{"id":132,"date":"2025-09-17T08:24:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T02:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/?p=132"},"modified":"2026-08-11T20:49:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T15:19:37","slug":"upsc-psir-optional-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/upsc-psir-optional-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC PSIR Optional 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UPSC Civil Services · Mains · PSIR Optional<\/span><\/p>\n

UPSC PSIR Optional 2024 — Question Paper<\/h1>\n

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.<\/p>\n

56<\/b> questions<\/span>Paper I & Paper II<\/span><\/div>\n
2025<\/a>2024<\/span>2023<\/a>2022<\/a>2021<\/a>2020<\/a>2019<\/a>2018<\/a>2017<\/a>2016<\/a>2015<\/a>PYQ Finder →<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Paper<\/span>I<\/b><\/div>\n
Section A<\/div>\n
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1<\/span><\/p>\n

Write approximately 150 words on each of the following. (10\u00d75=50)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Behavioural approach to Political Science.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Pluralist theory of the State.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Locke\u2019s views on Revolution.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Decline of Liberalism.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>Linkage between Power and Hegemony.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Elucidate the meanings inherent in the term \u2018political\u2019 with appropriate illustrations.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>\u201cMarxism is a political theory of action demanding strict compliance with its core principles.\u201d Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u201cThe nature of the relationship between equality of democratic citizenship and liberty of citizens is influenced by economic equality.\u201d Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>\u201cThe debate on human rights is caught between the limitations of both universalism and cultural relativism.\u201d Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Deliberative democracy seeks to promote democratic decision-making about public issues among citizens. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Dharmashastra presents a duty-centric worldview for individuals and communities. Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Legitimacy adds positive value to political authority and obligation. Discuss.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Critically examine Plato\u2019s Theory of Forms.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Manabendra Nath Roy\u2019s political thought highlighted the humanistic aspects of Marxism. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Section B<\/div>\n
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5<\/span><\/p>\n

Write approximately 150 words on each of the following. (10\u00d75=50)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Constitutional morality in the Indian Constitution.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Objective Resolution of the Constituent Assembly.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>Legal remedies in Part III of the Constitution of India.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

d<\/span>Relevance of the Legislative Council.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>Women\u2019s role in the anti-arrack movement.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>How far do you agree that the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are more fundamental than the Fundamental Rights (FR) in meeting socio-economic justice as mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution?<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Explain the structure and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW).<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>The legacy of the Planning Commission still has a bearing on India\u2019s development policies. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Discuss the contribution of the Dalit struggle to establishing egalitarianism in Indian society during the freedom movement.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>The blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understanding the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>Critically assess the role of pressure groups in the decision-making process of the government.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Discuss the role of environmental movements in shaping environmental governance in India.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>\u201cRelative deprivation is a major source of ethnic conflict.\u201d Elaborate with relevant examples.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system is a forum that expresses the collective wisdom, aspirations and will of the people. Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Paper<\/span>II<\/b><\/div>\n
Section A<\/div>\n
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1<\/span><\/p>\n

Answer the following in about 150 words each. (10\u00d75=50)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Discuss the interpretive approach to the study of comparative politics.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Explain the central tenets of World-Systems Theory.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>\u201cThe expansionist tendencies of the current Russian regime indicate intentions to realise a Greater Russia on the lines of the Soviet era.\u201d Comment.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

d<\/span>Explain the facets of the idealist approach to the study of International Relations (IR). Comment on its contemporary relevance.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>\u201cThe changing global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with global powers taking sides, have jeopardised progress made towards disarmament.\u201d Comment.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>\u201cDeglobalisation is displacing globalisation.\u201d Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>What are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in advanced capitalist economies? Analyse.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>What were the limitations of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)? How did its replacement by the USMCA (United States\u2013Mexico\u2013Canada Agreement) address them? Explain.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Discuss major recent social movements related to the bodily\/physical rights of women in various countries.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Critically examine the role of political parties in sustaining and stabilising democracies in developing societies.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Do you agree that the USA uses NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) as a traditional strategic tool to perpetuate its hegemony?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>\u201cThe Gramscian theory of hegemony provides valuable insights into the nature of global power.\u201d Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>The return of trade barriers and economic sanctions has diminished the spirit of GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). In this context, discuss factors contributing to the decline of the WTO (World Trade Organization) in recent times.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Do you agree that the EU (European Union) has thus far been the most successful experiment in regional integration? Account for its successes and some recent challenges.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Section B<\/div>\n
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5<\/span><\/p>\n

Answer the following in about 150 words each. (10\u00d75=50)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>\u201cIndia must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC (United Nations Security Council), rather than a permanent member without the right to veto.\u201d Comment.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Bhutan has historically been India\u2019s ally, but China\u2013Bhutan border issues have become a security concern for India. Discuss.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u201cNothing is going to move within WTO negotiations unless India is on board.\u201d Discuss the main reasons behind India\u2019s increased clout in the WTO.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Discuss the rationale behind replacing the \u201cAsia-Pacific\u201d strategy with the term \u201cIndo-Pacific\u201d strategy.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>Despite deep ties, India\u2013Sri Lanka relations have seen strains due to China\u2019s growing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance. Analyse.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Would you concur that, of late, India\u2019s foreign policy has been transitioning from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism? Support your answer with suitable examples.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

b<\/span>Does the idea of the 21st century as an \u201cAsian century\u201d remain feasible given the growing friction between India and China?<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>Discuss the potential role India could play as leader of the Global South in realising a new international economic order in the 21st century.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Discuss the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) in light of India\u2019s increased focus on other regional groupings like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Critically examine India\u2019s persistent refusal to sign the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) despite being recognised as a de facto nuclear power.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u201cIndia and the USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies.\u201d Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Critically examine continuity and change in India\u2019s Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel\u2013Hamas war.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

b<\/span>Discuss the implications of India scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar for the north-eastern region\u2019s complex ethno-political dynamics.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>\u201cIndia has, of late, chosen to debunk non-alignment in its pursuit of multi-alignment.\u201d Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Every linked question opens its own page in the PSIR PYQ Vault<\/a> — a flow snapshot showing how the answer moves, and the handwritten answer itself. To search across all ten years by year, marks or syllabus topic, use the PYQ Finder<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UPSC Civil Services · Mains · PSIR Optional UPSC PSIR Optional 2024 — 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. 56 questionsPaper I & Paper II 20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015PYQ […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":150,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"fx_brief_v2":"","fx_brief_issue":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pyqs"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2024-pic.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=132"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3422,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132\/revisions\/3422"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}