UPSC Syllabus

Indian Administrative Services(IAS) Examination is one of the civil services among others and is considered the toughest and prestigious examinations conducted in India. Hence to face this challenge that gives a chance to get most eminent designation offered by the Indian Government a comprehensive look throughout the syllabus is essential, especially for those candidates who are going to appear for 
UPSC exams or IAS for the first time.

The IAS Syllabus and other services like Income Tax and the IPS are the same, as it is considered as single exam and conducted by UPSC, which also sets the syllabus.

UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in three phases:

stage 1: Preliminary Examination and CSAT (Objective Section)

stage  2: Main Examination (Subjective Section)

stage  3: Interview (Vocal Section)

# stage  1: Preliminary Examination – CSAT Syllabus (400 Marks)

CSAT or Civil Services Aptitude Test is the first phase of the preliminary examination of UPSC. This test is intended to assess the aptitude of examinees in solving the ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions.

IAS prelims exam consists of two papers of objective type, each of 200 marks (total of 400 marks) and two hours of duration and candidates must take both the papers. The preliminary examination is meant for screening the candidate and the marks obtained by a candidate in the prelims who qualifies to the mains exam will not be taken into account to determine their final merit. 

Paper 1: General Studies - 200 marks [2 hrs]

Paper 2: Aptitude Skills - 200 marks [2 hrs]

Syllabus of Paper I

# 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.

Syllabus of Paper II

# 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)

Stage 2: Mains Examination - Syllabus (1750 Marks)

The Stage 2 tests candidate’s academic talent in depth and his/her ability to present understanding in a reasonable way. The IAS mains examination is designed to analyse the comprehensive intellectual quality and the understanding of candidates rather than just determining their information and memory.

The UPSC mains exam consists of 9 papers, in which two are qualifying papers of 300 marks each:

I. Any Indian Language

II. English

These two papers just need to qualify which is compulsory and marks obtained will not be considered or counted. And the rest of seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned as in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or in English.

Paper – I: Essay

# Can be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice

# Marks - 250

Paper – II: General Studies- I

# Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society

# Marks - 250

# Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

# Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

# The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

# Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

# History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

# Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

# Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

# Effects of globalization on Indian society

# Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

# Salient features of world's physical geography.

# Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)

# Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Paper – III: General Studies- II

# Governance, Constitution & Polity, Social Justice & International Relations.

# Marks - 250

# Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

# Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues, and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

# Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

# Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

# Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

# Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

# Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

# Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

# Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

# Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

# Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

# Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

# Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

# Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger.

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

# Role of civil services in a democracy.

# India and its neighbourhood- relations.

# Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.

# Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.

# Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

Paper – IV: General Studies- III

# Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity & Environment, Security & Disaster Management.

# Marks - 250

# Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

# Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

# Government Budgeting.

# Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

# Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

# Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

# Land reforms in India.

# Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

# Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

# Investment models.

# Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

# Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

# Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

# Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

# Disaster and disaster management.

# Linkages between the development and spread of extremism.

# Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

# Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.

# Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

# Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Paper – V: General Studies- IV

# Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

# Marks - 250

# 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; the 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 the 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.

Paper – VI: Optional Subject – Paper I [Marks 250]

Paper – VII: Optional Subject – Paper II [Marks 250]

# Candidates may choose any one of the ‘Optional Subjects’ from the list of subjects given below.

# Candidate is allowed to take up literature as an optional subject and candidate need not to be a graduate in that language’s literature.

Optional Subjects

> Agriculture

> Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science 

> Anthropology

> Botany 

> Chemistry 

> Civil Engineering 

> Commerce and Accountancy 

> Economics 

> Electrical Engineering 

> Geography 

> Geology 

> History 

> Law 

> Management 

> Mathematics 

> Mechanical Engineering 

> Medical Science

> Philosophy

> Physics

> Political Science and International Relations       

> Psychology

> Public Administration

> Sociology

> Sociology

> Zoology

Candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written part of the UPSC Main Examination as may be fixed by the Commission at their discretion enters the next and final phase that is the ‘personality test’ or ‘Interview’ round.

# Stage 3: Interview/ Personality Test (275 Marks)

Candidates who qualify the UPSC Mains Exam will move to the next and final Stage called ‘Personality Test/Interview’ who will be interviewed by a Board who will have candidates resume. The interview round is held by a Board of competent and unbiased intended to assess social traits and his interest in current affairs and analyze the personal aptness of the candidate for a career in public service.

