CSE 2023

 Conducted by UPSC (union public service commission )

IAS Exam Conducting Body UPSC

Mode of IAS exam Offline

Number of times Once every year

conducted

Prescribed age limit 21 – 32 years (upper age relaxation for reserved candidates)

CSE Exam Pattern

 Stage I: Preliminary Examination (IAS Prelims)
 Stage II: Mains Examination (IAS Mains)
 Stage III: UPSC Personality Test (IAS Interview)

Preliminary Exam:-

Stage I:- The Preliminary Examination is composed of two components:

1) General Studies:- 100 questions

2) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT):- 80 questions

PAPER SUBJECTS TOTAL DURATION

MARKS
1 General Studies (GS) 200 2 hours (9:30
AM to 11:30
AM)

2 CSAT 200 2 hours (2:30

PM to 4:30
PM)

Marking Scheme

 General Studies(GS):- 2 marks each

 CSAT:- 2.5 marks each

CSAT is qualifying Subject must obtain 33% which mean 66 marks.

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Syllabus of Prelims:-

1) General Studies (GS)

The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination. This test is intended to test the
general awareness of a candidate in a wide range of subjects that are included in the syllabus:

Syllabus for GS

 Current events of national and international importance.

 History of India and Indian National Movement.
 Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
 Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights
Issues, etc.
 Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics,
Social Sector initiatives, etc.
 General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require
subject specialisation
 General Science

2) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

This test is intended to assess the aptitude of the candidate in solving ‘Reasoning and other aptitude topics
that are included in the syllabus:

Syllabus for CSAT

 Comprehension
 Interpersonal skills including communication skills
 Logical reasoning and analytical ability
 Decision-making and problem solving
 General mental ability
 Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data
interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)

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 Stage II:- Mains Examination

Sl. No. IAS Exam Paper Name of the Paper Nature of the Paper Duration of the Exam Marks

1 Paper – A Compulsory Indian Language QUALIFYING NATURE 3 Hours 300 Marks

2 Paper – B English 3 Hours 300 Marks

3 Paper – I ESSAY MERIT RANKING NATURE 3 Hours 250 Marks

4 Paper – II General Studies I 3 Hours 250 Marks

5 Paper – III General Studies II 3 Hours 250 Marks

6 Paper – IV General Studies III 3 Hours 250 Marks

7 Paper – V General Studies IV 3 Hours 250 Marks

8 Paper – VI Optional Paper I 3 Hours 250 Marks

9 Paper – VII Optional Paper II 3 Hours 250 Marks

TOTAL 1750 Marks

Interview or Personality Test 275 Marks

GRAND TOTAL 2025 Marks

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Syllabus of Mains:-

Paper ‘A’, Paper ‘B’:- Language Papers (Indian language and English)

Although both these papers are only qualifying in nature, candidates should not be complacent as if they
fail to score below 25% in either of them, their remaining answer sheets won’t even be evaluated. Both the
papers follow a similar pattern of questions as given below.

 One essay question for 100 marks – candidates have to select one out of a few given topics

 Reading comprehension and related five-six questions for a total of 60 marks

 Precis writing for 60 marks – the answer sheet will have a separate grid structure where this has to
be written

 Translation from English to chosen language for 20 marks

 Translation from chosen language to English for 20 marks

 Grammar and basic language usage such as synonyms, sentence correction etc. for a total of 40 marks

Paper. I:- Essay

The UPSC mains syllabus does not have any prescribed syllabus for the essay paper as such. As per the
UPSC, “Candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an
orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”

Candidates are required to write two essays from a list of given topics for a combined total of 250 marks.

Paper. II:- General Studies (GS) 1

HISTORY

Indian Heritage & Culture

Indian Art Forms  Medieval Literature

 Women Poets of Bhakti
 Indian Paintings
 Trends in Medieval Literature
 Classical Dance Forms
 Modern Indian Literature
 Folk Dance Forms
Architecture
 Classical Music
 Puppetry  Harappan Architecture

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 Pottery  Temple Architecture
 Drama/Theatre  Cave Architecture
 Martial Arts  Indo-Islamic Architecture
Literature  Medieval Architecture
 Modern Architecture
 Ancient Indian Literature
 Contribution of Buddhism & Jainism to the
 Classical Sanskrit Literature
Development of Indian Architecture
 Literature in Pali and Prakrit
 Rock Cut Architecture
 Early Dravidian Literature
 Colonial Architecture & the Modern Period

Modern Indian History

Middle of the Eighteenth Century Until The Present  British Policies & Their Impact – Economic,
Administrative & Socio-cultural
 Socio-economic Condition of People
 Socio-cultural Reform Movements
 European Penetration of India
 Uprisings Against British Pre-1857
 British Conquest of India

