UPSC Mains GS2 Syllabus and Past Year Paper Trends

UPSC Mains examination is intended to assess the overall understanding of the depth of a candidate’s understanding of Polity, International Relations, Governance and Social Justice and general awareness in these areas. The questions that are asked in the examination will test a candidate’s basic understanding and the ability to analyze relevant issues related to GS-2 syllabus. The candidates must write relevant, meaningful and succinct answers. Candidates must prepare extensively for GS-2, as it is required for both prelims and mains. Further, GS-2 is important for Essay paper as well as GS-4. Thorough preparation of GS-2 will help students in their interview as well. Thus, it is a very important aspect of UPSC preparation.

UPSC Mains GS2 SYLLABUS

GS2 Mains syllabus is divided into the following sections:

• Polity
• Governance
• Social Justice
• International Affairs

These sections can be further divided in the following ways:

Polity:

A. Indian Constitution

• Historical underpinnings
• Evolution
• Features
• Amendments
• Significant provisions
• Basic Structure
• In this sub-section, it is important to understand the key terms in the Preamble, such as ‘equality’, ‘fraternity’, etc. 
• Significant provisions, such as Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, etc. need to be emphasised upon. 
• The evolution of the Doctrine of Basic Structure, important Constitutional Amendments, recent amendments need to be studied thoroughly.

B. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States

• This sub-section deals with functions and responsibilities of the Unions and States that have been demarcated by the Constitution.

C. Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

• These include centralizing tendences, inter-state disputes, etc.

D. Devolution of powers and finances up to the local levels and challenges therein

• Decentralization and local self-government are important themes for GS-2 Mains. Students should familiarize themselves with the importance of decentralization, issues faced by local governments including functional and financial constraints, measures needed in the context, etc.

E. Separation of powers between various organs

• This includes the significance of separation of powers between the three organs of the government, checks and balances, etc.

F. Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions

• These include alternate dispute mechanisms, such as Lok Adalat, Mediation, Arbitration, Conciliation, etc.

G. Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of other countries.

• In this sub-section, it is important to compare the judicial systems, political systems, concept of secularism, etc. between India and countries such as the US, UK, France, etc.

H. Parliament and State Legislatures

• Structure
• Functioning
• Conduct of business
• Powers & privileges and
• Issues arising out of these.
• This is an important sub-section as questions are asked on various themes, such as Role of the Parliament/Parliamentarians, Parliamentary Committees, Role of the Speaker, etc.

I. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

• Ministries and Departments of the Government
• Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity
• This includes need for new Ministries/Departments, merger of existing Ministries/Departments, etc.
• Judiciary sub-topic covers the role of the higher judiciary and lower judicial systems, issues faced by the Judiciary, tribunalization of justice, etc.
• Another aspect includes role of pressure groups in highlighting important issues, formulating policies, etc.

J. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act

• Disqualification of an elected representative under the Representation of People’s Act, remedies available to disqualified persons, etc.

K. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional bodies

• This sub-section includes bodies such as the Election Commission of India, Finance Commission, etc.

L. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

• This sub-section includes bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission, institution of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas, etc.

Governance:

A. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

• This includes schemes and policy interventions for growth and development, issues in their implementation, measures to address the issues, etc.

B. Development processes and the development industry

• The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
• This sub-section includes the role of SHGs and NGOs in development activities, measures taken by the State to promote them, hindrances faced by them, etc.

C. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

D. E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential

• Measures taken in the adoption of e-governance in various sectors, potential of e-governance to transform the quality of governance, success models in this regard, limitations of e-governance models in India, etc. 

E. Citizens Charters

• Meaning of Citizens Charters, its  importance and limitations, redressal measures, etc. 

F. Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.

• This subsection includes the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, institutional measures implemented to ensure them including legislation, issues in this context, etc.

G. Role of civil services in a democracy

• This sub-section deals with the role played by civil services in the development of the country, formulation of policies, implementation of policies and schemes, welfare services, etc.

Social justice:

A. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• This sub-section includes legislations, schemes/protection measures including institutional bodies for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, etc.

B. Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to health, education, human resources.

