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Civil Services Mains 2024 · General Studies Paper 2

UPSC Mains 2024 GS Paper 2 Question Paper

20 questions, each with a model answer

The complete UPSC Civil Services Mains 2024 GS Paper 2 question paper — all 20 questions as they appeared, on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations. Each links to a structured model answer with an outline, key points and examples. Attempt the question first, then open the answer to check your structure and coverage.

← 2023 2025 → All GS Paper 2 years
  1. Q1
    Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q2
    Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q3
    “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q4
    “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q5
    Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q6
    Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q7
    Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  8. Q8
    The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  9. Q9
    ‘The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  10. Q10
    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.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  11. Q11
    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?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  12. Q12
    Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  13. Q13
    What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  14. Q14
    Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  15. Q15
    Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  16. Q16
    The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  17. Q17
    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 public healthcare at the grassroots level.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  18. Q18
    e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  19. Q19
    ‘Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’ Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  20. Q20
    Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

Other 2024 Mains papers

GS Paper 1GS Paper 3GS Paper 4Essay