The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 Examination continued on 23rd August 2025, with the General Studies Paper 2 (GS Paper 2).
This paper covers History, Geography, Indian Society, and Culture and is crucial for scoring high in GS.
GS Paper 2 – Key Details
- Date: 23rd August 2025 (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Paper: General Studies – I
- Duration: 3 Hours | Marks: 250
General Studies Paper-2, UPSC CSE Mains 2025 (Question Paper)
10 Questions × 150 words (10 marks each)
1. The basic structure doctrine has been a cornerstone of Indian constitutional law. Discuss its significance in maintaining the balance of power and protecting the core principles of the Constitution.
2. Examine the role of the judiciary in safeguarding federalism in India, with reference to key judicial pronouncements.
3. The Finance Commission plays a critical role in fiscal federalism in India. Analyze its functions and the challenges it faces in ensuring equitable resource distribution.
4. Discuss the significance of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution and their relevance in contemporary India.
5. The Indian Constitution provides for a delicate balance between the powers of the Union and the States. Evaluate how this balance has been maintained or disrupted in practice.
6. Analyze the impact of coalition governments on India’s governance and policy-making processes.
7. The Right to Information Act, 2005, has been a game-changer in promoting transparency and accountability. Critically evaluate its implementation and challenges.
8. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections, and highlight the challenges it faces in the digital age.
9. India’s neighborhood policy has undergone significant changes in recent years. Analyze the key factors driving these changes and their implications for India’s foreign policy.
10. The rise of protectionism and trade wars has posed challenges to global trade. Discuss India’s strategy to navigate these challenges while promoting its economic interests.
10 Questions × 250 words (15 marks each)
11. India’s role in global climate change negotiations has evolved significantly. Evaluate India’s contributions and challenges in achieving sustainable development goals.
12. Discuss the significance of India’s strategic partnership with the United States in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
13. The United Nations Security Council reform is a long-standing issue. Analyze India’s case for a permanent seat and the challenges in achieving this goal.
14. Examine the role of civil society organizations in strengthening India’s democratic framework, with suitable examples.
15. The rise of artificial intelligence and digital technologies poses both opportunities and challenges for governance in India. Discuss.
16. India’s health care system faces significant challenges in ensuring universal access. Critically evaluate the role of government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat in addressing these challenges.
17. Discuss the importance of social justice and inclusive development in addressing regional disparities in India.
18. The role of the Governor in Indian states has often been controversial. Analyze the issues surrounding the Governor’s powers and suggest reforms.
19. India’s Look East Policy has evolved into the Act East Policy. Discuss the key objectives and outcomes of this policy shift.
20. The increasing frequency of cyber-attacks poses a significant threat to national security. Evaluate India’s preparedness and policy measures to counter cyber threats.
Why GS Paper 2 Matters
GS Paper 2 is vital for understanding governance, constitution, public policies, and international relations.
It tests aspirants’ grasp of governance mechanisms and their ability to link theory with practical administration and diplomacy.