The Freedom Struggle

Revolt of 1857  Swarajists & No-Changers

 Emergence of New Forces – Socialistic Ideas, Youth
Growth of Nationalism in India (1858-1905)
& Trade Unionism
 Political, Economic & Administrative Unification of the  Revolutionary Activity
Country
 Simon Commission & Nehru Report
 Role of Western Education
 Civil Disobedience Movement
 Role of Press
 Round Table Conferences
 Rediscovery of India’s Past
 Communal Award & Poona Pact
 Early Political Movements
 Participation in Elections to Central Legislature (1934)
 Formation of INC & Provincial Assemblies (1937)
 Era of Moderates  Government of India Act, 1935
Growth of Militant Nationalism & Revolutionary Towards Freedom & Partition (1939-1947)
Activities (1905-1918)
 National Movement During World War II
 Swadeshi & Boycott Movement
 August Offer
 Surat Split
 Individual Satyagraha
 International Influence
 Growth of Communalism
 Morley – Minto Reforms
 Peasant Movements
 Growth of Communalism
 State People’s Struggle
Beginning of Mass Nationalism (1919-1939)
 Cripps Mission
 Mahatma Gandhi – His Ideas & Leadership  Quit India Movement
 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms  Wavell Plan
 Rowlatt Act, Satyagrah and Jallianwala Bagh  INA & Subhash Chandra Bose
Massacre
 Cabinet Mission
 Non-cooperation & Khilafat Movement
 Nationalist Upsurge Post-World War II
 Independence with Partition

Post-independence Consolidation

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 Nation Building  Agrarian & Land Reforms
 Industrial Reforms
 Partition and Its Aftermath
 LPG Reforms
 Integration of Princely States
Polity
 Reorganisation of States
 Issue of Official Language  Era of One-Party Dominance
 Tribal Consolidation  Emergence of Opposition Parties
 Regional Aspirations  Emergency: Crisis of Democratic Order
Foreign Policy  Rise of Regional Parties
 Coalition Era
 Non-Aligned Movement
Social
 Panchsheel
 Wars with Pakistan & China  Popular Movements
 Nuclear Policy  Communalism
Economy  Indian Women Since Independence
 Naxalism
 Planned Development
 Green Revolution, Operation Flood & Cooperatives

History of the World

Industrial Revolution World War II

 Renaissance  Fascist Aggression & Response of Western

Democracies
 Discovery of Sea Routes
 Outbreak of the War
 Reformation
 Theatres of the War
 Counter Reformation
 US Entry into the War
 European Nations Settle North America
 Global Nature of the War
 Rise of Slave Trade
 The Holocaust
 American War of Independence
 Resistance Movements
 French Revolution
 After-effects of the War
 Nationalism in Europe
Decolonialisation & Redrawal of National Boundaries
 Rise of Capitalism, Colonialism & Imperialism
World War I  Europe after World War II
 Cold War
 Causes of the War
 Rise of Asia & Africa
 Scope & Course of the War
 Developments in West Asia & North Africa
 Russian Revolution
 Spread of Communism
 End of the War & Peace Treaties
 Korean War
 Consequences of the War
 Vietnam War
 League of Nations
 Cuban Crisis
World Between the Two Wars
 Collapse of Soviet Union
 Europe After the War – Fascism & Nazism
Concept, Types & Social Impact of Political
 The Great Depression Philosophies
 Emergence of Soviet Union
 Communism
 Nationalist Movements in Asia & Africa
 Capitalism
 US as a Strong Power
 Socialism

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 INDIAN SOCIETY

Salient Features of Indian Society

 Diversity (Types – caste, linguistic, social and  Unity in Diversity

religious, race, tribe and ethnicity, culture)
 Inequality and Exclusion
 Challenges posed by Diversity
 Family System
 Unity
 Examples of above.
 Pluralism

Role of Women and Women's Organization

 Women's Organisations – Empowerment through
Action
 19th Century Social Reform Movements and Early
Women's Organisations – (1) Agrarian Struggles and
Revolt, (2) Participation in Freedom Struggle
 Women's Organisations Post – 1947
 Resurgence of Women's Movement in the 70s: (1)
Emergence of New Organisations, (2) Approaches
and Issues
 Contemporary Women's Issues & Organisation
Response
 Women's Organisations and SHGs
 Challenges faced by Women's Organisations

Population and Associated Issues

 Basic Demography of India  Changing Age Structure of Indian Population

 Population Trends in India and their Implications  Demogarphic Dividend: Boon or Bane for India
 Causes and Effects of Over Population  Population Aging in India
 Challenges of Population Explosion  India's Population Policy & Initiatives

Poverty and Developmental Issues

 Concept of Development and Poverty  Problem of Rising Urban Poverty

 Types of Poverty  Poverty Alleviation Initiatives
 Measurement of Poverty – Poverty Line  Policy shift from “Trickle Down” Economics to
Inclusive or Pro-poor Development to Reduce Poverty
 Causes of Poverty
 Relation between Poverty Reduction and
 Poverty as a Social Problem
Development: Poverty-Inequality-Development Nexus
 Socio-economic Spread of Poverty
 Consequences of Poverty –
o Inequality
o Continuation of Vicious Cycle
o Who are worst affected by poverty?

