UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2020 (Official) – Download PDF & Questions

The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 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 2020, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.

UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2020: Overview

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.
• Word limit in questions should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2020

Questions 1–10 (150 Words, 10 Marks Each)

1. “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act.” Comment. (150 words | 10 Marks)
2. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission.” Discuss. (150 words | 10 Marks)
3. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (150 words | 10 Marks)
4. The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (150 words | 10 Marks)
5. “Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker!” Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (150 words | 10 Marks)
6. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (150 words | 10 Marks)
7. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance.” In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Services for strengthening democracy. (150 words | 10 Marks)
8. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government.” Discuss. (150 words | 10 Marks)
9. Critically examine the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (150 words | 10 Marks)
10. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European countries.’ Comment with examples. (150 words | 10 Marks)

Questions 11–20 (250 Words, 15 Marks Each)

11. Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the recently passed Farm Acts. (250 words | 15 Marks)
12. Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context, justify the filing of a large number of Public Interest Litigations praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (250 words | 15 Marks)
13. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (250 words | 15 Marks)
14. Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (250 words | 15 Marks)
15. Which steps are required for constitutionalisation of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutional status to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (250 words | 15 Marks)
16. “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty than income alone.” In this context, analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (250 words | 15 Marks)
17. “Microfinance, as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India.” Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving these twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (250 words | 15 Marks)
18. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (250 words | 15 Marks)
19. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance in present times. Discuss. (250 words | 15 Marks)
20. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words | 15 Marks)

Official UPSC PDF

The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 General Studies Paper II question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.

Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2020 (PDF)