The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Main Examination is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment that plays a pivotal role in selecting candidates for various prestigious civil services in India. The Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) optional paper in the UPSC Mains examination is particularly significant, testing candidates’ understanding of political theories, governance structures, and global affairs. The UPSC Mains 2019 PSIR Optional Previous Year Paper serves as a valuable resource for aspirants preparing for the exam, offering insights into the examination pattern, question trends, and the depth of knowledge required. Analyzing and mastering this paper is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in the PSIR optional subject and, by extension, enhance their overall performance in the UPSC Main Examination.
Paper – 1
Section – A
1. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
- (a) “How would I and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves in a state of nature, and what does this behaviour tell us about our innate predispositions ?” (Thomas Hobbes) 10 marks
- (b) The Post-Behavioural Approach. 10 marks
- (c) Affirmative Action. 10 marks
- (d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s idea of state socialism. 10 marks
- (e) Gramsci’s concept of Hegemony. 10 marks
2.
- (a) “The Political ideology of Globalization is Neo-liberalism.” Comment. 20 marks
- (b) Discuss Feminist theory of the State. 15 marks
- (c) Critically examine John Rawl’s argument for democratic equality. 15 marks
3.
- (a) Discuss Sri Aurobindo’s views on Cultural Nationalism. 20 marks
- (b) Explain Marx’s understanding of Human Essence and Alienation. 15 marks
- (c) “The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States.” Comment. 15 marks
4.
- (a) Discuss Hannah Arendt’s analysis of the role of Ideology in modern totalitarian regimes.20 marks
- (b) Explicate the features of Representative Democracy. 15 marks
- (c) Examine Gandhi’s critique of Modernisation 15 marks
Section – B
5. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
- (a) Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement. 10 marks
- (b) Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics is played out in India. 10 marks
- (c) Article 368 does not enable Parliament to alter the basic structure or framework of the Constitution’. 10 marks
- (d) The purpose of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economic and social democracy explicitly visible. 10 marks
- (e) The philosophy and administration of the distribution of powers between Centre and State is required to be re-assessed. 10 marks
6.
- (a) Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India. 20 marks
- (b) Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in Indian Politics. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to coalition politics in national politics. 15 marks
7.
- (a) Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment. 20 marks
- (b) Critically examine the role of the Governor in recent times. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the Right to Information and underline the challenges being posed before it. 15 marks
8.
- (a) The goal of Good governance will be achieved only by strengthening the grassroots level of democracy. 20 marks
- (b) Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission. 15 marks
- (c) Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the protection of the Environment. 15 marks
Paper – 2
Section – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
- (a) Critically examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of comparative politics.
- (b) Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether slew social movements shall be alternative strategy for establishing link between government and society.
- (c) Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the state.
- (d) Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations,
- (e) “A combination of internal pressures (ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, global market, etc) has produced what is commonly referred to as a ‘crisis of the nation-state’.” Elaborate.
2.
- (a)Why does global human security need to be emphasized along with economic security? Explain with examples. 20 marks
- (b) Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient improvements. 15 marks
- Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War period. 15 marks
3.
- (a) “The IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of TNCs, banks and investment firms in a ‘new imperial age’.” Substantiate with examples of governance of new world order. 20 marks
- (b) Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War. 15 marks
- (c) How does the regionalism shape the world politics? Explain with examples. 15 marks
4.
- (a) Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest.
- (b) “The notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion.” In light of this quotation, do you think that the concept of balance of power is relevant? 15 marks
- (c) Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your opinion. 15 marks
Section – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
- (a) Which determinant factors play an important role in making India’s foreign policy? Illustrate with examples.
- (b) Comment on India’s contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its contemporary relevance.
- (c) Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest the possibilities of improving relationship. Critically analyze India’s nuclear policy.
- (d) “Sometimes we visualize that SAARC’s efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation.” (e) (e) Elaborate with reasonable examples of impediments.
6.
- (a)Explain Britain’s ouster from EU and bring out its consequences on world economy in general and India in particular. 20 marks
- (b) Comment on India’s growing relationship with USA in the background of constrained relations between India and China. 15 marks
- (c) Critically analyze China’s role in international politics against India’s demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. 15 marks
7.
- (a) Examine the main problems and challenges involved in looking after environmental concerns in world politics. 20 marks
- (b) Explain the concept of the North-South divide and suggest how structural inequalities between the high wage, high-investment industrial North and low-wage, low-investment predominantly rural South can be reduced. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of Soviet Union’s disintegration on developing nations. 15 marks
8.
- (a) Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament 20 marks.
- (b) What are the hopes and aspirations of ‘Look East Policy of India? Explain. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the shift of India’s foreign policy towards Pakistan in the light of the Pathankot incident. 15 marks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How important is conceptual clarity in the PSIR optional paper?
A: Conceptual clarity is crucial in the PSIR optional paper. UPSC tends to focus on candidates’ understanding of political theories, international relations concepts, and their ability to apply these to real-world scenarios. A clear and precise expression of ideas is highly valued.
Q: How can one effectively manage time while answering PSIR optional questions in UPSC Mains?
A: Time management is key in the PSIR optional paper. Candidates should allocate time wisely, giving sufficient time to each question based on its marks weightage. It’s advisable to begin with questions you are most confident about to secure those marks and then move on to more challenging ones.
Q: Are contemporary issues important in the PSIR optional paper, or should the focus be on traditional topics?
A: The PSIR optional paper usually includes a mix of questions covering both traditional and contemporary topics. Candidates should be well-versed in classical political theories and international relations concepts while also staying updated on current affairs and their implications for political and international dynamics.
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