Urbanization

 Urbanisation Trends in India and Their Implications -  Social Consequences of Urbanisation

Demographic and Social Dimensions
 Impact of Urbanisation in Rural Areas
 Factors Driving Urbanisation
 Urban Planning and Role of Urban Local Bodies
 State of Service Delivery and Challeges posed by (ULBs)
Urbanisation
 Reforms Required and Government Initiatives Taken
 Problems of Urban Areas So Far
 Problems of Slums

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 Effects of Globalization on Indian Society

 Understanding Globalisation – Its Different  Globalisation & India

Dimensions
 Impact of Globalisation on India - Socio-cultural,
 Globalisation & Culture - Homogenisation vs. economic, on women, agrarian sector etc.
Glocalisation
 Does Globalisation cause Poverty?
 Factors Driving Globalisation

Social Empowerment

 Which are the Socially Disadvantaged Groups?  Government Initiatives to Aide Social Empowerment
 Dimensions of Social Empowerment

Communalism

 Communalism – Its Characteristics  Consequences of Communalism

 Communalism in India in the Past  Measures to Control & Eradicate Communalism
 Communalism in Contemporqary India  Secularism as an Antidote to Communalism
 Causes of Communalism

Regionalism

 Concept of Region & Regionalism  Consequences of Regionalism

 Different Forms of Regionalism  Federalism & Regionalism
 Regionalism in India  Role of Regional Parties
 Causes of Regionalism  Measures to Contain Regionalism
 Concept of 'Sons of Soil'  Regionalism in the International Sphere

Secularism

 Concept of Secularism  Uniform Civil Code

 Indian Model of Secularism  Challenges faced by Secularism in India
 Secularism in India  Measures to Make India Truly Secular
 Nature & Practice of Secularism in India

GEOGRAPHY

Salient Features of World's Physical Geography

Geomorphology  Temperature & Salinity of Oceans

 Origin & Evolution of Earth
 Interior of the Earth
 Distribution of Continents & Oceans
 Plate Tectonic Theory
 Distribution of Earthquakes & Volcanoes
 Rocks & Rock Cycle
 Geomorphic Processes – Endogenic & Exogenic
 Landforms & their Evolution
 Movement of Oceans – Waves, Tides, Currents
Climatology
 Earth’s Atmosphere – Composition & Structure
 Solar Radiation, Heat Budget & Temperature
 Atmospheric Circulation & Weather Systems
 World Climate (examples)
Soil Geography

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 Oceanography  Soil & Soil Contents
 Process of Soil Formation
 Hydrological Cycle
 Soil Forming Factors
 Seafloor Spreading
 Types of Soils (examples)
 Ocean Floor Configuration
 Soil Erosion & Conservation

Distribution of Key Natural Resources Across the World

Types of Resources  Integrated Water Resources Management

Agricultural Resources
 On the Basis of Origin, Ownership, Exhaustability etc.
Land Resources  Types of Farming
 Cropping Patterns
 Land Utilisation
 Contribution to Economy, Employment & Output
 Land Use Pattern
 Food Security
 Land Degradation & Conservation
Mineral & Energy Resources
Forest Resources
 Classification of Minerals – Ferrous & Non-Ferrous
 Types & Distribution – Grasslands, Forests etc.
 Occurrence of Minerals
 Causes of Depletion
 Conservation of Minerals
 Conservation of Forests
 Classification of Energy Resources – Conventional &
Water Resources
Non-Conventional
 Marine & Freshwater  Occurrence of Energy Resources
 Water Scarcity & Need For Conservation  Conservation of Energy Resources

Factors Responsible for the Location of Industries

Classification of Industries  Power

 Transport
Location & Distribution of the Industries on the Basis
of  Water
 Communication
 Raw Material
Distribution of Major Industries – Iron & Steel, IT,
 Labour
Cotton Textile
 Market
Agglomeration & Footloose Industries
 Capital
 Land
 Grants & Financial Incentives

Important Geophysical Phenomena

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 Earthquakes Volcanoes

 Why Does Earth Shake?  Types of Volcanoes

 Earthquake Waves  What Causes Volcanoes?
 Shadow Zone  Volcanic Landforms
 Types of Earthquake Cyclone
 Measuring Earthquake
 Tropical Cyclones
 Effects of Earthquake
 Anti-Cyclone
Tsunami
 Extra Tropical Cyclones
 What Causes Tsunami
 Effect of Tsunami
 Mitigating the Impact of Tsunami

Geographical Features and their Location

 Factors Causing Changes in Critical Geographical  Impact of Changing Geographical Features

Features
 Examples of Changing Geographicl Features -
Mealting of Ice Sheets, Desertification etc.

