UPSC Mains 2025 Model Answers: Check Answer for UPSC Mains GS Paper 2

Model Answers for UPSC MAINS GS-II 2025: Candidates who have started preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, must consider that the Mains syllabus is the key to approach this exam. The preparation should be based on the Mains syllabus as the syllabus for Prelims is not defined properly. Also the candidates who have cleared the Prelims 2025 must start practising the mock tests for the Mains exam. The model answers will give you a glimpse into how to write the structured answers. The UPSC Mains is a game-changer. The marks secured in the Mains exam will add on into the final result. Hence, it becomes all the more important for the candidates to secure good marks. Securing a good number of marks will only come by practising model questions based on previous year papers. In this article, we are providing some of the model questions for GS Paper-II which is the Polity paper along with their answer structures. Basically, this will help the candidates in understanding how to approach a question and understanding a question to frame the correct answer according to the requirement of the question.

Benefits of Model Answers in UPSC Preparation

The model answers help the aspirants to make a better strategy for approaching the answers in the main examination. Practising model answers will help analyze their writing mistakes, structure alignment, how to approach a question,etc.

• Understanding the Ideal Structure: There is an ideal structure which is expected to be followed by every candidate who is writing the answers. The IBC structure needs to be followed i.e.,

• I: Introduction

• B: Body

• C: Conclusion

• Content Enrichment: While practising the model answers, candidates will use many types of value added content like examples, case studies, data, reports,etc. This will help them in revising at the last moment.

• Improves Writing Skills: The more you practice, the more you will get better at it. Practising answer writing will make the candidates' answers better.

• Time Management: Attempting the mock tests for answer writing practice will help aspirants to manage their time well. They will have a structure ready for almost every other topic, which will help them in their main exam.

UPSC Mains GS Paper-II Model Answers

The General Studies (GS) Paper-II consists of subjects like Indian Polity, Indian Constitution, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations. Here we have provided some of the model questions and their answer structures based on the previous year papers.
Q1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation - one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words) - 2024 PYQ
Ans. In this question, the most important focus is the “electoral reforms”. Therefore, the article needs to be created around these reforms only.
Introduction: Define in 1 or 2 lines about the electoral reforms like why the demand for electoral reform, Representation of People Act, etc.
Body:

• Start mentioning the need for electoral reforms. Mention in bullet points.

• Give examples of the Committees associated with Electoral Reforms, like the Goswami Committee, Ram Nath Kovind Committee, 2nd ARC Report,etc.

• As this question talks about the need for electoral reforms and the principle of One Nation One election, you must give the disadvantages too in conducting one election.

Conclusion: Conclude the answer in a balanced manner. Mention how the simultaneous elections will help the country save its resources and also mention the biggest disadvantage that conducting these elections may benefit a single party.

Q2. Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words)- 2024 PYQ
Ans. Introduction: The demand of the question is Right to Privacy. Start by mentioning Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and define Right to Privacy. You can also state the Case in which it was stated to be a Fundamental Right (Justice K.S. Puttaswamy Case, 2017).
Body:

• In the body, give an explanation on how the Right to Privacy plays an intrinsic part in our lives. Why is it important? Why did it need to be a Fundamental Right?

• You can also mention a brief history of the Supreme Court Judgements about the Right to Privacy. Why the need arises to put it under the ambit of Fundamental Rights.

• Give a brief about the DNA Testing Law. Mention its important provisions related to the right to privacy.

• In the light of the above law, discuss the pros and cons of such laws.

Conclusion: Right to Privacy is an integral part of human lives. One cannot survive peacefully without having the right to privacy as their fundamental right. But there are certain boundaries and limitations to every right. Mention a balanced approach in context of the DNA testing law.

Q3. Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition ? (Answer in 250 words)- 2024 PYQ.
Ans. This question talks about the India-Maldives relations. You have to clearly state the current situation between India and Maldives by highlighting the importance of India for Maldives.
Introduction: Mention the location of India with respect to Maldives highlighting why they are so important for each other. Maldives’ proximity to the west coast of India (barely 70 nautical miles away from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles away from India’s West coast), and its situation at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through Indian Ocean (particularly the 8° N and 1 ½° N channels) imbues it with significant strategic importance to India.
Body:
Mention the Geopolitical Importance of Maldives for India

• Strategic Location

• Proximity to India

• Influence in Regional Politics

Mention the Geostrategic Importance of Maldives for India

• Location on Major Sea Lanes

• Energy Security

• Maritime Trade Connectivity

Impact on India’s Maritime Security

• Strategic Military Surveillance

• Countering Maritime Threats

• Indian Naval Access and Presence

Role In Regional Stability Amidst International Competition

• China’s Expanding Presence

• India-China Rivalry in IOR

• QUAD and Indo-Pacific Strategy

India-Maldives Bilateral Cooperation

• Defence and Security Agreements

• Developmental Assistance

• Disaster Response

Conclusion:

• Summarise Maldives’ pivotal role in India’s strategic calculus.

• Emphasise the need for sustained diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and security coordination to secure India's maritime interests.

• Conclude with a forward-looking statement on India’s role in ensuring a stable, secure, and balanced Indian Ocean Region.