Community Psychology – Psychology Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 44 Community Psychology questions asked in UPSC Psychology Optional Paper II from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 5 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.

Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.

6.1] Definition and concept of community psychology

4 questions

1. “Appreciating diversity is considered as a core value for a community psychologist in India.” Justify. [2023/10m/150w/1e]

2. What is community psychology? Mention few skills and qualities a community psychologist should have. [2022/10m/150w/1d]

3. Discuss the role of community psychology for handling community mental health problems. [2021/10m/150w/1e]

4. Describe the concept of Community Psychology. Explain some of the important factors responsible for arousing community consciousness and action plan in handling social problems. [2006/60m/4]

6.2] Use of small groups in social action

7 questions

1. Explain the concepts of social facilitation and social inhibition in the context of group processes. [2025/15m/7a]

2. Discuss the usefulness of small groups in community interventions for social development. [2016/10m/150w/1e]

3. Discuss the merits of the role of small groups in social actions and community handling of social problems. [2012/12m/150w/1e]

4. Write a short note on: The role of small groups in social action. [2004/20m/200w/1a]

5. Show your acquaintance with at least one theory of group behaviour. [2000/20m/200w/1b]

6. What is group cohesiveness? Discuss the factors affecting group cohesiveness. [1997/20m/200w/1b]

7. Describe the chief characteristics of a small group with a special reference to the quality of interpersonal interactions and relations. [1995/20m/200w/1c]

6.3] Arousing community consciousness and action for handling social problems

9 questions

1. Analyse the factors that foster collective consciousness and propose a well structured community based intervention program. [2026/15m/4b]

2. What is community consciousness? How can it be aroused for handling social problems. [2024/20m/2c]

3. How can community play an important role in providing safety to women? Discuss. [2019/10m/150w/5d]

4. In what specific ways can psychologists work for empowering the communities that have been marginalized by the society? [2018/10m/150w/1e]

5. What is the role of the community in handling social problems? Prepare a plan for involving the community to handle crime against women. [2017/20m/4c]

6. Identify the factors in arousal of community consciousness and also the strategies for handling social problems keeping in view some of the recent protest movements in India. [2013/20m/200w/4b]

7. Discuss critically the relevance of community psychology in India for the eradication of superstitions. [2010/30m/3a]

8. Describe the concept of Community Psychology. Explain some of the important factors responsible for arousing community consciousness and action plan in handling social problems. [2006/60m/4]

9. Evaluate the role of a community psychologist in arousing community consciousness and action for handling social problem. Give suitable examples to substantiate your arguments. [2003/60m/4]

6.4] Group decision making and leadership for social change

9 questions

1. What are the personality qualities to be focused on, for preparing community members as leaders for social change? [2025/15m/3a]

2. Why is group decision making important for social change? What errors and biases occur during the process of group decision making? [2021/20m/2c]

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of group decision-making over decisions made by individuals. [2017/10m/150w/1d]

4. In the light of various theories of leadership, what kind of leaders will be effective in bringing about social change? [2017/15m/4a]

5. Discuss how the process of group decision making can be used effectively in bringing about social change. [2016/20m/2c]

6. What is the phenomenon of ‘group think’? How can it influence the quality of group decision making? [2015/10m/150w/1a]

7. Discuss the implications of employing group decision-making in issues involving development in the Indian cultural context. [2014/15m/2b]

8. Discuss the steps that can be taken to improve the quality of group decision-making. [2013/10m/150w/1d]

9. Discuss the psychological significance of ‘group decision’. How can this be applied in fostering mental health in a Community? [2009/60m/4]

6.5] Effective strategies for social change

15 questions

1. Compare the ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches to social change with specific reference to handling social problems in the Indian context. [2025/15m/4b]

2. How can community psychologists bring positive social change in order to address mental health and well-being in society? Explain with suitable examples. [2022/20m/4c]

3. Identify and discuss the key elements contributing to effective social change in a marginalized community. [2020/15m/6a]

4. Why is social change necessary? Discuss the effective strategies to bring about social change for community development. [2019/15m/8a]

5. In the context of positive social change differentiate between first-order and second-order change. Why is the second-order change often the focus of community psychology? [2018/10m/150w/1c]

6. It has been found that cultural factors can be used to facilitate social change. What cultural factors can be made use of, and how, in making a success of the governmental programme called ‘Swacch Bharat Abhiyan’? [2015/20m/6c]

7. Write a short note on: Role of community psychologist in social change. [2007/20m/200w/1a]

8. Write a short note on: Role of Community Psychology in social change. [2006/20m/200w/1b]

9. Discuss the significance of social support programs. Mention the role of community psychologist in social change. [2001/20m/200w/1d]

10. Show conceptual relationship between social change and organizational change. [2000/20m/200w/1c]

11. What is social change? Describe the relevant psychological factors that need to be considered while planning for social change. [1999/60m/3]

12. Discuss the relative effectiveness of mass media in creating social awareness and social change. [1999/60m/8]

13. It is said that Indian society is resistant to change. Is it true? If so discuss the factors responsible for this and suggest measures to combat the same. [1997/60m/3]

14. Why is social change necessary? Keeping the present state of affairs in India, what steps would you take to plan social change? [1996/60m/4]

15. Examine the phenomenon of resistance of change. Explain the factors involved therein affecting social change in relation to productive processes of a community and suggest possible remedies. [1995/60m/4]

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Last updated: 30 October 2026