General Studies (GS) II

POLITY
Indian Constitution
Historical Underpinning & Evolution Significant Provisions

 Regulating Act (1773) to Independence Act (1947)  Fundamental Rights

 Constituent Assembly  Directive Principles of State Policy
 Objective Resolution  Judicial Review
 Enactment & Enforcement of Constitution  Universal Adult Franchise
Features  Single Citizenship
 Separation of Powers
 Written
Basic Structure
 Flexible & Rigid
 Federal & Unitary  The Doctrine
 Parliamentary Form of Government (Presidential vs.  Judgments & Cases
Parliamentary Type of Government)
Amendments

 List of Significant Amendments & Their Provisions

 Procedure for Amending Constitution

Functions & Responsibilities of the Union and the States

 7th Schedule  Financial Functions

 Legislative Functions  Administrative & Quasi-Judicial Functions

Issues & Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure

Federal Structure in India - Is India truly Federal?  Inter-State Councils

 Public Acts, Records and Judicial Proceedings
Cooperative & Competitive Federalism
 Inter-State Trade and Commerce

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 Centre-State Relations  Zonal Councils
Emergency Provisions
 Legislative Relations
 Administrative Relations Role of Governor
 Financial Relations
Reports of Various Commissions
 Trends in Centre-State Relations
Inter-State Relations  2nd ARC, Punchhi, Sarkaria, etc.

 Inter-state Water Disputes

Devolution of Powers & Finances to Local Levels & Challenges Therein

 Role of State Government  Reasons for Ineffective Performance

 Role of State Finance Commission  Panchayat Devolution Index ( NITI Aayog)
 11th & 12th Schedule  Steps That Can Be Taken to Improve Their Performance

Separation of Powers Between Various Organs

 Doctrine of Separation of Power  Provisions for Checks & Balances in Indian Constitution
 Separation of Power in Indian Constitution  Related Judgments - Golaknath case, Kesavananda
Bharati, Indira Gandhi Vs Raj Narain, Ram Jawaya vs
 Doctrine of Checks & Balances Punjab

Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions

 RTI  Tribunals, etc.

 PIL

Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme With That of Other Countries Parliament & State Legislatures

Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business,  Secular State

Powers & Privileges  Universal Adult Franchise

 Written Constitution  Single Citizenship

 Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility  Emergency Provisions

 Federal System with Unitary Bias  Three-tier Government

 Parliamentary Form of Government  Due Process of Law vs. Procedure Established by Law

 Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial  Impeachment of President, etc.

Supremacy
 Integrated and Independent Judiciary
 Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy,
Fundamental Duties

Structure, Organization & Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Executive Judiciary

 Union:  Three-Tier Structure

o President  Chief Justice of India
o Prime Minister  SC & HC Judges
o Council of Ministers  Jurisdiction
o Cabinet Secretariat
 State:
o Governor

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 o Chief Minister
o Council of Ministers
o Secretariat

Ministries and Departments of the Government

 Cabinet Ministries  Parliamentary Secretaries

 Other Ministries

Pressure Groups & Formal/informal Associations & Their Role in Polity

 Characteristics of Pressure Groups  Functions, Role & Importance of Pressure Groups

 Pressure Groups & Political Parties  Techniques/Methods of Pressure Groups
 Pressure Groups & Interest Groups  Pressure Groups in India
 Types of Pressure Groups  Shortcomings of Pressure Groups

Salient Features of Representation of People's Act

Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts

Appointment, Powers, Functions & Responsibilities  National Commission for STs

of:  Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities

 Election Commission  Comptroller and Auditor General of India

 Union Public Service Commission  Attorney General of India

 State Public Service Commission  Advocate General of the State

 Finance Commission
 National Commission for SCs

Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies

 NITI Aayog  Central Pollution Control Board

 RBI  Medical Council of India
 National Human Rights Commission  Inland Waterways Authority of India
 State Human Rights Commission  Central Ground Water Authority
 Central Information Commission  Directorate General of Civil Aviation
 Central Vigilance Commission  Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
 Central Bureau of Investigation  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
 Lokpal and Lokayuktas  Bar Council of India
 National Commission for Women  University Grants Commission
 National Commission for Backward Classes  Financial Stability and Development Council
 National Commission for Minorities  All India Council for Technical Education
 Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority  National Green Tribunal
 Securities and Exchange Board of India  Competition Appellate Tribunal
 Competition Commission of India  Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal
 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  Cyber Appellate Tribunal
 Central Electricity Regulatory Commission  Intellectual Property Appellate Board
 Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

