Mains Practice Questions

Q. A basic issue in international relations is how to reconcile one’s interests with values one professes. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. There has been a shift in poverty trends in India from rural to urban areas. Comment. (150 words)

Q. “India needs smart urbanization”. In light of this, discuss the issues and challenges associated with urbanization in India. (250 words)

Q. Analyse the factors and implications of India’s recent exit from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). (250 words)

Q. The recent judgement of the Supreme Court that brings the office of Chief Justice of India under the ambit of the Right to Information Act will give a fillip to people’s quest for transparency and accountability. Comment. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the impact of the following on Indian society: 

1. Sanskritisation
2. Westernisation
3. Modernisation 

Q. Most of the art and architectural remains that survive from ancient and medieval India are religious in nature. Examine. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. “Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.”
2. "The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance" – Socrates.

Q. You are the Vice-Chancellor of a Public University. Recently, the management has decided to increase the hostel and tuition fees substantially. The students are unhappy with the management's decision and are staging a widespread protest in the university campus. 

A student from the weaker section came to you and explained his inability to pay the proposed hike in fees due to his weak financial family background. His father is a ragpicker and his mother works as a maid. He informed you about similar conditions of other financially weak students who are unable to pay the hiked fees. He also informed you that one of his friends is planning self-immolation in protest under the influence of some politically motivated students. 

With the passing of the day, the protest is growing violent, with several incidents of violence between security forces and students. 

Even though you also do not agree with the management's decision, but are under severe pressure from the government to implement the proposed hiked. 

In such circumstances, is it right to move forward with the management's decision?

1. Identify the moral dilemma faced by you. 
2. Analyze your role and duties, along with a suitable course of action.

Q. Analyze the relevance of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev in modern India. (150 words)

Q. Explain the significance of Gandhi’s Talisman for a civil servant in pursuit of administrative justice? (150 words)

Q. “The awareness of the extent of malnutrition despite agricultural growth has led to a need to converge agriculture and nutrition.” Comment. (250 words)

Q. What are the challenges faced by the AYUSH System with respect to its integration in the mainstream medical system? Examine the potential and suggest measures to capitalise it. (250 words)

Q. What is the procedure for the formation of State Legislative Council? Also examine its relevance vis-a-vis legislative assembly. (250 words)

Q. BRICS can be the pillar of the emerging fairer polycentric world order. In this context, examine the relevance of BRICS in upholding the voice of developing nations. (250 words)

Q. As a ruling colonial power, Britain's strategy of dividing its colonised countries on the basis of religious or ethnic grounds at the time of decolonisation has only led to wars and misery, instead of peace. Comment. (250 words)

Q. Highlight the socio-political conditions of the Sangam period with special mention of three literary assemblies. (250 words)

Essay Topics

A. Justice, in its true sense, carries with it the essence of liberty, equality and fraternity.

B. Sanitation is inseparably linked to human dignity.

You are a struggling reporter of a news channel and have been under severe pressure from your Editor-in-Chief to bring some sensational news to boost Television Rating Points (TRPs).

You have interviewed a famous religious leader of a minority faction on the recent Ayodhya verdict of Supreme Court. In the interview, the religious leader used a provocative statement and urged the members of the community to rebel against the court ruling. If the interview is aired, it might spark communal tensions and law and order problem in society. You are very well aware that if the interview is presented to the Editor-in-Chief, he will definitely air it to boost TRPs. The interview may lead to the exponential growth of your career.  

In such circumstances, would it be right to present the interview to Editor-in-Chief?  

1. Identify the moral dilemma faced by you. 
2. Analyse your role and duties as a responsible reporter, also suggest your course of action.

Q. The RTI Act is a strong weapon that enhances accountability, citizen activism and, consequently, participative democracy. Comment. (150 words)

Q. Explain how the basic philosophy of Jainism can help to tackle various social and environmental problems. (150 words)

Q. The ‘ease of doing business index’ is not the true reflection of business activity in the country. Comment. Also suggest the policy measures taken to improve business activity in India. (250 words)

Q. Identify the issues related to stubble burning. Mention how an effective policy planning can convert crisis of stubble burning into opportunity. (250 words)

Q. Objectives of gender justice go beyond the boundaries of the courts. Comment. (250 words)

Q. The recent judgement of the Supreme Court that brings the office of Chief Justice of India under the ambit of the Right to Information Act will give a fillip to people’s quest for transparency and accountability. Comment (250 words)

Q. Do you agree that the process of urbanisation if carried out in a planned, sustainable and inclusive manner, can potentially help India mitigate the impact of all-pervasive casteism? (250 words)

Q. What are the causes of ocean currents? How do currents affect the temperature of a region? (250 words)

Essay Topics

A. Sustainability, more than anything else, is agriculture's biggest problem.

B. Education in India has not been able to empower all the sections of society. 

The Government has planned the strategic disinvestment of State Road Transportation Corporation in a phased manner by allowing some private companies to ferry buses on marked routes. The outraged workers have called for a strike against the move. You are the head of the workers union of the transport corporation. In a meeting with State officials, they have informed you about the circumstances of inefficiency, corruption and deteriorating quality of service to commuters. You have also presented the worker’s viewpoint and their complaints of low payscale and non-payment of salaries from the past few months. A deadlock has occurred between the two parties where no-side is willing to lose. To break the deadlock, the officials offer you a bribe and other perks to comply with the decision of privatisation in a phased manner. State transport services are in a state of peril and there is a huge outcry among the common masses.

1. Identify the moral dilemma faced by you.
2. Analyse your role and duties, also suggest your course of action.

Q. Gandhiji's vision and philosophy encompasses human rights and sustainable development. Discuss. (150 words)