All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Political Science & IR 2025 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IPaper
Topics covered
Political theory approaches and concepts (1)Marxist and liberal theories of state (1)Approaches to political theory and feminist perspective (1)Locke, Arendt and political legitimacy (1)Indian political history and institutions (1)Parliamentary committees, Supreme Court and federalism (1)Women in local governance, caste and election commission (1)Delimitation, Nehruvian planning and political parties (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsoryexplainPolitical theory approaches and concepts
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Explain the Philosophical approach to the study of Political theory. (10 marks)
(b) Write a note on the relation between equality and liberty from the multi-cultural perspective. (10 marks)
(c) Explain the Macpherson's view on power. (10 marks)
(d) Mention the difference between Italian and German brands of facism. (10 marks)
(e) Explain briefly the elite theory of democracy. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) राजनीति सिद्धांत के अध्ययन के दार्शनिक उपागम को समझाइए । (10)
(b) बहु-सांस्कृतिक परिप्रेक्ष्य में समानता तथा उदारवाद के मध्य संबंध पर टिप्पणी लिखिए । (10)
(c) शक्ति पर मैकफर्सन के दृष्टिकोण को समझाइए । (10)
(d) इतालवी और जर्मन ब्रांड के फासीवाद के बीच अंतर का उल्लेख कीजिए । (10)
(e) लोकतंत्र के अभिजन सिद्धांत को संक्षेप में समझाइए । (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear, concise, and directly addresses the question with specific examples and theoretical references.
Distinguish philosophical from empirical/behavioral approach
Focus on normative questions (justice, rights, legitimacy)
(a) What is the Marxist and liberal approach towards the state ? On what grounds the theoretical differences between them are premised ? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) Karl Popper presents a defence of the open society against its enemies. Elaborate. (15 marks)
(c) Explain how Rawls used the liberal and egalitarian perspective to develop his concept of distributive justice. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) राज्य का मार्क्सवादी एवं उदारवादी परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है ? दोनों के बीच के सैद्धांतिक अंतर किन आधारों पर स्थापित हैं ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (20)
(b) कार्ल पोपर खुले समाज की अपनी दुश्मनों के खिलाफ एक बचाव प्रस्तुत करते हैं । विस्तार से बताइए । (15)
(c) रॉल्स ने अपनी वितरणात्मक न्याय की अवधारणा के विकास में उदारवादी और समतावादी दृष्टिकोण का किस प्रकार उपयोग किया है ? वर्णन कीजिए । (15)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise theoretical definitions, clear distinction of 'enemies' or 'principles', and strong analytical linkage.
50ManalyseApproaches to political theory and feminist perspective
(a) Provide a comparative analysis of behavioural and institutional approach to the study of political theory. (20 marks)
(b) "State .......... does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality, which lies at the root of all progress." — Mahatma Gandhi. Elucidate. (15 marks)
(c) Explain how the slogan 'the personal is political' addresses the issue of women's oppression and discrimination ? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) राजनीतिक सिद्धांत के अध्ययन के व्यवहारवादी एवं संस्थावादी उपागम का तुलनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए । (20)
(b) "राज्य ने ......... व्यक्तित्व का अंत करके मानव सभ्यता की गंभीर हानि की है, जो कि हर विकास का आधार है ।" — महात्मा गांधी । स्पष्ट कीजिए । (15)
(c) 'व्यक्तिगत ही राजनीतिक है'। यह नारा किस प्रकार से महिलाओं के शोषण और भेदभाव को संसूचित करता है ? वर्णन कीजिए। (15)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Deep theoretical engagement, precise definitions, clear comparative structure, and critical nuance.
Define institutional approach (focus on structures, rules, state).
Define behavioural approach (focus on human action, empirical data).
Contrast methodology: normative/descriptive vs. scientific/quantitative.
Contrast scope: static institutions vs. dynamic political behaviour.
Explain Gandhi's view of the state as coercive/evil.
Define 'individuality' in Gandhian context (self-reliance, moral agency).
