GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity & IR
Master the framework of Indian Democracy and International Relations. A detailed guide to UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2.
Overview of GS2
General Studies Paper II (GS2) focuses on the State — how it is structured, how it functions, and how it interacts with its citizens and the world. It carries 250 marks and is often considered one of the most dynamic papers in the Mains.
Critical Note
Success in GS2 is heavily dependent on your ability to link Constitutional Articles and Supreme Court Judgments with current political and social developments.
Constitution & Polity
- Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
- Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
- Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels
- Separation of powers between various organs
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
- Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges
Governance
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
- Development processes and the development industry — the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population
- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance
- Role of civil services in a democracy
Social Justice
- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger
International Relations
- India and its neighborhood- relations
- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
- Indian Diaspora
- Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Preparation Sources
Core Resources
- • M. Laxmikanth (Polity)
- • Governance in India (Laxmikanth)
- • NCERT Class XI & XII
- • The Hindu / Indian Express
Value Addition
- • 2nd ARC Reports
- • PRS Legislative Research
- • Ministry Websites (MEA, PIB)
- • Landmark SC Judgments