Executive, Ministries and Departments — PYQ Trend Intelligence

What the data shows

In the mapped 2013–2026 GS 2 dataset, 12 questions connect to executive, ministries and departments across 9 exam years. The highest observed count is 2 in 2024, 2022, 2014. 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 Analyse, Compare, Discuss, Elucidate, Account for. 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. 2026 · GS2 · 10 marksAnalyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.
2. 2025 · GS2 · 10 marksCompare 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?
3. 2024 · GS2 · 10 marks"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate.
4. 2024 · GS2 · 10 marksThe Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
5. 2023 · GS2 · 15 marksAccount for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.
6. 2022 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
7. 2022 · GS2 · 15 marksCritically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.
8. 2021 · GS2 · 10 marksTo what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
9. 2020 · GS2 · 10 marks“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
10. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksInitially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment.
11. 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.
12. 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.