If you crack the examiner’s favorite topics, you crack GS2.

 

Introduction: Why GS2 is the Game-Changer in UPSC Mains

General Studies Paper-II (GS2) is one of the core pillars of UPSC Mains, covering:

• Polity, Constitution, Governance

• International Relations

• Social Justice & Welfare Schemes

Unlike GS1 (history-heavy) or GS3 (economy-heavy), GS2 is dynamic and current-affairs-driven, yet it follows predictable examiner patterns. Analyzing 20 years of PYQs (2005–2024) gives a clear picture of:

• What UPSC loves to repeat.

• Which areas peak every 4–5 years.

• How to predict 2025 themes smartly.

                                               

Examiner’s Favorite Areas in GS2

• Constitutional Principles – Separation of powers, judicial review, federalism.

• Parliamentary System – Anti-defection, functioning of committees, role of opposition.

• Judiciary – PIL, judicial overreach vs. restraint, collegium system.

• Governance – RTI, e-Governance, citizen charter, transparency.

• Social Justice – Education, health, women empowerment, vulnerable groups.

• International Relations – India–China, India–US, India–Russia, neighborhood policy, UN reforms.

👉 These pet topics appear every 2–3 years in cycles.

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Year-wise Trend Meta Analysis (2005–2024)

• 2005–2010: Constitution, Separation of Powers, Federalism.

• 2011–2015: Social Justice (RTI, MNREGA, Women schemes).

• 2016–2020: Globalization impact, India’s role in multilateral institutions.

• 2021–2024: Judiciary independence, welfare delivery, neighborhood diplomacy (Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, China).

📌 Cycle Rule: UPSC rotates topics every 4–5 years. If Judiciary peaked in 2017–18, expect Governance & IR peak in 2025.

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Process to Crack GS2 Using PYQs

1. Categorize PYQs into 3 buckets:

   • Static Core – Constitution articles, basic structure, parliamentary system.

   • Dynamic Core – Current schemes, governance reforms.

   • Global Core – International relations, global institutions.

2. Make Notes Like This:

   • For Polity → Link Articles + Case Laws + Current Issues.

   • For Governance → Quote Reports (ARC, NITI Aayog, World Bank).

   • For IR → Use maps, timelines, recent summits.

3. Anticipation Method:

   • If UPSC asked Judiciary in 2023, it might move to Parliament & Governance in 2025.

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Predicted Themes for UPSC Mains 2025 (GS2)

50 Most Important Possible Questions 

Indian Constitution & Polity (15 Qs)

1. Discuss the challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India post-GST.

2. Critically analyze the role of the Governor as a neutral constitutional head.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-defection law in strengthening democracy.

4. How does the principle of judicial accountability balance with judicial independence?

5. Is the basic structure doctrine limiting Parliament’s sovereignty?

6. Discuss the rising role of Parliamentary Committees in law-making.

7. Debate the relevance of Rajya Sabha in the current political environment.

8. Separation of powers vs. separation of functions – Indian experience.

9. Critically examine the collegium system of judicial appointments.

10. Uniform Civil Code – challenges and prospects.

11. How does the doctrine of proportional representation ensure inclusiveness?

12. Examine the constitutional status of local bodies after 73rd–74th Amendments.

13. Discuss the judicial review of President’s Rule in states.

14. Critically assess the idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’.

15. Is India moving towards a presidential style of governance?

Governance & Social Justice (15 Qs)

16. Evaluate the success of Digital India in improving service delivery.

17. Discuss the role of RTI in strengthening transparency and accountability.

18. Critically assess the implementation of National Education Policy 2020.

19. Social media and governance – challenges of misinformation.

20. Role of NITI Aayog vs. Planning Commission – a comparative analysis.

21. Examine the performance of Ayushman Bharat in healthcare equity.

22. Welfare delivery and Aadhaar – issues of inclusion vs. exclusion.

23. Is e-Governance reducing corruption or shifting it online?

24. Urban governance reforms in the context of Smart Cities Mission.

25. Public–Private Partnership (PPP) in welfare schemes – success or failure?

26. Evaluate the success of MGNREGA in addressing rural poverty.

27. Reservation for women in Parliament – constitutional and political dimensions.

28. National Green Tribunal – achievements and limitations.

29. Right to Privacy as a fundamental right – implications for governance.

30. Discuss India’s performance in global indices on hunger and human development.

International Relations (20 Qs)

31. Evaluate the relevance of Non-Alignment in a multipolar world.

32. Indo-Pacific Strategy – opportunities and challenges for India.

33. Critically examine India–China relations post-Galwan.

34. India–Russia relations in the backdrop of US–Russia tensions.

35. How effective is India’s neighborhood-first policy?

36. India–Sri Lanka ties post-economic crisis.

37. India–Bangladesh relations: river-water disputes and connectivity.

38. Examine the role of India in UN reforms.

39. Quad vs. BRICS – where does India’s interest lie?

40. India–Africa relations – new frontiers.

41. Role of Indian diaspora in shaping foreign policy.

42. Challenges for India at WTO amidst global protectionism.

43. Critically analyze India’s stand on Israel–Palestine conflict.

44. India’s approach to climate diplomacy post-COP28.

45. India–US strategic partnership: convergence and divergence.

46. Evaluate the role of SAARC vs. BIMSTEC for regional stability.

47. India’s G20 Presidency – achievements and lessons.

48. India’s engagement with ASEAN – challenges and opportunities.

49. Role of UN Peacekeeping Missions – India’s contribution.

50. Examine India’s approach to maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

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Data Visualizations 

• Pie Chart: GS2 Weightage by Themes (Polity 38%, Governance 27%, IR 20%, Social Justice 15%).

• Timeline Chart: 2005–2024 recurring peaks of themes (e.g., Judiciary → 2010, 2017, 2023).

• Cluster Map: Linking topics with current affairs (Judiciary → Collegium → 2023 Bill).

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Conclusion: Smart Strategy for GS2

UPSC doesn’t want you to study everything, it wants you to study smart. The examiner keeps circling back to:

• Federalism, Judiciary, Governance, International Relations.

👉 Your UPSC 2025 GS2 Prep = PYQ Analysis + Current Affairs + Case Studies + Reports.

🔥 Remember: “Success in UPSC is not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters repeatedly.”