HPAS MAINS PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

GS PAPER- 2
INDIAN POLITY & CONSTITUTION SECTION

4 Marks

Q1. What is basic structure theory regarding amendment of Indian Constitution?

Q2. Describe the emergency powers of the Indian President.

Q3. What do you mean by regionalization of Indian politics in the 1990s?

Q4. Describe the powers of Election Commission in India.

Q5. Discuss major causes of failure of Panchayati Raj in India.

Q6. Discuss about the Emergency powers of the Indian President.

Q7. Explain why India is called a Quasi federal state.

Q8. Describe the procedure of how a bill becomes an act.

Q9. What do you mean by Judicial Activism in India?

Q10. Discuss the essential characteristics of Local Government.

Q11. What do you mean by the ‘basic structure theory of the constitution’ as enunciated by Supreme
Court of India?

Q12. Describe the emergency powers of the Indian President.

Q13. Discuss the increasing scope of ‘Right to Life’ of Indian citizens.

Q14. Explain the role of Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj System in India.

Q15. In the light of the latest decision of the Supreme Court, discuss the status of ‘Reservation in
Promotion’ for Schedule Caste people.

Q16. What are the philosophical moorings of Indian Constitution?

Q17. What are the discretionary powers of the Governor of a State?

Q18. What is token cut motion?

Q19. What is Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat (PMLA)?

Q20. What are the legal rights of the Senior Citizens under the Senior Citizens Act, 2007?

Q 21. Describe the basic tenets of preamble of Indian Constitution.

GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP
WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
Q 22. Analyse the Directive Principles of State Policy regarding international peace as given in the
Indian Constitution.

Q 23. Discuss the amendment procedure of the Indian Constitution.

Q 24. Discuss the composition and functions of Central Council of Local Government.

8 Marks

Q1. Describe the basic philosophy of Indian Constitution. Is it relevant in the era of globalization?

Q2. “Indian Constitution is federal in form, but unitary in spirit”. Comment.

Q3. Analyze the problem of Centre- State relations in India.

Q4. Examine the power of judicial review as enjoyed by Supreme Court of India.

Q5. Municipal Governance in India is facing serious challenges post 74th Constitutional Amendment.
Examine.

Q6. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment has resulted in genuine devolution of powers and resources to the
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. Discuss.

Q7. Describe the basic philosophy of Indian Constitution. Is it relevant in the era of globalization?

Q8. What is Judicial activism? Has it limited the powers of executives in India?

Q9. Autonomy of local self-governing institutions is still a distant dream in India. Explain.

Q10. What is parliamentary sovereignty? Do you think Indian Parliament is sovereign?

Q11. What are the voluntary provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?

Q12. Critically examine about the basic structure theory of Indian Constitution.

Q13. Critically analyse the election process of Indian President.

Q14. Give your arguments for and against the ‘prescribed minimum educational qualification for
representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.’

20 Marks

Q1. Since 1990, paradox of Indian polity has been that it is moving in the direction of political
decentralization and economic centralization. Comment.

Q2. Describe the electoral reforms required for the smooth functioning of Indian democracy.

Q3. Financial relations between the Union and the States is one of the key areas of contention in Indian
federation. Examine.

GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP

WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
Q4. Critically analyse the politics of reservations in India. Has it really benefitted the marginalized
strata?

GOVERNANCE SECTION

4 Marks

Q1. What do you understand by e-Governance?

Q2. How do you define Good Governance?

Q3. What are Self Help Groups?

Q4. Discuss various welfare schemes for women in India.

Q5. National security is of paramount importance for any nation. Discuss about the organizational
structure of National Security Council (NSC) in India.

Q6. What do you know about the ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana’?

Q7. What are the limitations of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs)?

Q8. Describe the role of Business Pressure Groups in Indian Polity.

Q9. What do you mean by Citizen Charter?

Q10. Explain the role of Civil Society in governance.

8 Marks

Q1. ‘India has failed to address the issues of poverty and hunger due to ineffective implementation of
governmental policies by successive governments’ Discuss.

Q2. Examine how the policies of Globalization and Liberalization have impacted the Indian economy.

Q3. Discuss the government policies and interventions for development in various sectors especially
helath and education in India.

