Theme T106 · Governance

E-governance & the digital divide

6PYQs

6GS2

2018–20256 distinct years

2asked 2024–26

Roadmap · step 106 of 171 · Stage 3: Applied themes

← Step 105Step 107 →See the full roadmap

What UPSC asks

Questions ask whether e-governance favours technology over citizens, the 'interactive service model', inadequacies that limit transparency, e-governance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the 'use value' of information, and digital illiteracy hindering development.

Prepare these

E-governance models: broadcasting, critical flow, comparative analysis, mobilisation, interactive service
Digital India pillars; examples (UMANG, DigiLocker, CPGRAMS, e-Courts, GeM)
User-centric design vs back-end integration
Digital divide: rural access, literacy, language, gender
Data protection and cyber risks in e-governance

Answer writing

Name the model asked and give one Indian example for each point
End with inclusion: assisted access (CSCs), vernacular interfaces

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (2), Evaluate (1), Discuss (1), Explain (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Step 73: Digital economy & digital currency: digitalisation, CBDC

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

Step 107: DBT, Aadhaar & digital welfare delivery

Syllabus lines covered

GS2-L15 — Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

All 6 PYQs, newest first

GS2202510 marks · 150 wordsGS2-GOV-07-M2025-Q07
E-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.
Report a typo
GS2202415 marks · 250 wordsGS2-GOV-07-M2024-Q18
E-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance.
Report a typo
GS2202310 marks · 150 wordsGS2-GOV-07-M2023-Q08
E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?
Report a typo
GS22021GS2-GOV-07-M2021-S01
Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.
Report a typo
GS22020GS2-GOV-07-M2020-S01
“The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.
Report a typo
GS22018GS2-GOV-07-M2018-S01
E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain.
Report a typo