Some of the qualities evaluated during the personality test are mental alertness, clear and logical exposition, critical powers of assimilation, variety and depth of interest, the balance of judgement, intellectual and moral integrity ability for social cohesion and leadership,.

# The interview is more of purposive conversation intentional to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.

# Candidate can give an interview in their preferred language as UPSC will make arrangement for the translators.

The total mark of the written examination is 1750 Marks.

The Interview/Personality Test will be of 275 marks.

The Grand Total 2025 Marks.

Gpsc important Syllabus points for GAS type Examination.

Gpsc important Syllabus points  for GAS.

Subject code:CSP1 (Objective)

General Studies-1

(Preliminary)

Marks-200 No. of Questions-200

Medium: English/Gujarati

Time-120 Minutes

(A) History

1. Indus valley Civilisation: Features, Sites, Society, Cultural History, Art and Religion. Indus Valley Civilisation and Gujarat.

2. Vedic age Jainism and Buddhism.

3. Foreign invasions on India and their impact.

4. The Mauryan and the Gupta Empire their administrationbsocial, religious and economic conditions-art, architecture, literature, science and technology.

5. Kanishka , Harsha and South Indian Dynasties.

6. The Delhi Sultanate, Vijaynagar Empire and the Mughal Empire.

7. The Bhakti Movement and Sufism.

8. The Chavada, Solanki and Vaghela Dynasties of Gujarat their rulers administration, economy, society, religion, literature, arts and architecture.

9. Independent Sultanate of Gujarat – Sultan Ahmedashah I, Mahmud Begda and Bahadurshah.

10. Gujarat under the Mughals and the Marathas, Gaekwad’s rule in Baroda Walker’s Settlement.

11. The European Trading companies in India their struggle for supremacy with special reference to Bengal, Mysore, Marathas and Hyderabad.

12. Governor-Generals and Viceroys.

13. Indian war of Independence of 1857 Origin, nature, causes, consequences and significance with special reference to Gujarat.

14. Religious and social Reform Movements in 19 th Century in India and Gujarat.

15. India’s Freedom Movement, Revolutionaries in India and abroad.

16. Reform measures by the Princely States of Saurashtra,

Kutchh and Gujarat with special reference to Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda,

Bhagwatsinhji of Gondal,

Waghji-II of Morbi,

Bhavsinhji II of Bhavnagar,

Lakhajiraj of Rajkot and Ranjitsinh of Nawanagar.

17. Mahatma Gandhi, his thoughts, principles and philosophy.

Important Satyagrahas with special reference to Satyagrahas of Gujarat Kheda, Borsad, Bardoli, Dharasana, Dholera, Rajkot and Limbadi.

18. The Role of Sardar Patel in freedom movement and post independence consolidation.

19. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, his life and contribution to making of Indian Constitution.

20. India after Independence Reorganization of the States within the country, Maha Gujarat Movement, Major events.

(B) Cultural Heritage

1. Cultural Heritage of India and Gujarat-
Art forms, Literature, Sculpture and Architecture.

2. Indian saint tradition and its impact on psyche of people.

3. Indian life style, Fairs, Festivals, Food, Costumes and Traditions.

4. Indian Music and its importance.

5. Gujarat’s Museums, Activities of Libraries, Cultural-Religious and Literary importance.

6. Language and dialects of Gujarat.

7. Gujarati Theatre: Drama, songs and different groups.

8. Life of Adivasi (Tribes): Festivals, Fair, Costumes, Rituals etc.

9. Gujarati Literature: Modes, Streams, Litterateurs and Literary Organizations.


10. Pilgrimage and Tourist Places of Gujarat.


(C) Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations.

1. Indian Constitution: Evolution, features, Preamble,

Fundamental Rights,

Fundamental Duties,

Directive Principles of State Policy,

Amendments,

Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

2. Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States,

Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, Function, Power and Privileges.

Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure: Devolution of Power and Finances up to local levels and Challenges therein.

3. Constitutional Authorities - Powers, Functions and Responsibilities.

4. Panchayati Raj.

5. Public Policy and Governance.

6. Impact of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization on Governance.

7. Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies.

8. Rights Issues (Human rights, Women rights, SC/ST rights, Child rights) etc.

9. India’s Foreign Policy – International Relations – Important Institutions, Agencies and Fora, their structure and mandate.

