Equality: Social, political and economic; relationship between equality and freedom; Affirmative action (PSIR PYQs)
| Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Write on the following in about 150 words: The freedom of the pike is death to the minnows. (10 marks) | View answer |
| 2026 | What is capability approach? Elaborate the distinctive features of the capability theory of equality. (15 marks) | View answer |
| 2025 | Write a note on the relation between equality and liberty from the multi-cultural perspective. | View answer |
| 2024 | The nature of relationship between equality of democratic citizenship and liberty of citizens is influenced by economic equality. Comment. | View answer |
| 2023 | Affirmative action policies draws as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality. | View answer |
| 2022 | “Equality of estates caused equality of power, and equality of power is liberty.” Comment. | View answer |
| 2021 | Comment in about 150 words: Affirmative action. | View answer |
| 2021 | Comment in about 150 words : Equality of outcome as a political idea. | View answer |
| 2020 | Comment in 150 words: Equality of opportunity. | View answer |
| 2018 | Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment. | View answer |
| 2017 | Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx's notion of freedom. | View answer |
| 2016 | Comment: Affirmative Action. | View answer |
| 2014 | How is liberty a precondition for equality Explicate the rehitionship between equality and liberty. | View answer |
| 2012 | Comment on the difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. (150 words) | View answer |
| 2012 | Why is 'affirmative action' important in provision of equal opportunity? | View answer |
| 1994 | Comment: "The end of law is not to abolish or restrain but to preserve and enlarge freedom." (Locke) | View answer |
Liberty
| Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Compare negative and positive concepts of liberty. | View answer |
| 1992 | Comment: 'Reason teaches all mankind who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions' (Locke) | View answer |
| 1992 | Comment: 'Since liberty is a fruit that does not grow in all climates, it cannot be enjoyed by all people alike'. (Rousseau) | View answer |
| 1991 | ' The existence of Liberty depends upon our willingness to build the foundations of society upon the basis of rational justice and to adjust them to changing conditions in terms of reasoned discussion and not violence.' (Harold J. Laski). Discuss. | View answer |
Syllabus unit: Equality and Liberty
PSIR Optional study material from LotusArise IAS
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| What you get | PSIR Mains Master Kit 2027 | PSIR Complete Notes (Store) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 notes — Political Theory + Indian Government and Politics | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
| Practice question set for timed answer writing | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Answer toolkit — intros, conclusions, frameworks, thinker and example banks | By Dec 2026 | ❌ |
| Revision booklets for the last 60 days | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Format | Online articles + PDF | PDF download |
| Access | Valid until UPSC CSE Mains 2027 | Instant download after payment |
| Price | ₹1,770 (regular ₹5,000) | ₹1,180 for all four sections · ₹599 a paper · ₹354 a section |
| Best for | Aspirants who want the whole system in one place | Aspirants who want the notes now, in the parts they need |
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Word limit? And the marks they carry?