{"id":251,"date":"2026-02-18T16:51:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T11:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/?p=251"},"modified":"2026-08-11T08:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T03:05:59","slug":"upsc-psir-optional-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/upsc-psir-optional-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC PSIR Optional 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UPSC Civil Services · Mains · PSIR Optional<\/span><\/p>\n

UPSC PSIR Optional 2016 — 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<\/a>2019<\/a>2018<\/a>2017<\/a>2016<\/span>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>\u201cHow would I and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves state of nature, and what does this behaviour tell us about our innate predispositions?\u201d (Thomas Hobbes)<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>The Post-Behavioural Approach.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Affirmative Action.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>B. R. Ambedkar\u2019s idea of state socialism.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>Gramsci\u2019s concept of Hegemony.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>\u201cThe Political ideology of Globalization is Neo-liberalism.\u201d Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Discuss Feminist theory of the State.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Critically examine John Rawl\u2019s argument for democratic equality.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Discuss Sri Aurobindo\u2019s views on Cultural Nationalism.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Explain Marx\u2019s understanding of Human Essence and Alienation.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u201cThe implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States.\u201d Comment.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Discuss Hannah Arendt\u2019s analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Explicate the features of representative democracy.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Examine Gandhi\u2019s critique of \u2018Modernisation\u2019<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

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

a<\/span>Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics is played out in India.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>\u2018Article 368 does not enable Parliament to alter the basic structure or framework of the Constitution\u2019.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>The purpose of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economic and social democracy explicitly visible.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>The philosophy and administration of the distribution of powers between Centre and State is required to be re-assessed.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India.<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in the Indian Politics.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to coalition politics in national politics.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the Right to Information and underline challenges being posed before it.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>The goal of good governance will be achieved only by strengthening the grass root level democracy.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the protection of Environment.<\/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 question in 150 words: (50 marks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Critically examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of comparative politics.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether new social movements shall be alternative strategy for establishing link between government and society.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the state.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>d<\/span>Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study international relations.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>e<\/span>\u201cA combination of internal pressures (ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, global market, etc.) has produced what is commonly referred to as a \u2018crisis of the nation-state\u2019.\u201d Elaborate.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Why does global human security need to be emphasized along with economic security? Explain with examples.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>b<\/span>Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient improvements.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a>c<\/span>Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War period.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>\u201cThe IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of TNCs, banks and investment firms in a \u2018new imperial age\u2019.\u201d Substantiate with examples of governance of new world order.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

b<\/span>Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>How does the regionalism shape the world politics? Explain with examples.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest.<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>\u201cThe notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion.\u201d In the light of this quotation, do you think that the concept of balance of power is relevant?<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your opinion.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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5<\/span><\/p>\n

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

a<\/span>Which determinant factors play an important role in making India\u2019s foreign policy? Illustrate with examples.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

b<\/span>Comment on India\u2019s contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and contemporary relevance.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

c<\/span>Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest possibilities of improving relationship.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

d<\/span>Critically analyze India\u2019s nuclear policy.<\/span>10 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

e<\/span>\u201cSometimes we visualize that SAARC\u2019s efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation.\u201d Elaborate with reasonable examples of impediments.<\/span>10 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a<\/span>Explain Britain\u2019s ouster from EU and bring out its consequences on world economy in general and India in particular.<\/span>20 marks<\/span><\/div>\n
b<\/span>Comment on India\u2019s growing relationship with USA in the background of constrained relations between India and China.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n

c<\/span>Critically analyze China\u2019s role in international politics against India\u2019s demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council.<\/span>15 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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

a<\/span>Examine the main problems and challenges involved in looking after environmental concerns in world politics.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

b<\/span>Explain the concept of the North-South divide and suggest how structural inequalities between the high wage, high investment industrial North and low wage, low investment predominantly rural South can be reduced.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n
c<\/span>Discuss the positive and negative impacts of Soviet Union\u2019s disintegration on developing nations.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

a<\/span>Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament.<\/span>20 marks<\/span>Answer →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

b<\/span>What are the hopes and aspirations of Look East Policy\u2019 of India? Explain.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n
c<\/span>Discuss the shift of India\u2019s foreign policy towards Pakistan in the light of Pathankot incident.<\/span>15 marks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 2016 — 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-251","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\/251","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=251"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3430,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251\/revisions\/3430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/psir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}