Overview
GS2 Governance spans 77 questions from 2013 to 2025, testing the interface between state institutions, civil society, and welfare delivery. Unlike Polity — which is largely legal and structural — Governance questions reward a command of schemes, case studies, institutional performance, and reform proposals. The most prominent cluster is Theme 1 (Pressure Groups, NGOs, Development), driven by the recurring centrality of civil society and SHGs in India’s development discourse. Theme 2 (Governance Concepts, E-Governance, Civil Services) is the second largest, with e-governance and citizens’ charter questions re-appearing with fresh angles every few years. The 2025 paper added significant depth: the environmental pressure groups question, the civil society vs. anti-state framing, the paradox of poverty, decentralised development models, and women’s social capital all reflect a maturation of the Governance syllabus toward critical analysis of institutional effectiveness.
| Theme | Questions | % Share |
|---|---|---|
| T1: Pressure Groups, Development & Industry | 26 | 33.8% |
| T2: Governance Concepts, E-Gov, Civil Services, Transparency | 20 | 26.0% |
| T3: Govt Policies & Schemes for Vulnerable Sections | 15 | 19.5% |
| T4: Social Justice — Poverty, Health, Education, Women | 13 | 16.9% |
| T5: Miscellaneous | 3 | 3.9% |
| Total | 77 | 100% |
Syllabus Map
Click each theme to expand sub-topics and question counts.
Theme 1 — Pressure Groups, Development Processes & Industry 26
NGO / VO / SHG / MFI / Pressure Groups (role, funding, civil society)16
Development Process & Industry (FDI, human development, balanced growth)9
Environmental Pressure Groups (awareness, policy advocacy)1
Theme 2 — Governance Concepts, E-Governance, Civil Services, Transparency 20
E-Governance (ICT projects, digital transformation, interactive models)6
Basics of Governance (Citizen’s Charter, people’s participation, public morality)5
Civil Services (neutrality, cadre, reforms, integrity)5
Transparency & Accountability (whistleblowers, corporate governance)2
Miscellaneous — LPG Reforms response2
Theme 3 — Government Policies & Schemes for Vulnerable Sections 15
Aadhaar / Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)3
Generic welfare scheme performance4
Poverty Alleviation / Skill Development / Microfinance4
Persons with Disabilities (RPD Act 2016)2
Earn While You Learn1
Gati Shakti Yojana1
Theme 4 — Social Justice: Poverty, Health, Education, Women 13
Poverty & Hunger (paradox of poverty, UN MPI, divergence)5
Health (universal coverage, geriatric, maternal, marketisation)4
Women (social capital, patriarchal attitudes, empowerment)2
Education (IITs/IIMs, foreign universities, quality)2
Theme 5 — Miscellaneous 3
PURA (urban amenities in rural areas, connectivity)1
Millennium Development Goals — health-related MDGs1
Sports Policy (state-sponsored vs. reward mechanism)1
Heatmap — Theme × Year
Darker = more questions that year.
| Theme | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1: Pressure Groups & Dev. | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 26 |
| T2: Governance & E-Gov | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 22 |
| T3: Vulnerable Sections | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 15 |
| T4: Social Justice | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 13 |
| T5: Miscellaneous | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 77 |
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Trends
Total Governance PYQs per Year (2013–2025)
| Year | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
Year-wise Trend — Top 3 Themes (2013–2025)
| Theme | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 Pressure Groups & Dev | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| T2 Governance & E-Gov | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| T3 Vulnerable Sections | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Theme Share — All 77 Questions (2013–2025)
| Theme | Questions | % Share |
|---|---|---|
| T1 Pressure Groups & Development | 26 | 33.8% |
| T2 Governance & E-Gov | 20 | 26.0% |
| T3 Vulnerable Sections | 15 | 19.5% |
| T4 Social Justice | 13 | 16.9% |
| T5 Miscellaneous | 3 | 3.9% |
Questions by Theme
Theme 1 — Pressure Groups, Development Processes & Industry
26 questions
GS2 → Unit 2: Governance → T1: Pressure Groups & Development
NGOs / SHGs / Civil Society / Pressure Groups
Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regard to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
Role of non-state actors in policy process; pressure groups as informal channels of political participation and representation.