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 GOVERNANCE

Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Government Policies & Interventions in Various  Analysis of Main Schemes:

Sectors o Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

 Health, Gender, Education, Poverty, Economic etc o Smart City

Issues Arising Out of Their Design & Implementation o Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
o MGNERGA
 Concerns/Issues
o Digital India
 Suggestions for Improvement
o Make in India
 Critical Assessment of Centrally Sponsored Schemes
(CSS) o Skill India

 Rationalisation of CSS o PM Jan Dhan Yojana

o Start-up India etc.

Development Processes & the Development Industry

 Role of Social Capital Organisations  Challenges

 Indian Context  Measures to Make SHGs Effective
 Classification  Case Studies: Kudumbashree (Kerala), Mahila Arthik Vikas
Mahamandal (Maharashtra)
 Provisions for the Third Sector in the Indian Constitution
Societies, Trusts and Cooperatives
 National Policy on the Voluntary Sector 2007
Non-Governmental Organisations  Societies
 Trust
 Role and Impact of Non-governmental Organizations
 Religious Endowments
 Issue Areas: Accreditation, Legitimacy & Accountability,
Foreign Funding etc.  Cooperatives –
Self Help Groups (SHGs) o Need for Cooperatives
o Constitutional Provisions
 Need for SHGs
o National Policy on Co-operatives, 2002
 Benefits of SHGs
o Issues and Challenges in the Cooperatives Sector
 Weaknesses of SHGs

Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

Governance  Features of CC
 Six Principles of CC
 Dimensions of Governance
 Shortcomings of CC
 Good Governance (GG)
 Measures to Make CC Effective
 Aspects of GG
 Sevottam Model
 Barriers to GG
Aspects of Transparency
 Necessary Pre-conditions for GG
 How to Ensure GG Elements & Types of Accountability
E-Governance
Means to ensure Transparency & Accountability
 Applications
 RTI
 Models
 Social Audit
 Successes
 Whistleblower Protection Bill
 Limitations
 Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act
 Potential
 Recent e-governance Initiatives by Government
Citizens Charters (CC)

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 Components of CC

Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Relationship Between Civil Service And Democracy  Arbitrary & Whimsical Transfers
 Political Interference & Administrative Acquiescence
Role Played By Civil Services
 Gradual Erosion in Values & Ethics
 Advisory Role in Policy Making  Redtapism
 Institutionalise Socio-economic change  Elitist in Nature
 Discharge Delegated Functions  Poor Pay
 Administer Law of the Land  Tendency to Capture Power
 Watchdogs Reforming Bureaucracy to Strengthen Democracy
 Continuity in times of Political Instability
 Setting Right the Asymmetry of Power
 Record-Keeping
 Insulating Civil Servants from Undue Political Interference
 Channel of Communication
 Professionalisation with Stability of Tenure & Competition
Ailments/Issues Afflicting Indian Civil Services
 Citizen-Centric Administration
 Lack of Professionalism & Poor Capacity Building  Accountability
 Inefficient Incentive Systems  Outcome Orientation
 Outdated Rules & Procedures  Promoting Public Service Values & Ethics
 Systemic Inconsistencies in Promotion
 Lack of Adequate Transparency & Accountability
Procedures

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

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 Schemes for the Following Vulnerable Sections  STs:
o National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
 SCs & STs
o Tribal Sub Plan
 Minorities
o TRIFED
 Children
o Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
 Elderly (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
 Disabled  Minorities:
 Women o National Commission for Minorities
 Transgender o National Commission for Religious and Linguistic
Performance of These Schemes Minorities
Women & Children
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions & Bodies
Constituted for Protection & Betterment of These  The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
Vulnerable Sections
 The Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act
 SCs:  The Dowry Prohibition Act
o The Protection of Civil Rights Act  The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act
o The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes  The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act
 Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act
o National Commission for Scheduled Castes
 Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act
o Scheduled Castes Sub Plan
 Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA)
 Disabled:
 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)
o The Rehabilitation Council of India Act Act
o The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,  Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act Prohibition and Redressal)
o Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act  Pre-Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques
(PC&PNDT) Act
o The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with
Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple  Gender Budgeting
Disabilities Act
 National Policy for Women
o Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Act
 Domestic Violence Act
 Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act
Elderly

