Political Science – WBCS Main Optional Question Paper

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2023

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Examine Rammohan Roy’s view on freedom of thought, rule of law and social justice. How do you assess his role as the pioneer of Indian liberalism?      30+10
2. “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle.”— Discuss the Marxian theory of class struggle in the light of this statement. Explain, in this connection, how class struggle in Marxism has been viewed as the motive force of social change.    20+10
3. Explain the nature of the environmental movements as social movement with special reference to India. What are the limitations of these movements?        20+10
4. Discuss the role of political Parties in the modern States. Are they indispensable in democracies?                     20+10

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Give an account of Directive Principles enshrined in Part-IV of the Indian Constitution. How do you justify the incorporation of unenforceable Directive Principles of State Policy?                   20+20

6.  “The President of India shall exercise his powers on the advice of his Council of Ministers.”— Discuss in the light of this statement the constitutional position and role of the President. Is the President a ‘glorified cipher’?                        15+15

7.  What is meant by regionalism? What are the various manifestations of regionalism in India today? What are its reasons?                           5+15+10

8.  Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India as a custodian of the constitution and a protector of fundamental rights. Do you think “public interest litigation” has enlarged the Supreme Court’s power to protect fundamental rights and promote social justice?    15+15

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Answer any five from the following:                                                               8×5=40

(a) Democratic centralism as the organization principle of socialist management — Explain.

(b) Unity of command as the principle of organisation — Explain.

(c) Functions of Union Public Service Commission — Describe.

(d) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) — what it is?

(e) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana — what it is?

(f) Controversy over Lokpal as an institution for redressal of citizens’ grievances — Discuss.

(g) Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana — what it is?

2.  What is communication? Discuss briefly the role and importance of communication in an organisation.   10+20

3.  Define centralisation. What are advantages of centralization? What are its limitations? 10+10+10

4.  Write a note on the changing role of District Magistrate as the District Officer at the apex of district administration in West Bengal.                                 30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Answer any five from the following:                                     8×5=40

(a) What is the P-20 summit? What role does it play as a part of G-20?

(b) How does propaganda work as a technique of foreign policy?

(c) What are the contributions of non-aligned movement?

(d) What are the challenges has G7 faced?

(e) What is cyber-terrorism?

(f) What are the main functions of WTO?

(g) Evaluate India’s role in promoting regional cooperation through SAARC.

6.  What do you understand by neo-colonialism? How is it different from colonialism? Examine the mechanism of neo-colonialism.                                                           7+8+15

7.  Write a critical note on peace keeping operations of United Nations. Is UNO obsolete and unnecessary?— Give reasons for your answer.                                      15+15

8.  Discuss, in brief, the basic principles of Indian foreign policy.                       30

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2022

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Discuss Plato’s theory of Justice. How is it different from modern notions of justice?  20+20=40
2. What is Power? What are the different kinds and forms of power? Differentiate between the Class Theory of Power and the Elite Theory of Power.    10+10+10=30
3. What is Civil Society? Discuss its features. What are the views of John Louce and Antonio Gramsci on civil society?                                               10+10+10=30
4. What is Liberty? Distinguish between negative and positive liberty. What is Marx’s views on liberty?                                                                         10+10+10=30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Analyze the role of the Constituent Assembly and its Vision of the Future India.          40

6.  Discuss the role of the Prime Minister of India vis-a-vis                            15+15=30

(a) The President

(b) The Cabinet

7.  Discuss the main features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act. What are the issues ahead in its proper implementation/functioning?                           15+15=30

8.  Discuss the origins of Trade Unions in India. How has it evolved in the post-independence period?                                                                      15+15=30

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Answer any five from the following:                                     8×5=40

(a) What is the SMART Cities Mission?

(b) Evaluate the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Mission.

(c) Describe the functioning of the NITI Aayog.

(d) What is the District Good Governance Index?

(e) Evaluate the functioning of the Jal Jeevan Mission till date.

(f) What is the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?

(g) What is the Ayush Mission?

2.  Analyse Man Weber’s theory of bureaucracy.                                                             30

3.  What is Decision Making? What are its bases? What problems are involved in decision making? Discuss Mary Parker Follett’s contribution to decision making.                     30

4.  What is development administration? How is it related to politics especially in low-income countries? Discuss in this context the Riggsian Model.                          30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Answer any five from the following:                                                                      8×5=40

(a) Evaluate India’s G20 Leadership till date.