10. Important Policies and Programmes of Central and State Governments.


(D) General Mental Ability


1. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability.

2. Number Series, Coding –Decoding.

3. Problems related to Relations.

4. Shapes and their Sub-sections, Venn Diagram.

5. Problems based on Clocks, Calendar and Age.

6. Number system and order of Magnitude.

7. Linear Equations in one or two Variables.

8. Ratio, proportion and variation.

9. Average of mean, median, mode – including weighted mean.

10. Power and exponent, Square, Square Root, Cube Root, H.C.F. and L.C.M.

11. Percentage, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and loss.

12. Time and Work, Time and Distance, Speed and Distance.

13. Area and Perimeter of Simple Geometrical Shapes, Volume and Surface Area of Sphere, Cone, Cylinder, cubes and Cuboids.

14. Lines, angels and common geometrical figures –

properties of transverse of parallel lines, properties of related to measure of sides of a triangles,

Pythagoras theorem, quadrilateral, rectangle, parallelogram, and rhombus.

15. Introduction to algebra – BODMAS, simplification of weird symbols.

16. Data interpretation, Data Analysis, Data sufficiency, Probability.


Subject code:CSM2 (Objective)


General Studies-2


(Preliminary) Marks-200


No. of Questions-200 Medium: English/Gujarati Time-120 Minutes

(A) Indian Economy and Planning

1. Indian Economy on the eve of Independence, Emergence and development of planning exercise in India – historical debates, plan models and shift in focus over time.

Indian economy in post reform period - New Economic Reforms, NITI Aayog : aims, constitution and functions.

2. Agriculture sector- Institutional StructureL and Reforms in India,

Technological change in agriculture Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, Irrigation, pricing of agricultural inputs and outputs,

Terms of trade between agriculture and industry; Agricultural Finance Policy,

Agricultural Marketing and Warehousing; Issues in Food Security and Public Distribution System, Green Revolution, policies for sustainable agriculture and organic farming.

3. Industrial policy- Public Sector enterprises and their performance,

Privatization and disinvestments debate; Growth and pattern of industrialization; Small-scale sector,

Productivity in industrial sector,

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and industrialization, foreign investment and competition policy.

4. Infrastructure in Indian Economy: Meaning and Importance of Infrastructure Water supply and Sanitation Energy and Power Science and Technology Rural and Urban Infrastructure, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railway, Telecommunication. Social Impact Assessment.

5. Trends and patterns in structure of population over time – growth rate, gender, ruralurban migration, literacy, regional; Structure and trends of Poverty and Inequality.

Unemployment – trends, structure and National Rural Employment Policies.

Indicators of development-Physical Quality of Life Index, Human Development Index, Human Poverty Index, Gender Development Index, National Happiness Index.

6. Indian Public finance - Indian tax system, public expenditure, public debt, deficit and subsidies in the Indian economy. Center-State financial relation. Recent fiscal and monetary policy issues and their impact.
GST: Concept and Implications.

7. Trend, composition, structure and direction of India’s Foreign Trade.

India’s Balance of payments Situation in post reforms period.

8. Gujarat economy-An overview; social sector in GujaratEducation, Health, and Nutrition.

Gujarat Economy in relation to India and major states in recent decades.

9.major problems in agriculture, forest, water resources, mining, industry and service Sector.

Development policies for economic and social infrastructure – An appraisal.

(B) Geography

1. General Geography: Earth in Solar system, Motion of the Earth, Concept of time, Season, Internal Structure of the Earth, Major landforms and their features.

Atmosphere-structure and composition, elements and factors of Climate, Airmasses and Fronts, atmospheric disturbances, climate change.

Oceans: Physical, chemical and biological characteristics, Hydrological Distasters, Marine and Continental resources.

2. Physical: World, India and Gujarat -
Major physical divisions, Earthquakes, landslides, Natural drainage, climatic changes and regions, Monsoon, Natural Vegetation, Parks and Sanctuaries, Major Soil types, Rocks and Minerals.

3. Social: World, India and Gujarat :
distribution, density, growth, Sex-ratio, Literacy, Occupational Structure, SC and ST Population, Rural-Urban components, Racial, tribal, religious and linguistic groups, urbanization, migration and metropolitan regions.

