May 15 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (GS1/ History)
“The Mauryan Empire's administrative innovations laid the foundation for centralized governance in ancient India.” Discuss. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE), under rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, pioneered centralized governance through innovative administrative systems. These mechanisms ensured effective control over a vast empire, influencing India’s governance traditions.

Body

Centralized Administrative Framework

• Bureaucratic Structure: Kautilya’s Arthashastra describes a hierarchy with officials like amatyas managing revenue, justice, and military, ensuring uniform policy enforcement.
• Revenue Collection: Systematic land revenue assessment by samahartas funded infrastructure and defense, promoting economic stability.

Provincial and Local Governance

• Provincial Administration: Provinces under kumara (royal princes) balanced central authority with regional autonomy, maintaining loyalty.
• Espionage Network: A robust spy system monitored officials and citizens, curbing corruption and dissent.

Socio-Economic Integration

• Standardized Systems: Uniform weights, measures, and coinage fostered trade and economic cohesion across regions.
• Ashoka’s Dhamma: Edicts promoted ethical governance, uniting diverse communities through moral principles.

Suggested Diagram: A hierarchical chart depicting the Mauryan administrative structure, from emperor to village officials.

Conclusion
The Mauryan Empire’s administrative innovations, blending centralization with regional flexibility, established a robust governance model. Their legacy of systematic administration and ethical principles shaped India’s political evolution for centuries.

Q2. (GS2/ Polity)
To what extent has the Supreme Court's jurisprudence on federalism evolved in balancing Centre-State relations? Suggest measures for India to strengthen cooperative federalism amid fiscal challenges. (250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The Supreme Court’s jurisprudence on federalism has evolved to balance Centre-State relations, promoting cooperative federalism. Amid fiscal challenges in 2025, further reforms are needed to enhance equitable governance and collaboration.

Body

Evolution of Federal Jurisprudence

• Early Central Bias: In State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1963), the Court prioritized national unity, favoring central authority.
• Protecting State Autonomy: The S.R. Bommai case (1994) restricted Article 356 misuse, safeguarding states’ rights.
• Fiscal Federalism: By 2025, rulings like Union of India v. Mohit Minerals (2022) upheld states’ GST revenue rights, strengthening fiscal autonomy.

Current Challenges

• Fiscal Dependency: States rely on central transfers for 42% of their total revenue in 2025, limiting financial independence.
• Policy Tensions: Disputes over schemes like NEP 2020 highlight coordination gaps between Centre and states.

Measures to Strengthen Cooperative Federalism

• Fiscal Empowerment: Increase states’ GST share and allow flexible cess allocation for regional needs.
• Institutional Reforms: Grant statutory status to NITI Aayog for effective policy mediation.
• Inter-State Collaboration: Strengthen the Inter-State Council for resolving disputes and fostering dialogue.
• Transparent Allocations: Use data-driven metrics to ensure equitable distribution of central funds.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart illustrating Centre-State fiscal flows under GST, highlighting revenue sharing and disputes.

Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s evolving jurisprudence has balanced Centre-State relations, promoting cooperative federalism. Fiscal reforms, institutional empowerment, and collaborative platforms are essential to address 2025’s challenges and ensure inclusive governance.

Q3. (GS3/ Economy)
Evaluate the role of India's semiconductor mission in achieving self-reliance in electronics manufacturing by 2025, with reference to recent PLI scheme outcomes. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
India’s Semiconductor Mission aims for self-reliance in electronics manufacturing by 2025, leveraging the PLI scheme to boost domestic production. While progress is notable, challenges hinder full realization of its goals.

Body

Achievements of the Mission

• PLI Scheme Impact: By 2025, ₹1.6 lakh crore in investments established five semiconductor fabs, enhancing chip production.
• Global Partnerships: Collaborations with firms like Intel facilitated technology transfer, supporting 5G device manufacturing.

Contribution to Self-Reliance

• Import Reduction: Domestic chip production reduced electronics import dependency by 22% in 2025.
• Job Creation: The mission generated 55,000 skilled jobs, strengthening India’s tech ecosystem.

