On 9 January 2021, UPSC conducted General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2. Here we are discussing detail analysis of General Studies Paper 2.
The analysis of GS paper 2 shows that an aspirant requires a good knowledge of current affairs.
To score good marks and take a giant leap, it is necessary that an aspirant should be able to interrelate various aspects instead of simply memorising events.
This paper again proves that the exam of Civil Services does not demand a good rote memory but the ability to interrelate the events and analyse several aspects, facts and examples linked to the issue or event.
Note: GS paper 2 shows a thorough understanding of the current events or issues and vast Newspaper analysis of last one year.
Before going into the detailed analysis let us have a look at the major subjects covered in General Studies Paper 2 in mains.
– Governance
– Constitution
– Polity
– Social Justice
– International relations
General Studies II paper just like paper 1 has very few direct questions which are related to one topic.
Instructions given in GS Paper 2 UPSC 2020 are as follows:
– Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
– There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
– All questions are compulsory.
– The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.
– Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
– No marks will be given for answers written in the 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, must be struck off clearly.
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GS Paper 2 Question Paper: UPSC CSE (Written) 2020
1. “There is a need for simplification of Procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Actâ€. Comment (Answer in 150 words)
2. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commissionâ€. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
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. (Answer in 150 words)
4. The judicial system in India and 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. (Answer in 150 words).
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 Lok Sabha? What could be its implication for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? ( (Answer in 150 words)
6. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
7. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performanceâ€. In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for Strengthening Democracy. (Answer in 150 words)
8. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the governmentâ€. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
9. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Answer in 150 words)
10. “Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countriesâ€. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
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 recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
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 large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words).
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. (Answer in 250 words)
14. Rajyasabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tire’ to the most useful supportive organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
15. Which steps are required for constitutionalisation of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the national commission for woman would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
16. “Incidence and intensity of poverty are most important in determining poverty based on income aloneâ€. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multi Poverty Index report. (Answer in 250 words).
17. “Microfinance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in Indiaâ€. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
18. National Electronic Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
19. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss (Answer in 250 words)
20. What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region (Answer in 250 words).
A detailed section-wise analysis is provided here for General Studies Paper 2
First, we will discuss the questions asked from various sections.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Polity & Constitution | Q 1 | 10 |
| Q 2 | 10 | |
| Q 3 | 10 | |
| Q 4 | 10 | |
| Q 5 | 10 | |
| Q 11 | 15 | |
| Q 12 | 15 | |
| Q 13 | 15 | |
| Q 14 | 15 | |
| Q 15 | 15 | |
| Total | 10 | 125 |
 It has been seen that Questions 2, 3, 5, 11, and 12 are of moderate level and Questions 1, 4, 13, 14, and 15 are of difficult level.
| Subject | Â Â Â Â Â Questions | Marks |
| Governance | Â Â Â Â Â Â Q 7 | 10 |
| Q 8 | 10 | |
| Total | 2 | 20 |
It has been seen that Q 7 and 8 are asked from the Governance section and both the questions asked are of moderate level.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Social Justice | Q 6 | 10 |
| Q 16 | 15 | |
| Q 17 | 15 | |
| Q 18 | 15 | |
| Total | 4 | 55 |
It has been seen that Questions 6, 16, 17 and 18 are asked from Social Justice Section and Q. 6, 16 and 18 are of moderate level and Q. 17 is of difficult level.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| International Relations | Q 9 | 10 |
| Q 10 | 10 | |
| Q 19 | 15 | |
| Q 20 | 15 | |
| Total | 4 | 50 |
It has been seen that Questions 9, 10, 19 and 20 are asked from International Relations and in which Q. 9, 19 and 20 are of moderate level and Q.10 is of difficult level.
Questions asked in the Exam Syllabus wise are as follows:
1.“There is a need for simplification of Procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Actâ€. Comment (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. Question is a bit difficult required specific knowledge of RPA Section 123 that deals with corrupt practices. Content is limited on this topic asked in the examination..
2. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commissionâ€. Discuss.
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Difficulty level says it is moderate and straightforward question from Current Affairs. Moderate and Straightforward Question asked from current affairs section.
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.
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. It is easy and straightforward question.
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. (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. Question nature is difficult because of its unconventional nature and not much knowledge on UK Judicial system. Therefore, it requires specific knowledge of Judicial Practice in UK.
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 Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Parliament and State legislatures including structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Question is of moderate level because office of speaker in Parliament and State legislature has been in news due to controversy over his/her biases in anti – defection decisions.
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. (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Question asked is of moderate level.
7. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performanceâ€. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Role of civil services in a democracy. Question asked is of moderate level and directly from the syllabus.
8. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the governmentâ€. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential. Question asked is of moderate level as e-governance has been in news in recent times.
9. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Important International institutions, agencies and their structure, mandate. Question asked is easy/moderate as due to COVID-19 pandemic response, WHO has been in news.
10. “Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countriesâ€. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Question asked is of moderate level.
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 recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Question asked is of moderate level and current affairs based.
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 large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Question asked is analytical and of moderate level.
UPSC CSE Mains 2020: GS Essay Paper Previous Year Question Papers (2010 to 2019)
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. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Question asked is of difficult level because of lack of understanding of ‘Functionality’ related challenges.
14. Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Parliament and State legislatures including structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Question asked is analytical and of difficult level.
15. Which steps are required for constitutionalisation of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies/ Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies/ mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
A question asked is difficult due to the second portion of the question.
16. “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income aloneâ€. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words).
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Question asked is Easy/moderate and based on current affairs.
17. “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in Indiaâ€. Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Question asked is Easy/moderate and straight forward based on SHGs and their role.
18. National Education Policy, 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources. Question asked is of Moderate level and based on current affairs.
19. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times — Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Question asked is easy/ moderate and based on current affairs.
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. (Answer in 250 words)
As per the syllabus, topic asked: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Question asked is of moderate and analytical in nature because both Indo- US and Indo- Russia were in news.
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UPSC CSE Mains Essay Paper Analysis 2020: Comparative Analysis also provided with previous years
