Mains Practice Questions

Q. What measures have been taken by the Indian government to promote transparency and reduce corruption? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of women in Indian society and politics. (150 words)

Q. How do geographical factors contribute to the formation of monsoon winds in India, and what is the impact of these winds on the region's climate and economy? (250 words)

Q. How did the Mauryan Empire establish its dominance over a vast portion of the Indian subcontinent? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do.

2. The purpose of education is to make minds, not careers.

Case Study 

You are an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer posted in a developing country that is known for its human rights violations and corruption. Your job is to represent India's interests and promote friendly relations with the host country. However, you find that your host country's government is involved in several unethical practices, including suppression of political dissent, censorship of media, and siphoning off foreign aid. 

One day, you receive a confidential report from your embassy that confirms the host country's government's involvement in illegal activities, including money laundering, trafficking of drugs and arms, and supporting terrorist organizations. The report also states that some Indian companies are indirectly involved in these illegal activities by providing them with funding and logistics support. 

Q. In this scenario, what would you do as an IFS officer, and how would you justify your actions ethically? 

Q. How can ethical considerations be incorporated into environmental policy-making? (150 words)

Q. How can civil servants promote integrity and probity in public life? (150 words)

Q. Examine opportunities  and  challenges  presented by electric vehicles in India. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the challenges  facing India's labor market and suggest measures to improve job creation and labor force participation. (250 Words)

Q. In what ways can India address issues of gender-based violence and promote the safety and security of women? (150 words)

Q. Assess the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a tool for achieving foreign policy  objectives.  (250 words)

Q. Examine the  challenges faced by India’s education system in  providing quality education to all its citizens.(250 Words) 

Q.What were the main factors that led to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?(150 Words)

Essay Topics

1. All education is a search for truth and a pursuit of social betterment.

2. Unless it’s people-centric and people-driven, any reform is bound to face resistance and failure.

Case Study

You are a district collector of a drought-prone area where farmers are suffering from crop failure and debt. You have been allocated funds by the state government to provide relief measures such as food grains distribution, loan waivers and employment generation schemes.

However, you find out that some local politicians and officials are involved in diverting these funds for their personal gains. They have also threatened some honest staff members who tried to expose their corruption.

You have evidence against these corrupt people but you also know that they have strong political connections and influence in the area.

Q. What will you do in this situation?

Q. What do you understand by ‘moral courage’? Why is it important for a civil servant? Give an example of a situation where you displayed moral courage. (150 words)

Q. Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate India’s foreign policy towards its neighbors and how it has evolved over time. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian Parliament in fulfilling its role as a representative and legislative body and the measures taken to address them. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of women and women’s organizations in various spheres of life such as education, health, economy, politics and social movements. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the causes and impacts of changes in critical geographical features such as glaciers, coral reefs, wetlands and forests. How can we conserve and restore them? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

2. Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.

Case Study

You are a junior officer in a government department that deals with food distribution schemes. You have been working under a senior officer who is respected and admired for his efficiency and honesty. However, one day you come across some documents that reveal that he has been siphoning off funds from the schemes for his personal use. You are shocked and confused by this discovery.

What would you do in this situation and why?

Q. What are the principles of natural justice? How are they applied in administrative decision making? Explain with examples. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by emotional intelligence? How can it help you in improving your interpersonal skills and decision making? Give examples from your own life or from any public figure. (150 words)

Q. Assess the significance of the Western Ghats in the conservation of India's biodiversity. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the effectiveness of the government's Make in India initiative in boosting the manufacturing sector. (250 words)

Q. How do issues of housing and homelessness impact social justice and how can we work to address these issues? (150 words)

Q. What are the key features and significant provisions of the Indian Constitution which encourage unity in diversity in Indian society. Discuss (250 words)