Philosophy Optional · Paper I · Indian Philosophy

Schools of Vedanta Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Schools of Vedanta, Unit 19 of Paper I, Section B: the official syllabus, 10 topic-wise notes in syllabus order, and all 75 questions from 1990 to 2026 grouped by sub-topic.

10

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75

Questions listed

41

Asked since 2013

1990–2026

Years covered

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Syllabus Free notes Previous year questions All Philosophy units

Official UPSC syllabus

Schools of Vedanta: syllabus

The syllabus text for this unit in Paper I, Section B (Indian Philosophy) of Philosophy Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to it.

Brahman; Isvara; Atman; Jiva; Jagat; Maya; Avidya; Adhyasa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi; Pancavidhabheda.

Paper I · Section B · Unit 19

Schools of Vedanta notes

Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order, written for UPSC Mains in plain language, with diagrams and the previous year questions on each topic.

Free notes

Free practice

Previous year questions: Schools of Vedanta

All 75 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1990 and 2026, grouped by sub-topic with the most-asked first, newest first within each. Questions from 2013 onwards are shown; earlier ones open on a tap.

How often UPSC asks each sub-topic

Sub-topicQuestionsSince 2013Last asked
Sankara vs Ramanuja1142023
Ramanuja · Maya critique732025
Ramanuja · Brahman622026
Sankara · Brahman642025
Sankara · Jiva and Saksi632025
Madhva · Pancavidhabheda542026
Schools Compared442022
Madhva · Dvaita412021
Sankara · Maya and Avidya412018
Sankara · Samkhya critique332025
Sankara · Moksa322023
Sankara · Epistemology322021
Sankara · Adhyasa312014
Nimbarka · Dvaitadvaita222026
Sankara · Vivartavada212022
Sankara · Isvara222016
Advaita and Madhyamika201995
Ramanuja · Aprthaksiddhi112024
Atman (Indian Views)112016

Sankara vs Ramanuja

11 questions · 4 since 2013 · last asked 2023

Asked since 2013 · 4

  • 2023Discuss Ramanuja’s criticism of Shankara’s conception of Brahman and ishvara (God). (20 marks)
  • 2021Compare and contrast the views of Shankara and Ramanuja regarding the status of the world. (15 marks)
  • 2017Distinguish between vivartavada and parinamavada with reference to causation and explain how in the light of these theories Shankara and Ramanuja differ on the status of the world. (15 marks)
  • 2015Compare and contrast the notion of Brahman in Shankara and Ramanuja. (20 marks)
Show 7 earlier questions (before 2013)

1991–2010 · 7 questions

  • 2010Both Shankara and Ramanuja are right in their affirmation, but wrong in their denial.” Critically evaluate (30 marks)
  • 2010How is Ramanuja’s concept of dharmabhutajnana different from Shankar’s concept of swarupajnana? Explain (15 marks)
  • 2008Explain Sankara’s view on the status of Jagat and Ramanuja’s response to it (60 marks)
  • 2001Evaluate Sankara’s analysis of moksha in the light of Ramanuja’s arguments. (20 marks)
  • 1996Give an account of the nature of Brahman according to Ramanuja. How does he differ from Samkara? (60 marks)
  • 1992Bring out the main points of difference between the philosophies of Samkara and Ramanuja (60 marks)
  • 1991How do Advaita Vedanta and Visistadvaita Vedanta explain the relation between Brahman and Jiva? Analyze the ontological implications of their theories of this relationship. (60 marks)

Ramanuja · Maya critique

7 questions · 3 since 2013 · last asked 2025

Asked since 2013 · 3

  • 2025Examine Ramanuja’s seven objections against Mayavada of Advaita. (10 marks)
  • 2018How does Ramanuja refute the doctrine of Maya as propounded by Shankara? Why is Maya needed by both Råmånuja and Shankara to establish their doctrines? Discuss. (15 marks)
  • 2013Evaluate Ramanuja’s critique of Samkara’s theory of maya. (12.5 marks)
Show 4 earlier questions (before 2013)

1994–2003 · 4 questions

  • 2003Ramanuja criticism of Advaita concept of maya (20 marks)
  • 2002Ramanuja’s refutation of Mayavada (20 marks)
  • 2000Explain critically the objections raised by Ramanuja against Sankara’s concept of Maya. (60 marks)
  • 1994What according to Ramanuja is the cause of the material world? Consider in this connection his critique of the Advaita theory of Maya (60 marks)

