Mains PYQs · 2019

UPSC Mains 2019 GS2, every question.

The 2019 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 2019 paper asked

The 2019 GS Paper 2 had 20 questions for 250 marks: 10 of 10 marks (150 words), 10 of 15 marks (250 words). The directives UPSC used most: explain (5), discuss (5), what (2), examine (2).

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 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

Do you think that the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers; rather, it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balances’? Explain.

Q2 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

“The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain.

Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

What are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods?

Q4 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.

Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?

Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words · Examine

Despite Consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.

Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words · Elucidate

There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget. — Elucidate.

Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words · Suggest

Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.

Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words · Comment

‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.

Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.

Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.

Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

“Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?

Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words · Comment

“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.

Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.

Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’ — Discuss.

Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words · Examine

The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process.

Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. — Discuss.

Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words · Elaborate

‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate.

Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

‘What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.’ Explain with suitable examples.

← 2018 · All GS2 years · 2020 →

Other 2019 papers: GS1 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.

Questions

How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2019 GS Paper 2?

20 questions, 250 marks in all: 10 of 10 marks (150 words), 10 of 15 marks (250 words). All are compulsory.

Where can I practise the 2019 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.