The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 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 2023, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2023: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 |
| Paper | General Studies Paper II |
| Year | 2023 |
| Exam Stage | Main Examination |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 20 |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| 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.
- Answers to Questions No. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to Questions No. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
- Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
- Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet must be clearly struck off.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2023
Questions 1–10 (150 Words, 10 Marks Each)
- “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- “The States in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of State Legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- The crucial aspect of the development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- 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. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? (150 words | 10 Marks)
- ‘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. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (150 words | 10 Marks)
Questions 11–20 (250 Words, 15 Marks Each)
- “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a Constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since the mid-1990s. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in State Legislatures in India. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament? (250 words | 15 Marks)
- “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by their nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resource supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement, analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- “The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.” What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- “Sea is an important component of the Cosmos.” Discuss, in the light of the above statement, the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (250 words | 15 Marks)
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 General Studies Paper II question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2023 (PDF)