Ramanuja · Brahman

6 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2026

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2026Critically explain Ramanuja’s conception of Brahman with special reference to the difficulties in explaining the relation of Brahman to Spirit (Cit) and Matter (Acit). (15 marks)
  • 2017Explain Ramanuja’s conception of God and examine the difficulties he faced in explaining the relation of God to matter and spirit. (15 marks)
Show 4 earlier questions (before 2013)

1998–2012 · 4 questions

  • 2012Do you agree with Ramanuja’s view that the nature of Brahman is qualified? Give reasons (15 marks)
  • 2006Discuss the Metaphysics of Acharya Ramanuja (60 marks)
  • 2004Why is Ramanuja’s philosophy called Visistadvaita? Discuss fully (60 marks)
  • 1998Explain the nature of Brahman according to Ramanuja and discuss the relationship of Brahman with Jiva (60 marks)

Sankara · Brahman

6 questions · 4 since 2013 · last asked 2025

Asked since 2013 · 4

  • 2025How is Brahman conceptualised in Advaita philosophy as both Nimitta and Upadana Karana of the World? Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks)
  • 2023What is the Advaitin interpretation of the great sentence (mahavakya) “Thou art that’ (tattvam asi)? Briefly discuss. (10 marks)
  • 2019Explain the logical consequences of the metaphysical absolutism of Advaitism. (20 marks)
  • 2013Distinguish between Svarupa laksana and Tatastha laksana of Brahman after Shankara. (12.5 marks)
Show 2 earlier questions (before 2013)

1990–2007 · 2 questions

  • 2007State and explain the difference between Saguna and Nirguna Brahman (60 marks)
  • 1990Explain and evaluate the view of Samkara that the Brahman must be free from all the differences (bheda) (60 marks)

Sankara · Jiva and Saksi

6 questions · 3 since 2013 · last asked 2025

Asked since 2013 · 3

  • 2025Discuss the idea of Bimba-pratibimbavada as presented in Vedanta philosophy along with its soteriological significance. (20 marks)
  • 2022‘Brahma satyam jaganmithya, jivo Brahmaiva näparah’. In the light of this statement explain the ontological status of Isvara, Jiva and Säksi as elucidated in Advaita Vedanta. (20 marks)
  • 2020Discuss the nature and relationship of Jiva and Jiva-sakshi to non-dualism. (15 marks)
Show 3 earlier questions (before 2013)

2000–2012 · 3 questions

  • 2012Explain the notion of ego or ahankara and its role in the doctrine of Vedanta (15 marks)
  • 2003Describe Sankara’s explanation of jiva. Is the justification offered rational? Explain (60 marks)
  • 2000Sankara’s view on the nature and reality of individual souls (Jivas). (60 marks)

Madhva · Pancavidhabheda

5 questions · 4 since 2013 · last asked 2026

Asked since 2013 · 4

  • 2026Why does the Dualistic School of Vedanta consider that differences (Bhedas) have separate existence and constitute the unique nature of things? Answer with reference to the theory of five-fold difference (Pancavidhabheda). (15 marks)
  • 2020Point out the significance of the five-fold differences in the Dualistic School of Vedänta. (10 marks)
  • 2015Pancavidhabheda (10 marks)
  • 2013Describe the five types of differences (panchavidhabheda). Bring out their philosophical significance for Madhva’s theory. (12.5 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

2000 · 1 question

  • 2000State and examine the doctrine of Pancabheda in the Dvaita system of Vedanta. (60 marks)

Schools Compared

4 questions · 4 since 2013 · last asked 2022

Asked since 2013 · 4

  • 2022How does the concept of liberation (Moksa) of Madhvacarya differ from that of Ramanujacarya ? Explain. (15 marks)
  • 2018Give a comparative cxposition of the concept of Moksa as found in the systems of Višistadvaita, Dvaita, Suddhadvaita and Acintyabhedabheda. (20 marks)
  • 2016Give a critical exposition of the concept of ‘Brahman’ as discussed by Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva. (15 marks)
  • 2014How does the nature of Brahman differ in the philosophy of Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva? Discuss critically. (20 marks)

Madhva · Dvaita

4 questions · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2021

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2021Explain the status of jiva and jagat in the philosophy of Madhvacarya. (15 marks)
Show 3 earlier questions (before 2013)

1998–2005 · 3 questions

  • 2005The nature of Brahman, Jiva and Jagat according Madhava (20 marks)
  • 2004Madhava’s conception of moksha (20 marks)
  • 1998Give a critical account of Madhva Vedanta (60 marks)

