TOPIC
GS2
2013–2026
Governance, Transparency and Accountability — PYQ Trend Intelligence
MATCHES
47
mapped PYQs
What the data shows
In the mapped 2013–2026 GS 2 dataset, 47 questions connect to governance, transparency and accountability across 14 exam years. The highest observed count is 8 in 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
2026
2
2025
3
2024
3
2023
1
2022
1
2021
1
2020
2
2019
1
2018
2
2017
3
2016
7
2015
7
2014
6
2013
8
Answer-writing intelligence
Directives recorded for mapped questions include Analyse, Comment, Explain, Critically evaluate, 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
- Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.
- “Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.
- e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.
- 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.
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- The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
- The Citizens' charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them.
- e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance. "
- E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?
- To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?
- To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
- “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
- “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.
- Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.
- E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain.
- The Citizens’ Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens’ Charter.
- “Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people.” Discuss.
- Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.
- Initially 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.
- Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own jurisdiction.
- What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
- 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?
- In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement.
- Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent. Discuss their relationship with each other in the context of India.
- In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused decline of public morality in India.
- Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India. Comment.
- In 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.
- For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past.
- Examine critically the recent changes in rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976.
- How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss, throwing light on the major constraints.
- The Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme, which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.
- If the amendment bill to the Whistle Blowers Act, 2011 tabled in Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect. Critically evaluate.
- In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.
- The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash-strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for the obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit consumers, Indian Railways or private container operators.
- National Human Rights Commission in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards.
- Two parallel schemes of the Government, the Aadhaar Card and NPR, one voluntary and the other compulsory, have led to national debates and litigations. On merits, discuss whether both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse their potential to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.
- Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over increased FDI in news media. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
- The penetration of Self Help Groups in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
- Has the cadre-based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine.
- Many 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.
- Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from previous commissions for strengthening local government finances.
- The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping products and services, strengthens the case for merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
- A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs. Discuss.
- The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
- The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for sustained success of the concept. Discuss.
- Though Citizen’s Charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services. Analyze.
- Electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
Study the trend, choose a real question, write your answer, and evaluate it.