PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Equality

Comment on the equality of opportunity in about 150 words.

How the answer moves

The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.

Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes

Route 1 fair chances to develop ability + compete liberal idea of initial conditions, not outcomes level playing field

Route 2 equality of opportunity = non-discrimination in access but meaning splits between formal and substantive

Body flow

competitive form: equal start positions by ability meritocracy, unequal outcomes accepted if fair limit: assumes level field where none exists Roemer’s non-discrimination vs level-playing-field principle non-competitive form linked with justice Rawls (fair equality of opportunity + difference principle) Sen (equal resources ≠ real access)

Counter-view

competitive meritocracy treats fair competition as enough vs justice-based view that unequal starting conditions must be corrected first

Conclusion routes

Route 1 real equality of opportunity must remove social, economic and cultural barriers

Route 2 move from equal rules to fair conditions; opportunity completed only when access is substantive

Model answer

Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.

Handwritten model answer — UPSC PSIR 2020, Equality