{"id":241,"date":"2026-02-18T16:32:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T11:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/?p=241"},"modified":"2026-08-11T08:36:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T03:06:01","slug":"upsc-psir-optional-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/upsc-psir-optional-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC PSIR Optional 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UPSC Civil Services · Mains · PSIR Optional<\/span><\/p>\n

UPSC PSIR Optional 2020 — 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<\/a>2022<\/a>2021<\/a>2020<\/span>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 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Post Colonial theory of the state<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Equality of opportunity<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Liberalism as a revolutionary idea<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Ambedkar\u2019s view on constitutionalism<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>Machiavelli\u2019s secularism<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Make a comparative assessment of Greek perspective of Justice with the Rawlsian concept of justice.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Representative democracy\u2026..means the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J.S.MILL). Comment<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Assess the significance of right to property in political theory.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Explicate the ideological components of Gandhism<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Examine the nature and meaning of power<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Trace the evolution of western political thought from ancient to contemporary period.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Discuss the significance of a normative approach to political theory.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss Karl Marx\u2019s concept of class.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

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

a<\/span>Role of Socialists in Indian national movement.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Indian constitution maker\u2019s concern on social inequality.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Right to constitutional remedies in India<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Judicial overreach in India<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>Mechanism for settling inter-state disputes<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Examine the role and functioning of the election commission of India and the comptroller and Auditor General in last two decades.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Trace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian national movement.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>To what extent has 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian constitution enhanced women\u2019s empowerment?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Does the functioning of the federalism in India tend to make it appear as a unitary state in practice.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Has the thrust of government tilted towards executive in contemporary Indian politics? Give your arguments.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u2018liberalisation of Indian economy has not been accompanied with adequate reforms\u2019 comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>To what extent has the inadequate intra-party democracy affected the functioning of Indian democracy?<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Examine the role of religion in Indian electoral politics in the contemporary times.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Examine the nature of the civil liberty movement in India<\/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 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

b<\/span>Analyze the contribution of liberal democratic principles in the democratization of Indian polity.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>Has the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of the developing societies strengthened democracy or created political chaos and conflict? Comment.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the global south.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study international relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power.<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n
b<\/span>Enumerate the challenges in the operation of the principles related to collective security in the UN charter.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>Critically analyze the implications of Sino-American strategic rivalry for the south and south -east Asian region.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Critically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Explain the significance and importance of the demand raised by the developing countries for a New International Economic Order (NIEO). Are they likely to achieve their objectives of the NIEO in foreseeable future.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Discuss the significance and urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reforms proposals made by the UN Secretary- General Antonio Guterres for the developing countries.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Critically analyse the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Examine the role of the United Nations Framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) and other major efforts by the UN to address the global environmental crisis.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

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

a<\/span>Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in formulation of Indian foreign policy.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n
b<\/span>Outline the reasons for the low volume of trade in the SAARC region<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>Analyze the impact of Hydro politics on Indo Bangladesh relations.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Discuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>How does cross border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia?<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>What are the notable features of the recently concluded part or the acquisition and cross- servicing agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India\u2019s security and national defence.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Explain the defence and foreign policy of India to address the challenges emerging out of the current India-China standoff at the Line of Actual control (LAC).<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Explain the importance of India\u2019s claim for a permanent seat in the United Security Council.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the efficacy of India\u2019s \u2018no first use\u2019 policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>\u201cThe war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India\u2019s national security. If the Americans withdraw and jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism\u201d. Comment<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order.<\/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 2020 — 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-241","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\/241","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=241"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3426,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241\/revisions\/3426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}