(b) What is the BIMSTEC Summit? Discuss its major aims and objectives.

(c) What is the Paris Club? How does it function?

(d) Discuss the role of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO).

(e) What is the FIPIC Summit?

(f) What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

(g) Analyse the performance of the 14th BRICS Virtual Summit.

6.  Discuss the terms ‘Collective Security’ and ‘Balance of Power’ with examples. What are the major similarities and differences between them?                                 30

7.  What is globalization in international relations? What were its phases? Discuss its major dimensions— political, economic, cultural and social.                              30

8.  Analyse Indo-US relations in the last ten years.                                            30

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2021

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. What do you understand by the notion of statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya.                                                                    40
2. Differentiate between freedom and liberty. Discuss Marx’s theory of freedom.           30
3. What so you mean by democracy? Differentiate between participatory and deliberative democracy.                                                               30
4. What is law? What are the different school and sources of law? What do you mean by Rule of Law?                                                                            30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  What are the Rights within the ambit of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution?     40

6.  Identify the tension areas in Union-State relations in India.                                  30

7.  Critically analyse the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution.                                                                                                          30

8.  ‘Religion is still an important factor in Indian Politics’. Examine                            30

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Answer any five from the following:                                              8×5=40

(a) Discuss briefly the concept of ‘Development Administration’ with reference to its basic features.

(b) Enumerate the various forms of decentralization.

(c) Write a short note on the determining factors of decision-making process.

(d) Discuss the legacy of British rule in post-colonial Indian administration.

(e) What are the major recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARCII), 2005?

(f) What are the functions of the Cabinet Secretary in Union administration?

(g) Briefly discuss the training procedures of the members of All-Indian Services.

2.  Critically evaluate the major areas of public grievances towards various spheres of administration and assess the methods to promote good relations between citizens and administration.                                                                                                            30

3.  Examine the importance of ‘Decision Making’ in administrative process with special reference to Herbert Simon’s ‘Behaviour Alternative Model’.                                     30

4.  Do you think that globalisation has radically impacted the nature and scope of public administration?— Justify.                                                                                           30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Answer any five from the following:                                             8×5=40

(a) Discuss the various techniques deployed to ensure ‘balance of power’.

(b) What are the types of ‘New Diplomacy’ prevalent in present day International Relations?

(c) Briefly explain the instruments of neo-colonialism.

(d) Do you think that NAM is still relevant today? Explain your arguments fully.

(e) ‘UNO needs reforms’— Justify your answers with relevant examples.

(f) Comment on the role of public opinion in restraining the actions of states in International Relations.

(g) Write a note on recent Indo-China border tranquillity Agreement.

6.  Write an overview of international terrorism and also discuss the various mechanisms to combat International terrorism.                                                                    30

7.  Discuss the features of the International system in the Post Cold War era.          30

8.  Analyse the current International order in the light of challenges posed through Human Rights issues and Environmental threats.                                     30

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2020

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Discuss Machiavelli’s concept of State Power.                                            40
2. Examine Rabindranath’s concept of Nationalism.                                       30
3. Discuss John Rawls’ concept of justice with the main lines of criticism levelled against it.                    30
4. Discuss Ambedkar’s concept of caste in Indian society and politics.           30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Discuss the concept of Parliamentary sovereignty in India. Is it comparable to the British system?    40

6.  Examine the role of Rajya Sabha in the context of Indian Federalism.                30

7.  Discuss the role of the Governor in the Indian Constitution. Does he enjoy any discrepancy power?  30

8.  Does communalism play any role in Indian politics?                                           30

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Analyse Weber’s theory of bureaucracy.                                        40
2. Discuss the various principles of administrative organization.        30
3. Analyse the basic features of development administration.            30
4. Analyse the changing role of District Collectors.                             30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Discuss how far the concept of bipolarity is relevant to International Relation today.  40

6.  Discuss the concept of globalization in the context regional politics.                           30

7.  Discuss India’s relation with the USA in recent times.                                                  30

8.  Discuss India’s Kashmir question.                                                                                30

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2019

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Attempt an analysis of Rousseau’s concept of General will. How does it end in autocratic rule?                                                                               40
2. Discuss Ambedkar’s views regarding the importance of social democracy.        30
3. Critically examine the role played by pressure groups in a democracy. Give suitable examples.                                                                                                       30
4. Identify the major weaknesses of environmental movements in India.          30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  To what extent has grass roots democracy been in India ensured following the adoption of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act?                                         40

6.  Discuss the provisions regarding right to equality as laid down in the Constitution of India. What should be the foundations of reasonable classification.                30

7.  Identify the salient features of the Indian Constitution.                                30

8.  What do you understand by a PIL? Do you think that PIL in quite recent years has entered into the jurisdiction of the Executive?                                                  30

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Answer any five from the following:                                         8×5=40

(a) Why is Scientific Management theory of organisation termed as ‘Scientific’?