 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens

Act

Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector/Services

Health Education

 India’s Performance on Various Health Indicators  Status of Literacy in India

 Education Structure in India
 Weaknesses of Indian Healthcare System
 Challenges Faced by Education Sector in India
 Health Infrastructure in India
 Reforms Required
 Universal Health Coverage
 Government Initiatives
 12th FYP Strategy
 ASER Report
 Universal Health Coverage
 Financing Education
 Health Insurance
 Subramanian Panel Report
 National Family Health Survey
Human Resource
 National Health Policy
 National Health Mission  Need For Skill Development

 Maternal & Adolescent Health  Skill Development Initiatives

 Child Health  Challenges in Skilling Landscape in India

 Antimicrobial Resistance  Shortcomings of Current Skill Development Initiatives

 Disease Burden in India  Reforms Required

 Measures to Ensure Good Health Outcomes  Steps that can Be Taken

 Government Initiatives

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 Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger

 Relation between Poverty & Hunger  MDGs & SDGs

 Distribution of Poverty & Hunger
 Magnitude & Trends of Poverty & Hunger
 Causes of Poverty & Hunger
 Cost/Impact of Poverty & Malnutrition
 Food and nutrition insecurity - a consequence of structural
inequities
 Constraints in Reducing Poverty & Hunger
 Measure to Reduce Poverty & Hunger – National Food
Security Act, Mid-day Meal Scheme, MGNREGA etc.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India and its Neighborhood – Relations

India’s Relations With  Bangladesh

 Sri Lanka
 China
 Afghanistan
 Pakistan
 Nepal
 Myanmar
 Maldives
 Bhutan

Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests

India’s Major Foreign Policy Doctrines Since 1947  BBIN & BCIM
 BIMSTEC
 Non-aligned Movement (NAM)
 IBSA
 Nuclear Doctrine
 ASEAN & RCEP
 Gujral Doctrine
 India-Africa Forum
 Look East to Act East
 SCO
 Think West, etc.
 Ashgabat Agreement
Bilateral Relations With
 FIPIC
 Major Powers Like – USA, Russia, Japan  IOR-ARC
 Central Asian Countries  Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
 West Asian Countries  Raisina Dialogue
 African Countries  Heart of Asia Conference
 Australia & New Zealand  East Asia Summit
 EU & European Countries  G-20
 Latin American Countries  Asian Development Bank
 Pacific Countries  National Security Summit
Regional & Global Groupings  Multilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory Regimes:
Wassenar, MTCR, Australia Group
 SAARC
 Asian Development Bank
 BRICS
 APEC, etc

Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India's Interests

 One Belt One Road  WTO Reforms

 International North–South Transport Corridor  South China Sea Conflict
 Global Trade War  Brexit
 Global Currency War  Deglobalisation & Protectionism – US Sanctions on Iran,
US Pullout from Paris Agreement, H-1B Visa Issue etc.
 Syrian Crisis
 OPEC Oil Prices Manipulation, etc.
 UN Reforms

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 Indian Diaspora

 Spread of Indian Diaspora  LM Singhvi High Level Committee on the Diaspora

 India’s Diaspora Policy & Engagement Initiatives  Role played by Indian Diaspora
o OCI  Issues Concerning the Diaspora:
o Pravasi Bharatiya Divas o Dual Nationality
o Know India Programme, etc. o Remittances, etc.

Important International Institutions

 UN & its Agencies  IMF

 WTO  World Economic Forum
 World Bank  Commonwealth of Nations, etc.

General Studies (GS) III

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Indian Economy & Issues Relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development & Employment

Planning  Determinants of Growth & Development

 Meaning of Planning
 Need for Planning in Economic Development
 Imperative Vs. Indicative Vs. Structural Planning
 Objectives of Planning
 Indian Planning History
 Techniques of Indian Planning
 Achievements & Failures of Indian Planning
 Shortcomings of Planning in India
 NITI Aayog Vs. Planning Commission
Mobilisation of Resources
 Types of Resources – Financial, Human, Natural etc.
 Need for Resource Mobilisation
 Role of Savings & Investment
 Government Resources – Tax & Non-Tax ( or Fiscal &
Monetary Policy)
 Banking Sector & NBFCs
 Capital Market
 External Sources – FDI, ODA etc.
 Public Borrowing & Management of Public Debt
 Challenges in Mobilising Resources for Development
 Steps That Can Be Taken
Growth & Development
 Importance & Limitations of Economic Growth
 Jobless Growth
 Pro-Poor Growth
 Balanced & Unbalanced Growth
 Dimensions of Development
 Measurement & Indicators of Development
 Approaches to Development:
o Market-Based Approach
o Role of State and Planned Approach
o Mixed Economy Approach
 Challenges to Development & Growth
Employment
 Nature – Rural vs. Urban, Formal Vs. Informal
 Terms Related to Employment – Labour Force
Participation Rate, Employment Rate, Working Age
Population etc.
 Sectoral Distribution of Employment
 Quality of Employment
 Causes of Lack of Employment
 Restructuring of Workforce
 Government Initiatives for Generating Employment

