UPSC PSIR Previous Year Questions (2011–2025): The Complete 40-Chapter PYQ Map

This is the complete map of UPSC PSIR previous-year questions from 2025 back to 2011, organised under the 40-chapter, 144-lesson syllabus structure we teach from — every question carrying its code, listed newest first under its exact subtopic. The syllabus tells you what can be asked; this page shows you what is asked, and where. Bookmark it: you don't study a topic, you study its question-family, and this is every family in one place.

How to read a code. 2024/I/4b/15 means: year 2024 · Paper I · Question 4(b) · 15 marks. Two-digit years are shorthand (16/I/1a/10 = 2016). Since 2013 the exam asks more, shorter questions — about twenty sub-questions per paper — which is why the families repeat so visibly below.

A note on 2025. The 2025 paper's full chapter-wise integration is being added in the next update of this page; where a 2025 question is already verified in our material it appears below, marked. Everything from 2024 back to 2011 is complete, drawn from the Arihant Q-Beat compilation.

Official UPSC question papers (PDF)

• PSIR Paper I & II, 2025 — host official PDFs at /blog-assets/pyq-pdfs/ and link
• PSIR Paper I & II, 2024 — link hosted PDFs
• PSIR Paper I & II, 2023 — link hosted PDFs
• All years, official source — upsc.gov.in → Previous Question Papers

PAPER I-A · Political Theory & Thought

Chapter 1 · Western Political Thought

1.1 Plato

• Karl Popper presents a defence of the open society against its enemies. Elaborate. (2025/I/2b/15) (2025 — verified)
• Critically examine Plato's theory of Forms. (2024/I/4b/15)
• Trace the evolution of Western Political Thought from ancient to contemporary period. (20/1/4a/20)
• "Plato was an enemy of the open society." (Popper) Comment. (15/1/3(a)/20)

1.2 Aristotle

• Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed to the development of modern-day constitutional democracies?. (2021/I/3a/20)
• Explain Aristotle's critique of Plato's Idealism. (19/I/2(a)/20)
• Everywhere, inequality is a cause of revolution - Aristotle. Comment. (17/II/2(b)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Aristotle's Conception of Equality. (15/I/1(b)/10)
• Central to Aristotle's political thought is his classification of the different types of political constitutions in the Politics. Evaluate. (14/I/4(b)/15)

1.3 Machiavelli

• Comment in 150 words: Machiavelli’s secularism. (2020/I/1e/10)
• Critically examine Machiavelli's views on religion and politics. (2018/I/4c/15)
• Explain how Machiavelli's application of empirical method to human affairs marks an important stage in the evolution of political science. (2014/1/4(a)/20)

1.4 Thomas Hobbes

• Comment in 150 words: State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes). (2023/I/1c/10)
• Individualism is inherent in Hobbes’ absolutist Ideology. Comment. (2022/I/3c/15)
• Comment on Hobbesian notion of Political Obligation (150 words). (17/I/1e/10)
• Comment: “How would I and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves in a state of nature, and what does this behaviour tell us about our innate predispositions?” (Thomas Hobbes). (16/I/1a/10)
• Comment in 150 words: “Covenants without swords are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all.” (Hobbes). (13/I/1(c)/10)
• Comment on the assertion of Laslett that Filmer and not Hobbes was the main antagonist of Locke. (13/I/4(c)/15)

1.5 John Locke

• Comment in 150 words: Locke's views on Revolution. (2024/I/1c/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Locke's Social Contract. (22/I/1e/10)
• ”John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain.". (18/I/4a/20)
• “Locke is an individualist out and out." Substantiate this statement. (12/I/3a/20)

1.6 Marx and Hegel

• Comment in 150 words: Revolution in Permanence. (22/I/1c/10)
• Discuss Karl Marx's concept of class. (20/I/4c/15)
• Explain Marx's understanding of Human Essence and Alienation. (16/I/3(b)/15)
• Discuss the relationship between base and superstructure in Marxist theory. (15/I/3(b)/15)

1.7 John Stuart Mill

• "The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development." (J. S. Mill). Comment. (2023/I/4b/15)
• Comment in about 150 words: J. S. Mill’s ideas on women suffrage. (2021/I/1e/10)
• Comment in 150 words: John Stuart Mill is a 'reluctant democrat'. - C. L. Wayper. (18/I/1a/10)
• Comment in 150 words: "All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility." (J. S. Mill). (14/I/1(b)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Trace the evolution of Western Political Thought from Ancient to contemporary period. (20/I/4a/20)
• According to Gramsci, 'hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent'. Comment. (19/I/3a/20)
• Critically examine Hannah Arendt’s conceptual triad of Labour, Work and Action. (19/I/4a/20)
• Discuss Hannah Arendt’s analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes. (16/I/4a/20)
• “Plato was an enemy of the Open Society." (Popper). Comment. (15/1/3(a)/20)
• . Discuss Gramsci’s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’. (15/I/4(b)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: “Power is never the property of an individual; it belongs to a group and remains in existence only so long as the group keeps together.” (Hannah Arendt). (14/I/1(e)/10)

Chapter 2 · Ideologies

2.1 Ideologies-Ideology and Debates around it

• Comment on Post-modernism (150 words). (17/I/1c/10)
• Examine the debate on the 'End of Ideology'. (11/I/3(b)/30)

2.2 Liberalism

• Comment in 150 words: Decline of Liberalism. (2024/I/1d/10)
• Factors like community, culture and nation weaken the hegemony of neo-liberalism today. Discuss. (2022/I/2a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Liberalism as a revolutionary idea. (20/I/1c/10)
• John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain. (18/1/4a/20)
• Discuss the communitarian critique of liberalism. (13/I/2(a)/20)

2.3 Socialism and Marxism

• Marxism is a political theory of action demanding strict compliance with its core principles. Comment. (2024/I/2b/15)
• Define Socialism. Discuss the salient features of Fabian Socialism. (17/I/2c/15)
• Discuss the key features of pre-Marxist socialist theory. (15/I/2(b)/15)
• Comment on the view that socialism in the 21st century may be reborn as anti-capitalism. (14/I/2(a)/20)

2.4 Fascism

• Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain. (2023/I/3a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: "Nothing against the State, nothing over it, nothing beyond it." - Mussolini. (18/I/1e/10)
• Examine the conception of the State in the ideologies of Fascism and Marxism. (14/1/3(b)/15)

2.5 Feminism

• Comment in 150 words: Eco-feminism. (17/I/1d/10)
• Comment in 150 words: "Personal is political". (13/I/1(a)/10)
• Comment on the difference between Liberal and Radical forms of Feminism. (150 words). (12/1/1c/12)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Comment on Eco-feminism (150 words). (17/I/1d/10)

Chapter 3 · Political Theories and Theories of State

3.1 Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches

• Comment in 150 words: Behavioural approach to Political Science. (2024/I/1a/10)
• Elucidate the meanings inherent in the term 'political' with appropriate illustrations. (2024/I/2a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Normative approach in political Science. (2023/I/1a/10)
• ‘Credo of Relevance’ in post behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyse. (2023/I/2c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Systems Approach. (2022/I/1a/10)
• Examine the importance of behavioural approach in political theory. What led to its decline?. (2021/I/2b/15)
• Discuss the significance of normative approach to Political theory. (20/I/4b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Decline of Political Theory. (18/I/1b/10)
• Discuss David Easton's model of systems analysis. (15/I/4(c)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: "... political theory is not an escape mechanism but an arduous calling." (John Plamaretz). (14/I/1(a)/10)
• Comment on difference between normative and empirical theories of politics. (150 words). (12/I/1a/12)
• Examine the significance of the behavioural revolution in politics. (11/I/2(b)/30)

3.2 Liberal Theory of State

• Examine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics. (2022/I/3a/20)

3.3 Neo-Liberal Theory of State

• Critically examine the neo-liberal theory of State. (18/I/2a/20)
• Comment on Neo-liberal perspective of State (150 words). (17/I/1b/10)

3.4 Marxist Theory of State

• What is the contemporary relevance of Marxism. (19/I/4c/15)
• Discuss in what sense Marx's understanding of state can be considered as materialistic. (13/I/3(c)/15)
• What is meant by 'relative autonomy' of State in Marxist analysis?. (12/I/2a/30)

3.5 Pluralist Theory of State

• Comment in 150 words: Pluralist theory of state. (2024/I/1b/10)

3.6 Post-colonial Theory of State

• Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss. (2023/I/2c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Post colonial theory of the state. (20/I/1a/10)

3.7 Feminist Theory of State

• Comment in about 150 words: Feminist critique of the State. (2021/I/1a/10)
• Discuss Feminist theory of the State. (16/I/2b/15)

3.8 Miscellaneous Theories and Issues of the State

• Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State in the contemporary world. (15/I/2(a)/20)

3.0 General

• Discuss the major drivers of India’s interests in Africa. (2023/II/8c/15)
• Identify the drivers of India’s new interest in Africa. (2021/II/8c/15)
• How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa?. (20/II/6a/20)
• How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil and South Africa)?. (19/II/5c/10)
• “India’s capacity building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much goodwill for it in Africa.” Discuss. (18/II/6b/15)
• “India’s Research and Information System for Developing Countries” (RIS) is a major initiative in the area of South -South Cooperation. Discuss. (18/II/6c/15)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Comment in about 150 words : Feminist critique of the State. (2021/I/1a/10)
• Comment in 150 words : Post colonial theory of the state. (20/I/1a/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Resurgence of the political theory. (19/I/1a/10)

Chapter 4 · Foundations of Democratic Governance

4.1 Justice

• Rawls’ idea of the ‘liberal self is too individualistic. Explain in this context the communitarian critique of Rawls’ theory of justice. (2023/I/2b/15)
• Examine the entitlement theory of justice. (2022/I/4c/15)
• How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism?. (2021/I/2a/20)
• Examine communitarian perspective on justice. (19/I/2b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Distributive Justice. (18/I/1c/10)
• Analyse John Rawls' justification of discrimination to achieve the goals of justice. (18/I/2b/15)
• Rawls' theory of justice is both contractual and distributive. Examine. (17/I/2a/20)
• Critically examine John Rawls' Argument for democratic equality. (16/I/2c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: "Difference Principle in Rawls' Theory of Justice". (15/I/1(c)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: "Original position". (13/I/1(b)/10)

