Indian Constitution and Fundamental Rights — PYQ Trend Intelligence

What the data shows

In the mapped 2013–2026 GS 2 dataset, 37 questions connect to indian constitution and fundamental rights across 12 exam years. The highest observed count is 7 in 2015, 2013. These counts describe historical coverage, not the probability of a future exam question.

Method: topic hierarchy adapted from the supplied GS1–GS4 topic-map PDFs (2013–2025); questions are linked using MainsBuddy metadata term matching, restricted to GS2. Overlapping themes may include the same question. 2026 questions are mapped as a separate extension beyond the PDFs. Cross-topic matches may occur; these are provisional classifications, not verified question-level PDF mappings.

Questions by year

Answer-writing intelligence

Directives recorded for mapped questions include Explain, Illustrate, Discuss, Explain and give reasons, Examine. Compare how the demand changes across years: identify the directive, split the question into its components, and practise within the stated mark allocation.

Mapped previous year questions

1. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marksConstitutional 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.
2. 2023 · GS2 · 15 marks"The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society." Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.
3. 2023 · GS2 · 15 marksExplain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
4. 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks"The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
5. 2022 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.
6. 2021 · GS2 · 10 marksConstitutional Morality is rooted in the constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of Constitutional Morality with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
7. 2020 · GS2 · 15 marksWhich steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.
8. 2019 · GS2 · 15 marks“Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?
9. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksIndia and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
10. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marksHow is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.
11. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksExamine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.
12. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?
13. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDid the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
14. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the Preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?
15. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksTo what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note ‘Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir’, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
16. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of Indian federal politics?
17. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes. Discuss.
18. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
19. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDoes the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgement (s) of the Apex Court in this regard.
20. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
21. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksResorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?
22. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIn absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.
23. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.
24. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksKhap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set things right in this regard.
25. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat do you understand by the concept ‘freedom of speech and expression’? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
26. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThough the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
27. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of uncodified and unenumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of parliamentary privileges. How can this problem be addressed?
28. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksStarting from inventing the basic structure doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.
29. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksInstances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences have come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.
30. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
31. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
32. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksRecent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the Nagas as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
33. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksConstitutional mechanisms to resolve inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.
34. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksMany State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that a greater number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss.
35. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksThe Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.
36. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksThe role of individual MPs has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?
37. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksPressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regard to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.