UPSC Mains PYQs on Government Policies and Interventions (GS Paper 2)
Every UPSC Mains question on Government Policies and Interventions between 2013 and 2025 is listed below, newest year first, with the marks it carried. Filter by microtheme to see one idea across all the years.
By Team MaargX UPSC · UPSC Mains 2013-2025
Short answer: UPSC has asked 9 questions on Government Policies and Interventions (syllabus item 10 of GS Paper 2) between 2013 and 2025, worth 112.5 marks in all, about 1.3 questions a year. The most-asked microthemes are Structural reforms and Actions (6), Government Schemes and Policies (3). The busiest year was 2019 (2 questions, 30 marks).
UPSC syllabus, GS Paper 2, item 10: Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation)
Find Questions by GS Paper, Syllabus Topic and Microtheme
Step 1 paper → Step 2 syllabus topic → Step 3 subject → Step 4 microtheme. Each step opens after the one before it.
Government Policies and Interventions: questions year-wise with marks
2025 1 question · 15 marks
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"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.
2022 1 question · 10 marks
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The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.
2019 2 questions · 30 marks
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'In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.'-Discuss.
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The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of 'Collaboration' and 'team spirit'. In the light of statements above examine India's Development process.
2018 1 question · 10 marks
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Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate 'protection and prevention of degradation' to environment. " Comment with relevant illustration.
2016 1 question · 12.5 marks
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Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?
2014 2 questions · 25 marks
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Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.
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Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
2013 1 question · 10 marks
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The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
No question matches these choices. Try another year or microtheme, or reset.
Government Policies and Interventions at a Glance
| Syllabus item | GS Paper 2, item 10 (Governance) |
|---|---|
| Questions asked | 9 (2013-2025), about 1.3 a year |
| Total marks | 112.5 marks |
| Last five years | 2 questions, 25 marks (2021-2025) |
| Usual weight | 15 marks (3 questions) |
| Directive words | Evaluate (2), Discuss (2), Comment (2), Examine (1) |
| Busiest year | 2019 (2 questions, 30 marks) |
Year-Wise Summary
| Year | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 15 marks |
| 2022 | 1 | 10 marks |
| 2019 | 2 | 30 marks |
| 2018 | 1 | 10 marks |
| 2016 | 1 | 12.5 marks |
| 2014 | 2 | 25 marks |
| 2013 | 1 | 10 marks |
| Total | 9 | 112.5 marks |
Microthemes in Government Policies and Interventions
These are the ideas inside this topic, most asked first. Select one to see all its questions year-wise with marks.
- Structural reforms and Actions 6 · 80 marks
- Government Schemes and Policies 3 · 32.5 marks
Other Topics in GS Paper 2
- 01. Indian Constitution: Evolution and Features 18 · 235 marks
- 02. Union and States: Federal Structure 16 · 195 marks
- 03. Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal 10 · 117.5 marks
- 04. Devolution to Local Levels 8 · 97.5 marks
- 05. Comparison with Other Constitutions 9 · 115 marks
- 06. Parliament and State Legislatures 13 · 162.5 marks
- 07. Executive, Judiciary and Pressure Groups 17 · 197.5 marks
- 08. Representation of the People's Act 11 · 137.5 marks
- 09. Constitutional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies 23 · 282.5 marks
- 11. NGOs, SHGs and the Development Industry 14 · 177.5 marks
- 12. Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections 9 · 110 marks
- 13. Health, Education and Human Resources 18 · 215 marks
- 14. Poverty and Hunger 10 · 127.5 marks
- 15. Transparency, Accountability and E-Governance 18 · 215 marks
- 16. Role of Civil Services 5 · 60 marks
- 17. India and Its Neighbourhood 7 · 75 marks
- 18. Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings 19 · 230 marks
- 19. Policies of Other Countries and Indian Diaspora 16 · 195 marks
- 20. International Institutions and Agencies 15 · 187.5 marks
How to Use Mains PYQs Topic Wise
- Start with the microthemes. Open a topic and read its microtheme list. The ones with the most questions are the ideas UPSC returns to.
- Read the demand words. Note how questions begin: discuss, examine, critically analyse, comment. Each asks for a different answer structure.
- Write by marks. A 10-mark question needs a tight answer of about 150 words, and a 15-mark question about 250 words.
- Cover all years of a microtheme. Write the oldest and the latest question on the same microtheme, and see how the angle changed.
- Revise and rewrite. Revise the topic from the notes, and write the same question again after a week.
For the method in full, read the Mains answer writing strategy. The official papers are on our UPSC PYQs page.
Questions are shown as printed in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) General Studies papers of 2013-2025. The grouping into topics and microthemes is by Team MaargX UPSC. Check any wording against the official paper on upsc.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UPSC Mains questions have been asked on Government Policies and Interventions?
9 questions on Government Policies and Interventions appeared in UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 between 2013 and 2025, worth 112.5 marks in all. That is about 1.3 questions a year. Every one of them is listed on this page, year-wise with its marks.
Which Government Policies and Interventions microthemes does UPSC ask most often?
The most-asked microthemes in Government Policies and Interventions are Structural reforms and Actions (6), Government Schemes and Policies (3). The number in brackets is how many questions each has had since 2013. Use the microtheme filter to see all of them together, year by year, with marks.
In which year was Government Policies and Interventions asked the most in UPSC Mains?
The busiest year for Government Policies and Interventions was 2019 (2 questions, 30 marks). The lightest was 2025 (1 questions, 15 marks). Treat these swings as noise: UPSC does not repeat a fixed pattern, so cover the whole topic.
How many marks do Government Policies and Interventions questions carry?
Of the 9 questions on Government Policies and Interventions, 3 of 15 marks, 3 of 12.5 marks, 3 of 10 marks. Plan your word limit by marks: 10-marker answers run to about 150 words and 15-marker answers to about 250 words.
What kind of questions does UPSC ask on Government Policies and Interventions?
The directive words in the 9 questions on Government Policies and Interventions are Evaluate (2), Discuss (2), Comment (2), Examine (1). Match your answer to the word: discuss and examine want both sides with a conclusion, while comment and critically analyse want a reasoned stand.
Is Government Policies and Interventions important for UPSC Mains?
In the last five years (2021-2025) UPSC asked 2 questions on Government Policies and Interventions, worth 25 marks. In the first five years (2013-2017) it asked 4, worth 47.5 marks.
Which GS paper does Government Policies and Interventions belong to?
Government Policies and Interventions belongs to UPSC Mains GS Paper 2, titled Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations. The questions on this page are all from that paper.
How should I use these Government Policies and Interventions PYQs?
Read the microtheme list first, then pick one and write two or three answers in the time limit. Compare each with what the question demands (discuss, examine, critically analyse). Revise the topic from the Maarg Manthan notes and write the same question again after a week.
Official Sources
These are the primary sources behind this page. Rules, dates and papers can change, so confirm them on the official pages.
- UPSC: Previous Year Question Papers
- UPSC: Previous Year Question Papers (Archives)
- UPSC: Revised Syllabus and Scheme
- UPSC: Civil Services Examination Rules