 Meaning of Development & Growth

 Difference between Development & Growth

Inclusive Growth & Issues Arising From It

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 What is Inclusive Growth?  Indicators of Inclusive Growth
 Elements of Inclusive Growth  Challenges in Achieveing Inclusive Growth in India
 Need for Inclusive Growth  12th FYP & Inclusive Growth

Government Budgeting

Need for Government Budgeting  Fiscal Deficit

 Primary Deficit
Components of the Government Budget
Fiscal Policy
 Revenue Account – Revenue Receipts & Revenue
Expenditure Deficit Reduction
 Capital Account – Capital Receipts & Capital Expenditure
FRBM Act
Changes in Budgetary Process in 2017
Other Types of Budgets – Outcome, Zero-Based, etc.
Measures of Government Deficit

 Revenue Deficit

Land Reforms in India

 Rationale for Land Reforms  Success of Land Reforms

 Components of Land Reforms  Recent Initiatives - Land Leasing, Land Acquisition,
Rehabilitation & Resettlement Act, etc.
 Impact of Land Reforms
 Problems in Implementaion of Land Reforms

Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Phase of Liberalisation  Impact on Different Sectors of the Economy

Changes In Industrial Policy & their Effects on Industrial Growth

 Industrial Policy Before 1991  Weaknesses and Failures of Industrial Policies

 Industrial Policy After 1991  National Manufacturing Policy
 Phases of Industrial Growth  SEZs
 Linkage Between Economic Reforms and Economic  Make in India
Outcomes

Infrastructure

 Energy  Airports
 Ports  Railways
 Roads

Investment Models

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 Need for Investment  Foreign Investment Models:
o FDI
Sources of Investment
o FII, etc.
Types of Investment Models  Sector Specific Investment Models
 Cluster Based Investment Models
 Domestic Investment Models
o Public Investment Model Investment Models Followed by India

o Private Investment Model

o Public Private Participation Investment Model

AGRICULTURE

Major Crops Cropping Patterns in Various Parts of the Country

 Importance of Cropping Pattern  Factors Influencing Cropping Pattern

 Types of Cropping Pattern  Emerging Trends in Cropping Pattern
 Reasons Why Cropping Pattern Differ  Long-Run Effects of Current Trends in Cropping Pattern

Different Types of Irrigation & Irrigation Systems Storage

 Modes of Irrigation  Progress of Irrigation Under Five Year Plans

 Sources of Irrigation  Environmental Effects of Irrigation
 Choosing an Irrigation System  Need for Systemic Irrigation Reforms
 Problems Associated with Irrigation  Need for a National Water Policy

Transport & Marketing of Agricultural Produce & Issues & Related Constraints

 Process of Agricultural Marketing - Marketing Channels,  APMCs

Functionaries, Costs, etc.
 National Agricultutral Market (NAM)
 Role of FCI
 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)
 Regulated Markets
 Contract Farming
 Warehousing
 Futures Trading in Agricultural Commodities
 Cooperative Marketing
 Shortcomings of Current Agricultural Marketing Process

E-Technology in the Aid of Farmers, Technology Missions

Issues Related to Direct & Indirect Farm Subsidies & Minimum Support Prices

 Agricultural Pricing Policy  Effectiveness, Extent & Problems of Subsisies

 Rationale for Subsidies  Clash with WTO Agreements
 Types of Subsidies

Public Distribution System Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping

 Objectices/Significance  Need to Improve the Working of PDS

 Functioning - Fair Price Shops, FCI, Ration Cards, Aadhar  Measures to Improve the Loopholes & Lacunaes
Linking, etc. Associated with PDS
 Shortcomings or Problems Associated with PDS  Steps Taken by Governement in this Regard

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 Issues of Buffer Stocks & Food Security

 Buffer Stock – Objectives & Norms in India  Need for Food Security
 Impact of Government Procurement & Distribution  NFSM And othe Food Security Realted Government
Initiatives

Economics of Animal-Rearing

Food Processing & Related Industries in India

 Scope & Potential in India  Upstream & Downstream Requirements

 Significance  Supply Chain Management
 Location  Government Policies and Initiatives – SAMPADA, 12th
FYP, etc.
 Constraints and Challenges

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Chemicals in Food  Anti-Fertility Drugs, etc.