4.2 Liberty

• The nature of the relationship between equality of democratic citizenship and liberty of citizens is influenced by economic equality. Comment. (2024/I/2c/15)
• The debate on human rights is caught between the limitations of both universalism and cultural relativism. Comment. (2024/I/3a/20)
• Deliberative democracy seeks to promote democratic decision-making about public issues among the citizens. Discuss. (2024/I/3b/15)
• Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain. (2023/I/2a/20)
• Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyse this statement in the context of equality. (2023/I/3b/15)
• Equality of estates caused equality of power and equality of power is liberty.” Comment. (2022/I/2b/15)
• Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as the ‘rule of the people’. Elucidate. (2022/I/2c/15)
• Comment in about 150 words: Affirmative action. (2021/I/1b/10)
• Comment in about 150 words: Equality of outcome as a political idea. (2021/I/1c/10)
• Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. (2021/I/2c/15)
• "Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain. (2021/I/4c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Equality of opportunity. (20/I/1b/10)
• Representative democracy ...... means the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J. S. Mill). Comment. (20/I/2b/15)
• Assess the significance of right to property in political theory. (20/I/2c/15)
• Discuss the doctrine of 'rights as trumps'. (19/I/4b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Substantive Democracy. (18/I/1d/10)
• Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment. (18/I/2c/15)
• What do you understand by the generations of Human Rights?. (18/I/3a/20)
• Critically examine Macpherson’s views on Democracy. (18/I/3b/15)
• What do you understand by Multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh's views on Multiculturalism. (17/I/3(a)/20)
• Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation and participatory democracy does not have its credence without deliberations. Comment. (17/I/3b/15)
• Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx's notion of freedom. (17/I/3c/15)
• "The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States." Comment. (16/I/3c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Idea of Natural Rights. (15/I/1(a)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy. (15/I/1d/10)
• Comment in 150 words: "India has thrown up a form of judicial democracy that has no parallel anywhere else, and has nurtured a kind of civil society that is uniquely its own." (Bhikhu Parekh). (14/I/1d/10)
• How is liberty a precondition for equality? Explicate the relationship between equality and liberty. (14/I/3(c)/15)
• Analyse the relation between natural rights and human rights. (13/I/3(a)/20)
• Explain Berlin's notion of value pluralism. (13/I/4(a)/20)
• Comment on the difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. (150 words). (12/I/1b/12)
• Comment on issues of debate in contemporary democratic theory. (150 words). (12/I/1e/12)
• Examine the multi-cultural perspectives on rights. (12/I/2c/25)
• Why is 'affirmative action' important in provision of equal opportunity?. (12/I/3c/20)
• Examine the 'Participatory Model of Democracy'. (11/I/4b/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Comment in 150 words: Multicultural perspective on rights. (2023/I/1b/10)
• Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society, and the State. Comment. (2022/I/3b/15)
• Discuss the doctrine of ‘rights as trumps’. (19/I/4b/15)
• What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights?. (18/I/3a/20)
• What do you understand by Multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh’s views on Multiculturalism. (17/I/3a/20)
• Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx's notion of freedom. (2017/I/3c/15)
• “The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States.” Comment. (16/I/3c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: 'Difference Principle' in Rawls' Theory of Justice. (15/I/1(c)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Idea of Natural Rights. (15/I/1a/10)

Chapter 5 · Democracy

5.0 General

• Comment in about 150 words: Tools of legitimation of the State. (2021/I/1d/10)
• Examine the nature and meaning of power. (20/I/3b/15)
• According to Gramsci, ‘hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent’. Comment. (19/I/3a/20)
• Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy. (18/I/3c/15)
• Discuss Hannah Arendt’s analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes. (16/I/4a/20)
• Discuss the ‘crisis of legitimacy’ in capitalist societies. (Habermas). (15/I/4(a)/20)
• Discuss Gramsci’s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’. (15/I/4(b)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: "Power is never the property of an individual; it belongs to a group and remains in existence only so long as the group keeps together." (Hannah Arendt). (14/I/1(e)/10)
• Examine the conditions that are required for the maintenance of legitimacy in modern societies. (14/I/2(b)/15)
• Explain, as per Gramsci, the distinction between hegemony and domination. (13/I/2(c)/15)
• Comment on Hannah Arendt’s conception of the ‘political’. (150 words). (12/I/1d/12)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Deliberative democracy seeks to promote democratic decision-making about public issues among the citizens. Discuss. (2024/I/3b/15)
• Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain. (2023/I/2a/20)
• Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as the ‘rule of the people’. Elucidate. (2022/I/2c/15)
• "Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain. (2021/I/4c/15)
• Representative democracy ... means the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J. S. Mill). Comment. (20/I/2b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Substantive Democracy. (18/I/1d/10)
• Critically examine Macpherson's views on Democracy. (18/I/3b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy. (15/I/1(d)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: "India has thrown up a form of judicial democracy that has no parallel anywhere else, and has nurtured a kind of civil society that is uniquely its own." (Bhikhu Parekh). (14/I/1(d)/10)

Chapter 6 · Power

6.0 General

• Comment in 150 words: Linkage between Power and Hegemony. (2024/I/1e/10)
• “Legitimacy adds positive value to political authority and obligation.” Discuss. (2024/I/4a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Foucault’s concept of power. (2023/I/1d/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Bases of Power. (2022/I/1d/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Comment in about 150 words: Tools of legitimation of the State. (2021/I/1d/10)
• Examine the nature and meaning of power. (20/I/3b/15)
• According to Gramsci, ‘hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent’. Comment. (19/I/3a/20)
• Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy. (18/I/3c/15)
• Discuss Hannah Arendt’s analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes. (16/I/4a/20)
• Discuss the ‘crisis of legitimacy’ in capitalist societies. (Habermas). (15/I/4(a)/20)
• Discuss Gramsci’s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’. (15/I/4(b)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: “Power is never the property of an individual; it belongs to a group and remains in existence only so long as the group keeps together.” (Hannah Arendt). (14/I/1(e)/10)
• Examine the conditions that are required for the maintenance of legitimacy in modern societies. (14/I/2(b)/15)

Chapter 7 · Indian Political Thought

7.0 General

• Dharmashastra presents a duty-centric worldview for individuals and communities. Comment. (2024/I/3c/15)
• Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain. (2023/I/4a/20)
• Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. (2021/I/4a/20)
• Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought. (20/I/3c/15)
• Discuss Kautilya's views on the elements of the State. (19/I/3b/15)
• What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya. (17/I/4c/15)
• Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought. (14/I/2(c)/15)
• Examine the significance of Dharma in ancient Indian political thought. (13/I/3(b)/15)
• Analyse, as per Kautilya, the Saptanga theory of the state. (13/I/4(b)/15)

7.2 Aurobindo Ghose

• Sri Aurobindo’s idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social political and cultural history. Analyse. (2023/I/4c/15)
• According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal. Comment. (150 words). (17/I/1a/10)
• Discuss Shri Aurobindo’s views on Culture Nationalism. (16/I/3a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: "Nationalism is not a mere political programme but a way of life like religion." (Aurobindo Ghose). (14/I/1(c)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Sri Aurobindo’s "idea of freedom". (13/I/1(d)/10)

7.3 M.N.Roy

• Manabendra Nath Roy's political thought highlighted the humanistic aspects of Marxism. Discuss. (2024/I/4c/15)
• Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M.N. Roy’s thought. (12/I/2b/15)

7.4 Gandhi

• The blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understanding the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss. (2024/I/7b/15)
• Examine Gandhi’s critique of ‘Modernisation’. (16/I/4c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Gandhi’s Views on State. (15/I/1(e)/10)
• Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self-governance. (12/I/4a/20)

7.5 B.R. Ambedkar

• Dr. Ambedkar’s idea of social justice leads to ‘egalitarian justice’ as compared to Rawls’ ‘justice as fairness’ which aims at the notion of ‘pure procedural justice’. Comment. (2022/I/4a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Ambedkar’s ideas on constitutionalism. (20/I/1d/10)
• Discuss Ambedkar’s ideas on ‘annihilation of caste’. (18/I/4b/15)
• Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base - B.R. Ambedkar. Comment. (17/I/4a/20)
• Examine Ambedkar’s critique of Marxism. (13/I/2(b)/15)

7.6 Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

• "When a nation becomes devoid of arts and learning, it invites poverty." (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In the light of this statement, assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer in modern India. (2021/I/3b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer. (13/I/1(e)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Comment in 150 words: Ambedkar's ideas on constitutionalism. (20/I/1d/10)
• Discuss Ambedkar's ideas on ‘annihilation of caste’. (18/I/3b/15)
• Examine Gandhi's critique of ‘Modernisation’. (16/I/4c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Gandhi's Views on State. (15/I/1(e)/10)

PAPER I-B · Indian Government & Politics

Chapter 8 · Indian Nationalism

8.0 General

• Comment in 150 words: Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism. (2023/I/5d/10)
• The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement. Comment. (17/I/5a/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement. (15/I/5(b)/10)
• Comment on the efficacy of Satyagraha as a moral resistance to colonial rule. (150 words). (12/I/5a/12)
• Comment on views of Gandhi and Ambedkar on ‘social justice’. (11/I/1(d)/15)

8.2 Militant and Revolutionary Movements

• Trace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian national movement. (20/I/6b/15)

8.3 Peasants and Workers’ Movements

• Discuss the contribution of the Dalit struggle to establish egalitarianism in Indian society during the freedom movement. (2024/I/7a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution. (2023/I/5a/10)
• Analyse the workers’ movement in India in the pre-Independence period. (2022/I/5a/10)
• National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss. (19/I/6a/20)
• Explain how peasant movements promoted nationalist ideas during the struggle for Indian independence. (14/I/6(c)/15)
• Comment on Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. (150 words). (12/I/5e/12)
• Discuss the extent to which the Indian Constitution reflects successful reconciliation of alternative perspectives. (12/I/6a/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Analyse the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement. (150 words). (2021/I/5d/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Role of Socialists in Indian National Movement. (20/I/5b/10)
• Dalit perspective on Indian national movement. Discuss. (19/I/5b/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Revolt of 1857 as ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ or ‘First War of Independence’. (18/I/5a/10)
• Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement. (16/I/5a/10)