Q4. “Public Sector does not enjoy ‘Commanding Heights’ any longer in Indian Economy”. Elaborate this
statement.

Q5. “Privatization is not a panacea for managing the mismanaged public sector enterprises”. Elaborate.

Q6. “The Policy of Globalization and Liberalization has led to faster growth of Indian Economy after
1991.” Comment.

Q7. Energy is the most vital factor to development of economy of any nation. India has mad substantial
progress in harnessing the renewable energy resources in past few years. However, still there are
problems to be surmounted. With this in view, examine the major challenges to India’s energy security
policy.
GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP
WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
Q8. Discuss the developmental role of the Deputy Commissioner in India. How far this has affected his
traditional role?

Q9. Right to Information Act, 2005 has proved to be a catalyst in transforming governance. Comment.

Q10. What do you mean by ‘Good Governance’? Explain its essential elements.

Q11. Do you agree with the view that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are more devoted to the task of reducing
the suffering of the poor than the government agencies?

Q12. Examine the role of Civil Society in promoting people- centric governance.

Q13. What do you mean by Good Governance? Discuss its characteristics.

Q14. Critically evaluate the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in India.

Q15. Describe the role of ‘Central Social Welfare Board’ for the welfare of women.

20 Marks

Q1. Since 1990 theoretically Indian policy has been moving in the direction of political de-
centralization and economic centralization. Analyse its impact on the working of Indian Policy.

HIMACHAL STATE GOVERNANCE SECTION

4 Marks

Q1. How has the pressure-groups emerged in the political system of Himachal Pradesh?

Q2. Which problems are confronted for the implementation of Right to Information Act, 2005 in
Himachal Pradesh?

Q3. Under the H.P. Lokayukta Act of 1983, what are the eligibility conditions for the
appointment of Lokayukta?

Q4. For the village level functionaries of which Departments in H.P. it is mandatory to attend the
meetings of the Gram Sabha in whose Jurisdiction they are posted?

Q5. What help is being provided in H.P. under the Mukyamantri Bal Uddhar Yojana to the
Children who need care, protection and rehabilitation?

Q6. What are the main activities of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in
H.P.?

Q7. Which policies are made for the welfare of differently-abled persons in Himachal Pradesh?

Q8. How does the state help in combating the Cyber Crime?

GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP

WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
8 Marks

Q1. On what grounds can penalties be imposed by the H.P State Information Commissioner on the public
Information Officers of the state?

Q2. What activities have been completed in H.P. under e-District Project upto 2016-17 fiscal?

20 Marks

Q1. “The implementation of Himachal Pradesh Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 has led to
empowerment of citizens and fixing of accountability of Government official in the State.” Discuss.

Q2. Critically evaluate various administrative reforms measures initiated by governments for improving
the service delivery to its citizens in the State of Himachal Pradesh.

Q3. Analyse the Enactments made by the Himachal Pradesh Government for the protection and welfare of
the interests of the Agrarian Society.

Q 4. The 73the Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 has been implemented in true letter and spirit in the
State of Himachal Pradesh. Comment.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SECTION

4 Marks

Q1. Describe the changing nature of India- ASEAN relations.

Q2. Assess about India’s chance to attain United Nations Security Council (UNSC) permanent seat.

Q3. Describe India- Iran energy security relations in the wake of US sanctions.

Q4. United Nation is facing a number of existential challenges. What is meant by democratization of the
United Nation?

Q5. Kartarpur Corridor has been in news for security and religious reasons both within India and between
India and Pakistan. What is the importance of Kartarpur Corridor for India- Pakistan relations.

Q6. Describe the changing nature of India-ASEAN relations.

Q7. Examine India’s neighbourhood policy during Modi’s regime.

Q8. Analyse role of diaspora in the making of India’s Foreign Policy.

Q9. Discuss India’s role in the World Bank.

Q10. What is ‘Act East Policy’ of India?

Q11. What do you mean by democratisation of the United Nations?

Q12. What are the main highlights of India- Israel strategic partnership?

GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP

WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
Q13. What is the stand of India and China over Doklam issue?

Q14. Analyse India’s policy of ‘Strategic Partnership’.