Sankara · Maya and Avidya

4 questions · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2018

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2018What is the difference between the indescribability (Anirvacaniyata) of Brahman and the indescribability (Anirvacaniyata) of Maya in the Advaita Vedanta system? Discuss (10 marks)
Show 3 earlier questions (before 2013)

1996–2012 · 3 questions

  • 2012Explain why avidya and maya are considered anirvachniya (indescribable) in advaita vada? (15 marks)
  • 2006Examine Shankara’s Mayavada (20 marks)
  • 1996Samkara’s doctrine of Maya. (20 marks)

Sankara · Samkhya critique

3 questions · 3 since 2013 · last asked 2025

Asked since 2013 · 3

  • 2025Why does Sharnkara consider Sämkhya Philosophy as his chief opponent ( pradhana malla )? Examine his arguments against Samkhya Philosophy. (20 marks)
  • 2023“If Purusha and Prakriti are two completely independent realities, then no relation between the two is possible-” In the light of this statement make a brief presentation of Shankara’s criticism of Samkhya dualism (10 marks)
  • 2018How do the Advaita Vedantins react to the Prakritiparinamavada of the Samkhya philosophy? How do the Särhkhyas defend their own position in this regard? Discuss. (15 marks)

Sankara · Moksa

3 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2023

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2023Liberation is defined by Advaita Vedantins as ‘attainment of that which is already attained’. How does Shankara illustrate this statement? Discuss with your own comments. (15 marks)
  • 2013‘Not karma, but knowledge alone leads to moksha.’ (Samkara). Do you agree? Justify your answer. (12.5 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

1999 · 1 question

  • 1999Explain Samkara’s Conception of Moksha. What, in his view, is the relation of karma and Jnana to Moksha? Justify your answer (60 marks)

Sankara · Epistemology

3 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2021

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2021How do the advocates of (anirvacaniya-khyati)refute the position of the Naiyayikas and establish the position of Advaitins regarding the problem of error? Critically discuss. (20 marks)
  • 2018Does the admission of Svayamprakashavada necessarily lead to the admission of Svatahpramanyavada? Discuss after the Naiyayikas, the Mimamsakas and the Advaita Vedantins. (20 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

1993 · 1 question

  • 1993How is error explained in Nyaya and Advaita Philosophy? Which explanation is more reasonable and why? (60 marks)

Sankara · Adhyasa

3 questions · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2014

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2014Bring out the significance of the concept of adhyasa in Shankara’s philosophy to develop his metaphysics. (10 marks)
Show 2 earlier questions (before 2013)

2005–2010 · 2 questions

  • 2010Is Shankara’s concept of adhyasa logical or psychological? Discuss (15 marks)
  • 2005Elucidate Shankara’s conception of Adhyasa (60 marks)

Nimbarka · Dvaitadvaita

2 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2026

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2026Do you agree with Nimbarka’s explanation of the nature of God, Souls and Matter? Justify your answer. (15 marks)
  • 2020Discuss the nature and types of matier according to Nimbarka. (10 marks)

Sankara · Vivartavada

2 questions · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2022

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2022Do you agree with the view that ‘Vivartavada is the logical development of Parinamavada’? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

2012 · 1 question

  • 2012Write a note on Shankara’s Vivartavada and discuss its implications (15 marks)

Sankara · Isvara

2 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2016

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2016Evaluate Shankara’s position on Ishvara. (10 marks)
  • 2013How can Ishvara (God) be distinguished from Brahman (Absolute)? Which of the two concepts are philosophically better? (12.5 marks)

Advaita and Madhyamika

2 questions · 0 since 2013 · last asked 1995

1992–1995 · 2 questions

  • 1995It is sometimes said that the difference between Madhyamika School of Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta is only superficial and verbal. Do you agree with this view? Compare in this context the chief episte-mological and metaphysical tenets of the madhyamika school and of Advaita Vedanta (60 marks)
  • 1992Mayavada of Advaita is only a re-statement of Sunyavada of the Madhyamika System with minor modifications (20 marks)

Ramanuja · Aprthaksiddhi

1 question · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2024

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2024“In Vishishtadvaita philosophy, the relationship between God and the world is parallel to that between an individual self and its body.” Critically discuss. (10 marks)

Atman (Indian Views)

1 question · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2016

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2016Is the doctrine of ‘Self’ acceptable in the modern age of science and reason? Examine the view in the light of Indian philosophy. (15 marks)

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Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.

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