UPSC Civil Services Examination 2016: Mains General Studies Paper 2 Analysis

Analysis - UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION 2016 (Mains)

#1. GENERAL STUDIES [PAPER-2]

Overall analysis

• The GS paper-2 had a vast variety of topics included in questions this year.
• Some questions have philosophical insinuation and generally asked in essay paper.
• While some question needs precise and exact knowledge to answer.
• This paper requires a good mental balance for writing the answers as it was a conventional brainstorming UPSC paper that can easily terrify candidates.

Comparison with Past Papers

Topic-wise breakup

#1.1. Polity

• Coelho case, Government of India Act 1935 and Article 149 were factual questions. Regarding separation of powers (Coelho case), questions have been continuously asked since last three years.

(Q - What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial     review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?)  

(Q.Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution?Discuss.) [refer tamilnadu ncert class 12 or LAXMIKANT]

• Article 370 and 69th Constitutional Amendment Act were current affair based. FEDERALISM related three questions were also asked in 2013 (themes were simple but questions required in-depth knowledge).
• ‘Republic' and 'Indian Party System' were simple questions but being more sort of essay topics they needed more thoughtful implications in writing the answers.

(Q - The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.”)

(Q - Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances?)

• 'Republic' question was given for brain exercise. Remember all the adjectives (apart from Republic), and then explain them with reference to Indian constitutional and political atmosphere.

#1.2. Government Policy and Public Administration

• Question on bureaucracy was quiet easy (especially for those who have polity or pub ad as optional)

(Q - “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.”)

• Question on child policy was a very general question but requies a depth knowledge (recent instances like CHILD LABOUR AMMENDMENT ACT 2016).
• Quasi-judicial bodies and non-state actors were basic questions put directly from the syllabus Amartya Sen, people's participation in the governance system, transparency international, LPG reforms (25 years of implementation) etc, present direct correlation with current events.
• For ‘demographic dividends’ related questions (even in recent past) ,the reference has been ECONOMIC SURVEY.

#1.3. International Relations

• The question asked were general in nature and related to very common topics of national and international importance.

(Q - Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.)

(Q - Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable example.)

[Both the above written questions are the easiest part of the paper]

• Terrorism in the paper is again an evergreen topic. (Recent instances of Narendra Modi in SAARC made it important for paper. Overall this was an easy question.)
• Mc BRIDGE REPORT in detail was actually a SUPER TOUGH question as the report itself belongs to 80s and has less relevance today. But UPSC always brings surprises.

(Q - What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?)

Concluding notes

• Keep an eye on the bills recently passed in parliament .
• Disabilitiy bill 2016,Child labor amendment bill 2016, bills related to labor reforms presented to cabinet committee are hot topics for next year.
• Go through 2^nd ARC atleast once if possible.
• Keep an eye on PM’s visits and important pacts signed e.g. Indo - Japan Civil Nuclear Deal.
• One can refer to ‘World Focus’ magazine for in-depth coverage on International Relations.

Team gradeup!

Click here for Paper 1 Analysis

Click here for paper 3 Analysis

Click here for Paper 4 Analysis