UPSC PSIR Optional 2025 — Question Paper
The complete paper as UPSC set it, Paper I and Paper II. Tap a question to open its own page — the flow snapshot showing how the answer moves, and the handwritten answer.
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
bWrite a note on the relation between equality and liberty from the multi-cultural perspective.10 marksAnswer →cExplain Macpherson’s view on power.10 marksAnswer →dMention the difference between Italian and German brands of fascism.10 marksAnswer →eExplain briefly the elite theory of democracy.10 marksAnswer →
aWhat is the Marxist and liberal approach towards the state? On what grounds are the theoretical differences between them premised? Explain.20 marksAnswer →bKarl Popper presents a defence of the open society against its enemies. Elaborate.15 marksAnswer →cExplain how Rawls used the liberal and egalitarian perspective to develop his theory of justice.15 marksAnswer →
aProvide a comparative analysis of behavioural and institutional approach to the study of Political theory.20 marksAnswer →b“State ………. does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality, which lies at the root of all progress.” — Mahatma Gandhi. Elucidate.15 marksAnswer →cExplain how the slogan ‘the personal is political’ addresses the issue of women’s oppression and discrimination.15 marksAnswer →
aThe foundational base of Western democracy has been shaped by Locke’s ideas of constitutionalism, freedom and property. Elucidate.20 marksAnswer →bHannah Arendt analysed a few categories of vita activa. Explain.15 marksAnswer →cDo you think that legitimacy acquired by consent or manufactured by indoctrination is an essential element in maintenance of political rule? Justify your answer with relevant examples.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
aExplain briefly the role of Peasant Movements after 1857 and before independence.10 marksAnswer →bWrite a note on the Dalit perspective of the Indian National Movement.10 marksAnswer →cLand reforms programmes led to some constitutional amendments. Comment.10 marksAnswer →dDelineate the key factors that have shaped the evolving political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019.10 marksAnswer →eHow far has the National Human Rights Commission been successful in achieving its objectives? Comment.10 marksAnswer →
aParliamentary Committees are a strong tool of Parliamentary Democracy. They provide an opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas among Members of Parliament. Discuss.20 marksAnswer →bExamine the constitutional provisions and nature of advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India. Evaluate your answer with relevant examples.15 marksAnswer →cThe recent developments in Indian politics have not eroded the true spirit of federalism in India. Critically examine this statement with the help of appropriate illustrations.15 marksAnswer →
aEnunciate the impediments to women’s participation in local governance in the process of political decentralisation.20 marksAnswer →bCaste remains a vital axis for political mobilisation in India. How would the caste census address the aspirations of people? Discuss.20 marksAnswer →
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
aDiscuss the psychological approach to the study of comparative politics.10 marksAnswer →bNeo-liberalism lightened neo-realism’s dark view of international politics. Comment.10 marksAnswer →cExplain the non-traditional security threats in the context of food and environmental crises.10 marksAnswer →dDiscuss the political socialization of open and closed societies.10 marksAnswer →eComment on the Red Lipstick Movement in the context of feminist rights.10 marksAnswer →
aThe world currently has been in the throes of a twin process of ‘democratic backsliding’ and ‘democratic backlash’. How would you explain this paradox?20 marksAnswer →bThe withdrawal of the United States of America from the World Health Organization is set to have far-reaching impacts on global health. Reimagining the existing WHO is vital for the global health agenda. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →cTransnational actors have qualitatively transformed the world by way of their fresh insights and actions. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.15 marksAnswer →
aLatin America has made moderate success in countering the US-led global economic order by framing various organizations emphasizing regional sovereignty, economic integration and alternative development. Discuss.20 marksAnswer →bHow successful has the ‘ASEAN Plus Three’ been in addressing regional problems? Support your answer with specific examples.15 marksAnswer →c“Trump’s return to the White House is a jolt to push the European Union to invest in its own defence and economic and technological revival.” Comment.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
aChina’s growing footprint and a tangible shift in power dynamics in Bangladesh has weakened India’s leverage in Dhaka. Comment.10 marksAnswer →bWould you agree with the contention that India’s inclination to lean on a ‘more aggressive hyper-realist posture’ has gained a new momentum in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist strike? Comment.10 marksAnswer →cFor India, a multipolar world order would also mean a multipolar Asia. Comment.10 marksAnswer →dDoes the Non-Aligned Movement have any future in the wake of India’s growing indifference towards it?10 marksAnswer →eHistorical ties between India and Japan grew into a ‘special strategic and global partnership’. Comment.10 marksAnswer →
aCritically analyze the different phases of India’s foreign policy since independence. How justified, do you think, is S. Jaishankar’s classification of the current phase as the phase of ‘energetic diplomacy’?20 marksAnswer →bIndia maintains strong ties with countries that will assure a free and open Indo-Pacific and guarantee greater connectivity with the rest of the world. Analyze.15 marksAnswer →cThe tariff threats have pushed India and the European Union closer. Evaluate the India–EU partnership.15 marksAnswer →
aIndia’s reluctance to perceive any ‘existential threat’ inevitably made the multilateral path to nuclear security a ‘default option’ until it decided to cross the nuclear Rubicon in 1998. Identify and analyze some of the major reasons behind this shift in India’s position on the nuclear question.20 marksAnswer →bDiscuss some of the key drivers of India’s new interests in Africa which might help in developing long-term comparative advantage over China.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the potential role India can play in initiating a possible phase of trilateral economic engagement among India, China and Nepal.15 marksAnswer →