{"id":236,"date":"2026-02-18T15:04:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T09:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/?p=236"},"modified":"2026-08-11T08:36:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T03:06:02","slug":"upsc-psir-optional-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/upsc-psir-optional-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC PSIR Optional 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UPSC Civil Services · Mains · PSIR Optional<\/span><\/p>\n

UPSC PSIR Optional 2023 — 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<\/a>2023<\/span>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
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1<\/span><\/p>\n

Comment on the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Normative approach in Political Science<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Multicultural perspective on rights<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes)<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Foucault\u2019s concept of power<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

e<\/span>Decline of political theory<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Rawls\u2019 idea of the liberal self\u2019 is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls\u2019 theory of justice.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u2018Credo of Relevance\u2019 in post-behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary Democrac\u0443. Explain.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development.\u201d (J. S. Mill). Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Sri Aurobindo\u2019s idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, political and cultural history. Analyze.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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5<\/span><\/p>\n

Comment on the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Environmentalism of the poor<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Functions of District Planning Committee<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>National Commission for Minorities<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Discuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an \u2018unfulfilled dream\u2019? Argue your case.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>How does NITI Aayog as a \u2018policy think tank with shared vision\u2019 visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>The Constitution of India is the \u2018cornerstone of a nation\u2019. (Granville Austin). Analyze.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Does the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>The main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Ambedkar\u2019s clarion call, \u201cEducate, Agitate and Organize\u201d, strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>The decade 1989\u20131999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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

Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics?<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>How does democratic politics construct citizenship?<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n
d<\/span>What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice?<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

e<\/span>Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India\u2019s soft power in pursuit of her national interest.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>In what ways does the functionalist approach in international relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace?<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>\u201cDuring the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a \u2018Third force\u2019 in World Politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy.\u201d Discuss.<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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5<\/span><\/p>\n

Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Explain the major features of India\u2019s Foreign Policy in the 21st century.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>What are the reasons for lack of \u2018regionness\u2019 in South Asia?<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver?<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

d<\/span>Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia?<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics?<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India \u2013 Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Discuss the importance of India\u2019s role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India\u2019s strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>\u201cIndia\u2019s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy.\u201d Discuss.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>What are the challenges and limitations in India \u2013 Iran relations?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State?<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Discuss the significance of \u201cWest Asia Quad\u201d in the light of India\u2019s Look West\u2019 policy.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the major drivers of India\u2019s interests in Africa.<\/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 2023 — 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":0,"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-236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pyqs"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/236","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=236"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3423,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/236\/revisions\/3423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}