Post – Independence India Previous Year Questions (PYQs) | UPSC Mains Examination

Post – Independence India Previous Year Questions (PYQs) | UPSC Mains Examination

On this page you will find all the updates related to the previous year questions of subject Post – Independence India for UPSC IAS Mains examination.

In the UPSC mains GS paper I, the syllabus covers the post-independence history of India, focusing on the theme of “Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.” The syllabus does not provide specific subheadings or topics for candidates to study. Given that 76 years have passed since India gained independence in 1947, numerous significant events have influenced India’s ongoing development. Hence, candidates need to cover the ongoing developments till date extensively with a broad understanding.

Q.1) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. [Answer in 250 words] [15 Marks] [2022]

Q.2) Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]

Q.3) Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]

Q.4) What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]

Q.5) Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]

Q.6) It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years, but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935.Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]

Q.7) Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q.8) Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q.9) Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q.10) Analyse the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q.11) Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Trends of Post-Independence India PYQs For UPSC Mains

In recent years, the examination trend has shown that questions related to Post-Independence India typically carry a weightage of 10 to 15 marks.
Although there are not many questions asked about this topic, it is a low-hanging fruit i.e if candidates thoroughly analyze and practice the previous year’s questions (PYQs) on this topic in the UPSC official syllabus, one can easily score 10 -15 marks in mains paper.

The mains questions for Post- Independence India in recent years have covered a wide range of topics. In 2023, there were no questions from this topic. In 2022, questions delved into topics like the political and administrative reorganization of states and territories. The 2021 examination included a question regarding the administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. In 2020, there were no questions from this topic.