Link destruction of individuality to stagnation of progress.
Contrast with modern state theory (social contract).
50MelucidateLocke, Arendt and political legitimacy
(a) The foundational base of western democracy has been shaped by Locke's ideas of constitutionalism, freedom and property. Elucidate. (20 marks)
(b) Hannah Arendt analysed a few categories of vita activa. Explain. (15 marks)
(c) Do you think that legitimacy acquired by consent or manufactured by indoctrination is an essential element in maintenance of political rule ? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) लॉक की संविधानवाद, स्वतंत्रता एवं संपत्ति की अवधारणा से पश्चिमी लोकतंत्र को आकार दिया गया है। वर्णन कीजिए। (20)
(b) हाना अरेंट ने वीटा एक्टिवा की कुछ श्रेणियों का विश्लेषण किया था। स्पष्ट कीजिए। (15)
(c) क्या आप मानते हैं कि सहमति से प्राप्त वैधता अथवा मतारोपण से निर्मित वैधता राजनीतिक शासन को बनाए रखने के लिए एक आवश्यक तत्व है ? अपने उत्तर को उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के द्वारा स्पष्ट करें। (15)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive coverage of all sub-parts with precise theoretical definitions, clear distinctions, and relevant examples.
Define Locke's concept of constitutionalism (limited government)
Explain Locke's theory of natural freedom and rights
Detail Locke's theory of property (labor theory)
Link these three concepts to the structure of western democracy
Define 'vita activa' (the active life)
Identify and explain 'Labor' (biological necessity)
Identify and explain 'Work' (fabrication/artifice)
Identify and explain 'Action' (political/public sphere)
50M150wCompulsoryexplainIndian political history and institutions
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Explain briefly the role of Peasant Movements after 1857 and before independence. (10 marks)
(b) Write a note on the Dalit perspective of Indian National Movement. (10 marks)
(c) Land reforms programmes led to some constitutional amendments. Comment. (10 marks)
(d) Delineate the key factors that have shaped the evolving political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir post 2019. (10 marks)
(e) How far has been the National Human Rights Commission successful in achieving its objectives ? Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) 1857 के पश्चात् और स्वतंत्रता से पहले के किसान आंदोलनों को संक्षिप्त में समझाइये। (10)
(b) भारतीय राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन के दलित परिप्रेक्ष्य पर टिप्पणी लिखिए। (10)
(c) भूमि सुधार कार्यक्रमों के कारण कुछ संवैधानिक संशोधन हुए। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10)
(d) 2019 के पश्चात् जम्मू और कश्मीर में बदलते राजनीतिक परिदृश्य को प्रभावित करने वाले प्रमुख कारकों को रेखांकित कीजिए। (10)
(e) राष्ट्रीय मानव अधिकार आयोग अपने उद्देश्यों को प्राप्त करने में कहाँ तक सफल हुआ है ? टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (e) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion Full marks: Demonstrates deep understanding of concepts, uses specific examples, and provides a balanced critique.