Cleansing Agents
 Artificial Sweetening Agents
 Food Preservatives  Soaps
Drugs  Synthetic detergents
Glass
 Antacid
 Antihistamines Water Softener
 Neurologically Active Drugs
Water Purification/Disinfection
o Tranquilizers
o Analgesics Microwave Oven, etc.
 Antimicrobials
o Antibiotics
o Antiseptic and Disinfectant

Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

 Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman  A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

 Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose  Vikram Sarabhai
 Satyendra Nath Bose  Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
 Meghnad Saha  Har Gobind Khorana
 Homi Jehangir Bhabha  Tessy Thomas
 Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar  C.N.R. Rao

Indigenization of Technology & Developing New Technology

 IT & Computers  Robotics

 Space  Defence
 Nanotechnology  Nuclear
 Biotechnology

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 Awareness in Different Fields

 IT & Computers  Robotics

 Space  Defence
 Nanotechnology  Nuclear
 Biotechnology

Issues Relating to Intellectual Property Rights

 Need for Intellectual Property Rights  International Agreements Related to IPRs

 Types of IPR  Geographical Indicators
 IPR Regime in India  Recent Issues - Evergreening, Compuslory Licensing,
Prominent Cases etc.

BIODIVERSITY & ENVIRONMENT

Conservation

What is Biodiversity? Conservation

Types of Biodiversity – Genetic, Species, Ecosystem,  In-situ & Ex-Situ

etc.  Eco-Sensitive Areas

Importance of Biodivesirty – Ecosystem Services,  Ecological Hotspots

Bio Resources of Economic Importance, Social  National Guidelines, Legislations & Other Programmes.
Benefits etc.
 International Agreements & Groupings
Resasons for Loss of Biodiversity

Environmental Pollution & Degradation

Types of Pollution & Pollutants Causes/Sources of Pollution & Degradation

Impact of Pollution & Degradation Prevention & Control of Pollution & Degradation

 Ozone Layer Depletion and Ozone Hole National Environment Agencies, Legislations and
 Greenhouse Gas Effect & Global Warming Policies

 Eutrophication International Environment Agencies & Agreements

 Desertification
 Acid Rain
 Hazardous Waste, etc.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

 What is EIA?  Need & Benefits of EIA

 Indian Guidelines & Legislations  Shortcomings of EIA in India
 EIA Process  Measures to Make EIA Effective

Disaster Management

 Types of Disasters  Community Level Disaster Management

 Management of Disasters  Governement Initiatives on Disaster Management

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 SECURITY

Linkages Between Development & Spread of Extremism

 Factors Responsible for Spread of Extremism  Naxalism

 Steps that State can Taken to Reduce the Spread of
Extremism due to Underdevelopment

Role of External State & Non-State Actors in Creating Challenges to Internal Security

Threats from Non-State Actors Institutional Framework to Tackle Challenge of

Internal Security
 J&K Separatism
 NIA
 Left Wing Extremism
 NATGRID
 North East Insurgency
 MAC
 Terrorism in Hinterland & Border Areas
 UAPA
 Right Wing Terrorism
 TADA
Reasons for Spread of Terrorism
 POTA
State Sponsored Terrorism  NCTC

Challenges to Internal Security Through Communication Networks

 Role of Media & Social Networking Sites in Internal  Steps That can be Taken
Security Challenges
 Challenges in Managing Social Media

Basics of Cyber Security

 Cyber Security  International Cooperation on Cyber Security

 Threats to Indian Cyber Security  Cyber Warfare
 Steps taken by India  Terms Associated with Cyber Security

Money-Laundering & its Prevention

 Process of Money Laundering  Steps to Counter Money Laundering

 Impact of Money Laundering  Terms Related To Money Laundering
 Challenges to Tackle Money Laundering

Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas

 Challenges in Managing Border Security – Coastal &  India's Policy in Border Area Security Management
Terrestrial
 Land Boundary Disputes with Neighbours

Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

 Types of Organised Crime  Indian Context – Link between Organised Crime &
Terrorism
 Challenges in Controlling Organised Crime

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 Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate

 Central Armed Police Forces

 Security & Intelligence Agencies – IB. R&WA, etc.
 Central Paramilitary Forces

General Studies (GS) IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to
integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him
in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The
following broad areas will be covered:

 Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in - Human Actions;
Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics - in Private and Public Relationships. Human Values - Lessons from the
Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and
Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.

 Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral
and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.

 Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship,
Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-
sections.

 Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and

Governance.

 Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.

 Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns
and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as
Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and
Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate
Governance.

 Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity;
Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes
of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds,
Challenges of Corruption.

 Case Studies on above issues.

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