Chapter 9 · Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

9.0 General

• Comment in 150 words: Constitutional morality in the Indian Constitution. (2024/I/5a/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution. (2023/I/5a/10)
• The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution has enhanced the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court. Examine. (2022/I/6b/15)
• “The basic structure doctrine is implicit in the Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit form.” Comment. (19/I/8a/20)
• Whether judicial activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India? Discuss. (18/I/6a/20)
• Differentiate parliamentary supremacy from parliamentary sovereignty. Would you consider the Indian Parliament as a Sovereign Parliament? Examine. (17/I/6a/20)
• Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the protection of Environment. (16/I/8c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: 99th Amendment of the Indian Constitution. (15/I/5(c)/10)
• Discuss the efficacy of judicial review in India. (15/I/6(a)/20)

9.2 Preamble

• Comment in 150 words: Objective Resolution of the Constituent Assembly. (2024/I/5b/10)
• The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects itself as a ‘social contract’. Elucidate. (2022/I/5b/10)
• "The Constitution makers faced the great task of forging a common national identity in the face of unparalleled social and cultural diversity in India." Comment. (2021/I/5b/10)
• In the light of neo-economic policies adopted since 1991, examine the relevance of the term ‘socialist’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. (15/I/7(a)/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Significance of the Preamble. (13/I/5(b)/10)

9.3 Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

• Comment in 150 words: Legal remedies in Part III of the Constitution of India. (2024/I/5c/10)
• The main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain. (2023/I/7b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Indian Constitution is a ‘Lawyers’ Paradise’. - Ivor Jennings. (18/I/5b/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Secularism in the Indian Constitution. (15/I/5(a)/10)
• Discuss the ‘Right to Education’ and the concerns raised by it. (15/I/7(c)/15)
• What are the provisions for constitutional protection of right to freedom of religion and how far have they succeeded in promoting secularism in India?. (14/I/8(b)/15)
• Analyse the significance of Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. (13/I/6(b)/15)

9.4 Directive Principles of State Policy

• How far do you agree that the Directive Principles of State Policy are more fundamental than the Fundamental Rights in meeting socio-economic justice as mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution?. (2024/I/6a/20)
• “Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the Constitution and judicial interventions.” Comment. (2021/I/6a/20)
• Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an era of liberalization and globalization. (19/I/8c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Increasingly higher focus on Directive Principles of State Policy. (14/I/5(c)/10)
• Analyse the position of Prime Minister of India in a coalition regime. (13/I/7(c)/15)
• Examine the relevance of Directive Principles in the era of liberalisation and globalization. (12/I/6a/30)
• Examine the significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in achieving the goal of socio-economic justice. (11/I/6a/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the Constitution and judicial interventions." Comment. (2021/I/6a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Right to Constitutional remedies in India. (20/I/5c/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Judicial overreach in India. (20/I/5d/10)
• "The basic structure doctrine is implicit in the Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit form." Comment. (19/I/8a/20)
• Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life. Comment. (17/I/5(b)/10)
• Judiciary has acquired the role of both a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. (17/I/8a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: The purpose of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economic and social democracy explicitly visible. (16/I/5d/10)
• Discuss the 'Right to Education' and the concerns raised by it. (15/I/7(c)/15)

Chapter 10 · Principal Organs of Government

10.0 General

• The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain. (2021/I/6b/15)
• Has the thrust of government tilted towards executive in contemporary Indian Politics? Give your arguments. (20/I/7b/15)
• Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss. (19/I/8b/15)
• How is the President of India elected? Outline the salient characteristics of the electoral college of the Indian President. (17/I/7b/15)

10.2 The Bureaucracy - Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy

• Analyse the arguments in favour and against the lateral entry into higher civil services in India. (18/I/7b/15)

10.3 Legislature: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Committees

• Comment in 150 words: Relevance of the Legislative Council. (2024/I/5d/10)
• Legislative Council is a house without any effective powers. Comment. (2022/I/5c/10)
• The Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine. (2022/I/7b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Decline of Indian Parliament. (13/I/5(c)/10)

10.4 Principal Organs of the State Government

• The blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understanding the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss. (2024/I/7b/15)
• Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system is a forum which gives expression to the collective wisdom, aspirations, and the will of the people. Comment. (2024/I/8c/15)
• Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer. (2023/I/8c/15)
• Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court. (2021/I/8b/15)
• Whether judicial activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India? Discuss. (18/I/6a/20)
• Do the lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the States? Explain. (18/I/6b/15)
• Judiciary has acquired the role of both a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. (17/I/8a/20)
• Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times. (16/I/6b/15)
• Critically analyse the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution. (15/I/6(b)/15)
• Examine the role of Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies in deepening democracy in India. (15/I/8(a)/20)
• Examine the debates on the appointment procedure of judges to the higher judiciary in India. (14/I/7(b)/15)
• Explain how the participation of women impacted the functioning of rural local bodies in India. (14/I/7(c)/15)
• Examine the role of Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Indian Constitution. (13/I/6(c)/15)
• Examine the changing structures of Panchayati Raj institutions with special reference to the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act. (13/I/8(c)/15)
• Comment on judicial activism and social change. (150 words). (12/I/5b/12)
• In normal conditions, the Governor is a constitutional executive but in case of constitutional crisis, he can become a powerful and effective executive. Discuss. (11/I/6(b)/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "The Constitution makers faced the great task of forging a common national identity in the face of unparalleled social and cultural diversity in India." Comment. (150 words). (2021/I/5b/10)
• Judiciary has acquired the role of both, a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. (17/I/8a/20)
• Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times. (16/I/7b/15)

Chapter 11 · Grassroot Democracy

11.2 Significance of 73rd and 74th Amendments

• To what extent have the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution enhanced women's empowerment?. (20/I/6c/15)
• Political decentralisation has not been matched by administrative decentralisation at the grassroots level. Explain. (19/I/5d/10)
• Comment in 150 words: New Panchayat Raj is an effective instrument for women empowerment. (18/I/5c/10)
• Examine the provisions of Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA), 1996. (18/I/7a/20)
• Has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowered women in panchayats in India? Discuss. (17/I/6b/15)

11.3 Grassroot Movements

• Comment in 150 words: Women's role in anti-arrack movement. (2024/I/5e/10)
• "Relative deprivation is a major source of ethnic conflict." Elaborate the statement with relevant examples. (2024/I/8b/15)
• Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralisation? Give your views. (2021/I/6c/15)
• Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission. (16/I/8b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: The role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting good governance. (14/I/5(e)/10)
• Discuss the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to curb violence against Dalits. (14/I/6(a)/20)
• Comment on Role of National Commission for Women in India. (150 words). (12/I/5c/12)

Further questions (from solved section)

• The blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understanding the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss. (2024/I/7b/15)
• Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system is a forum which gives expression to the collective wisdom, aspirations, and the w ill of the people. Comment. (2024/I/8c/15)
• Examine the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in deepening of democracy in India. (15/I/8(a)/20)
• Explain how the participation of women impacted the functioning of rural local bodies in India. (14/I/7(c)/15)

Chapter 12 · Statutory Institutions/Commissions and Federalism

12.0 General

• Explain the structure and functions of the National Commission for Women. (2024/I/6b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: National Commission for Minorities. (2023/I/5e/10)
• "The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India." Explain. (2021/I/8a/20)
• Examine the role and functioning of the Election Commission of India and the Comptroller and Auditor General in the last two decades. (20/I/6a/20)
• The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India enhances the accountability of the Government and serves as the watchdog of the finances of the Government. Explain. (19/I/7b/15)
• Discuss, in brief, the role of the National Commission for Women. Do you think it is a toothless organization?. (19/I/7c/15)
• Examine the role of the National Commission for Minorities in preserving, promoting, and protecting the rights of minorities in India. (17/I/7c/15)

12.2 Federalism

• Discuss the policy initiatives of the Fourteenth Finance Commission aimed towards promoting and strengthening agricultural development in India. (2022/I/7c/15)
• Do you think that there has been a gradual shift in the basis on which the demands for the creation of new States have been raised in different regions of India? Explain. (2021/I/7b/15)
• Does the functioning of the federalism in India tend to make it appear as a unitary state in practice?. (20/I/7a/20)
• Despite constitutional mandate, the Inter-State Council has not come of age. Discuss. (19/I/5c/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Implementation of GST and NEET is a major challenge to Indian federalism. (18/I/5d/10)
• Discuss asymmetrical federalism in India. (18/I/7c/15)
• Indian federation has moved from cooperative federation to competitive federation. Comment. (17/I/5c/10)
• In the post-liberalization era Indian politics is moving from ascriptive politics to developmental politics. Comment. (17/I/5e/10)
• What do you understand by Green Revolution? Do you think that a Second Green Revolution is needed to adequately address the agrarian challenge in contemporary India? Examine. (17/I/8b/15)
• Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India. (16/I/6a/20)
• Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment. (16/I/7a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Structure and Function of NITI Aayog. (15/I/5(d)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: Cooperative Federalism in India. (15/I/5(e)/10)
• Identify the contested areas in Centre-State relations in India. (15/I/7(b)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Gandhian perspective of development and its contemporary relevance. (13/I/5(d)/10)
• "Cooperative federalism produces a strong central, or general government, yet it does not necessarily result in weak provincial governments that are largely administrative agencies for central policies. Indian federalism has demonstrated this." (Granville Austin) Examine the uniqueness of Indian federalism in the light of the above statement. (13/I/7(a)/20)
• Comment on Demands for the creation of new States in India. (150 words). (12/I/5d/12)
• Critically examine Green Revolution as a strategy for sustainable agricultural development. (12/I/7b/30)
• Examine the efficacy of available mechanisms for resolving inter-State disputes in India. (12/I/8a/30)
• Critically examine and comment on the assertion in about 200 words: "It is not constitutional law but political factors that ultimately determine Centre-States relations in India.". (11/I/7(a)/20)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss. (19/I/8b/15)
• Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission. (16/I/8b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: The role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting good governance. (14/I/5(e)/10)