Challenges

• Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate power and water supply constrain fab scalability and efficiency.
• Technological Lag: India trails global leaders like Taiwan in advanced chip technology.

Suggested Diagram: A bar chart comparing India’s semiconductor production and import dependency (2020–2025).

Conclusion
The Semiconductor Mission, bolstered by the PLI scheme, has advanced self-reliance by reducing imports and creating jobs. Addressing infrastructure and technological gaps is critical to sustain progress and global competitiveness by 2025.

Q4. (GS4/ Ethics) Case Study
Neha is an IRS officer posted as Commissioner of Income Tax in a metropolitan city. In 2025, during an audit of a major tech firm, she discovers widespread tax evasion through offshore shell companies, involving prominent business leaders with close ties to ruling politicians. The evasion has deprived the government of billions in revenue, impacting welfare schemes.

Neha escalates the findings internally, but her superiors urge caution, arguing that:

• Public exposure could destabilize the economy amid post-pandemic recovery, as the firm is a key employer.
• The evidence might be contested in court, leading to prolonged litigation and potential backlash.
• Discretion could "protect national interests" by allowing negotiated settlements that recover partial funds without scandal.

Local activists and media approach Neha with leaks, highlighting how the lost revenue affects public health funding. If she pursues aggressive action, she risks political vendetta, transfer, or fabricated charges; if she complies, she enables corruption and undermines fiscal justice.

Questions 
(a) What are the primary ethical dilemmas Neha encounters in this situation? 
(b) As a trainer for civil service aspirants, what ethical values and leadership traits would you stress for resolving tensions between professional duty and systemic pressures? 
(c) Recommend a balanced strategy for Neha, harmonizing fiscal integrity with practical administrative considerations.
Ans: 
(a) Ethical Dilemmas

• Duty vs. Economic Stability: Pursuing evasion ensures fiscal justice but risks economic disruption due to the firm’s employment role.
• Integrity vs. Political Pressure: Exposing complicity upholds transparency but invites retaliation, including transfers.
• Public Good vs. Personal Risk: Action protects public funds but endangers Neha’s career and safety.

(b) Recommended Values and Traits

• Integrity: Prioritizing transparency maintains public trust, resisting systemic pressures.
• Courage: Facing political backlash requires bold adherence to duty.
• Ethical Frameworks: Utilitarianism (maximizing public welfare) and deontology (duty-based ethics) guide balanced decisions.

(c) Balanced Strategy

• Discreet Investigation: Conduct forensic audits with ED coordination to strengthen evidence.
• Negotiated Recovery: Pursue settlements to recover funds, minimizing economic fallout.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with activists to channel public pressure, ensuring accountability discreetly.

Q5. (GS4/ Ethics)
“Compassion in governance tempers justice with empathy, ensuring equitable outcomes.” Examine this in the light of ethical public administration. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Compassion in governance integrates empathy with justice, fostering equitable outcomes in public administration. It ensures humane decision-making, balancing strict rules with societal needs, and building trust.

Body

Role of Compassion

• Empathetic Governance: Compassion prioritizes marginalized groups, as seen in PM Garib Kalyan Yojana’s focus on vulnerable populations.
• Stakeholder Trust: Empathetic communication during crises, like disaster relief, fosters public cooperation and confidence.

Complementing Justice

• Equitable Decisions: Compassion tempers rigid enforcement, e.g., waiving penalties for small taxpayers during economic distress.
• Inclusive Outcomes: Sensitivity to diverse needs ensures policies benefit all, enhancing social equity.

Challenges

• Risk of Bias: Over-compassion may lead to favoritism, undermining impartiality.
• Balancing Efficiency: Excessive empathy can delay decisions, affecting administrative effectiveness.

Suggested Diagram: A Venn diagram showing the overlap of compassion, justice, and equity in ethical governance.

Conclusion
Compassion in public administration humanizes justice, ensuring equitable outcomes and trust. Ethical leaders must balance empathy with objectivity to deliver inclusive, effective governance, addressing diverse societal needs.