(b) Do you think that Weber’s theory of Bureaucracy and Development Administration cannot go together? If so, explain why.

(c) Why did Simon say that the principles of organisation developed by the classical theorists contradict each other?

(d) ‘In Simon’s decision – making model bad-decisions replace good decisions’. Explain

(e) Comment on PIL’s role in enforcing judicial control over administration in India.

(f) Examine the role of Chief Secretary in state administration in India.

(g) Discuss critically the two types of challenge that the District Magistrate had been facing since the 60s of the last century from development administration and democratic decentralisation.

(h) What are the distinctive features of All-India Services in Indian administration?

2.  Define Civil Society. How does Civil Society act as a check on and guide of public administration?                                                                                      30

3.  Make a comparative study of the position, power and role of Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretary in Union and State administration respectively.                  30

4.  Write a brief note on the relationship between the Secretariat and the Directorate.    30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Answer any five from the following:                                                                    8×5=40

(a) What are the instruments by which Balance of Power is maintained in International Relations?

(b) ‘In the present context Unipolarity is an abstract concept’. Do you support this proposition? Give your arguments fully.

(c) How does Neo-colonialism differ from old colonialism. Give examples.

(d) What principles and objectives of the United Nations are laid down in Article 1 of U.N. Charter?

(e) How would you explain the factors that led to the collapse of the then Soviet Union?

(f) Was the Non-Aligned Movement really non-aligned in nature during and even after the Nehru era? Give examples in support of your answer.

(g) What is Detente? When and why did it emerge?

(h) Write a short note on ISIS as an organization of International Terrorism.

6.  Make a critical evaluation of India’s foreign policy during 2014-19 period.              30

7.  Write a critical essay on the emerging strategic alliance of India-Japan –United States indicating its impacts on Chinese foreign policy.                                                      30

8.  Discuss the origin, role and success of SAARC.                                                      30

WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2018

PAPER – I         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Discuss the concept of legal positivism as it relates to the writings of Jeremy Bentham. 40
2. Discuss the role of regional political parties in India.                                  30
3. Elucidate the concept of power. Relate it with the concept of authority.      30
4. Explain Rammohan Ray’s concept of modernity.                                        30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Explain the scope for judicial review in India.                                               40

6.  Elucidate the concept of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India.   30

7.  Discuss the changing role of bureaucracy in post-colonial India.                  30

8.  Discuss the role of Chief Minister as enshrined in the Constitution of India.        30

PAPER – II         (Time-3 Hours    Full Marks-200)

GROUP-A

Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.

1. Answer any five from the following:                                                  8×5=40

(a) Examine the basic principles of the Time and Motion study as propounded by F.W. Taylor.

(b) Explain the principle of Scalar Chain in an organization.

(c) Make an assessment of Fred W. Riggs’ contribution to Public Administration.

(d) What are the advantages of lucremental Decision-making?

(e) Distinguish between Line and Staff Agencies in an organization.

(f) Discuss how Parliament of India can control the administration.

(g) What are the functions of the P.M.O. in India?

2.  Discuss how globalisation has affected Public Administration.                          30

3.  Examine the efforts undertaken in India to tackle the problem of corruption.        30

4.  Analyse the challenges faced by the district administration in its interface with Panchayat Bodies in West Bengal.                                                                              30

GROUP-B

Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.

5.  Answer any five from the following:                                               8×5=40

(a) Identify the objectives of SAARC

(b) What was the role of India in the formation of the Non-aligned Movement?

(c) Examine the factors that led to the failure of the League of Nations.

(d) What are the weaknesses of the European Union as a regional organization?

(e) Identify the major trends in India-Bangladesh relations over the last two decades.

(f) Discuss the significance of Doklam in Sino-Indian relations.

(g) Examine the importance of the Kashmir factor in Indo-Pak relations.

6.  What are the global implications of the collapse of the Soviet Union? Examine.     30

7.  Discuss the role of the United Nations in promoting and protecting human rights.  30

8.  Identify the determinants of India’s foreign policy.                                                    30