Chapter 13 · Planning and Economic Development

13.0 General

• The legacy of the Planning Commission still has a bearing on India's development policies. Discuss. (2024/I/6c/15)
• How does NITI Aayog as a ‘policy think tank with shared vision’ visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer. (2023/I/6b/15)
• High concentration of economic activities and consumption patterns in the post-liberalization period has led to the failure of environmental movements in India. Elucidate. (2022/I/5e/10)
• What explains India's modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the initiation of economic reforms?. (2021/I/7c/15)
• ‘Liberalisation of Indian Economy has not been accompanied with adequate reforms’. Comment. (20/I/7c/15)
• What has been the political fallout of the Green Revolution in India? Explain. (19/I/6b/15)
• Examine the various causes of agrarian crisis in India. (18/I/8a/20)
• Comment in 150 words: Marginalization of the left ideology in India. (14/I/5d/10)
• Discuss the nature of reforms of the electoral process in India and explain the further scope for reforms. (14/I/7a/20)
• Explain to what extent the concept of "one-party dominance" (W.H. Morris-Jones) model is relevant in Indian politics today. (13/I/7b/15)
• Examine the impact of coalition politics on Indian political system. (12/I/7a/30)
• Examine the changing pattern of electoral behaviour in India. (11/I/8b/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Comment in 150 words: Environmentalism of the poor. (2023/I/5b/10)
• In the post-liberalization era, Indian politics is moving from ascriptive politics to developmental politics. Comment. (17/I/5e/10)
• What do you understand by Green Revolution? Do you think that a Second Green Revolution is needed to adequately address the agrarian challenge in contemporary India? Examine. (17/I/8b/15)
• Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India. (16/I/6a/20)
• Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment. (16/I/7a/20)

Chapter 14 · Party System and Social Movement

14.0 General

• Critically assess the role of pressure groups in the decision-making process of the government. (2024/I/7c/15)
• The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment. (2023/I/8a/20)
• The decade 1989-1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era. (2023/I/8b/15)
• Electoral behaviour of voters is governed more by social and economic factors than political factors. Explain. (2022/I/6a/20)
• How far is it correct that the regional parties have strengthened the Indian democracy and federal system? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. (2022/I/8c/15)
• "The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country's federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages." Explain. (2021/I/7a/20)
• To what extent has the inadequate intra-party democracy affected the functioning of Indian Democracy?. (20/I/8a/20)
• The changing socio-economic profile of our legislators does not augur well for the health of Indian democracy. Comment. (19/I/6c/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Political personalities are more significant than political parties in India. (18/I/5e/10)
• Explain the increasing role of regional political parties in the national politics. (18/I/8b/15)
• State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening electoral democracy in India. Comment. (17/I/5d/15)
• India has moved from 'one-party dominant system' to 'one-party led coalition'. Discuss. (17/I/7a/20)
• Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to coalition politics in national politics. (16/I/6c/15)
• "Identity politics has trumped development politics in India." Comment. (15/I/6c/15)
• Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in contemporary India. (15/I/8c/15)
• Explain how pressure groups have been influencing public policy-making with suitable illustrations. (14/I/8a/20)
• Account for the changes in the socio-economic profile of legislators during last one decade in India. (14/I/8c/15)

14.2 Social Movement

• Dr. Ambedkar’s clarion call “Educate Agitate and Organize” strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss. (2023/I/7c/15)
• High concentration of economic activities and consumption patterns in the post-liberalization period has led to the failure of environmental movements in India. Elucidate. (2022/I/5e/10)
• Ethnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North -East region of India. Comment. (2022/I/8a/20)
• Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India. (2021/I/8c/15)
• Discuss the political economy approach to the comparative analysis of politics. (150 words). (2021/II/1a/10)
• Examine the nature of the civil liberty movement in India. (20/I/8c/15)
• Critically analyse the environmentalist movement in Tuticorin, Tamilnadu. (18/I/8c/15)
• Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics. (18/II/1a/10)
• Discuss the Right to information and underline challenges being posed before it. (16/I/7c/15)
• Critically examine the Marxist aspect of the political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. (16/II/1a/10)
• Which are the major approaches of comparative politics? Explain in brief the political economy approach to the study of comparative inquiry. (15/II/1(a)/10)
• Comment in 150 words: The dilemmas of the human rights movements in India. (14/I/5a/10)
• Examine the scope and limitations of women's movements in India. (14/I/6b/15)
• Comment in 150 words: Compare and contrast Chipko Movement with Narmada Bachao Andolan. (13/I/5e/10)
• Discuss the impact of environmentalist movements on government policies in recent years. (12/I/8b/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Discuss the role of environmental movements in shaping the environmental governance in India. (2024/I/8a/20)
• Dr. Ambedkar’s clarion call, “Educate, Agitate and Organize”, strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss. (2023/I/7c/15)
• State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening electoral democracy in India. Comment. (17/I/5d/10)
• Discuss the Right to Information and underline challenges being posed before it. (16/I/7c/15)
• "Identity politics has trumped development politics in India." Comment. (15/I/6(c)/15)
• Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in contemporary India. (15/I/8(c)/15)
• Comment in 150 words: The dilemmas of the human rights movements in India. (14/I/5(a)/10)
• Examine the scope and limitations of women’s movements in India. (14/I/6(b)/15)
• Discuss the nature of reforms of the electoral process in India and explain the further scope for reforms. (14/I/7(a)/20)
• Explain how pressure groups have been influencing public policy-making with suitable illustrations. (14/I/8(a)/20)
• Account for the changes in the socio-economic profile of legislators during last one decade in India. (14/I/8(c)/15)

PAPER II-A · Comparative Politics & International Relations

Chapter 15 · Comparative Politics: Nature and Approaches

15.2 Political Sociology Perspective

• Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in the field of comparative politics and discuss its limitations. (17/II/1a/10)
• Elucidate the transdisciplinary nature of modern comparative politics and identify the contributions of political sociologists towards this goal. (200 words). (12/II/3d/15)

15.3 Limitations of Comparative Methods

• What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory Comparative Politics?. (23/II/1a/10)
• Discuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science. (22/II/1a/10)
• Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis. (20/II/1a/10)
• Examine the significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its limitations. (19/II/2a/20)

15.4 Other Perspectives and Approaches

• Discuss the interpretive approach to the study of comparative politics. (2024/II/1a/10)
• What are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in the advanced capitalist economies? Analyse. (2024/II/2b/15)
• What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?. (23/II/1b/10)
• The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world's largest democracy as an exceptional case?. (2021/II/4a/20)
• Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21st century. (18/II/1b/10)
• "A combination of internal pressures (Ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, Global market, etc.) has produced what is commonly referred to as a 'crisis of the nation-state'." Elaborate. (16/II/1e/10)
• "Examining political phenomena through a process of cross-global investigation has become the fundamental function of Comparative Politics." Discuss. (150 words). (12/II/1a/12)
• "Structural-functional approach to political analysis focuses more on status-quoism, and less on change." Elucidate. (11/II/3a/30)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Discuss the political economy approach to the comparative analysis of politics.(150 words). (2021/II/1a/10)
• Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics. (18/II/1a/10)
• Critically examine the Marxist aspect of the political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. (16/II/1a/10)
• Which are the major approaches of comparative politics? Explain in brief the political economy approach to the study of comparative inquiry. (15/II/1(a)/10)

Chapter 16 · The Evolving State

16.2 State Forms and Functions in Diverse Economic Systems

• Critically examine the role of political parties in sustaining and stabilising democracies in the developing societies. (2024/II/3b/15)
• Explain the impact of electoral systems and cleavages in shaping party systems with reference to developing countries. (2021/II/3a/20)
• Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether new social movements shall be an alternative strategy for establishing a link between government and society. (16/II/1b/10)
• Do you subscribe to the view that the modern constructs of the State and politics are pre-eminently Eurocentric and not indigenous and appropriate for the analysis of non-western societies?. (15/II/1(b)/10)
• Party system in India is neither western nor indigenous. Explain. (14/II/1(a)/10)
• 'A minimal State ensures maximum of Individual Liberty.' Examine the concept of Minimal State. (200 words). (13/II/8(b)/15)
• Examine the significance of ideological and policy aspects in the structural growth of modern political parties. (250 words). (12/II/4c/20)
• "Nations and States have become virtually synonymous." Elucidate. (200 words). (12/II/7c/15)

Further questions (from solved section)

• What are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in the advanced capitalist economies? Analyse. (2024/II/2b/15)
• What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?. (23/II/1b/10)
• The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world's largest democracy as an exceptional case?. (2021/II/4a/20)
• Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21st century. (18/II/1b/10)
• "A combination of internal pressures (Ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, Global market, etc.) has produced what is commonly referred to as a 'crisis of the nation-state'." Elaborate. (16/II/1e/10)

Chapter 17 · Politics of Representation and Participation

17.2 Pressure Groups

• "Political parties and pressure groups are sine qua non of democracy." Comment. (150 words). (2021/II/1b/10)
• Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your opinion. (16/II/4c/15)
• What is the difference between Interest Groups and Pressure Groups? Are the Pressure Groups in India in a position to fully protect or promote the interests of their members?. (15/II/1(e)/10)
• Evaluate the nature and distinction of anomic and associational interest groups in the pressure politics of developing countries. (200 words). (12/II/3c/15)

