The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 General Studies Paper II evaluates candidates on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations. The paper carries 250 marks and consists of descriptive questions.
On this page, you can find the UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2016, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2016: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 |
| Paper | General Studies Paper II |
| Year | 2016 |
| Exam Stage | Main Examination |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 20 |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Answer Format | All answers in not more than 200 words |
| Marks per Question | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) |
| Medium | Any language authorized by UPSC in the Admission Certificate |
Question Paper Instructions
- There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- All questions are compulsory.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided.
- No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
- Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each. Contents of the answer are more important than its length. All questions carry equal marks.
- \(12\frac{1}{2}\times20=250\)
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2016
- Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives 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 Indian federal politics? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing the marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Exercise of the CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own jurisdiction. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Discuss each adjective attached to the word “Republic” in the Preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- What was held in the Coelho Case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal Constitution? Discuss. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of suitable examples. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship in the context of India. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- In the Integrity Index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the Government to enhance the capacity of our population to become more productive and employable? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “The broader aims and objectives of the WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha Round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- “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 of SAARC.” Explain with suitable examples. (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
- What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? (Not more than 200 words | \(12\frac{1}{2}\) Marks)
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 General Studies Paper II question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2016 (PDF)