UPSC Mains GS-II is among the nine subjective papers in the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, which spans five days. The first two papers in the IAS Exam, namely English and a mandatory Indian language, serve a qualifying purpose. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 25% marks in these two papers to qualify for merit ranking, which is determined by their performance in the remaining UPSC Mains papers and the interview.
Table of Contents:
IAS Mains General Studies-II encompasses the following subjects:
- Governance
- Constitution
- Polity
- Social Justice
- International Relations
Similar to General Studies I, General Studies II features relatively few direct questions tied to individual topics. Answering these questions correctly often requires a good deal of critical thinking, as they frequently involve interconnected themes.
Focus Area in GS2 Paper
| Subject | Topics |
| Polity | Indian Constitution Features of Indian Constitution Amendments in Indian Constitution Provisions Constitutional and non-constitutional bodies |
| Social Justice | Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
| Governance | Government policies and interventions Governance Transparency Accountability E-governance applications |
| International Relations | Bilateral Groupings Regional and global groupings Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
How to Approach GS2 Paper
| Subject | Sources |
| Polity | Books: ‘Indian Polity’ by Laxmikanth Class 11 NCERT – ‘Indian Constitution at Work’ |
| Social Justice | Select articles from ‘The Hindu’ newspaper |
| Governance | Daily reading of newspaper to be complemented with: Select articles from ‘The Hindu’ Economic Survey Press Information Bureau (PIB) ARC reports |
| International Relations | MEA Website Select articles from ‘The Hindu’ |
GS-II Structure
Key aspects of the UPSC General Studies II Mains paper include:
- Question Format: There are 20 compulsory questions presented in both Hindi and English, to be answered in the chosen language specified during the application process. Responses in any other language are not assessed.
- Total Marks: The paper carries a total of 250 marks.
- Word Limit: For 10-mark questions, the word limit is 150, and for 15-mark questions, it is 250.
- Focus Areas: This paper places a strong emphasis on governance and polity-related topics, with substantial overlap with social justice and international relations. Polity questions often revolve around the applicability of constitutional amendments, rights, and the significance of specific constitutional provisions.
For a comprehensive understanding of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II (UPSC GS 2 syllabus), please refer to the detailed syllabus outlined below:
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
| Indian Constitution | Historical underpinnings of the constitution Evolution of the Constitution Salient features Basic structure Amendments Significant provisions Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the states Issues and challenges related to the Federal Structure Devolution of powers and finances up to local government level Challenges in the devolution of power Separation of powers between various organs of the government Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions Comparison of India’s constitutional scheme with other countries |
| Governance & Polity | Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure Functioning Conduct of Business Powers & Privileges Issues arising out of Powers & Privileges of legislative bodies Executive and Judiciary: Structure Organization Functioning Ministries and departments of the government Pressure groups Formal & Informal associations and their role in the polity Salient features of the People’s Representation Act |
| Governance | Appointment to various constitutional posts Powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors Issues arising out of design and implementation of government intervention Development processes and the development of industry The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability e-governance: applications models successes limitations and potential citizens charters transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy |
| Social Justice | Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by centre and states The performance of welfare schemes Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Issues related to poverty and hunger |
| International Relations | India and its neighbourhood Relations between India and neighbouring countries Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Indian diaspora Important International institutions, agencies and fora: Structure Mandate |
GS-II Trend Analysis
The UPSC GS 2 syllabus clearly exhibits a significant overlap between subjects, a crucial consideration during your preparation. An in-depth examination of current affairs pertinent to UPSC GS 2, coupled with a strong grasp of the constitution, its organization, and the governmental structure, should constitute a central focus in your preparation efforts. UPSC aspirants can also benefit from insights derived from the strategies of successful IAS toppers.
Here, we present a trend analysis for GS 2 spanning the years 2017 – 2020.
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Polity | 70 | 105 | 125 |
| Governance | 45 | 10 | 30 |
| Welfare | 55 | 60 | 40 |
| International Relations | 80 | 75 | 55 |
| Total | 250 | 250 | 105 |
IAS Exam Pattern
| UPSC IAS Exam | Pattern of IAS Exam |
| Preliminary Examination | General Studies Aptitude Test |
| Mains Examination | Qualifying: Paper-A (One of the 22 Indian Languages) Paper-B (English) Papers to be counted for merit: Paper-I (Essay) Paper-II (GS-I) Paper-III (GS-II) Paper-IV (GS-III) Paper-V (GS-IV) Paper-VI (Optional Paper-I) Paper-VI (Optional Paper-II) |
| Personality Test | – |
The UPSC IAS Exam witnessed significant structural modifications in 2013, with minor adjustments occurring in 2015 and 2016. The alterations pertaining to General Studies are as follows:
- 2013: The number of General Studies papers increased from 2 to 4.
- 2015: CSAT marks ceased to contribute to the merit list, with only General Studies papers, essays, and optional papers considered for merit ranking, while CSAT became a qualifying paper.
- 2016: The marks distribution for General Studies Papers shifted to a two-tier system, departing from the earlier uniform marks allocation for all questions.
Given the recent trend of in-depth analysis of UPSC papers, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the topics covered in General Studies Paper-II. Additionally, reviewing previous years’ UPSC questions and answers can enhance your ability to respond effectively and efficiently.
