Syllabus for the General Studies Main
General guidelines
Nature and standard of question in the General Studies papers will be such that a well educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized studies. Questions will be such as to taste candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects which will have relevance in a career in Civil Services. Question are likely to taste the candidates basic understanding of all relevant issues and abilities too analyze and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goal, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answer.
Paper I1. History of Modern India and Indian cultureThe history of Modern India will cover the history of the country from about middle of nineteenth century and could also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian culture from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and architecture.
2. Geography of IndiaIn this part questions will be on the physical economic and social geography of India.
3. Constitution of India and Indian polity
This part will include questions on constitution of India as well as all constitutional, legal, administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in the country.
4. Current National issues and Topic of social relevanceThis part is intended to taste the candidate’s awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in present day India, such as the following
The Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Issues arising from the social and economic exclusion of large section from the benefits of development.
Other issues relating to the development and management of human resource.
Health issues including the management of the public health, health education and ethical concerns regarding health care, medical research and pharmaceutical.
Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of the communal harmony.
Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the maintenance of the human rights and of probity in public life.
Environment issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.
Paper II1. India and the worldThis part will include questions to taste candidate’s awareness of India’s relationship with the world in various spheres such as the following;
Foreign affairs with special emphasis on India’s relations with neighbouring countries and in the region
Security and defense related matters, nuclear policy and issues and conflicts.
The India Diasporas and its contribution to India and the world
2. India’s economic interaction with the world.In this part the questions will be on economic and trade issues such as foreign trade, foreign investment, economy and diplomacy, issues relating to oil, gas and energy flows, the role and function of IMF, World Bank, WIPO etc. which influence in India’s economic interaction with other countries an international institutions.
3. Developments in the fields of Science and Technology, IT and space.In this part question will taste the candidate’s awareness in the fields of science and technology, information technology, space and basic ideas about computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related issues regarding intellectual property rights.
4. International affairs and institutionsThis part will include questions on important event in world affairs and on international institutions.
5. Statistical analysis, graphs and diagram
This part will taste the candidate’s ability to draw conclusion from information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret them.
