General Studies II

Constitution, polity, governance, social justice, international relations. Filter by topic or year.

8 questions

2026 · Question 13 · 15 marks · 250 words
How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.
- J&K statehood restoration and Ladakh's demands
- Fiscal federalism
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 14 · 15 marks · 250 words
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?
- Fiscal federalism
- Fiscal federalism
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2024 · Question 13 · 15 marks · 250 words
What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
- Fiscal federalism
- Centrally sponsored schemes and state autonomy
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2023 · Question 13 · 15 marks · 250 words
Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.
- Governor's role
- Fiscal federalism
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2023 · Question 15 · 15 marks · 250 words
Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
- GST 2.0
- Fiscal federalism
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2022 · Question 13 · 15 marks · 250 words
"While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.
- Fiscal federalism
- Post-2026 state elections
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2022, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2021 · Question 3 · 10 marks · 150 words
How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?
- Fiscal federalism
- Fiscal federalism
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2021, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)
2021 · Question 11 · 15 marks · 250 words
The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.
- Fiscal federalism
- Statutory and regulatory bodies
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2021, General Studies II (opens in a new tab)

How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?

What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

"While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?