4. Economic: World, India and Gujarat:
Major sectors of economy, Agriculture, Industry and Services, their salient features. Basic Industries-Agro, mineral, forest, fuel and manpower based Industries, Transport and Trade, Pattern and Issues.

(C) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Science and Technology: Nature and Scope of Science & Technology,

Relevance of Science & Technology to the day to day life,

National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation,

Institutes and Organization in India promoting integration of Science,

Technology and Innovation, their activities and contribution,

Contribution of Prominent Indian Scientists.

2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-
Nature and Scope of ICT.

ICT in day to day life,

ICT and Industry- ICT and Governance Various government schemes promoting use of ICT,

E-Governance programmes and services, Netiquettes,

Cyber Security Concerns National Cyber Crime Policy.

3. Technology in Space & Defence:

Evolution of Indian Space Programme;

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) – it’s activities and achievements;

Various Satellite Programmes – Satellites for Telecommunication,

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),

Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellites; Satellites for defence,

Eduset or Satellites for academic purposes.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)vision, mission and activities.

4. Energy Requirement and Efficiency:

India’s existing energy needs and deficit,

India’s Energy Resources and Dependence,

Energy policy of India Government Policies and Programmes.

5. Nuclear Policy of India and its commitment to the world:

India’s Nuclear power programme,

India’s nuclear cooperation with other countries; Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and India,

Nuclear weapons policy of India,

Draft Nuclear Doctrine of India, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT),

Fissile Material Cut off Treaty
(FMCT),

Conference on Disarmament (CD),

Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) and India.

6. Environmental Science:

Issues and concerns related to environment,
Its legal aspects,

policies and treaties for the protection of environment at the national and the international level,

Biodiversityits importance and concerns,

Climate Change, International Initiatives (Policies, Protocols) and India’s commitment,

Forest and Wildlife Legal framework for Forest and Wildlife Conservation in India,

Environmental Hazards, pollution, carbon emission, Global warming.

National Action plans on Climate Change and Disaster management.

Biotechnology and Nanotechnology; Nature, Scope and application,

Ethical, Social, and Legal issues, Government Policies.

Genetic Engineering - Issues related to it and its impact on human life. Health & Environment.

(D) Current Events of Regional, National and International Importance.

SUBJECT CODE: CSM2 (Descriptive)

ENGLISH (MAIN EXAMINATION)

Medium: English Time3 HOURS


TYPE OF QUESTION Marks to be allotted


01 ESSAY (A minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 300 words):

Choose any one topic from a list of five.

(Descriptive/ analytical/ philosophical/ based on Current Affairs) 20

02 LETTER WRITING (in about 150 words):

A formal letter expressing one’s opinion about an issue.

The issues can deal with daily office matters/ a problem that has occurred in the office/ an opinion in response to one sought by a ranked officer etc.


03 PRESS RELEASE/ APPEAL
(in about 150 words):

The PR or appeal should be on an issue pertaining to a recent concern/problem/disaster/rumours etc.


04 REPORT WRITING

(in about 150 words):

A report on an official function/event/field trip/survey etc.


05 WRITING ON VISUAL INFORMATION

(in about 150 words):

A report on a graph/image/ flow chart/table of comparison/ simple statistical data etc.


06 FORMAL SPEECH

(in about 150 words):

A speech (in a formal style) that is to be read out in a formal function. This could be an inauguration speech, an educational seminar/conference, a formal ceremony of importance etc.


07 PRECIS WRITING:

A precis in about 100 words for a 300-word passage.


08 READING COMPREHENSION:

A reading passage of about 250 words to be given followed by 05 Multiple-choice questions and 10 shortanswer type questions.

(MCQs: 05; Short answer types: 10)

09 ENGLISH GRAMMAR:

Multiple choice questions set from the following list:

a. Tenses

b. Voice

c. Narration (Direct-Indirect) d. Transformation of sentences e. Use of Articles and Determiners f. Use of Prepositions

g. Use of Phrasal verbs

h. Use of idiomatic expressions i. Administrative Glossary j. Synonyms/Antonyms k. One-word substitution

l. Cohesive devices/Connectives/Linkers

m. Affixes

n. Words that cause confusion like homonyms/homophones.

10. TRANSLATION:

Translation of a short passage (of about 150 words) from Gujarati to English.

