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 2015 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) Idea of Natural Rights
- (b) Aristotle’s Conception of Equality
- (c) Difference Principle* in Rawls’ Theory of Justice
- (d) Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy
- (e) Gandhi’s Views on State
2.
- (a) Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State in the contemporary world. 20 marks
- (b)Discuss the key features of pre-Marxist socialist theory. 15 marks
- (c) Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft. 15 marks
3.
- (a) “Plato was an enemy of the open society.” (Popper) Comment. 20 marks
- (b) Discuss the relationship between base and superstructure in Marxist theory. 15 marks
- (c) Distinguish between Power and Authority. 15 marks
4
- (a) Discuss the ‘crisis of legitimacy’ in capitalist societies. (Habermas) 20 marks
- (b) Discuss Gramsci’s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss David Easton’s model of systems analysis. 15 marks
Section – B
5. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
- (a) Secularism in the Indian Constitution
- (b) Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement
- (c) 99th Amendment of the Indian Constitution
- (d) Structure and Function of NITI Aayog
- (e) Cooperative Federalism in India
6.
- (a) Discuss the efficacy of judicial review in India. 20 marks
- (b) Critically analyze the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution. 15 marks
- (c) “Identity politics has trumped development politics in India.” Comment. 15 marks
7.
- (a) In the light of neo-economic policies adopted since 1991, examine the relevance of the te ‘socialist’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. 20 marks
- (b) Identify the contested areas in Centre-State relations in India. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the ‘Right to Education* and the concerns raised by it. 15 marks
8.
- (a) Examine the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in deepening of democracy in India. 20 marks
- (b) Compare the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development. 15 marks
- (c) Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in contemporary India. 15 marks
Paper – 2
Section – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
- (a) Which are the major approaches of comparative politics? Explain in brief, the political economy approach to the study of comparative inquiry. 10 marks
- (b) Do you subscribe to the view that the modern constructs of the State and politics are pre- eminently Eurocentric and not indigenous and appropriate for the analysis of non-western societies? 10 marks
- (c) Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J. Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best, suited for analysing international relations after the Cold War? 10 marks
- (d) Is globalization essentially a process of ‘universalisation’ of capitalist modernity? 10 marks
- (e) What is the difference between Interest Groups and Pressure Groups? Are the Pressure Groups in India in a position to fully protect or promote the interests of their members? 10 marks
2.
- (a) ‘The struggle for democracy has been marked by bitter strife and tribulations.’ Examine the statement, illustrating the cases of Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar. 20 marks
- (b) Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a superpower war? 15 marks
- (c) What are the real objectives of Millennium Development Goals (MDG)? Do you think that millennium development goals have been able to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation and sustainable development? 15 marks
3.
- (a) Do you endorse that the conventional discourse on human rights has failed to include women’s rights? Explain in the context of feminist theories. 12+8=20 marks
- (b) How far are the world governance mechanisms, dominated by IMF and World Bank, legitimate and relevant? What measures do you suggest to improve their effectiveness in global governance? 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on international politics. 15 marks
4.
- (a) Has the reform of the economic and social arrangements of the United Nations been effective? 20 marks
- (b)‘The European Union has become, the most politically influential, economically powerful and demographically diverse regional entity in the world.’ Discuss. 15 marks
- (c) How is it that economic and neo-liberal globalization is being interrogated from inside even in developed countries? What are the economic consequences of such globalization? 15 marks
Section – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
- (a) The social structure of a country influences its foreign policy-making. How does the social structure of India impact the course and direction of its foreign policy? 10 marks
- (d) ‘Non-alignment’ has been the basic principle of India’s foreign policy since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary context. 10 marks
- (c) Identify the constraints challenges to the regional cooperation in South Asia. 10 marks
- (d) Ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India can be better managed by improving relations with the neighbouring countries. Substantiate the statement with suitable examples. 10 marks
- (e) How does the Parliament determine and influence the making of India’s foreign policy? 10 marks
6.
- (a) Before the year 2000, the Indo-U.S. relationship has been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why? 20 marks
- (b) ‘Economic interest has emerged as the main component of India’s foreign policy.’ Discuss the statement in the light of India’s initiatives to improve relations with China, Japan and the Central Asian republics. 15 marks
- (c) In 1998, India declared itself as a nuclear weapon state. India refuses to sign, NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India’s nuclear – policy in case it signs both the treaties? 15 marks
7.
- (a) Vision of a new world order has emerged as the major objective of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the policy initiative taken by India in this regard and the challenges faced by it. 20 marks
- (b) Discuss the factors for the decline of India’s presence in Latin America. 15 marks
- (c) River water disputes are emerging as a major source of irritation between India and its neighbours. Identify the sources of conflicts and suggest remedial measures. 15 marks
8.
- (a) The United Nations completes 70 years of its establishment in 2015. What reforms is India asking for to strengthen the global institutions of governance and why? 20 marks
- (b) Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel and the Arab world. 15 marks
- (c) Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis-stricken Gulf countries like Yemen and Iraq. 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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