The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 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 2021, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2021: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 |
| Paper | General Studies Paper II |
| Year | 2021 |
| 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.
- 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 2021
Questions 1–10 (150 Words, 10 Marks Each)
- ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- Discuss the desirability of greater representation of women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- How have the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? (150 words | 10 Marks)
- To what extent, in your view, is the Parliament able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (150 words | 10 Marks)
- “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how business associations contribute to public policies. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- “Earn while you learn” scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful. Comment. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (150 words | 10 Marks)
- “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (150 words | 10 Marks)
Questions 11–20 (250 Words, 15 Marks Each)
- The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting a probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- 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. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Analyse the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- “Though women in post-Independence India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (250 words | 15 Marks)
- 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. (250 words | 15 Marks)
- Critically examine the aims and objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). What importance does it hold for India? (250 words | 15 Marks)
- The newly formed trilateral partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (250 words | 15 Marks)
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 General Studies Paper II question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Question Paper 2021 (PDF)