The legitimacy and accountability of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment for sustained success. Discuss.
SHG-MFI accountability framework; internal governance, loan recovery practices, and sustainability of microfinance model.
The penetration of SHGs in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
Socio-cultural barriers (caste, gender norms, illiteracy) limiting SHG effectiveness and rural women’s financial inclusion.
Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.
FCRA amendments: tightened foreign funding norms for NGOs — regulatory vs. civil society space concerns; impact on development work.
How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment?
NGO capacity in environmental governance; regulatory facilitation, funding transparency, and partnership with state agencies.
The SHG–Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP) has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.
SBLP under NABARD; credit access, savings mobilisation, and women’s agency — metrics of success and remaining gaps.
“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.
Non-state actors (NGOs, SHGs, CSOs, think-tanks) in policy formulation, service delivery, and accountability — challenge to marginality thesis.
How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree that informal pressure groups have emerged more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?
Formal (trade unions, industry chambers) vs. informal (religious groups, caste networks) pressure groups; shift in influence patterns post-liberalisation.
‘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 SHGs and measures taken by the Government of India to promote them.
SHGs as developmental alternative to state welfare delivery; DAY-NRLM, SBLP, and state retreat from direct service provision.
What are the methods used by farmer’s organizations to influence policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods?
Farmers as organised interest groups — agitation, lobbying, electoral pressure; effectiveness vis-à-vis farm laws and MSP policy.
“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how business associations contribute to public policies.
CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM as business pressure groups; formal consultation mechanisms, industry lobbying, and regulatory capture risks.
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.
CSO-NGO service delivery model; funding dependency, accountability deficits, and scalability constraints vs. state delivery.
Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.
Civil society advocacy for Women’s Reservation Bill; capacity building, voter awareness, and reducing social barriers for women candidates.
Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
Public charitable trusts under Indian Trusts Act; role in health, education, environment — complementing state welfare and CSR frameworks.
Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.
CSOs as watchdog, advocate, and service-provider; FCRA crackdowns and state-civil society tension vs. constructive partnership model.
What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.
Environmental CSOs (Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Greenpeace); policy advocacy through PIL, EIA objections, and public mobilisation.
Development Process & Industry
What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
FDI as development enabler; capital inflow, technology transfer, employment creation vs. profit repatriation, policy conditionality concerns.
“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?
Demographic dividend realisation; Skill India, NEP 2020, PMKVY — human capital investment as governance priority.
“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.
Inter-ministerial policy conflict (MoEF vs. MoM, MoPNG); coordination failure and environment-development trade-off in governance.
Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.
Growth-human development disconnect; structural inequality, governance gaps in health/education spending, and regional imbalances.
‘In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of developmental planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’ Discuss.
Multi-level planning (national-state-district-local); decentralisation of plan implementation vs. coordination costs under neo-liberal framework.
The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit.’ In this light, examine India’s development process.
Whole-of-government approach; public-private-civil society partnership model in India’s development planning and SDG implementation.
Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer.
Aid dependency vs. community ownership; donor conditionalities and top-down development model undermining grassroots participation.
The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.
HRD gaps (health, education, nutrition) as bottleneck to sustained development; institutional and fiscal reform recommendations.
“In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.
Centralisation vs. decentralisation debate; information asymmetry, local knowledge deficit in top-down planning, and subsidiarity principle.
Theme 2 — Governance Concepts, E-Governance, Civil Services & Transparency
20 questions
GS2 → Unit 2: Governance → T2: Governance Concepts & Institutions
Basics of Governance & Citizen’s Charter
Though Citizen’s Charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction. Analyse.
Citizen’s Charter as governance tool; gap between formulation and implementation — enforcement deficit and monitoring failure.
“Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss in the context of India.