17.3 Social Movements in Advanced Industrial and Developing Societies

• "Deglobalisation is displacing globalisation." Comment. (2024/II/2a/20)
• Discuss the major recent social movements related to the physical rights of women in various countries of the world. (2024/II/3a/20)
• How does democratic politics construct citizenship?. (23/II/1c/10)
• How has electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?. (22/II/2a/20)
• Discuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processes in developing societies. (22/II/2b/15)
• What is globalisation? Why is there an intense debate about globalisation and its consequences?. (2021/II/3b/15)
• Analyse the contribution of liberal democratic principles in the democratization of Indian polity. (20/II/1b/10)
• Has the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of developing societies strengthened democracy or created political chaos and conflict? Comment. (20/II/1c/10)
• Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the Global South. (20/II/1d/10)
• Explain the reasons for low voter turnout in democratic countries with suitable examples. (19/II/2b/15)
• How big a role does identity play in determining political participation in developing countries? Discuss your answer with suitable illustrations. (18/II/1c/10)
• Critically examine the Globalisation in the past 25 years from the perspective of the Western world. (17/II/1b/10)
• Examine the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) movement in developed societies and how it is affecting political participation in developing societies. (17/II/1c/10)
• Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the state. (16/II/1c/10)
• Is globalization essentially a process of 'universalisation' of capitalist modernity?. (15/II/1(d)/10)
• How is it that economic and neo-liberal globalization is being interrogated from inside even in developed countries? What are the economic consequences of such globalization?. (15/II/4(c)/15)
• In what respect is the new social movement new in nature? Discuss. (14/II/1(b)/10)
• What is 'global village'? Elaborate its main characteristics and also the factors that contributed to its growth. (14/II/4(b)/15)
• Is the rise of social movements a sign of opening up of popular space in the political process or decline of representative politics? Examine. (200 words). (13/II/4(a)/20)
• How did the struggle for representation increase the level and quality of democracy in the industrial societies? (150 words). (12/II/1b/12)
• How would you describe the contemporary worlds beyond the languages of 'North/South' and 'Developed/Developing'? Is the present transformation driven by the domestic compulsions, or external overall crisis of the global economy?. (12/II/6a/20)
• What is 'New Social Movement' (NSM)? Explain the main challenges of the NSM in the developing countries. (11/II/1b/20)
• Examine the nature and dynamics of contemporary globalization. (11/II/1c/20)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Critically examine the role of political parties in sustaining and stabilising democracies in the developing societies. (2024/II/3b/15)
• Explain the impact of electoral systems and cleavages in shaping party systems with reference to developing countries. (2021/II/3a/20)
• Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether new social movements shall be an alternative strategy for establishing a link between government and society. (16/II/1b/10)
• Party system in India is neither western nor indigenous. Explain. (14/II/1(a)/10)

Chapter 18 · Globalisation: Response from Developing and Developed Societies

18.0 General

• Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance. (2024/II/1d/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "Deglobalisation is displacing globalisation." Comment. (2024/II/2a/20)
• What is globalisation? Why is there an intense debate about globalisation and its consequences?. (2021/II/3b/15)
• Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the Global South. (20/II/1d/10)
• Critically examine the Globalisation in the past 25 years from the perspective of the Western world. (17/II/1b/10)
• Discuss the impact of globalisation on the internal functioning of the state. (16/II/1c/10)
• Is globalisation essentially a process of ‘universalisation’ of capitalist modernity?. (15/II/1(d)/10)
• How is it that economic and neo-liberal globalisation is being interrogated from inside even in developed countries? What are the economic consequences of such globalisation?. (15/II/4(c)/15)
• What is ‘global village’? Elaborate its main characteristics and also the factors that contributed to its growth. (14/II/4(b)/15)

Chapter 19 · Approaches to Study International Relations

19.2 Realist

• Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approaches to the study of International Politics. (2022/II/1c/10)
• Discuss the emergence of neo-realism and its basic tenets. (2021/II/2b/15)
• Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. (18/II/1d/10)
• Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism. (17/II/2a/20)
• Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J. Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best suited for analysing international relations after the Cold War?. (15/II/1(c)/10)
• Examine major principles of State centric world views. (200 words). (13/II/6(a)/20)
• What are the great debates between 'classical' and 'modern' realists? Is there any thin line of continuity between these two traditions? (250 words). (12/II/2a/20)

19.3 Liberalism

• In what ways does the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?. (23/II/2c/15)

19.4 Marxism

• "Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post-cold war era." Comment. (150 words). (2021/II/1c/10)
• Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization. (19/II/3a/20)
• How does Marxist approach explain contemporary International Relations? (200 words). (13/II/6(b)/15)
• Does the perspective of Dependency Theory offer a robust critique on the nature of mainstream development process taking place in Africa and Latin America? (250 words). (12/II/2b/20)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance. (2024/II/1d/10)
• Is Realist Approach the b/est method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism. (17/II/2a/20)

Chapter 20 · Game Theory and Decision Making Theory

20.0 General

• Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations. (18/II/4c/15)
• Examine the World Systems Approach as developed by Immanuel Wallerstein. (17/II/4c/15)
• Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations. (16/II/1d/10)
• "Morton A. Kaplan’s system theory is contrary to the fundamental precepts of systems approach." Comment. (14/II/3(c)/15)
• ‘Building ‘peace by pieces’ is the basis of functionalism’. Elaborate. (200 words). (13/II/7(c)/15)
• Explain the use of systems approach in international relations and examine the relevance of Kaplan's system analysis. (11/II/3b/30)

Chapter 21 · Functionalist and System Theory

21.0 General

• "The Gramscian theory of hegemony provides many valuable insights into the nature of global power." Comment. (2024/II/4a/20)
• "The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency." Explain. (2021/II/2a/20)
• What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building. (20/II/1e/10)
• What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics. (18/II/1e/10)
• Discuss the main factors that have contributed to the gradual transformation of the world from 'Billiard Ball Model' to 'Cobweb Model'. (14/II/4(c)/15)
• Do you agree that liberal international theories are essentially 'Eurocentric' and not necessarily imperialist? (150 words). (12/II/1c/12)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations. (18/II/4c/15)
• Examine the World Systems Approach as developed by Immanuel Wallerstein. (17/II/4c/15)
• Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations. (16/II/1d/10)
• "Morton A. Kaplan's system theory is contrary to the fundamental precepts of systems approach." Comment. (14/II/3(c)/15)

Chapter 22 · Global Political Dynamics

22.0 General

• Comment in 150 words: National Interest is an essentially contested concept. (22/II/1e/10)
• Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest. (16/II/4a/20)
• ‘National Interests are Dynamic’. Identify the dynamic nature of National Interests in the contemporary world politics with suitable examples. (200 words). (13/II/6(c)/15)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "The Gramscian theory of hegemony provides many valuable insights into the nature of global power." Comment. (2024/II/4a/20)
• "The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency." Explain. (2021/II/2a/20)
• What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building. (20/II/1e/10)
• What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics. (18/II/1e/10)
• Discuss the main factors that have contributed to the gradual transformation of the world from 'Billiard Ball Model' to 'Cobweb Model'. (14/II/4(c)/15)

Chapter 23 · Key Concepts in International Relations

23.2 Security and Power

• Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment. (22/II/3b/15)
• Critically assess the changing nature of the concept of national security. (14/II/2(c)/15)
• Is ‘terrorism’ an essentially ‘contested’ concept? What are the different manifestations of ‘terrorism’ as a concept, and as practice? (250 words). (12/II/2c/20)
• What constitutes ‘national security discourses’? How far have the IR Feminists questioned how ‘security’ has been problematised? (200 words). (12/II/3b/15)
• Is power a zero-sum or variable game in international relations? Can zero-sum game explain the mixture of conflict and cooperation of the present dynamics of international relations? (250 words). (12/II/6b/20)
• Examine the idea of a ‘balance’ between ‘security’ and ‘liberty’ in modern international politics. Do you think the liberal international order is more ‘security-friendly’? (250 words). (12/II/8c/20)
• What is comprehensive approach to national security?. (11/II/2a/20)
• Do you agree with the view that over-widening of the concept of ‘national security’ has made it a more amorphous concept? Discuss. (11/II/2b/40)

23.3 Balance of Power and Deterrence

• Comment in 150 words: Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. (22/II/1d/10)
• Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power?. (20/II/2a/20)
• Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan. (19/II/1a/10)
• Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world. (19/II/3b/15)
• “The notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion.” In the light of this quotation, do you think that the concept of balance of power is relevant?. (16/II/4b/15)
• Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a superpower war?. (15/II/2(b)/15)
• Why is the ‘polarity of power’ thesis less relevant and meaningful in the present architecture of ‘balance of power’? (150 words). (12/II/1e/12)
• How would you explain the future of ‘Nuclear Deterrence’? Do you think that ‘preventive war’ is a good substitute for Nuclear Deterrence? (250 words). (12/II/4b/20)

23.4 Transnational Actors and Collective Security

• What is ‘complex interdependence’? Discuss the role of transnational actors in the international system. (2021/II/2c/15)
• “Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate under development.” Discuss. (18/II/2c/15)
• “Transnational actors have become driving forces of global politics.” Elaborate. (200 words). (18/II/8(a)/20)
• Discuss the changing nature of modern state with reference to transnational actors. (17/II/2c/15)
• How do you explain the growing importance of multi-national corporations (MNCs) and civil society in contemporary international politics?. (14/II/4(a)/20)
• ‘Collective Security and Collective Defence are the institutional and State mechanisms to sustain the domination of powers that be in International politics.’ Elaborate. (200 words). (13/II/8(c)/15)
• Review the increasing role of Multi National Corporations in the policy making process of developing countries. (150 words). (12/II/1d/12)

23.5 World Capitalist Economy and Globalisation

• How has the development of Global Capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies?. (17/II/2b/15)

23.6 Diplomacy

• Discuss the consequences of Trump’s "America First" and Xi’s "Chinese Dream" on World Politics. (18/II/2(c)/15)
• "The development of advanced missile technology and nuclear threat by North Korea has challenged the American hegemony in South-East Asia." Evaluate the above statement in the context of recent developments in the region. (17/II/3(a)/20)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Explain the central tenets of the World-Systems Theory. (2024/II/1b/10)
• Comment in 150 words: National Interest is an essentially contested concept. (22/II/1e/10)
• Identify the benefits of a Multi-polar world. (19/II/3b/15)
• Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest. (16/II/4a/20)

