Government Policies and Welfare Schemes — PYQ Trend Intelligence

What the data shows

In the mapped 2013–2026 GS 2 dataset, 21 questions connect to government policies and welfare schemes across 10 exam years. The highest observed count is 4 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

Answer-writing intelligence

Directives recorded for mapped questions include Discuss, Examine, Evaluate, Explain, Give reasons. 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 marksDoes India’s tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer.
2. 2026 · GS2 · 15 marksCan the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine.
3. 2026 · GS2 · 15 marksShould education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation? Critically evaluate.
4. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks“Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
5. 2023 · GS2 · 15 marks“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
6. 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement.
7. 2022 · GS2 · 15 marksBesides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss.
8. 2019 · GS2 · 10 marksWhat are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods?
9. 2019 · GS2 · 15 marksPerformance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss.
10. 2019 · GS2 · 15 marks‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate.
11. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marks“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.
12. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marks“To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.
13. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marks“Poverty alleviation programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed up by political will.” Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.
14. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExamine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
15. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksEvaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
16. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDo government schemes for uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies?
17. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksAn athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.
18. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksElectronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
19. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksThe Central Government frequently complains of poor performance of State Governments in eradicating suffering of vulnerable sections. Restructuring Centrally Sponsored Schemes across sectors aims at providing flexibility to States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
20. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksThe concept of Mid Day Meal scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.
21. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksIn respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.