Democratic governance and citizen participation; Gram Sabha, public hearings, social audit as feedback loops strengthening state effectiveness.
In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social, and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.
Multi-dimensional roots of corruption; weak institutional checks, electoral finance, social norms, and economic incentive misalignment.
The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify these limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness.
Citizen’s Charter limitations: non-statutory, no grievance redressal mechanism, poor awareness — reforms toward legally binding service guarantees.
The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them.
Updated analysis of Citizens’ Charter: implementation gaps, departmental inertia, digital delivery barriers, and suggested statutory backing.
Civil Services
Has the cadre-based civil services organization been the cause of slow development in India? Critically examine.
IAS cadre system: generalist vs. specialist debate; lateral entry, cadre deputation, and bureaucratic efficiency in development delivery.
“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.
Weberian bureaucracy vs. developmental state needs; rule-bound culture, risk aversion, and lack of accountability in development delivery.
Initially, Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment.
Civil service neutrality erosion; politicisation, transfers, and 2nd ARC reform recommendations — performance appraisal and fixed tenures.
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance.” In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
Civil service as institutional foundation; reforms for accountability, transparency, and depoliticisation — Mission Karmayogi context.
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
Democratic governance doctrine; civil servant as public trust custodian — perception management, integrity systems, and accountability culture.
E-Governance
E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology but also about the critical importance of the “use value” of information. Explain.
E-governance beyond ICT tool — use value of data for citizen empowerment, grievance redressal, and evidence-based policymaking.
Implementation of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) based projects/programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors and suggest measures for their effective implementation.
ICT project failure factors: digital divide, interoperability gaps, change management, and last-mile connectivity — e-governance implementation lessons.
“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government.” Discuss.
4IR (AI, IoT, Big Data) transforming governance architecture; e-governance integration with digital public infrastructure and citizen services.
E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?
E-governance inadequacies: digital literacy gaps, data security, legacy system integration, and institutional resistance to technology adoption.
e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance.
Interactive Service Model (citizen ↔ government transactions); beyond information provision to two-way accountability and participatory governance.
e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.
Technology-centrism in e-governance vs. user experience design; supply-side vs. demand-side failure in digital public services — citizen journey mapping.
Transparency, Accountability & LPG Response
If the amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act (2011) is passed by Parliament, there may be no one left to protect. Critically evaluate.
Whistleblowers Protection Act amendments; dilution of whistleblower scope — RTI-whistleblowing nexus and public interest disclosure gaps.
In light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.
Corporate governance reforms post-Satyam: Companies Act 2013, SEBI LODR, independent director norms, and statutory audit reforms.
Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) started in 1991?
State capacity in LPG era; regulatory state emergence, privatisation governance, and administrative reform adequacy post-1991.
Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization started in 1991?
Repeated question (2016, 2020): continuing relevance of LPG adaptive governance challenge — 2020 context adds fintech, platform economy dimensions.
Theme 3 — Government Policies & Schemes for Vulnerable Sections
15 questions
GS2 → Unit 2: Governance → T3: Policies for Vulnerable Sections
Aadhaar & Direct Benefit Transfer
Electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage, and facilitate reforms. Comment.
DBT/JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile); direct transfer rationale, leakage reduction, and exclusion errors in welfare delivery.
Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Aadhaar card and the NPR, have led to debates at national level. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse their potential for development benefits.
Aadhaar (biometric identity) vs. NPR (citizen database); convergence, duplication, privacy implications, and development delivery use-cases.
Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has limitations too. Comment.
DBT achievements (LPG subsidy, MGNREGS wages) vs. limitations: financial exclusion, network gaps, last-mile banking barriers.
Generic Welfare Scheme Performance
The Central Government frequently complains about the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating the suffering of vulnerable sections. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes aims at providing flexibility to the States. Critically evaluate.
CSS restructuring: Centre-State blame-sharing; flexibility vs. conditionality in scheme design and state implementation capacity.
Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss.
Beneficiary awareness and participation gaps; social audit, Gram Sabha role in scheme oversight — demand-side governance for welfare delivery.
Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and underprivileged sections of society. Discuss.
Macro-governance and poverty: food inflation, urban unemployment, and adequacy of welfare schemes as complement to macroeconomic management.
“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by their nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons.
Targeted vs. universal welfare debate; positive discrimination (SC/ST/OBC schemes) vs. universalism — constitutional justification and exclusion risks.
Poverty Alleviation, Skill Development & Microfinance
“Microfinance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India.” Evaluate the role of SHGs in achieving these twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.
SHG-microfinance nexus for poverty alleviation; asset creation, income security, and women’s agency — DAY-NRLM evidence and limitations.
Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In this context, analyse the linkages between education, skill, and employment.
Skill-education-employment triangle; PMKVY, apprenticeships, and vocational education — demand-supply mismatch and certification quality.
Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?
Poverty-malnutrition trap; POSHAN Abhiyaan, PDS, ICDS — multi-sectoral convergence to break inter-generational deprivation cycle.
Persons with Disabilities, Skill & Connectivity Schemes
Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society? Discuss.
RPD Act 2016: expanded disability definition (21 categories), rights-based framework, CCPD — implementation gaps and accessibility deficits.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.
RPD Act implementation gap: attitudinal barriers, infrastructure non-compliance, and lack of disability-inclusive governance culture.
“‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment.
Apprenticeship-linked vocational training; industry-academia partnership, stipend adequacy, and certification recognition in earn-while-learn model.
The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.
PM Gati Shakti (2021): multi-modal connectivity planning; digital GIS layer integration, inter-ministerial data sharing, and PPP coordination.
Theme 4 — Social Justice: Poverty, Health, Education & Women
13 questions
GS2 → Unit 2: Governance → T4: Social Justice
Poverty & Hunger
Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate a reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.
Poverty measurement debate (Tendulkar, Rangarajan, MPI); urban-rural poverty divergence and multidimensional deprivation indicators.
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. Suggest measures for improvement.
PDS evolution, MGNREGS, NFSA 2013 — governmental response to hunger and poverty; governance gaps in last-mile food security delivery.
There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essentials, squeezing their food-budget. Elucidate.
Poverty-hunger divergence; household expenditure shift from food to healthcare/education — fiscal austerity and social sector spending implications.
“Incidence and intensity of poverty are most important in determining poverty based on income alone.” In this context, analyze the latest United Nations Multi Poverty Index report.
UNDP MPI: headcount ratio + intensity (deprivation breadth); India’s MPI improvement — education, health, and living standards dimensions.
Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’.
Structural inequality and poverty paradox; land, capital, and resource ownership concentration — Piketty-lens analysis for India’s governance response.
Health
Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?
UHC delivery gaps; PPP in healthcare (Ayushman Bharat), community health workers, primary healthcare strengthening as alternatives to private sector reliance.
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health-care policies are needed in geriatric and maternal health. Discuss.
Ageing population (geriatric care) and maternal mortality — NHPM, PMSMA, elderly care policy gaps; SDG 3 targets and governance.
“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze.
Primary health care as developmental foundation; PHC-CHC network adequacy, social determinants of health, and health-economy linkage.
In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Healthcare marketisation risks (catastrophic spending, exclusion); state countermeasures — Ayushman Bharat expansion, drug price control, and PHC revitalisation.
Women
“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women’s empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?
Structural patriarchy beyond legal reform; gender-transformative education, male engagement strategies, and media representation as change levers.
Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.
Social capital (networks, norms, trust) as women’s empowerment resource; SHG networks, SHG-Gram Sabha linkage, and collective agency for gender equity.
Education & Digital India
Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, academic independence, and their own criteria of selection of students? Discuss in light of the growing challenges.
Institutional autonomy vs. social equity (reservation, fee regulation); IIT/IIM excellence-access tension and higher education governance.
Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of ICT accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.
Digital divide as development barrier; rural ICT access gaps post-COVID — BharatNet, Common Service Centres, and digital literacy mission coverage.
