UPSC Governance and Developmental Studies Mains Previous Year Questions

Here we are provided subject wise previous Year questions UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains. This will help more

understanding of the topic and exam pattern.

Provided UPSC Civil Service exam previous year questions from 2024 to 2013.

Policies and Developmental Studies

1. 1. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
   2. Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
   3. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
   4. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
   5. Issues relating to poverty and hunger

Governance and Civil Service

1. 1. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
   2. Role of civil services in a democracy

Last Updated on: 30-11-2024

2024 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. The Doctrine of Democratic Govemance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 ? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ? (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q5. Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q6. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations ? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q7. Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q8. Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q9. 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. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q10. In acrucial 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. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q11. 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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

2023 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid ? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q3. Development and Welfare schemes for the vulnerability by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q4. Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2022 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2.The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q5. Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q6. 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. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q7. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2021 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q5. The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q6. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q7. Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q8. Has digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q9. Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2020 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.(Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.  (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q5. “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q6. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2019 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. What are the methods used by the farmer’s organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. 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. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. 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 essential items squeezing their food budget. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. 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.  (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q5. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the representation of people act, 1951? Also, mention the remedies available to such a person against his disqualification.  (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q6. ‘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  (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q7. 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.  (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q8. 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  (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2018 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q5. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q6. The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2017 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q2. How do pressure groups influence the Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q3. ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q4. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q5. 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 humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 10

Q6. ‘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 the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q7. ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

Q8. 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. (Answer in 250 words) Mark 15

2016 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q2. “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q3. “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent” Discuss their relationship in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q4. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q5. 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? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q6. “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q7. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q8. “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? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

2015 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q2. Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q3. The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.(Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q4. How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q5. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q6. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q7. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.  (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q8. In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q9. “For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in the recent past. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

2014 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. (Answer in 150 words) Mark 12½

Q2. The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q3. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q4. The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q5. Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q6. An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q7. Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q8. Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

Q9. Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPR, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 12½

2013 UPSC IAS Governance and Developmental Studies Mains

Q1. Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at the State level? Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q2. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q3. The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q4. The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q5. Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q6. The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q7. The Central Government frequently complains of the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q8. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q9. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q10. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10

Q11. Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse. (Answer in 200 words) Mark 10