
1 PYQAsked in 2020
“The incedence 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.” 2020 · GS II Q16 →
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Hunger, malnutrition & stunting
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2021, 2019, 2018 and 1 more
“Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss.” 2026 · GS II Q7 →
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Food security: NFSA, PDS & ration portability
2 PYQsAsked in 2022, 2019
“What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India ? How can it be made effective and transparent ?” 2022 · GS III Q3 →
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Livelihoods, SHGs & poverty alleviation
4 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017
“Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.” 2021 · GS II Q8 →
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Line 15 of 20 · Governance, transparency & e-governance · UPSC's words
“Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.”
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E-governance & the digital divide
9 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 4 more
“Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.” 2026 · GS I Q10 →
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Transparency & RTI
3 PYQsAsked in 2020, 2019, 2016
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss.” 2020 · GS II Q2 →
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Accountability: social audit, CAG & citizen charters
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2021, 2020, 2018 and 1 more
“Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.” 2026 · GS II Q16 →
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Civil society & participatory governance
4 PYQsAsked in 2021, 2019, 2016
“Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.” 2021 · GS II Q18 →
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Local governance & decentralisation
3 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2017
“In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.” 2025 · GS II Q17 →
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Civil servants & public trust
2 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2017
“The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.” 2024 · GS II Q8 →
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Line 16 of 20 · Civil services in a democracy · UPSC's words
“Role of civil services in a democracy.”
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Civil services & democracy: neutrality & accountability
4 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2020, 2017
“The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.” 2025 · GS I Q9 →
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Reforms: lateral entry, Mission Karmayogi, ARC
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2016
“Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.” 2026 · GS II Q8 →
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Line 17 of 20 · India & its neighbourhood · UPSC's words
“India and its neighborhood- relations.”
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Pakistan, Afghanistan & cross-border terrorism
4 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2018, 2016
“India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas…” 2024 · GS III Q19 →
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China & the Belt and Road
2 PYQsAsked in 2018, 2017
“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.” 2018 · GS III Q9 →
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Neighbourhood First: Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & others
4 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2022
“China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in…” 2026 · GS II Q20 →
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Act East, Central & West Asia connectivity
6 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2023, 2018, 2017, 2016
“Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.” 2024 · GS II Q10 →
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Line 18 of 20 · Groupings & agreements · UPSC's words
“Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.”
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Indo-Pacific & the Quad
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2021, 2020, 2019
“IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment…” 2026 · GS II Q9 →
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Regional groupings: SCO, BIMSTEC, SAARC, ASEAN
4 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2022, 2016
“Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO' In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.” 2023 · GS II Q9 →
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Trade agreements & the WTO
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2023
“The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement.” 2026 · GS I Q16 →
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Climate negotiations & India's commitments
4 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2022, 2021
“Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended…” 2025 · GS III Q18 →
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Strategic partnerships & autonomy
8 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2019 and 1 more
“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.” 2026 · GS II Q10 →
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Africa, Central Asia & energy partnerships
9 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2018 and 1 more
“India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.” 2025 · GS II Q9 →
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UN reform & the great powers
1 PYQAsked in 2025
“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy…” 2025 · GS II Q20 →
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Line 19 of 20 · Other countries' policies & the diaspora · UPSC's words
“Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.”
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Policies of the US, China & great powers
10 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2 more
“China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in…” 2026 · GS II Q20 →
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The Indian diaspora & remittances
5 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2023, 2020, 2018, 2017
“India’s global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this…” 2026 · GS II Q19 →
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WTO, trade rules & development interests
2 PYQsAsked in 2018, 2016
“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 · GS II Q19 →
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Strategic autonomy & multi-alignment
6 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019
“India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.” 2025 · GS II Q9 →
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Line 20 of 20 · International institutions · UPSC's words
“Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.”
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The UN system & its reform
5 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2019, 2017, 2016
“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy…” 2025 · GS II Q20 →
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WTO, IMF, World Bank & global economic governance
2 PYQsAsked in 2018, 2016
“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 · GS II Q19 →
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WHO & global health governance
1 PYQAsked in 2020
“Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.” 2020 · GS II Q9 →
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New platforms: ISA, SCO & maritime bodies
4 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2022, 2021
“Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos' Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.” 2023 · GS II Q20 →
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FAQ
GS Paper II: questions, answered
What is the syllabus of UPSC GS Paper II?
GS Paper II (Mains Paper III, 250 marks) covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. UPSC lists 20 lines for it; this page sets each out in UPSC's words and breaks it into the sub-topics UPSC has actually asked.
Which topics are asked most in GS Paper II?
From 2016 to 2026, the lines with the most questions were: "Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues…" (24); "Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving…" (22); "Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of…" (17).
How many questions are there in GS Paper II?
Each GS paper is three hours and 250 marks. In recent years UPSC has set 20 questions — ten of 10 marks (about 150 words) and ten of 15 marks (about 250 words).