UPSC Mains 2026 Economics Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Economics Optional PYQs

1. Critically examine the 'drain theory' as propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji. How did it explain the root cause of poverty in colonial India?

2. "Commercialization of agriculture in British India was a forced process rather than a natural one." Elucidate with reference to cash crops like indigo.

3. Assess the efficacy of land tenurial system reforms in post-Independent India in addressing intermediary abolition.

4. "The Green Revolution ensured food security but exacerbated regional disparities." Give your views.

5. What are the different methods of measurement of poverty in India? Which one do you think is most appropriate and why?

6. Evaluate the success of land reforms in post-Independent India. Why was the success limited in certain States while non-existent in others? Link land reforms to the broader agricultural transformation and explain.

   20 marks

7. Analyze the relationship between the Green Revolution and capital formation in Indian agriculture. Did this strategy-led growth trickle down to small and marginal farmers?

   5 marks

8. Compare and contrast the economic thoughts of 9. R. Gadgil and V. K. R. V. Rao regarding Indian economic planning and development strategies.

   5 marks

9. Trace the trajectory of India's industrial policy from the Nehruvian model of 'Mahalanobis Strategy' to the liberalization era. How has the focus shifted regarding the role of the State and heavy industries?

   20 marks

10. Provide a detailed analysis of the trends in National Income in India since Independence. Discuss the structural changes in the sectoral composition of the

11. Discuss the application of laissez-faire theory in colonial India. Why did the nationalist economists criticize this policy as a tool for deindustrialization?

12. Trace the evolution of the debate between the public and private sectors in India's industrial development from the Industrial Policy Resolutions to the 99 reforms.

    20 marks

13. Discuss the significance of small-scale and cottage industries during 947-99l. What role did Indian States play during the above period in facilitating these industries?

    5 marks

14. "Railways in India were the forerunner in facilitating modern industries." Discuss. Critically analyze the role of railways in the economic development of India.

    15 marks

15. Analyze the impact of the TRIPS Agreement on the pricing and availability of generic drugs in the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

16. Distinguish between current account and capital account convertibility. Why has India been cautious regarding full capital account convertibility?

17. Explain the core objectives of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003. Has it been successful?

18. How has the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shifted from stabilization policy to inflation targeting as a monetary authority? Explain.

19. How far is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in India successful in achieving its objectives?

20. Critically examine the impact of the New Economic Policy on the Indian corporate sector. Discuss its effects on privatization, the surge in FDI, and the domestic industry with the entry of multinational corporations.

    20 marks

21. Examine the implications of the WTO agreements on Indian agriculture with special reference to food security, subsidies and market access.

22. Elaborate on the indicative planning in India with its objectives. What role does the NITI Aayog play in this new framework? 5 + TT PePO.

23. "Economic development without employment generation is meaningless." Give your views. Critically analyze the phenomenon of 'jobless growth' in India in post-reform period, and its impact on poverty and social sector outcomes.

    20 marks

24. Discuss the structure of fiscal federalism in India. How have successive Finance Commissions tried to address the vertical and horizontal fiscal imbalances?

    5 marks

25. The economic reforms marked a paradigm shift in India's industrial strategy. In this context, discuss deregulation, delicensing, and their impact on industrial efficiency.

    5 marks

26. Explain the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime under the WTO. Discuss the specific implications of TRIPS and GATS on India's trade policy and domestic regulations.

    20 marks

27. Analyze India's exchange rate regime post-99l. Discuss the move towards market-determined exchange rates, and the management of volatile capital flows.

    5 marks

28. Discuss how decentralized planning may lead to inclusive growth in India. In this context, explain the role of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.