Mains 2026

(a) Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity. (b) A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face? (Answer in 150 words each)

(a) An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. University research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate permit this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics. (b) Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights. (Answer in 150 words each)

(a) Dr B. R. Ambedkar cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil-disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns? (b) In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi’s notion of trusteeship to ensure fairness in governance? (c) Shakespeare in Henry IV says, “The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just.” What ethical implications does this have in governance? (Answer in 150 words each)

(a) Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. The patient reluctantly consents, though her original choice was medication. Explain paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor’s action. (b) Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity? (Answer in 150 words each)

(a) Schools in remote areas often do not fully comply with government regulations. Strict enforcement would close most of them. How should an administrator balance enforcement of rules and educational rights of children? (b) In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective. (Answer in 150 words each)

(a) On the request of his Personal Assistant, a District Magistrate stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who gives private tuition to the PA’s child, who has a learning disability. Discuss empathy versus compliance with rules. (b) Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources — without significantly affecting your financial stability — to help people who badly suffer is a moral duty, not merely charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity. (Answer in 150 words each)

Lata, a mother of two, is admitted for abdominal investigation. She consents to diagnostic laparoscopy under general anaesthesia. During the procedure Dr Mansi finds a possibly malignant uterine tumour. Options are a biopsy (and a second surgery if malignant) or immediate hysterectomy. Lata is under anaesthesia. Dr Mansi explains the situation to Sujatha, Lata’s sister-in-law, who consents in writing to hysterectomy. Lata is told the next day, feels betrayed, and approaches the police and then the court. Police and Sujatha say the doctor acted in good faith. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Discuss the moral conduct of the doctor in this situation. (Answer in 250 words)

Ravi, an SP with cyber-policing experience, is posted in a district with a history of riots. An AI-enabled facial-recognition and biometric system has run for about six months. It flags an immigrant, low-income neighbourhood as a hub of gang violence and drug trafficking. Patrols and preventive detentions rise; public-order metrics improve. Community leaders, civil-rights lawyers and human-rights groups allege the model is trained on biased historical data, that surveillance has created a climate of fear, and that residents do not know what data is held against them. (a) What are the ethical issues, including biases, involved in the use of AI in data-driven policing? (b) Place yourself in Ravi’s role. Discuss the alternatives available and justify the action that best complies with ethics. (Answer in 250 words)

Seema, a senior officer known for honesty, is District Collector where a large industrial area is coming up. Farmers have filed many change-of-land-use applications. Approvals are selective, not chronological. Files show complaints of large bribes. A small group of touts, working with some Collectorate staff, controls the pipeline. Other employees fear processing files. The backlog hurts the local economy. An aggressive internal probe may trigger institutional resistance and union backlash; ignoring the racket encourages the wrongdoers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Discuss the options open to Seema. Identify the recommended option and justify it. (Answer in 250 words)

Vikas is District Collector of Nainipura, a remote hilly district. PDS distributors must do real-time biometric identification of beneficiaries. Fingerprint matching often fails for growing children, manual labourers and senior citizens, and Wi-Fi is weak. Distributors then use personal discretion. Strict rules protect fiscal probity but can deny food to EWS households and raise Article 21 issues. Leaving the call to distributors risks leakages. (a) What are the options open to Vikas? How should he balance fiscal probity with empathy towards designated beneficiaries? (b) Discuss the ethics of using technology as a gatekeeper for welfare schemes. (Answer in 250 words)

Rajapuram is a border district. Jhara and Biru, its two major communities, are in continual conflict over land, uneven resources and inadequate political representation. Violence has caused many deaths. Separate relief camps exist. Rajan is appointed DM. He must restore administrative authority, reopen the highway and start peace talks. Rivalry has entered the local administration and police; both communities distrust the government. A neighbouring country could exploit the unrest. Rajan considers opening the highway for food and medical supplies and requisitioning central armed police. (a) Discuss the ethical issues that need to be addressed. (b) What are the options open to Rajan? Which option would protect his non-partisan image without compromising ethics? (Answer in 250 words)

Ajit heads the Department of Weapon Sales in the Ministry of Defence Production. Production limits allow only one export order. Country A is a developing state with a sound technology base, planned R&D collaboration, no security alliance, needs weapons against a troublesome neighbour, and wants a large long-term loan purchase. Country B prioritises military strength over human development, is allied to a superpower with a base there, is not an NPT signatory but has small nuclear weapons, supports guerrilla forces abroad, can pay an advance, and is also talking to another seller. Colleagues stress jobs, exports and diplomacy. (a) Discuss the options available to Ajit and which option he should choose, and why. (b) How should Ajit balance national economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations? (Answer in 250 words)

What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). (Answer in 150 words)

Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index. (Answer in 150 words)

Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security. (Answer in 150 words)

Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How does e-commerce help to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)

Explain by giving two examples how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops. (Answer in 150 words)

Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of the first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term ‘criticality’. What are its implications for the clean energy future of our country? (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss how the contradiction between ‘rapid infrastructure development’ and ‘disaster-risk reduction’ in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss the aim and goals of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India’s commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework, giving suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Explain how fake news and disinformation pose a threat to internal security and public order in the Indian context. In this regard, discuss the salient features of amendments in respect of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. (Answer in 150 words)

Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) of the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss the demand for promulgation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words)

Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability? (Answer in 250 words)

How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)

How has Indian agriculture been transformed from food scarcity to a food-surplus level? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)

Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to the agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to the Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). (Answer in 250 words)

Mention the salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3 May 2026. Why is it being considered the world’s first satellite of its kind? (Answer in 250 words)

What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems. (Answer in 250 words)

What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Highlight the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities, bringing out the salient features of their solid waste management initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)

“Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management.” Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it. (Answer in 250 words)

Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Bring out the actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into the national mainstream. Discuss the pre- and post-abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out the positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the State. (Answer in 250 words)

Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at the international level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding. (Answer in 250 words)

Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. (Answer in 150 words)

“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament. (Answer in 150 words)

Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House? (Answer in 150 words)

Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters? (Answer in 150 words)

Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)

Does India’s tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)

Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance. (Answer in 150 words)

“IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA. (Answer in 150 words)

“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings. (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions? (Answer in 250 words)

What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”. (Answer in 250 words)

How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective. (Answer in 250 words)

Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA. (Answer in 250 words)

To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions. (Answer in 250 words)

“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. (Answer in 250 words)

Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine. (Answer in 250 words)

Should 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. (Answer in 250 words)

“India’s global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this statement. (Answer in 250 words)

“China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in South Asia. (Answer in 250 words)

Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history. (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss the impact of Macaulay’s Minute on colonial administration and education in India. (Answer in 150 words)

The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones. (Answer in 150 words)

“Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically. (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation. (Answer in 150 words)

“Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia.” Examine this statement giving examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)

Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)

Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts. (Answer in 250 words)

Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India. (Answer in 250 words)

“The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement. (Answer in 250 words)

Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences. (Answer in 250 words)

Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples. (Answer in 250 words)

Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India. (Answer in 250 words)

Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres. (Answer in 250 words)

Section A — Q1. Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.

Section A — Q2. A grateful mind is very beautiful.

Section A — Q3. A thorn is a changed bud.

Section A — Q4. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.

Section B — Q5. Nature is the symbol of the spirit.

Section B — Q6. A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.

Section B — Q7. Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.

Section B — Q8. A good leader is one who follows the followers.