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UPSC CSE Mains 2023 — PSIR Questions with Answers

All 56 PSIR previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Mains 2023, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Normative Approach in Political Science.

2. Q2.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Multicultural perspective on rights.

3. Q3.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes).

4. Q4.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Foucault's concept of power.

5. Q5.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Decline of political theory.

6. Q6.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain.

7. Q7.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Rawls' idea of the 'liberal self' is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls' theory of justice.

8. Q8.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   'Credo of Relevance' in post-behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze.

9. Q9.PSIR Optional — Paper I

   Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain.

10. Q10.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality.

11. Q11.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss.

12. Q12.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain.

13. Q13.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    "The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development." (J. S. Mill) Comment.

14. Q14.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Sri Aurobindo's idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, political and cultural history. Analyze.

15. Q15.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution.

16. Q16.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Environmentalism of the poor.

17. Q17.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Functions of District Planning Committee.

18. Q18.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism.

19. Q19.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    National Commission for Minorities.

20. Q20.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Discuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an unfulfilled dream? Argue your case.

21. Q21.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    How does NITI Aayog as a 'policy think tank with shared vision' visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer.

22. Q22.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    The Constitution of India is the 'cornerstone of a nation'. (Granville Austin) Analyze.

23. Q23.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Does the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer.

24. Q24.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    The main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain.

25. Q25.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Dr. Ambedkar's clarion call, "Educate, Agitate and Organize", strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss.

26. Q26.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment.

27. Q27.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    The decade 1989-1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era.

28. Q28.PSIR Optional — Paper I

    Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer.

29. Q29.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics?

30. Q30.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?

31. Q31.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    How does democratic politics construct citizenship?

32. Q32.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice?

33. Q33.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council.

34. Q34.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India's soft power in pursuit of her national interest.

35. Q35.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    In what ways does the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?

36. Q36.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace?

37. Q37.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    "During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a 'Third Force' in world politics but failed because it was too large and unwieldy." Discuss.

38. Q38.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation.

39. Q39.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.

40. Q40.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world.

41. Q41.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism?

42. Q42.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future?

43. Q43.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Explain the major features of India's Foreign Policy in the 21st century.

44. Q44.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What are the reasons for lack of 'regionness' in South Asia?

45. Q45.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver?

46. Q46.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia?

47. Q47.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in international politics?

48. Q48.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India-Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment.

49. Q49.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Discuss the importance of India's role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

50. Q50.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India's strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss.

51. Q51.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    "India's Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy." Discuss.

52. Q52.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021?

53. Q53.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What are the challenges and limitations in India-Iran relations?

54. Q54.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State?

55. Q55.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Discuss the significance of "West Asia Quad" in the light of India's 'Look West' policy.

56. Q56.PSIR Optional — Paper II

    Discuss the major drivers of India's interests in Africa.