UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper II - Download PDF

The UPSC Mains 2021 was conducted from 7th January 2022 to 16th January 2022. The General Studies Paper II was held on 8th January 2022 (Afternoon session). The second stage of the Civil Services Examination is Mains (Written) and this stage consists of nine papers.  

The General Studies Paper 2 consists of the following subjects:

• Governance 
• Constitution
• Polity
• Social Justice and 
• International relations

The aspirants can prepare for the above subjects comprehensively from the following links:

Based on the question paper, the aspirants can analyse and formulate their strategy to crack the Mains level of the Civil Services Examination. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper I from the linked article. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper III from the linked article. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper IV from the linked article. 

UPSC 2021 Mains GS Paper 2

The General Studies Paper 2 of UPSC Mains covers subjects such as Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. This paper is counted for the final merit list. The GS Paper II consists of 20 questions from the below-mentioned topics, and all the questions in this paper are compulsory. A total of 250 marks and a duration of 3 hours is allotted for this paper. 

UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper 2:- Download PDF Here

Also, check out,

• UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF
• UPSC Mains 2021 Indian Language Paper PDF
• UPSC Mains 2021 English Language Paper PDF

Here are a few points about the nature and type of questions asked in the mains exam of Civil Services Examination:

• According to UPSC, the aspirants can answer the questions asked in Mains without any specialised study. 
• The questions asked in the exam are designed to test the candidate’s general awareness in different subjects which have relevance for a career in civil services. 
• The questions are set to test the basic understanding of the candidates in various fields and also test the candidates’ capacity to analyse. 
• The aspirants are expected to answer all the questions with relevant and meaningful information. 

The candidates can refer to topic wise questions asked in different subjects of GS Paper II from the links provided below:

The candidates can check other UPSC Mains 2021 Question papers from the linked article.

UPSC Mains 2021 – General Studies 2 Question Paper

Q1. ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q2. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q3. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position? (150 words – 10 marks)

Q4. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (150 words – 10 marks)

Q5. “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q6. “Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q7. “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q8. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q9. “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q10. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (150 words – 10 marks)

Q11. 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 States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (250 words – 15 marks)

Q12. 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. (250 words – 15 marks)

Q13. Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (250 words – 15 marks)

Q14. Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (250 words – 15 marks)

Q15. Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. (250 words – 15 marks)

Q16. Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (250 words – 15 marks)

Q17. “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (250 words – 15 marks)

Q18. Can Civil 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)

Q19. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for India? (250 words – 15 marks)

Q20. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (250 words – 15 marks)