Chapter 24 · Changing International Political Order

24.0 General

• During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a “Third force’ in World Politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy.” Discuss. (23/II/3a/20)
• Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment. (22/II/1d/10)
• Identify the major changes in the International Political economy in post Cold War period. (200 words). (13/II/3(c)/15)

24.3 Arms Race, Cold War and Nuclear Threat

• Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War Period. (16/II/2(c)/15)
• Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War. (16/II/3(b)/15)
• What does the pace of nuclear proliferation in post Cold War suggest? (150 words). (13/II/5(b)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• The expansionist tendencies of the current Russian regime indicate its intentions for the realisation of a Greater Russia on the lines of the Soviet era. Comment. (2024/II/1c/10)
• The changing global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with the global powers taking sides, have jeopardised the progress made towards disarmament in the past. Comment. (2024/II/1e/10)
• Discuss the consequences of Trump’s "America First" and Xi’s "Chinese Dream" on World Politics. (18/II/2(c)/15)
• "The development of advanced missile technology and nuclear threat by North Korea has challenged the American hegemony in South-East Asia." Evaluate the above statement in the context of recent developments in the region. (17/II/3(a)/20)

Chapter 25 · Global Crises

25.0 General

• "India has of late, chosen to debunk non-alignment in its pursuit of multi-alignment." Comment. (2024/II/7c/15)
• “During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a “Third force’ in World Politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy.” Discuss. (23/II/3a/20)
• Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries. (20/II/3a/20)
• Discuss the significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the Non-Western world to World Politics. (18/II/2a/20)
• Do you endorse the view that the end of Bipolarity and the rise of multiple regional organisations has made Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) more or less irrelevant?. (17/II/3b/15)
• Highlight the major features of Non-alignment 2.0 document. (200 words). (13/II/4(b)/15)
• Do you think that Iran’s 'victory' in the NAM on the nuclear issue has brought in a new debate on the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement? (250 words). (12/II/8a/20)

Chapter 26 · Non-alignment Movement

26.0 General

• Do you agree with the view that the USA uses NATO as a traditional tool of strategy to perpetuate its hegemony in the world?. (2024/II/3c/15)
• Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future?. (23/II/4c/15)
• Critically examine the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a great power and its implications on Asian Political order. (22/II/3a/20)
• Critically Examine the Decline of the United States of America as a Hegemon and Its Implications for the Changing International Political Order. (2021/II/3c/15)
• Discuss the Positive and Negative Impacts of the Soviet Union's Disintegration on Developing Nations. (16/II/7c/15)
• Discuss the Collapse of the Soviet Union and Its Impact on International Politics. (15/II/3(c)/15)
• Identify the Challenges to American Hegemony in Post-Soviet World (150 words). (13/II/5(a)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "India has of late, chosen to debunk non-alignment in its pursuit of multi-alignment." Comment. (2024/II/7c/15)
• “During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a “Third force’ in World Politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy.” Discuss. (23/II/3a/20)
• Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries. (20/II/3a/20)
• Discuss the significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the Non-Western world to World Politics. (18/II/2a/20)
• Do you endorse the view that the end of Bipolarity and the rise of multiple regional organisations has made Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) more or less irrelevant?. (17/II/3b/15)

Chapter 27 · Post Cold War World Order

27.2 Major Issues of World Politics

• The return of trade barriers and economic sanctions has diminished the spirit of GATT. In this context, discuss the factors contributing to the decline of WTO in recent times. (2024/II/4b/15)
• How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace?. (23/II/2c/15)
• Identify and evaluate the reasons for deadlock in the WTO negotiations on fisheries between the developing and developed countries. (22/II/4a/20)
• The Russian-Ukraine crisis has cast a dark shadow on the energy needs of the member states of the European Union (EU). Comment. (22/II/4c/15)
• Critically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO. (20/II/3b/15)
• “Ukraine Crisis is a Product of Power Politics and Geo-Politics.” Comment. (14/II/1(e)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Do you agree with the view that the USA uses NATO as a traditional tool of strategy to perpetuate its hegemony in the world?. (2024/II/3c/15)
• Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future?. (23/II/4c/15)
• Critically examine the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a great power and its implications on Asian Political order. (22/II/3a/20)
• Critically Examine the Decline of the United States of America as a Hegemon and Its Implications for the Changing International Political Order. (2021/II/3c/15)
• Discuss the Positive and Negative Impacts of the Soviet Union's Disintegration on Developing Nations. (16/II/7c/15)
• Discuss the Collapse of the Soviet Union and Its Impact on International Politics. (15/II/3(c)/15)

Chapter 28 · Transformations in the Global Economic Order

28.3 The Third World and the Quest for a New Economic Order

• Explain the significance and the importance of the demand raised by the developing countries for a New International Economic Order (NIEO). Are they likely to achieve their objectives of NIEO in foreseeable future?. (20/II/3c/15)
• How are the rising powers challenging the USA and Western dominance in the IMF and the World Bank?. (19/II/4a/20)
• “The IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of TNCs, Banks and investment firms in a ‘New Imperial age’.” Substantiate with examples of governance of new world order. (16/II/3a/20)
• Explain the concept of the North-South divide and suggest how structural inequalities between the high wage, high investment industrial North and low wage, low investment predominantly rural South can be reduced. (16/II/7b/15)

28.4 The Globalisation of the World Economy

• Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world. (23/II/4a/20)
• What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms? (150 words). (2021/II/1d/10)
• Discuss the significance and the urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reform proposals made by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for the developing countries. (20/II/4a/20)
• In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect the decision-making?. (19/II/1c/10)
• Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030?. (19/II/1e/10)
• Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes. (19/II/2c/15)
• Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones. (18/II/3a/20)
• Do you agree with the view that despite the limitations in the functioning of the UN, it has distinguished and unique achievements to its credit?. (17/II/3c/15)
• Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient improvements. (16/II/2b/15)
• What are the real objectives of Millennium Development Goals (MDG)? Do you think that millennium development goals have been able to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation and sustainable development?. (15/II/2(c)/15)
• How far are the world governance mechanisms, dominated by IMF and World Bank, legitimate and relevant? What measures do you suggest to improve their effectiveness in global governance?. (15/II/3(b)/15)
• Has the reform of the economic and social arrangements of the United Nations been effective?. (15/II/4(a)/20)
• Do you agree that the U.N. has failed to contain transnational terrorism? Elaborate your answer with examples. (14/II/1(c)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• The return of trade barriers and economic sanctions has diminished the spirit of GATT. In this context, discuss the factors contributing to the decline of WTO in recent times. (2024/II/4b/15)
• Identify and evaluate the reasons for deadlock in the WTO negotiations on fisheries between the developing and developed countries. (22/II/4a/20)
• Critically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO. (20/II/3b/15)
• "The IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of TNCs, Banks and investment firms in a 'New Imperial age'." Substantiate with examples of governance of new world order. (16/II/3a/20)

Chapter 29 · Evaluating the United Nations

Further questions (from solved section)

• What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms? (150 words). (2021/II/1d/10)
• Discuss the significance and the urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reform proposals made by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for the developing countries. (20/II/4a/20)
• In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect the decision-making?. (19/II/1c/10)
• Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030?. (19/II/1e/10)
• Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes. (19/II/2c/15)
• Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones. (18/II/3a/20)
• Do you agree with the view that despite the limitations in the functioning of the UN, it has distinguished and unique achievements to its credit?. (17/II/3c/15)
• Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient improvements. (16/II/2b/15)
• What are the real objectives of Millennium Development Goals (MDG)? Do you think that millennium development goals have been able to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation and sustainable development?. (15/II/2(c)/15)
• How far are the world governance mechanisms, dominated by IMF and World Bank, legitimate and relevant? What measures do you suggest to improve their effectiveness in global governance?. (15/II/3(b)/15)
• Has the reform of the economic and social arrangements of the United Nations been effective?. (15/II/4(a)/20)
• Do you agree that the U.N. has failed to contain transnational terrorism? Elaborate your answer with examples. (14/II/1(c)/10)

Chapter 30 · Regionalisation of World Politics

30.1 EU (European Union)

• Do you agree with the view that the EU has thus far proved to be the most successful experiment in the regional integration processes? Account for its successes and also some of the recent challenges that it is faced with. (2024/II/4c/15)
• "The European Union has become the most politically influential, economically powerful and demographically diverse regional entity in the world." Discuss. (15/II/4(b)/20)

30.2 ASEAN

• Explain the success of ASEAN as a regional organisation. (2021/II/4b/15)
• Critically analyse the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade. (20/II/4b/15)

30.3 APEC

• Substantiate APEC as a regional economic and trade arrangement. (13/II/3(b)/15)

30.4 SAARC

• "Since its inception the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to deliver on its promises." What initiatives should be taken to reinvigorate the organization?. (18/II/3c/15)
• "Despite so many agreed areas of cooperation, innumerable institutional mechanisms and a permanent secretariat, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has not taken off as a meaningful regional grouping." Discuss. (14/II/2(a)/20)

30.5 NAFTA/USMCA

• What are the limitations of NAFTA? How did its replacement by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement counter them? Explain. (2024/II/2c/15)
• American President Donald Trump's proposal to withdraw from the 'NAFTA' would bring unforeseen consequences to the regionalisation of world politics. Elaborate. (17/II/1d/10)
• The effort in restricting illegal migration from Mexico to U.S.A. and Canada has been one major gain for the United States through NAFTA. Comment. (200 words). (12/II/7a/15)

30.6 Miscellaneous

• Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC in multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation. (19/II/1d/10)
• How does the regionalism shape the world politics? Explain with examples. (16/II/3c/15)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "Since its inception, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to deliver on its promises." What initiatives should be taken to reinvigorate the organization?. (18/II/3c/15)
• “Despite so many agreed areas of cooperation, innumerable institutional mechanisms and a permanent secretariat, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has not taken off as a meaningful regional grouping.” Discuss. (14/II/2(a)/20)

