UPSC Mains GS 2 Question Paper 2025 Out, Download PDF

The UPSC Mains Exam for General Studies 2 was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 23 August, 2025 in the second shift from 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM. This paper focuses on areas like Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. For aspirants, analyzing the nature and depth of questions UPSC Mains GS 2 Question Paper 2025 is crucial to understand the expectations of the UPSC Exam 2025.

UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Mains Schedule 2025, which will be conducted from August 22 to August 31, 2025. As per the notification, the exams will be held in two sessions each day, morning and afternoon. Aspirants appearing for the UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 2 can check the detailed schedule provided in the table below.

UPSC Mains GS 2 Question Paper 2025

The UPSC Mains GS 2 Question Paper 2025 is available here for download, along with the complete list of questions asked in the General Studies Paper 2 exam. Aspirants can download the official question paper from the UPSC website or the link provided below in the article to check the questions asked and analyze their performance.

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UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Question Paper Download PDF

The UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Exam has been conducted on 23rd August 2025. The official GS 2 Question Paper 2025 has been made available for download. Going through the question paper will help aspirants understand the type, pattern, and depth of questions asked this year. For convenience, the direct download link for the UPSC Mains GS 2 Question Paper 2025 PDF has been shared here.

UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Question Paper Download PDF

Questions of UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Paper

1. Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
2. Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
3. Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are ‘preemptive pardons’?
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
5. “The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
6. Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
7. e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
8. Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
9. India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
   (Answer in 150 words) 10
10. “With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.
    (Answer in 150 words) 10
11. “Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…”
    In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
12. Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
13. Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
14. Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
15. What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
16. Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
17. “In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
18. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
19. “Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
20. “The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15

Topic Wise Question Division for UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Paper

The table below shows the Topic Wise Question Division for UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Paper This breakdown will help aspirants preparing for the UPSC Exam 2026.

Steps to Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS 2 Question Paper PDF

Candidates must refer the below mentioned Steps to Download UPSC Mains 2025 Question Paper PDF:

Step 1: Go to the official UPSC website, where all exam-related resources are published.

Step 2: Open the “Examination” section and choose the year 2025 from the list.

Step 3: Find “General Studies Paper II (GS-II)” and click on the download option.

Step 4: Save the PDF file to your device for easy reference and detailed study.

Topics Covered in UPSC Mains 2024 GS 2 Paper

The Topics Covered in UPSC Mains 2024 GS 2 Paper evaluates candidates on four core areas: Governance, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations which includes:

1. Governance and Constitution: Questions focus on the Indian Constitution, its provisions, and the working of institutions and agencies. A solid grasp of India’s governance framework is essential.
2. Indian Polity: This section looks at the political structure, electoral systems, federalism, local governance, and the role of different stakeholders in the democratic process.
3. Social Justice: Topics include issues affecting marginalized communities, government policies for equity and inclusion, and debates around affirmative action.
4. International Relations: Candidates are expected to analyze India’s foreign policy, strategic partnerships, and major global developments that shape India’s role on the world stage.