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UPSC Mains 2022 General Studies Paper II

Explore the complete UPSC Mains GS Paper II question paper from 2022, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.

The official PDF is UPSC’s own bilingual file. The UPSC Gurus edition is a clean English version formatted for easy reading and printing.

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2022Time Allowed: Three HoursMaximum Marks: 250

Practise Under the Exam Clock

Set aside three hours, start the clock and write your answers on paper, just as you would in the examination. Nothing needs to be uploaded.

Question Paper Specific 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 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.
  • 1

    "The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 2

    "Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute." Comment.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 3

    To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 4

    Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 5

    Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 6

    The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 7

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal 'document' without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 8

    Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 9

    'India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.' Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 10

    Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 11

    Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 12

    Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 13

    "While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 14

    Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 15

    Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 16

    Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 17

    Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 18

    The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children's education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 19

    How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 20

    'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
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