Mains PYQs · 2016

UPSC Mains 2016 GS2, every question.

The 2016 GS Paper 2 in full, in paper order: marks, word limit and directive for each question, with a link to write it against the clock.

By Gaurav Singh and Aditya Tiwari·Published ·Questions: UPSC Civil Services (Main) papers·Updated

What the 2016 paper asked

The 2016 GS Paper 2 had 20 questions for 250 marks: 20 of 12.5 marks (200 words). The directives UPSC used most: discuss (9), what (5), explain (2), critically examine (1).

GS Paper 2 covers governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations. For how long a scoring answer runs at each mark, see how long toppers actually write.

All 20 questions

Q1 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

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 the Indian federal politics?

Q2 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing 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.

Q3 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

“The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.

Q4 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.

Q5 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

Q6 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · What

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?

Q7 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.

Q8 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Explain

What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

Q9 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · What

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?

Q10 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Critically Examine

“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.

Q11 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

“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.

Q12 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

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.

Q13 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · What

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?

Q14 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Comment

“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.

Q15 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Examine

Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

Q16 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · What

“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 be more productive and employable?

Q17 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Discuss

“The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.

Q18 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Evaluate

Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.

Q19 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · Explain

“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 (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.

Q20 · 12.5 marks · 200 words · What

What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?

← 2015 · All GS2 years · 2017 →

Other 2016 papers: GS1 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.

Questions

How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2016 GS Paper 2?

20 questions, 250 marks in all: 20 of 12.5 marks (200 words). All are compulsory.

Where can I practise the 2016 GS2 questions?

In the practice bank, with a timer set to exam pace. Writing is free with no sign-in; checking an answer against topper answers uses an evaluation (1 free).

Write one, then get it checked.

Write by hand against the clock in the practice bank, then photograph the page: writeupsc puts it beside real topper answers. 1 free evaluation.

Practise GS2 questions
Check your answer on Telegram. Send a photo of your handwritten answer to @WriteUPSCbot for marks in about a minute, or join the group for a Mains question every morning.