UPSC Mains General Studies (Paper 2) - Mock Test 1 | UPSC Mains Mock Test Series 2025 PDF Download

Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250

Instructions:

• There are TWENTY questions printed in ENGLISH.
• All questions are compulsory.
• The number of marks carried by each question is indicated against it.
• Answers to Questions No. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, and Questions No. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
• Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate.
• Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

Q1. Critically examine the role of the Finance Commission in addressing vertical and horizontal fiscal imbalances in India. How does its functioning impact cooperative federalism? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q2. Evaluate the significance of the Doctrine of Basic Structure in safeguarding the Indian Constitution. How has it influenced judicial review in landmark cases? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q3. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation - one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q4. Discuss the challenges in implementing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, in promoting transparency. How can these challenges be addressed to strengthen accountability? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q5. Comment on the role of the National Commission for Women in addressing gender-based violence. What structural reforms are needed to enhance its autonomy and effectiveness? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q6. Analyze the impact of coalition governments on India’s federal structure. How do they influence Centre-State relations in policy implementation? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q7. Examine the role of civil society organizations in shaping environmental governance in India. Cite specific examples to support your answer. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q8. Discuss the strategic significance of India’s engagement with the African Union in promoting Global South cooperation. How does it counterbalance China’s influence? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q9. Comment on the challenges in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the grassroots level. Suggest measures to ensure inclusive education. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) 

Q10. Evaluate India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in addressing global climate change challenges. How does it align with India’s foreign policy? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Q11. Critically analyze the Supreme Court’s role in expanding the scope of Article 21 through judicial activism. Discuss its implications for personal liberty with reference to landmark judgments. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q12. What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q13. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in balancing environmental protection and economic development. Discuss its achievements and limitations with reference to key cases. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q14. Examine the constitutional provisions for the appointment and removal of judges in India. How do they ensure judicial independence while addressing accountability concerns? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q15. Discuss the geopolitical implications of India’s strategic partnership with Japan in the Indo-Pacific region. How does it contribute to regional security and economic cooperation? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q16. Analyze the role of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in addressing rural poverty. Suggest reforms to enhance its effectiveness in sustainable development. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q17. Critically examine the role of the Election Commission of India in regulating political financing. How can transparency in electoral funding be strengthened? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q18. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q19. Evaluate India’s engagement with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member. How can India leverage this platform to push for UNSC reforms? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Q20. Discuss the challenges in implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, in safeguarding privacy. How can India balance data protection with digital governance? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)