Q15. Discuss India – Afghanistan relations after coming of Taliban regime.

Q16. Examine India’s ‘Gujral Doctrine’.

8 Marks

Q1. Discuss about the important facets of India- China border dispute.

Q2. Describe the emerging cooperation between Indian and Russia.

Q3. Examine the importance of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in fulfilling India’s interests
in Central Asia.

Q4. Examine India’s role in the UN Peace- Keeping activities in the post- cold war era.

Q5. China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) is an ambitious plan to expand its economy. With this in view,
describe the overall China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on India.

Q6. India’s engagement with Central Asian Republics, has been very proactive and constructive in the
past few years beside love and hate relations with China. Critically analyze India’s role in Shaghai
Cooperation organization (SCO).

Q7. Developments in South China Sea are seen to be trigger for the third world war. India has joined the
QUAD and has strategic interests in the region. With this in view, describe politics of Indo- Pacific region
and policy options for India.

Q8. Describe the emerging cooperation between India and Russia.

Q9. Discuss about the problems and prospects in India- Iran relations in present times.

Q10. Analyse the challenges of non- traditional security threats for India’s Foreign Policy.

Q11. Critically examine India- China territorial dispute.

Q12. Discuss India’s policy towards Indo-Pacific region.

Q13. What is the importance of energy security in India’s foreign policy?

Q14. Describe the basic facets of India’s ‘extended neighbourhood’ policy.

Q15. Examine India’s role in UN Peace-keeping activities.

Q16. Analyse emerging India – America defence cooperation in the post-cold war period.

Q17. Critically examine the problem of boundary dispute between India and China.

Q18. Discuss in detail about India’s foreign direct investment policy.

GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP
WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
20 Marks

Q1. Critically examine the maritime threats faced by India in the 21 st Century.

Q2. Examine the changing contours of Indo-US relations in the post-cold war era.

Q3. Can India be acknowledged as a major global power in the light of its ‘hard’ and ‘soft’
power capabilities?

Q4. Analyse the contributions of Indian Diaspora in the realization of India’s Foreign Policy
goals.

HIMACHAL STATE POLITICAL SECTION

4 Marks

Q1. Describe the phenomenon of upper area and lower area politics in Himachal Pradesh.

Q2. During colonial rule which social organization fought for the democratization of administration in
Himachal Pradesh and how?

Q3. Critically examine the role of women in the politics of Himachal Pradesh.

Q4. Discuss how cultural divide has affected the politics in Himachal Pradesh.

Q5. Examine the role of socio-economic factors for the birth of two party systems in Himachal Pradesh.

Q6. Describe how state reorganization in past has affected the contemporary politics of Himachal
Pradesh.

Q7. Describe Himachal Pradesh’s journey to become democratic state.

Q8. Analyse the role of the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh between 1968 and 1971 in getting
the statehood.

Q9. What has been the performance of the Congress and the BJP in the 2012 H.P. Vidhan Sabha elections
in terms of votes polled and seats won?

Q10. Give reason that why politics in Himachal Pradesh largely remained bipolar game.

Q11. Discuss the impact of linguistic organization of Punjab on the politics of Himachal Pradesh.

Q12. Discuss how ‘cap politics’ represent identity politics in Himachal Pradesh?

Q13. Discuss the impact of cultural divide on the politics of Himachal Pradesh.

Q14. In colonial rule which organization fought for the democratization of administration in Himachal
Pradesh and how?

20 Marks
GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP
WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com
Q1. Trace the journey of Himachal Pradesh from Chief Commissioner’s Province in 1948 to full
statehood in 1971.

HIMACHAL STATE HISTORY SECTION

4 Marks

Q1. Discuss the role of Himalayan Hills state Regional Council (HHSRC) in the freedom movement in
Himachal Pradesh.

Q2. Describe the role of Praja Mandal movement in Himachal Pradesh during India’s freedom struggle.

Q11. Describe the role of Dujjan Movement in the freedom movement in Himachal Pradesh.

8 Marks

Q1. What was the Pajhota agitation of 1942 in the Sirmaur princely state?

GURUJI’S KIRPA, SNM IAS STUDY GROUP

WEBSITE: www.snmiasacademy.com