UPSC Mains Governance PYQs, 2016-2026

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2026

1. 8

   Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 15

   To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions.

   250 words · 15 marks

3. 16

   "Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance." Comment.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2025

1. 7

   e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine. (150 words/10 marks)

2. 8

   Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify. (150 words/10 marks)

3. 15

   What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. (250 words/15 marks)

4. 17

   "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. (250 words/15 marks)

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2024

1. 5

   Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 6

   Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

   150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

3. 8

   The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

   150 words · 10 marks

4. 16

   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.

   250 words · 15 marks

5. 18

   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.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2023

1. 7

   Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   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 ?

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 14

   Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2022

1. 6

   The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 17

   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.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2021

1. 16

   Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.

   250 words · 15 marks

2. 18

   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.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2020

1. 2

   "Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission". Discuss.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 7

   "Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance". In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 8

   "The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government". Discuss.

   150 words · 10 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2019

1. 3

   What are the methods used by the farmers' organisations to influence the policy- makers in India and how effective are these methods?

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 16

   In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.' — Discuss.

   250 words · 15 marks

4. 17

   The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent: component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of 'collaboration' and 'team spirit'. In the light of statements above examine India's development process.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2018

1. 6

   "Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate 'protection and prevention of degradation' to environment." Comment with relevant illustrations.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the 'use value' of information. Explain.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 18

   The Citizens' Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens' Charter.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2017

1. 6

   "To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes." Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 16

   "The emergence of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities." Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs.

   250 words · 15 marks

3. 18

   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 with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment.

   250 words · 15 marks

Governance questions in GS Paper 2 2016

1. 8

   What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

   200 words · 12½ marks

2. 10

   "In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal." Critically examine this statement.

   200 words · 12½ marks

3. 11

   "Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people's participation in the governance system are inter-dependent." Discuss their relationship in the context of India.

   200 words · 12½ marks

4. 12

   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.

   200 words · 12½ marks

5. 13

   Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?

   200 words · 12½ marks

6. 14

   "Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India." Comment.

   200 words · 12½ marks

Other GS Paper 2 topics

Polity & Constitution · Social Justice · International Relations