Mains PYQs · 2023

UPSC Mains 2023 GS2, every question.

The 2023 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 2023 paper asked

The 2023 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: discuss (4), explain (3), comment (2), what (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 · Comment

“Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment.

Q2 · 10 marks · 150 words · Assess

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words · Comment

“The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.

Q4 · 10 marks · 150 words · Compare

Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.

Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words · Suggest

The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.

Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?

Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words

‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.

Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words · Describe

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words · Illustrate

“The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?

Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words · Do You Agree

“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words · Analyse

Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.

Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

← 2022 · All GS2 years · 2024 →

Other 2023 papers: GS1 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.

Questions

How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2023 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 2023 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.