UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper II - Download PDF

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 was held on 16 September 2023 in the afternoon session from 2 PM to 5 PM. The General Studies Paper 2 is a crucial segment of the UPSC mains exam and counts for a total of 250 marks. In this article, you can download the UPSC Mains GS Paper II question paper once the exam is over. We will also give the UPSC question paper analysis after the exam is finished.

Aspirants can download the other UPSC 2023 mains papers from the links below (Links will be provided as soon as the exam is over).

• Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper I from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper III from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper IV from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Indian Language Paper from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 English Language Paper from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Optional Paper-I from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Optional Paper-II from the linked article.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2023

The GS paper II comprises questions from the following subjects broadly:

1. Governance
2. Constitution
3. Polity
4. Social Justice
5. International relations

For a detailed view of the UPSC Mains syllabus, candidates can check the linked article.

The questions asked in the 2023 GS 2 paper are as follows:

1. “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment. (10 Marks)
2. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Service Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (10 Marks)
3. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment (10 Marks)
4. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (1o Marks)
5. Discuss the role of presiding officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (10 Marks)
6. The crucial aspect of developmental process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (10 Marks)
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. (10 Marks)
8. e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancements of these features? (10 Marks)
9. ‘Virus of Conflict in affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (10 Marks)
10. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (1o Marks)
11. “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (15 Marks)
12. Explain the constitutional perspective of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (15 Marks)
13. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. (15 Marks)
14. Discuss the contributions of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in State Legislatures in India. (15 Marks)
15. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (15 Marks)
16. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament? (15 Marks)
17. “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (15 Marks)
18. 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. (15 Marks)
19. ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (15 Marks)
20. ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (15 Marks)

Candidates can access our notes for the GS Paper II in the links provided below:

For a comprehensive article on how to cover the UPSC syllabus for GS 2, the structure of the paper and the strategy to approach it, check the link here.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Pattern

GS 2 is a complex paper among the UPSC mains exam papers. The reason for this is that the subjects covered under it is intensively linked to current affairs. Concepts related to policy, governance, social justice, international relations and so on are frequently part of the daily news. Hence, newspaper reading and analysis assume utmost importance in the GS paper II. (Understand the nuances of newspaper reading for UPSC in the link.)

Candidates must keep the following things in mind while attempting the UPSC GS Mains Papers 2023:

• The marks scored in this subject are included to make the final merit list.
• The GS Paper II is for a total of 250 marks.
• Candidates are given a total of 3 hours to write the answers.
• There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
• All questions are compulsory.
• The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.
• Candidates must keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind as the content of the answers are more important than their length.
• Answers must be written in the medium as applied by the candidates at the time of filling out the application form. The medium must be stated clearly on the cover of the question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorised one.

For topic-wise questions asked in the GS Paper II, click the linked article.

UPSC candidates can check other UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers from the linked article.

Note: Visit the linked article to get all UPSC Previous Year Question Papers.