Theme 5 — Miscellaneous
3 questions
GS2 → Unit 2: Governance → T5: Miscellaneous
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
PURA concept (APJ Abdul Kalam); rural connectivity clusters — physical, electronic, knowledge, and economic connectivity as rural development pillars.
Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the Government’s actions for achieving the same.
Health-related MDGs (Goals 4, 5, 6): child mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS — India’s achievement record and transition to SDGs.
An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.
Sports governance: TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) as state-sponsored talent system vs. prize/reward model for athletic excellence.
Insights
How to use this file: Governance rewards applied knowledge — connect schemes, institutions, and social outcomes. Always prepare both the conceptual framework and 2–3 current examples per sub-theme.
High-Yield Topics (Must-Prepare)
NGOs / SHGs / Civil Society (16 Qs): The single largest sub-theme in the entire Governance paper. Questions span pressure group structure, SHG-bank linkage, FCRA, NGO vs. state delivery, and now the anti-state framing (2025). Prepare the SHG ecosystem comprehensively: SBLP → DAY-NRLM → microfinance → women’s empowerment chain. Also prepare the civil society space argument — FCRA amendments, shrinking civic space, and the governance partnership model.
E-Governance (6 Qs): Asked every 2–3 years with a fresh angle. The trajectory is clear: 2018 (use-value of information) → 2019 (ICT implementation failure) → 2020 (4IR and e-gov) → 2023 (inadequacies) → 2024 (Interactive Service Model) → 2025 (technology bias). The 2025 question is particularly sophisticated — prepare user-centric design principles, citizen experience, and demand-side governance arguments.
Civil Services (5 Qs): Always present; different angle each time. The 2024 question on democratic governance doctrine is the most recent entry — prepare Mission Karmayogi, lateral entry, fixed tenure, and performance management framework.
Citizen’s Charter (4 Qs across 2013, 2018, 2024): One of the most repeated specific topics. The 2024 question is essentially a third iteration. Always focus on the gap between promise and performance — statutory enforceability, grievance redressal, and digital service guarantees.
Trend Shifts (2013–2025)
The paper peaked in question volume in 2013 (9 Qs) and dipped sharply in 2018 (only 3 Qs), reflecting reallocation to Polity and IR. From 2019–2023 it stabilised at 5–6 questions per year. The 2025 paper returned to 8 Qs — highest since 2014 — and introduced three notably analytical questions (paradox of poverty, contemporary development models, civil society framing) that demand critical theory grounding rather than descriptive policy knowledge. The Social Justice sub-theme (T4) also surged in 2025 with three questions, having been nearly absent in 2022. The Miscellaneous theme (PURA, MDGs, Sports) disappeared completely after 2014 and has not returned — it can be safely deprioritised. The environmental pressure groups question (2025) is a new sub-type that bridges Governance and GS3 Environment — watch for this convergence to deepen.
Recurring Question Frames
Discuss / Elucidate dominates (~40%): favoured for welfare scheme analysis and development models. Critically examine / Evaluate (~30%): preferred for institutional performance (SHGs, Citizen’s Charter, Civil Services). Comment (~20%): used for single-statement premises — Satyam scandal, LPG response, earn-while-learn. A distinctive Governance pattern is the quote-as-premise format: “X has been a landmark initiative but has not reached its potential” or “X points to the withdrawal of state from development” — prepare to both validate and critique the premise rather than simply agreeing.
Coverage Gaps (Low-Frequency Areas to Watch)
Digital India / Digital Illiteracy (1 Q, 2021): Given the explosion of digital public infrastructure (UPI, CoWIN, ONDC, DPI stack), this sub-theme is significantly underweighted relative to its policy importance. Expect it to return. Sports Policy (1 Q, 2014): Not repeated — lower priority. PURA/MDGs (2013 only): Retired concepts — can deprioritise. Transparency & Corporate Governance (2 Qs, both 2015): Whistleblower protection and corporate governance reforms are live issues (SEBI insider trading norms, 2024) — possible return.
