UPSC Mains 2017 — All Papers & Questions

How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity?

Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.

Why did the Moderates fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’?

Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.

“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.” Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

Discuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two Houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reason thereof.

Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?

What are the salient features of 'inclusive growth'? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth.

One of the intended objectives of the Union Budget 2017-18 is to 'transform, energise and clean India'. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.

What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilise the yield of the crops in the system?

Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?

The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.

Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss.

Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some "enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority." Justify.

You are the manager of a spare parts company A and you have to negotiate a deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B. The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal is critical for your company. The deal is being worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to the hotel in his car. On the way to the hotel he happens to hit a motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. You know the manager was driving fast and thus lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to investigate the issue and you are the sole eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining to road accidents you are aware that your honest account of the incident would lead to the prosecution of the manager and as a consequence the deal is likely to be jeopardized, which is of immense importance to your company. What are the dilemmas you face ? What will be your response to the situation ?

Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times.

Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.

We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.

Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.

Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India.

Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.