SUBJECT CODE: CSM3

(Descriptive) ESSSAY

(MAIN EXAMINATION)

MARKS 150 Medium: English/Gujarati Time3 HOURS Attempt three essay, one from each of the three sections, in about 800 words each.

Objective:

This paper is designed to test candidate’s (i) knowledge / awareness of a variety of Subjects and (ii) their ability to compose a sustained piece of writing in the form of an essay.

Contents:

i. current affairs

ii. sociopolitical issues

iii. socio economic issues

iv. socioenvironmental issues

v. cultural and historical aspects

vi. issues related to civic awareness

vii. reflective topics

Areas of Testing:

This paper would test the following:

1. Ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing

2. Ability to express coherently and sequentially

3. Awareness of the subject chosen Evaluation / Marking:

Credit will be given for the following:

1. Observing established rules and format for essay writing.

2. Grammatical correctness of expression 3. Originality of thought and expression SUBJECT

CODE: CSM4 (Descriptive)

General Studies-1 (Mains) MARKS 150 Medium:

English/Gujarati Time3 HOURS

The structure of the question paper shall be as below.

No. of Questions Question wise marks

Question wise word limit

(A) History of India :

1. Indus Valley Civilization in India and important excavated sites It’s salient features.

2. The Vedic times, Jainism and Buddhism. The Nanda Dynasty.

3. Foreign invasions on India and their impact.

4. Important Dynasties of Ancient India with special reference to the Mauryas, the Sungas,

The Satvahanas,The Kushanas, The Guptas, The Chalukyas, The Rashtrakuts, Vijaynagar Empire, Pallavas and Cholastheir administration, art, architecture, literature, science and technology.

5. Educational institutions. Takshshila, Nalanda and Vallabhi.

6. Historical accounts of the Foreign Travelers.

7. Harshvardhana and his times. His relations with Gujarat.

8. The Rajput period, the Solankis of Gujarat, Invasions of Gazani and Ghori.

9. The Delhi Sultanate from 1206 to 1526.

10. The Bhakti Movement and Sufism.

11. The Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1707.

12. The rise and fall of the Maratha Empire.

13. The advent of the Europeans in India.

Establishment and expansion of British rule in India from 1757 to 1856.

Land Revenue Settlement. Permanent Settlement. Ryotwari and Mahalvari.

14. Indian war of Independence of 1857 and Queen Victoria’s Proclamation.

15. Religious and social reform movements in 19 th Century in India and Gujarat.

16. Factors responsible for the rise of Indian Nationalism.

Activities of Indian National Congress from 1885 to 1920.

17. Rise of Mahatma Gandhi on National Horizon, impact of his thoughts, principles and philosophy on political, social, economic, religious and cultural life of India.

18. The Role of Sardar Patel in freedom movement and post-independence consolidation.

19. Indian Revolutionaries in India and abroad, Indian National Army and Subhash Chandra Bose.

20. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, his life and contribution to making of Indian Constitution.

21. India after Independence Reorganization of the States within the country, Maha Gujarat Movement, Major events.

(B) Cultural Heritage

1. Indian Culture and its Salient aspects of Art forms, Literature, Architecture and Sculpture from Ancient to Modern times.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

2. Art and Craft of Gujarat: Socio-Cultural contribution.

3. Socio-Cultural context of the performance of Gujarati “BHAVAI’.

4. Gujarat’s Folk Culture and Oral Tradition:

Its Importance, Peculiarities and Impact.

5. Influence of Indian Cinema and Theatre on Society.

6. Gandhian thoughts and its relevance.

7. Culture of coastal area of Gujarat, Tribal Culture.

8. Gujarati Female litterateurs.

(C) Geography

1. Physical Features and Resources: India and Gujarat: Major landforms-climate, soil, rivers, vegetation,

Major resources-Land, soil, rocks, minerals, water and vegetation resources.

2. Economic Activities: Primaryagriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, quarrying and mining,

Secondary-Household industry, manufacturing industry,

Tertiary-Trade, commerce, Transport,
Communication and storage, other services.

Quaternary activities-Factors of Localization of economic activities, issues and problems.

3. Social and demographic:

population distribution, density, age-sex composition, growth, Rural-urban composition, Race, Tribe, SC composition, religion, language, literacy, education characteristics.

Migration-urbanisation, population policies and issues.

