UPSC Mains GS Paper II 2025 Analysis: Subject-wise Insights and Question Paper PDF

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 continued on 23rd August 2025 with the General Studies Paper II. The exam was held from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and carried 250 marks. 

GS Paper 2 mainly covers Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations, making it one of the most important papers to understand how policies and governance work. In this blog, you’ll find a clear subject-wise analysis of GS Paper II 2025 along with the downloadable question paper PDF to help you understand the exam pattern.

The UPSC Mains GS Paper II 2025 question paper is now available for download. You can get the PDF of the paper from the link below. If you’re preparing for upcoming attempts, make sure to practice with this paper.

The GS Paper 2 in UPSC Mains 2025 followed its traditional format, designed to test both knowledge and analytical skills in Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations.

• Total Marks: 250
• Duration: 3 Hours (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
• Total Questions: 20 (All compulsory)10 questions × 10 marks each, 10 questions × 15 marks each
• Answer Type: Essay-style, descriptive responses

This year’s GS II paper was moderate to moderately difficult. It was clearly about conceptual clarity, analytical ability, and linking current affairs with static knowledge.

1. Conceptual & Analytical Focus: Most questions tested the understanding of constitutional provisions, governance mechanisms, and ongoing reforms.
2. Fewer Fact-based Questions: The paper required critical evaluation and balanced perspectives (e.g., tribunals reform, collegium system, Centre–State financial relations).
3. Current Affairs Integration: IR questions leaned heavily on recent global developments such as India–Africa digital partnership, UN reform, and globalisation.
4. Tricky & Thought-Provoking Questions: Topics like e-governance bias, women’s social capital, and the paradox of poverty checked the depth of understanding.

Overall, the paper demanded strong conceptual grounding, the ability to connect static and dynamic areas, and a well-structured approach to writing.

Also cover: UPSC Essay Paper 2025 Analysis: Download the PDF

The paper tested all key areas, with more focus on analysis than facts.

1. Polity & Constitution – Toughest Part

• Questions on RPA, pardon powers (India vs USA), J&K Assembly, AG’s role, constitutional morality, collegium, Centre–State finance.
• Needed deep concepts + comparisons + awareness of reforms.

2. Governance & Social Justice – Moderately Challenging

• Topics like tribunal reforms, e-governance, CSOs, women’s role, poverty paradox, decentralisation, and NCPCR.
• More applied in nature, rewarded answers with examples & policies.

3. International Relations – Comparatively Easier

• Covered India–Africa ties, waning globalisation, energy security, and UN reforms.
• Manageable for those updated with current affairs & global trends.

Key Takeaway: The paper tested how well aspirants could think critically across themes, with Polity being the toughest, Governance balanced, and IR more approachable.

For deeper insights, don’t miss our video analysis of UPSC 2025 GS Paper II: 

2026 and 2027 aspirants can learn from GS Paper II 2025 by focusing on smart preparation, balanced coverage, and clear answer writing. With steady practice, success is within reach.

1. Conceptual Depth Matters: Direct fact-based questions are fewer; focus on understanding and interpretations.
2. Static + Current Affairs Link: Most questions demanded a mix of static knowledge with recent reforms and global developments.
3. Answer Writing Skills: UPSC expects balanced, analytical, and well-structured answers rather than one-sided views.
4. Time Management: With 20 compulsory questions, practice dividing time smartly between 10-mark and 15-mark answers.
5. Applied Understanding: Questions on social justice and governance need practical examples, policies, and real-life linkages, not just theory.

Also get access to: UPSC Mains GS Paper I 2025 Analysis and Key Insights

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