Mains Practice Questions

Q. Natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes are becoming increasingly frequent and severe in India. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the country in managing such disasters. (250 words)

Q. With the rise of China as a global power, how do you see the future of the international system evolving? (250 words)

Q. In recent times, the Indian polity has witnessed a growing trend of using ordinances to bypass the legislative process. Critically analyze the impact of this trend on the governance of the country. (150 words)

Q. Indian folk art and crafts have a rich cultural heritage that showcases the diversity of Indian culture. Discuss (150 words)

Q. How did the partition of India impact Indian society, politics, and international relations? Discuss the causes, consequences, and aftermath of the partition. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.

2. If you try to please everyone, you will please no one. It is impossible to lead your life for others’ happiness.

Case study

You are a government official working in the health department of a state notices that the medicines supplied to government hospitals are of sub-standard quality. On further investigation, you found out that the procurement department has been taking bribes from pharmaceutical companies to supply low-quality medicines at higher rates. You bring this to the attention of your superiors, but they refuse to take any action as they are also involved in the corruption.

What would you do in this situation?

Q. Evaluate the impact of cultural values on ethical behavior in public service. (150 words) 

Q. Examine the importance of accountability and transparency in promoting ethical behavior in public administration. (150 words)

Q. What is the impact of overfishing on the environment and what steps can be taken to protect marine life and restore fish populations?

Q. What are the main challenges facing India's agricultural sector, and what policies are being implemented to address these challenges?

Q. Discuss the role of women in Indian society and politics. (150 words)

Q. What measures have been taken by the Indian government to promote transparency and reduce corruption? (250 words)

Q. How do geographical factors contribute to the formation of monsoon winds in India, and what is the impact of these winds on the region's climate and economy? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do.

2. The purpose of education is to make minds, not careers.

Case Study 

You are an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer posted in a developing country that is known for its human rights violations and corruption. Your job is to represent India's interests and promote friendly relations with the host country. However, you find that your host country's government is involved in several unethical practices, including suppression of political dissent, censorship of media, and siphoning off foreign aid. 

One day, you receive a confidential report from your embassy that confirms the host country's government's involvement in illegal activities, including money laundering, trafficking of drugs and arms, and supporting terrorist organizations. The report also states that some Indian companies are indirectly involved in these illegal activities by providing them with funding and logistics support. 

Q. In this scenario, what would you do as an IFS officer, and how would you justify your actions ethically? 

Q. How can civil servants promote integrity and probity in public life? (150 words)

Q. How can ethical considerations be incorporated into environmental policy-making? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the challenges  facing India's labor market and suggest measures to improve job creation and labor force participation. (250 Words)

Q. Examine opportunities  and  challenges  presented by electric vehicles in India. (250 Words)

Q. Assess the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a tool for achieving foreign policy  objectives.  (250 words)

Q. In what ways can India address issues of gender-based violence and promote the safety and security of women? (150 words)

Q.What were the main factors that led to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?(150 Words)

Q. Examine the  challenges faced by India’s education system in  providing quality education to all its citizens.(250 Words) 

Essay Topics

1. All education is a search for truth and a pursuit of social betterment.

2. Unless it’s people-centric and people-driven, any reform is bound to face resistance and failure.

Case Study

You are a district collector of a drought-prone area where farmers are suffering from crop failure and debt. You have been allocated funds by the state government to provide relief measures such as food grains distribution, loan waivers and employment generation schemes.

However, you find out that some local politicians and officials are involved in diverting these funds for their personal gains. They have also threatened some honest staff members who tried to expose their corruption.

You have evidence against these corrupt people but you also know that they have strong political connections and influence in the area.

Q. What will you do in this situation?

Q. Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by ‘moral courage’? Why is it important for a civil servant? Give an example of a situation where you displayed moral courage. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian Parliament in fulfilling its role as a representative and legislative body and the measures taken to address them. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate India’s foreign policy towards its neighbors and how it has evolved over time. (250 words)