• This is a broad topic which covers aspects related to development and management of provisions, facilities, personnel and initiatives related to health, education and human resources. 

C.Issues relating to poverty and hunger

• Important aspects include poverty estimates and their adequacy, challenges posed by hunger and poverty in India, policies related to hunger and poverty and their efficacy, etc. 

International Relations:

A. India and its neighbourhood- relations.

• It includes India’s relations with its neighbouring countries, recent developments in this regard, India’s foreign policy concerning its neighbours, etc.

B. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

• This includes groupings such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, SCO, etc.

C. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

• This sub-section deals with policies of other countries such as the US, UK, Israel, etc. that could have an impact on India’s interest(s).

D. Indian diaspora

• Role of the Indian diaspora in furthering the interests of India, initiatives of the government for their engagement, etc.

E. Important international Institutions, agencies and fora – 

• their Structure
• Mandate.
• This sub-section includes structure and mandate of institutions such as the WTO, WHO, IMF, UN and its affiliated institutions, etc.

UPSC MAINS GS-2 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

It is important to go through previous year questions as they guide a candidate and give an indication of important themes, topics, types of questions that are asked. Previous year questions also act as a guide for candidates in their current affairs preparation for GS-2. Candidates can understand how themes that are in the news are asked in the examination and can prepare their notes accordingly.  A thorough analysis of past 10 years of UPSC paper reveals some repeated themes, which include:

Federalism:

1. Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. (2013)
2. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that priniciple is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. (2014)
3. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. (2015)
4. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (2020)
5. “While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. (2022)

Fundamental Rights:

1. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (2013)
2. What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (2014)
3. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard. (2015)
4. What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (2017)
5. “Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. “ Comment. (2022)

Separation of powers:

1. Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (2019)
2. Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (2020)

Parliament/State Legislatures:

1. The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (2013)
2. The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed? (2014)
3. Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (2018)
4. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (2019)
5. “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India. (2020)
6. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (2021)
7. Discuss the role of the Vice –Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha (2022)
8. Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (2023)
9. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament? (2023)

Important legislations:

1. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (2015)
2. If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate. (2015)
3. Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (2015)
4. Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? (2017)
5. Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (2020)
6. “Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (2020)
7. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (2022)
8. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse (2022)
9. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (2023)

Important judgements:

1. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed? (2015)
2. What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?(2016)
3. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017)
4. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (2018)
5. “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? (2019)

Local self-government:

1. In the absence of well – educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss. (2015)
2. Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard. (2015)
3. “The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (2017)
4. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?(2018)
5. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” (2019)
6. The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (2020)
7. To what extent, in your opinion, as the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)
8. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment (2023)

E-governance:

1. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. (2013)
2. E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (2018)
3. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)
4. e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancements of these features? (2023)

The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations:

1. The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. (2013)
2. The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (2014)
3. The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate. (2015)
4. How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. (2015)
5. “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (2016)
6. ‘The emergence of Self Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (2017)
7. “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (2020)
8. Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen. Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (2021)
9. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (2023)

Issues relating to health, education, human resources:

1. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (2013)
2. Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. (2014)
3. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss. (2015)
4. Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (2015)
5. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)
6. Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (2017)
7. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.(2020)
8. “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (2021)
9. Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (2021)
10. Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (2023)

Issues relating to poverty and hunger:

1. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (2015)
2. Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (2017)
3. ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (2017)
4. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (2018)
5. “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (2020)

Foreign policy of India:

1. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (2013)
2. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (2015)
3. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)
4. Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (2022)

India and neighbouring countries:

1. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (2013)
2. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (2013)
3. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (2013)
4. In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (2013)
5. The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. (2013)
6. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples. (2015)
7. ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (2017)
8. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement. (2022)

Regional groupings:

1. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.(2016)
2. A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (2018)
3. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (2020)
4. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for India. (2021)
5. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario (2021).
6. Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (2022)
7. ‘Virus of Conflict in affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023)

International Institutions:

1. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (2013)
2. India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. (2014)
3. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (2014)
4. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC. (2015)
5. “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective. (2016)
6. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? (2016)
7. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (2017)
8. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?  (2018)
9. Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (2019)
10. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2020)
11. Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (2023)

Role of Indian diaspora:

1. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context. (2017)
2. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (2020)
3. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (2023)

UPSC MAINS GS-2 STRATEGY:

Candidates should note the following points while preparing a strategy for GS-2:

• Go through the syllabus thoroughly. UPSC provides only two reference materials to candidates i.e. the syllabus and past year questions.
• Once the candidates are familiar with the syllabus, they should check the past year question papers in order to understand the type of questions that are asked, trends, topics that are repeated, etc.
• Students should then move on to the preparatory phase and rely on books such as Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Introduction to the Constitution of India by D. D. Basu, etc. Students can also rely on notes, such as notes on Polity released by Vision IAS.
• The initial focus should be on understanding the fundamental concepts of polity, such as separation of powers, basic structure doctrine, transparency and accountability in governance, foreign policy of India, India’s relations with its neighbours, welfare schemes, etc. Reading and understanding the Constitution is pertinent for GS-2 paper (especially the topics that are repeatedly asked and those that are covered by the news). Students should also know about relevant Committee Reports, Commissions, etc. (for example, 2^nd ARC Report, Sarkaria Commission, etc.)
• While preparing on various topics, candidates should prepare notes that are concise and easy to revise. Similarly, candidates should go through current affairs material and prepare notes that are relevant for the exam. Important schemes/relevant examples should be noted down in order to use them in the answers.
• Simply studying and preparing notes is not enough for UPSC preparation. Candidates need to practice answer writing in order to familiarize themselves with UPSC’s pattern.
• After practicing writing answers, candidates should attempt mock papers. This will help candidates write answers within a specific time frame. Time management is a skill that the candidates need to master while preparing for mains.
• Candidates should then focus on revision. They should go through their notes as well as model answers of mock tests.

GS-2 MAINS PREPARATION GUIDE

The skill of answer writing is of utmost importance in UPSC Mains. It requires an aspirant to thoroughly know the syllabus, be familiar with questions that are asked in the past, update oneself on relevant current affairs material, among others. The students can take the help of the following points to improve answer writing in GS-2 paper.

• Time management: It is the most crucial aspect of mains answer writing. Candidates should aim to attempt all the questions in 3 hours. Frequent answer writing practice is the key to time management.
• Tail word/keyword/ guiding phrase of questions: Questions include keywords such as examine, critically analyze, discuss, illustrate, etc. Candidates should know the meaning of the keywords and should accordingly address the question. For instance, critically analyze means to address the positive and negative aspects of a given topic.
• Addressal of all parts of a question: UPSC usually asks questions in one part, two parts or three parts. In the case of the latter two, all parts need to be addressed. They are usually linked and the questions demand addressal of all parts.
• Division: There should be an introductory paragraph of one or two sentences as per the demand of the question, body of the answer which forms its crux and a concluding paragraph of one or two sentences. The conclusion should mostly be forward looking or should include measures that need to be adopted.
• Length of the sentences: The sentences should be short and cogent. The points should come across directly and should not be convoluted.
• Word limit: Candidates should adhere to the word limit, as it helps them in saving time.
• Use of relevant examples: The answers should be substantiated with relevant examples. For instance, related projects, schemes, initiatives, etc. Recent examples will be preferred since it reflects that the candidates are well-versed with current events.
• Use of Constitutional articles: The Indian Constitution is an important aspect of GS-2 mains. Wherever feasible, candidates should mention the Articles of the Constitution for value addition.

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains GS2 syllabus demands a comprehensive understanding of governance, polity, social justice, and international relations, reflecting its critical role in shaping a candidate’s analytical abilities and depth of knowledge. Aspirants must blend theoretical understanding with current affairs insights, ensuring a balanced approach to preparation. Emphasizing past paper trends helps identify focal areas, enhancing answer writing skills. Ultimately, diligent preparation for GS2 not only contributes significantly to Mains scores but also enriches candidates’ perspectives, proving invaluable across the UPSC examination spectrum and beyond.