Chapter 31 · Contemporary Global Concerns

31.0 General

• Examine the role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other major efforts by the UN to address the global environmental crisis. (20/II/4c/15)
• Discuss the importance of personal data protection in the context of human rights. (19/II/3c/15)
• Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea?. (19/II/4c/15)
• Would you agree that the on-going debates on international environmental politics continue to be marred by a new NorthSouth ideological divide over historical responsibility and developmental model? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (18/II/3b/15)
• Critically examine the notion of "Asian Values" in the context of the on-going debate on human rights. (18/II/4a/20)
• Discuss the implications of the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit on the prospects of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. (18/II/4b/15)
• The recent move of USA to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is a setback in the consensus achieved on protecting the world environment. In this context, assess the future prospective on climate control. (17/II/4a/20)
• Why does global human security need to be emphasised along with economic security? Explain with examples. (16/II/2a/20)
• Examine the main problems and challenges involved in looking after environmental concerns in world politics. (16/II/7a/20)
• 'The struggle for democracy has been marked by bitter strife and tribulations.' Examine the statement, illustrating the cases of Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar. (15/II/2a/20)
• Do you endorse that the conventional discourse on human rights has failed to include women's rights? Explain in the context of feminist theories. (15/II/3a/20)
• "The Feminist approach to international politics is biased." Comment. (14/II/1d/10)
• Critically evaluate the approaches of global south towards addressing environment concerns. (14/II/2b/15)

Chapter 32 · Security Challenges and Ideological Shifts in Foreign Policy

32.1 Contemporary Security Challenges and Regional Integration

• Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation. (23/II/3b/15)
• Discuss the efficacy of global conventions to combat international terrorism. (22/II/3a/20)

32.2 National Characteristics and Ideological Shifts in Foreign Policy

• Would you concur with the view that of late, India's foreign policy has been in a transition mode from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism? Support your answer with the help of suitable examples. (2024/II/6a/20)
• Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Comment. (2022/II/5a/10)
• Explain the philosophical foundations of India’s foreign policy. (150 words). (2021/II/5b/10)
• India is often said to have a rich strategic culture. Discuss. (18/II/5b/10)
• Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India’s foreign policy. (17/II/5a/10)
• Who was Mr. 'X' in international politics? Elaborate his approach to foreign policy. (14/II/3(b)/15)

PAPER II-B · India & the World

Chapter 33 · India's Foreign Policy: Evolution, Challenges, and Dynamics

33.2 Regional Relations and Strategic Challenges

• India’s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy. Discuss. (2023/II/7a/20)
• What are the implications of the ‘Look-East’ Policy on the north-eastern region of India?. (2022/II/7b/15)
• How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific?. (19/II/5d/10)
• Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India’s foreign policy. (19/II/7a/20)
• ‘Economic interest has emerged as the main component of India’s foreign policy.’ Discuss the statement in the light of India’s initiatives to improve relations with China, Japan, and the Central Asian republics. (15/II/6(b)/15)

33.3 Institutional and Structural Influences

• How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy-making process in India?. (2021/II/7b/15)
• Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in the formulation of Indian foreign policy?. (20/II/5a/10)
• Examine the role of 'parliamentary diplomacy' in India’s foreign policy. (19/II/5a/10)
• Discuss the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India’s soft power abroad. (18/II/7a/20)
• Discuss the role of economic interest in shaping India’s foreign policy with reference to its initiatives in the last two decades. (16/II/5a/10)
• The social structure of a country influences its foreign policy-making. How does the social structure of India impact the course and direction of its foreign policy?. (15/II/5(a)/10)
• How does the Parliament determine and influence the making of India’s foreign policy?. (15/II/5(e)/10)
• Federal units are critical in the making of India’s foreign policy. Examine this statement with reference to the role of West Bengal vis-à-vis Bangladesh. (14/II/6(b)/15)
• The Ministry of External Affairs is losing its importance in the making of India’s foreign policy with the parallel rise of the PMO. Explain. (14/II/8(a)/20)

33.4 Economic and Security Dimensions

• Examine the major features of India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st century. (2023/II/5a/10)
• Do you agree with the view that the Indian Foreign Policy is increasingly being shaped by the Neoliberal outlook? Elaborate. (18/II/5a/10)
• India’s current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts from that of the previous regimes. Discuss. (18/II/5d/10)
• Which determinant factors play an important role in making India’s foreign policy? Illustrate with examples. (16/II/5a/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Would you concur with the view that of late, India's foreign policy has been in a transition mode from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism? Support your answer with the help of suitable examples. (2024/II/6a/20)
• Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Comment. (2022/II/5a/10)
• Explain the philosophical foundations of India’s foreign policy. (150 words). (2021/II/5b/10)
• India is often said to have a rich strategic culture. Discuss. (18/II/5b/10)
• Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India’s foreign policy. (17/II/5a/10)

Chapter 34 · India's Diplomatic Relations

Further questions (from solved section)

• Bhutan has historically been an ally of India, but the China-Bhutan border-related issues have become a security issue for India. Discuss. (2024/II/5b/10)
• Despite deep ties, India's relations with Sri Lanka have seen strains due to China's growing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance. Analyse. (2024/II/5e/10)
• Discuss the future of SAARC in the light of India's increased focus on other regional groupings like ASEAN and BIMSTEC. (2024/II/7a/20)
• Discuss the implications of the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar by the Indian Government on the complex ethno-political dynamics of the north-eastern region. (2024/II/8b/15)
• What are the reasons for lack of ‘regionness’ in South Asia?. (2023/II/5b/10)
• Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co -operation in South Asia?. (2023/II/5d/10)
• What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021?. (2023/II/7b/15)
• Discuss the ways and means to realize greater economic cooperation among the Member States of South Asia. (2022/II/5b/10)
• Discuss the steps required to realise ‘hydro-cooperation’ between India and Bangladesh. (2022/II/5c/10)
• What are the implications of the ‘Look-East’ Policy on the north-eastern region of India?. (2022/II/7b/15)
• Discuss the consequences of illegal cross-border migration in India’s northeastern region. (2022/II/8b/15)
• Discuss the strategic implications of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ transforming into ‘Act East Policy’. (150 words). (2021/II/5a/10)
• "Non-alignment was little more than a rational strategy on the part of a materially weak India to maximise its interests with a bipolar distribution of global power." Comment. (2021/II/6a/20)
• Why South Asia is considered as the world’s politically and economically least integrated region? Explain. (2021/II/7a/20)
• Outline the reasons of low volume of trade in the SAARC region. (20/II/5b/10)
• Analyse the impact of hydropolitics on Indo-Bangladesh relations. (20/II/5c/10)
• Discuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory. (20/II/5d/10)
• How does cross-border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia?. (20/II/5e/10)
• Evaluate India’s stand on the recent Rohingya refugee issue. (18/II/5c/10)
• “Despite the differences between India and Pakistan on various issues, Indus Water Treaty has stood the test of times.” In the light of this statement, discuss the recent developments over this issue. (17/II/6b/15)
• Comment on India’s contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its contemporary relevance. (16/II/5b/10)
• Sometimes we visualize that SAARC’s efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation.” Elaborate with reasonable examples of impediment. (16/II/5e/10)
• Discuss the shift of India’s foreign policy towards Pakistan in light of Pathankot incident. (16/II/6b/15)
• ‘Non-alignment’ has been the basic principle of India’s foreign policy since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary context. (15/II/5(b)/10)
• Ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India can be better managed by improving relations with the neighbouring countries. Substantiate the statement with suitable examples. (15/II/5(d)/10)
• Identify the constraints/challenges to the regional cooperation in South Asia. (15/II/5(e)/10)
• River water disputes are emerging as a major source of irritation between India and its neighbours. Identify the sources of conflicts and suggest the remedial measures. (15/II/7(c)/15)
• "India’s policy of non-alignment has been guided by the genius of the Indian people and their interests." Explain. (14/II/6(c)/15)

Chapter 35 · India's Relations with Global South

35.2 India-Latin America Relations

• Discuss the factors for the decline of India’s presence in Latin America. (15/II/7(b)/15)

35.3 India's Role in the Global South

• Discuss the potential role that India could play as the leader of the Global South in realising the goal of establishing a new international economic order in the 21st century. (2024/II/6c/15)
• "India and USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies." Comment. (2024/II/7c/15)
• Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver?. (2023/II/5c/10)
• Discuss the relevance of the demand for a New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation. (2022/II/6a/20)
• Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations. (22/II/5d/10)
• Explain India’s position on the waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines in WTO. (150 words). (2021/II/5c/10)
• Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India's security and national defence. (20/II/6c/15)
• India’s coalitional diplomacy with the WTO has earned it wide appreciation. What accounts for the success of India’s coalitional diplomacy?. (18/II/6a/20)
• Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations. (18/II/7b/15)
• Analyse the stalled progress of Doha Round of WTO negotiations over the differences between the developed and the developing countries. (17/II/6c/15)
• The natural behaviour of India and the United States is likely to serve each other's interest. Hence, a deliberate strategy of dovetailing their efforts will obviously benefit both. Elaborate. (17/II/8a/20)
• Comment on India’s growing relationship with USA in the background of constraining relations between India and China. (16/II/6b/15)
• Before the year 2000, the Indo-US relationship has been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why?. (15/II/6a/20)
• Do you agree with the view that the USA is of late willing to treat India as a partner rather than merely a camp-follower? Give reasons for your answer. (14/II/5(d)/10)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Discuss the major drivers of India’s interests in Africa. (2023/II/8c/15)
• Identify the drivers of India’s new interest in Africa. (2021/II/8c/15)
• How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa?. (20/II/6a/20)
• How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil and South Africa)?. (19/II/5c/10)
• “India’s capacity building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much goodwill for it in Africa.” Discuss. (18/II/6b/15)
• “India’s Research and Information System for Developing Countries” (RIS) is a major initiative in the area of South -South Cooperation. Discuss. (18/II/6c/15)

Chapter 36 · India's Relations with Global Powers

36.2 India - European Union

• Explain India’s relations with the European Union in the context of Brexit. (2021/II/4/15)
• Explain Britain’s ouster from EU and bring out its consequences on world economy in general and India in particular. (16/II/6c/15)
• “EU - India relations have a long way to go before they can purposely be termed strategic.” Discuss. (14/II/5(c)/10)