Context of post-1857 agrarian distress
Role in challenging colonial economic exploitation
Linkage to broader national freedom struggle
Specific examples of movements (e.g., Moplah, Telangana)
50MdiscussParliamentary committees, Supreme Court and federalism
(a) Parliamentary committees are indispensable to the legislative process. It provides for the opportunity for cross-pollination between the two chambers of the Parliament. Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) Examine the constitutional provisions and nature of advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court of India. Evaluate your answer with relevant examples. (15 marks)
(c) The recent developments in Indian Politics has not eroded the true spirit of federalism in India. Critically examine this statement with the help of appropriate examples. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) संसदीय समितियाँ विधायी प्रक्रिया के लिए अनिवार्य हैं। यह संसद के दोनों सदनों के बीच पारस्परिक परागण (क्रॉस-पॉलिनेशन) के अवसर प्रदान करती है। विवेचन कीजिए। (20)
(b) भारतीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के सलाहकारी क्षेत्राधिकार की प्रकृति तथा संवैधानिक प्रावधानों का परीक्षण कीजिए । अपने उत्तर का समुचित उदाहरणों द्वारा मूल्यांकन कीजिए । (15)
(c) भारतीय राजनीति में हाल में हुए परिवर्तनों ने संघवाद की भावना को भारत से बिनष्ट नहीं होने दिया है । इस कथन का समुचित उदाहरणों द्वारा आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (15)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion Full marks: Precise legal/constitutional references, balanced analysis, specific examples, clear structure
Define 'indispensable' in legislative context
Explain 'cross-pollination' between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Identify specific Joint or Select Committees
Link committee work to legislative efficiency
Cite Article 143 (clauses 1 and 2) of the Constitution
50MenunciateWomen in local governance, caste and election commission
(a) Enunciate the impediments to women's participation in local governance in the process of political decentralisation. (20 marks)
(b) Caste remains a vital axis for political mobilisation in India. How would the caste census address the aspirations of people ? Discuss. (15 marks)
(c) There is a debate on the procedure for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners to the Election Commission of India. Analyse its various aspects. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) राजनीतिक विकेन्द्रीकरण की प्रक्रिया में स्थानीय शासन में महिलाओं की भागीदारी की बाधाओं को स्पष्ट कीजिए । (20)
(b) भारत में राजनीतिक सक्रियता के लिये जाति एक महत्वपूर्ण धुरी बनी हुई है । जाति जनगणना लोगों की आकांक्षाओं को कैसे पूरा करेगी ? विवेचना कीजिए । (15)
(c) भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग में मुख्य चुनाव आयुक्त एवं चुनाव आयुक्तों की नियुक्ति को लेकर एक बहस चल रही है । इसके विभिन्न पहलुओं का विश्लेषण कीजिए । (15)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Deep theoretical engagement with specific statutory references and balanced critique.
Proxy participation (sarpanch-pati) and lack of agency
Socio-cultural constraints and patriarchal control
Lack of financial autonomy and resource access
Institutional gaps in capacity building and support
Addressing data gaps in social exclusion (e.g., OBC sub-castes)
Potential for targeted welfare and reservation policies
Impact on political mobilization and representation
Balancing social justice with national unity concerns
50MdiscussDelimitation, Nehruvian planning and political parties
(a) The decision to conduct Population Census-2027 has reopened the debate on delimitation in India. Discuss its various aspects. (20 marks)
(b) With reference to Nehruvian perspective of planning and economic development, examine how the early phase of economic planning in India has laid the foundation of modern India's economic growth. (15 marks)
(c) Illustrate with examples how political parties in India have played a crucial role in drawing the historically disadvantaged groups into the mainstream political system. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) जनसंख्या जनगणना -2027 कराने के निर्णय ने भारत में परिसीमन पर बहस को फिर से शुरू कर दिया है । इसके विभिन्न पहलुओं पर चर्चा कीजिए । (20)
(b) परीक्षण कीजिए कि किस प्रकार योजना एवं आर्थिक विकास के नेहरूवादी दृष्टिकोण ने, भारत में आर्थिक नियोजन के आरंभिक चरण में, आधुनिक भारत के आर्थिक विकास की नींव डाली थी । (15)
(c) सोदाहरण समझाइए कि किस प्रकार भारत में राजनीतिक दलों ने ऐतिहासिक रूप से वंचित वर्ग को राजनीति की मुख्यधारा में लाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है । (15)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, theoretically grounded, with specific examples and balanced analysis.
Explain the constitutional basis of delimitation (Articles 81, 82, 170; 42nd, 84th, 87th Amendments).
Discuss the impact of the 42nd Amendment (1976) on population-based representation.
Analyze the political implications of the 2027 Census for state boundaries.
Present arguments for and against reopening the delimitation debate.
Define the Nehruvian perspective (Mixed Economy, Five-Year Plans).
Explain the focus on heavy industry and public sector (PSUs).
Analyze the role of the early phase in creating industrial infrastructure.
Assess the long-term impact on modern economic growth.