The UPSC General Studies Paper 2 (GS2) focuses on governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. This paper tests candidates’ understanding of the Indian political system, as well as their knowledge of contemporary issues in governance and foreign relations. This page provides detailed and well-structured model solutions for key GS2 questions to assist aspirants in their preparation.
Below is a table with 20 questions from the GS2 paper along with direct links to their detailed model answers. A downloadable PDF is also available for the complete set of solutions.
UPSC Mains GS2 2024 Paper Questions and Answers
| S.No. | Questions | View Answer Link |
| 1 | Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with reference to the “one nation, one election” principle. | View Answer |
| 2 | Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Do they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? | View Answer |
| 3 | The growth of the cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalization of parliamentary supremacy. Elucidate. | View Answer |
| 4 | The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety. Comment. | View Answer |
| 5 | Analyze the role of local bodies in providing good governance at the local level. Discuss the pros and cons of merging rural and urban local bodies. | View Answer |
| 6 | Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. | View Answer |
| 7 | Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle that adversely affects human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? | View Answer |
| 8 | The doctrine of democratic governance makes it necessary that the public perception of civil servants’ integrity and commitment be absolutely positive. Discuss. | View Answer |
| 9 | The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally. Explain. | View Answer |
| 10 | Critically analyze India’s evolving diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with Central Asian Republics (CARs). | View Answer |
| 11 | What are the aims and objectives of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Are university and state education board exams covered under the Act? | View Answer |
| 12 | Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty under Article 21. Discuss the law relating to DNA testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity. | View Answer |
| 13 | What changes has the Union Government introduced in Centre-State relations recently? Suggest measures to build trust and strengthen federalism. | View Answer |
| 14 | Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation (PIL) in India. Has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary as a result? | View Answer |
| 15 | Discuss India as a secular state and compare it with the secular principles of the US Constitution. | View Answer |
| 16 | The Citizens’ Charter has been a landmark initiative for ensuring citizen-centric administration but has yet to reach its full potential. Discuss the factors hindering its effectiveness and suggest measures. | View Answer |
| 17 | In the domain of public healthcare, the Indian state should play a vital role in mitigating the adverse impacts of marketization. Suggest measures to enhance the reach of public healthcare. | View Answer |
| 18 | E-governance is not just about applying digital technology in service delivery but also ensuring transparency and accountability. Evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model.’ | View Answer |
| 19 | Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in mitigating the threat of terrorism. | View Answer |
| 20 | Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of the Maldives for India, focusing on global trade and maritime security. | View Answer |
Download the Full GS2 2024 Model Answers PDF
For a complete set of detailed model answers for the UPSC GS2 Paper, download the PDF below:
Download Model Answers PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the focus of UPSC GS2?
The GS2 Paper of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination covers topics related to governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. It is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of these areas, along with their analytical abilities.
2. Why is GS2 important for UPSC aspirants?
GS2 is a core part of the UPSC Mains Examination. It tests not only theoretical knowledge but also a candidate’s awareness of contemporary issues in governance and international relations, which are key to effective public administration.
3. How should one approach answering GS2 questions?
To perform well in GS2, it is important to combine knowledge of constitutional and governance-related issues with current affairs. Candidates should develop the ability to provide solutions to real-world governance challenges and integrate constitutional principles into their answers.
4. Can I directly use these model answers in the exam?
These model answers are provided as guidelines to help you frame well-structured and comprehensive responses. It is important to personalize them by incorporating current developments and insights relevant to the question.
5. How can I download the full set of model answers?
You can download the complete set of model answers by using the link provided above.
6. Are these model answers based on real UPSC questions?
Yes, these model answers are based on real and closely related UPSC GS2 questions, making them useful for practice and understanding key themes.
