General Studies 2025 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Distinguish

Q1

Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth ? (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत के विशेष संदर्भ में मानव विकास सूचकांक (एच डी आई) तथा असमानता-समायोजित मानव विकास सूचकांक (आई एच डी आई) में भेद कीजिए। आई एच डी आई को समावेशी संवृद्धि का एक बेहतर सूचक क्यों समझा जाता है ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Distinguish

This question asks you to distinguish. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'distinguish' requires clear differentiation between HDI and IHDI followed by justification for IHDI's superiority in measuring inclusive growth. Structure: brief definitional contrast → dimensional comparison (health, education, income) → India's specific data/context → why IHDI captures inclusive growth better → concluding value-add.

Key points expected

HDI measures average achievement in three dimensions; IHDI adjusts HDI for inequality in distribution of those achievements
India's HDI (0.644) vs IHDI (0.475) in 2021 showing 26% loss due to inequality—one of highest globally
IHDI uses Atkinson inequality index; penalizes unequal distribution more severely than HDI's mean-based approach
IHDI better captures inclusive growth as it reflects 'development for all' not just aggregate progress—links to SDG 10 (reduced inequalities)
Specific Indian context: regional disparities (Kerala vs Bihar), gender gaps in health/education, income concentration in top decile

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly distinguishes HDI as mean-based average vs IHDI as distribution-adjusted; explicitly addresses 'why IHDI is better for inclusive growth' as separate analytical requirement	Lists differences between HDI and IHDI but conflates the two indices or misses the inclusive growth justification	Describes only HDI or treats both as similar; fails to address the 'why better' component or misunderstands 'distinguish' as mere definition
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Accurately identifies three dimensions (health, education, living standards), explains Atkinson inequality adjustment formula conceptually, and correctly notes IHDI ≤ HDI always	Mentions three dimensions but confuses calculation methodology or makes minor errors in describing inequality adjustment	Factual errors: wrong dimensions, confuses IHDI with Gender Development Index, or misrepresents calculation methodology
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression: definitions → dimensional comparison → India-specific data → inclusive growth linkage; smooth transitions within 150-word constraint	Covers all parts but sequence is disjointed or one section dominates disproportionately; word management issues	No clear structure; random facts without connective logic; severely unbalanced (e.g., 100 words on HDI, 20 on IHDI, 30 on inclusive growth)
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Uses UNDP 2021/2022 data: India's HDI rank 132, IHDI showing 26% loss; cites specific inequality drivers (caste, gender, regional) relevant to Indian context	Vague reference to 'India has high inequality' without specific data; or uses outdated pre-2015 HDR figures	No Indian data; generic examples or wrong data (e.g., confusing with MPI or GII); irrelevant international comparisons dominating
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Links IHDI to policy imperative: India's inclusive growth agenda, need for redistributive policies; notes limitation (IHDI still doesn't capture multidimensional poverty depth)	Restates that IHDI is better without fresh insight; or generic conclusion on 'need to reduce inequality'	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or introduces new unrelated concept (e.g., suddenly discussing GDP); purely descriptive without analytical value-add

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