Mock Test Paper - 2 (PSIR Optional Paper- I): Questions | PSIR Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Instructions 

1. There are EIGHT questions divided in two Sections and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. 
2. Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all. Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each Section. 
3. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. 
4. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. 
5. Attempts of questions shall be counted in sequential order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off

Section-A

Q1. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 marks)
(a) Behavioural approach in Political Science
(b) Feminist perspective on power
(c) (PYQ) Locke’s concept of social contract
(d) Post-modern critique of sovereignty
(e) Relevance of Marxism in contemporary politics

Q2.
(a) Deliberative democracy fosters inclusive governance but faces challenges in polarized societies. Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) The communitarian critique of liberalism emphasizes collective identity over individual autonomy. Explain with reference to Sandel’s arguments. (15 marks)
(c) (PYQ) Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss. (15 marks)

Q3.
(a) Hannah Arendt’s concept of ‘banality of evil’ highlights the dangers of unreflective obedience in politics. Analyze. (20 marks)
(b) Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj transcends political independence to include moral and spiritual dimensions. Discuss. (15 marks)
(c) Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality. (15 marks)

Q4.
(a) Plato’s philosopher-king is an ideal rooted in justice but impractical in modern democracies. Critically examine. (20 marks)
(b) (PYQ) Kautilya’s Mandala theory offers insights into contemporary geopolitics. Discuss with examples. (15 marks)
(c) The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development. (J.S. Mill). Comment. (15 marks)

Section-B

Q5. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 marks)
(a) Role of the Constituent Assembly in shaping India’s Constitution
(b) Women’s reservation in Indian politics
(c) Impact of coalition politics on Indian federalism
(d) Ambedkar’s vision of social justice
(e) Judicial activism in environmental governance

Q6.
(a) The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act aimed to empower rural local governance but faces structural challenges. Discuss with recent examples. (20 marks)
(b) The National Commission for Women has been instrumental in advancing gender justice but faces limitations. Analyze. (15 marks)
(c) (PYQ) The Constitution of India is the ‘cornerstone of a nation’. (Granville Austin). Analyze. (15 marks) 

Q7.
(a) India’s federal structure balances unity and diversity but tilts toward centralization. Critically evaluate. (20 marks)
(b) The rise of caste-based politics reflects both social mobilization and electoral strategies. Discuss. (15 marks)
(c) The National Commission for Minorities plays a critical role in safeguarding minority rights. Explain its functions and challenges. (15 marks)

Q8.
(a) The Supreme Court’s role in public interest litigation has reshaped policy-making in India. Discuss with recent case studies. (20 marks)
(b) NITI Aayog’s collaborative federalism model seeks to redefine planning in India. Evaluate its effectiveness. (15 marks)
(c) The fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution foster civic responsibility but lack enforceability. Comment. (15 marks)