36.3 India-Japan

• What are the main drivers of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership?. (22/II/7a/20)
• What are the notable features of the recently concluded pact or the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India?. (20/II/6b/15)
• Do you agree that the growing assertiveness of China is leading to multilayered Indo-Japan relations? Comment. (18/II/8c/15)
• Do you subscribe to the idea that in the new evolving Asian dynamics, Japan and India have not only moved closer in economic cooperation, but also in strategic partnership?. (17/II/8b/15)
• Evaluate the recent changes in Indo - Japan relations. (14/II/6a/20)

36.4 India-China

• Does the idea of the 21st century as "Asian century" continue to remain feasible given the growing friction between India and China?. (2024/II/6b/15)
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India’s strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss. (23/II/6c/15)
• Examine the Geo-strategic points of contention in the bilateral relationships between India and China. (2021/II/6b/15)
• Describe briefly China’s ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’ Initiative and analyse India’s major concerns. (19/II/6a/20)
• What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between India and China?. (19/II/6b/15)
• Critically examine India’s position on South China Sea Dispute. (19/II/8b/15)
• Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas of trade and environment. (18/II/8b/15)
• How is the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ of China going to affect India-China relations?. (17/II/7a/20)
• Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest the possibilities of improving relationship. (16/II/5c/10)
• ‘Some of the major changes that occurred in India’s foreign policy after the Sino-India war in 1962 were within the larger framework of continuity.’ Discuss. (14/II/8(b)/15)

36.5 India-Russia

• "India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto." Comment. (2024/II/5a/10)
• Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India – Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment. (2023/II/6a/20)
• Explain the factors which justify India’s claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council. (2022/II/7c/15)
• Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperations.’ Discuss. (2021/II/8a/20)
• Explain the importance of India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (20/II/7b/15)
• Discuss the various impediments in India’s way to a permanent seat in the Security Council. (18/II/7c/15)
• The recent differences between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions than facts. Elucidate. (17/II/7b/15)
• Critically analyze China’s role in international politics against India’s demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. (16/II/6c/15)
• Is India’s quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council a possibility or just a pipedream? Elaborate with reasons. (14/II/5(a)/10)
• Analyse the drivers of Indo-Russian relations in the post-Cold-War era. (14/II/7(a)/20)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "India and USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies." Comment. (2024/II/7c/15)
• Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations. (22/II/5d/10)
• ‘Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperations.’ Discuss. (2021/II/8a/20)
• Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India's security and national defence. (20/II/6c/15)
• Explain the defence and foreign policy options of India to address the challenges emerging out of the current India-China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). (20/II/7a/20)
• Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations. (18/II/7b/15)
• The natural behaviour of India and the United States is likely to serve each other's interest. Hence, a deliberate strategy of dovetailing their efforts will obviously benefit both. Elaborate. (17/II/8a/20)
• Comment on India’s growing relationship with USA in the background of constraining relations between India and China. (16/II/6b/15)
• Before the year 2000, the Indo-US relationship has been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why?. (15/II/6a/20)
• Do you agree with the view that the USA is of late willing to treat India as a partner rather than merely a camp -follower? Give reasons for your answer. (14/II/5(d)/10)

Chapter 37 · India's Role in the UN System

37.2 India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

• Discuss the importance of India’s role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2022/II/6b/15)
• Analyse the recent trends in India’s role in the UN peacekeeping operations. (19/II/6c/15)
• "India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to the UN peacekeepers worldwide." Examine India’s role in this perspective. (17/II/5d/10)
• Evaluate India’s participation in United Nations peace-keeping operations over the years. (14/II/7(c)/15)

37.3 India’s Advocacy for UN Reforms

• ‘Uniting for Consensus’ also known as ‘Coffee Club’ has opposed the claims of India and other countries over permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Point out their major objections. (17/II/7c/15)
• The United Nations completes 70 years of its establishment in 2015. What reforms is India asking for to strengthen the global institutions of governance and why?. (15/II/8(a)/20)

37.4 India’s Broader Engagement with the UN

• Discuss the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ as set by the United Nations. (2021/II/8b/15)
• Discuss the efficacy of India's 'no first use' policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours. (20/II/7c/15)
• Discuss the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament. (16/II/8a/20)

Further questions (from solved section)

• "India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto." Comment. (2024/II/5a/10)
• Explain the factors which justify India’s claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council. (2022/II/7c/15)
• Explain the importance of India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (20/II/7b/15)
• Discuss the various impediments in India’s way to a permanent seat in the Security Council. (18/II/7c/15)
• Critically analyse China’s role in international politics against India’s demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. (16/II/6c/15)
• Is India’s quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council a possibility or just a pipedream? Elaborate with reasons. (14/II/5(a)/10)

Chapter 38 · India and the Nuclear Question

38.2 Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Treaties

• Critically examine India's persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognised as a de facto nuclear power. (2024/II/7b/15)
• "Discuss the reasons behind India’s refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). (22/II/6c/15)
• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of Global Nuclear Disarmament. Discuss the deficiency in the provision of NPT. (17/II/8c/15)

38.3 India’s Position on CTBT and Global Disarmament

• Examine the evolution of India's role in the global nuclear order. (2021/II/7c/15)
• Critically analyze India's nuclear policy. (16/II/5d/10)
• Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament. (16/II/8a/20)
• In 1998, India declared itself as a nuclear weapon state. India refuses to sign NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India's nuclear policy in case it signs both the treaties?. (15/II/6(c)/15)

38.4 India’s Nuclear Policy and Strategy

• “India’s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy.” Discuss. (23/II/7a/20)
• Discuss the grounds for India's opposition to NPT. (14/II/5(e)/10)

38.5 India’s Defence and Strategic Considerations

• Discuss the efficacy of India's 'no first use' policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours. (20/II/7c/15)
• Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a need to change India's 'No First Use' (NFU) nuclear policy?. (19/II/8c/15)

Further questions (from solved section)

• Discuss the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament. (16/II/8a/20)

Chapter 39 · Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy

39.1 India’s Relations with Israel

• Critically examine the continuity and change in India's Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. (2024/II/8a/20)
• How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India’s foreign policy choices?. (2022/II/8a/20)
• Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries. (20/II/8b/15)
• The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine. Comment. (19/II/5e/10)
• Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new dynamics to India’s stand on Palestinian statehood?. (17/II/5e/10)
• Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel & the Arab world. (15/II/8(b)/15)
• In the history of foreign policy, seldom have relations between any two nations blossomed as fast as they have in the case of India and Israel. Discuss. (14/II/8(c)/15)

39.2 India’s Involvement in West Asia

• What are the challenges and limitations in India – Iran relations?. (2023/II/7c/15)
• Discuss the significance of “West Asia Quad” in the light of India’s ‘Look West’ policy. (2023/II/8b/15)
• How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India’s energy security?. (19/II/7c/15)
• Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis-stricken Gulf countries like Yemen and Iraq. (15/II/8(c)/15)
• Examine the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India’s security and foreign policy concerns. (14/II/7b/15)

39.3 India’s Global Diplomacy and New World Order

• "Nothing is going to move within the WTO negotiations unless India is on board." Discuss the main reasons behind India's increased clout in the WTO. (2024/II/5c/10)
• What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State?. (2023/II/8a/20)
• Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India’s global standing. (2022/II/5e/10)
• Explain the major features of India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st century. (2022/II/8c/15)
• Discuss the five proposals made by India in the recent COP-26 conference held in Glasgow. (150 words). (2021/II/1e/10)
• Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order. (20/II/8c/15)
• Evaluate India’s vision of a new world order. (19/II/8a/20)
• Vision of a new world order has emerged as the major objective of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the policy initiative taken by India in this regard and the challenges faced by it. (15/II/7(a)/20)

39.4 India’s Strategic Partnerships and Multilateralism

• Discuss the rationale behind replacing the "Asia-Pacific" strategy with the new term "Indo-Pacific" strategy. (2024/II/5d/10)
• How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India’s strategic interests? (150 words). (2021/II/5e/10)
• "The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India’s national security. If the Americans withdraw and Jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism." Comment. (20/II/8a/20)
• Do you think that India’s capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss. (18/II/8a/20)
• “Afghanistan is a litmus test for India’s ascendance as a regional and global power.” Discuss. (14/II/5(b)/10)

Chapter 40 · Miscellaneous Topics in Global Politics

No 2011–2025 questions in the compilation for this chapter — it is tested through adjacent chapters; covered in class via its question-families.

This map lists 803 previous-year questions (2011–2025) across the 40-chapter structure. Each chapter above is being expanded into its own deep-dive post with trend analysis and model-answer links — the Thinker Library.

FAQ

Q. Where do these questions come from?

From the verified PYQ corpus of Arihant's Q-Beat Series — UPSC PSIR Chapterwise Solved Papers (Paper I & II), authored by Swetank Pandey. Nothing invented is labelled a PYQ.

Q. Why organise PYQs by chapter instead of by year?

Because the exam repeats question-families, not years. Seeing every Plato question since 2011 in one list shows you the assets that keep returning — a pattern invisible in year-wise compilations.

Q. How should I use this map?

Before studying any topic, read its questions here first — then read the topic as an examiner, knowing exactly what it must arm you to answer. In the Foundation programme every session opens with its question-family for this reason.

Swetank Pandey is PSIR faculty at ALS IAS, New Delhi, and the author of Arihant's Q-Beat Series — UPSC PSIR Chapterwise Solved Papers (Paper I & II). Programme details: [PSIR Courses at ALS IAS](/courses/optional-subjects).

Internal links: → B2 (how to read a PYQ code) · → B3 (question-families) · → every Chapter post as published · course page.

Deployable: this page as a printable PDF, chapter-bookmarked.

Swetank Pandey — PSIR Faculty, ALS IAS · Author, Arihant Q-Beat Series

Teaches the 115-session PSIR Foundation at Karol Bagh, Delhi; marks 450 answers per mentorship student against a 6-part rubric.