4. Developmental and Environmental issues, Sustainable development, Globalizationprocess, impact on society and economy, Smart Cities and solutions.

Natural hazards- Earthquakes, landslides, cyclones, cloud burst, Tsunamis, drought, flood, climate change, carbon emission,

Pollution-hazard management.

SUBJECT CODE: CSM5 (Descriptive)

(A) Indian Polity and Constitution:

1. Indian Constitution and its salient features.

2. Functions and duties of the Indian Union and the State Governments.

3. Issues and challenges pertaining to the Federal structure – Role of Governor in States.

4. Distribution of powers between the Union and States (Union list, State list and Concurrent list) – Issues and challenges.

5. Rural and Urban Local Governance under 73 rd and 74 th Constitutional Amendment.

6. Constitutional Authorities and their Role.

7. Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

8. Judiciary in India – Structure and functions,

important provisions relating to emergency and constitutional amendments,

judicial review,

Public Interest Litigation.

(B) Public Administration and Governance:

9. Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration

– Evolution in India – Administrative ideas in Kautilya’s Arthashastra,

Mughal administration,

Legacy of British rule.

10. Role of Civil Services in Democracy.

11. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues and problems of implementation.

12. Development processes the role of civil society, NGOs and other stakeholders.

13. Statutory, regulatory and various
quasi-judicial authorities.

14. Good governance and e-governanceTransparency, accountability and responsiveness in governance – Citizen’s Charter.

RTI, Public Service Act and their implications, Concept of Social Audit and its importance.

(C) Ethics in Public Service:

15. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human behavior,

dimensions of ethics,

ethics in private and public relationships,

ethics, integrity and accountability in public service – RTI,

Public Service Act and its implications.

16. Attitude: content, functions; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour,

moral and political attitudes,

role of social influence and persuasion.

17. Emotional intelligence concept, utilities and application in administration and governance.

18. Human Values role of family, society and educational institutions in imparting values to citizens.

19. Issues and challenges in ethics – Corruption, Lok Pal, Lok Ayukta. 20. Case studies in the above areas (i.e. 15 to 19)

SUBJECT CODE: CSM6 (Descriptive)

General Studies-3 (Mains) MARKS 150 Medium

English/Gujarati Time3 HOURS.


(A) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Integration of Science, Technology and Innovation for better human life,

Science & Technology in everyday life,

National Policies on proliferation of Science, Technology and Innovation.

India’s contribution in the field of Science and Technology.

Concerns and challenges in the proliferation and use of science and technology,

Role and Scope of Science and Technology in nation building.

2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) its importance, advantages and challenges,

E-governance and India- Cyber Crime and policies to address security concerns.

3. Indian Space Programme Past, Present and Future; Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) – it’s activities and achievements,

Satellite Programmes of India and Use of Satellites in different fields affecting human lives,

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

4. Indian’s energy needs, efficiency and resources; Clean energy resources,

Energy policy of India Government Policies and Programmes.

5. Salient features of Nuclear Policy of India; Development of Nuclear programmes in India,

Nuclear Policies at the International level and India’s stand on them.

6. Development Vs. Nature / Environment; Depletion of Natural Resources,

Environmental Pollution and degradation, Sustainable Development – possibilities and challenges; Climate Change and Its effect on the world,

Climate justice – a global phenomenon; Environment Impact Assessment, Disaster Management.

Correlation between Health & Environment.

7. Nature, Scope and Applications of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology in India,

Ethical, Social and Legal concerns, Government policies,

Genetic engineering, issues related to it and its impact on human life.

8. Achievements of Indians in the field of Science and TechnologyIndigenous technologies and developing new technologies.

9. Issues related to Intellectual Property Rights in the field of Science and Technology.

(B) Indian Economy and Planning

1. Economic Development since Independence, major features of Indian Economy at independence and characteristics of economic underdevelopment of India (with reference to colonial rule of India),

Trend in National Income and Per capita income; Sectoral composition (output and employment) Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.

Development under different policy regimes (including Five Year Plans)—goals, constraints, institutions and policy framework,

NITI Aayog – constitution and role.

2. Indian economy in post reform period. Background of Indian Economic Reforms – New Economic Policy in context of liberalization,

privatization and globalization and its effects,

Redefining India’s development strategy.

3. Land reforms in India and Gujarat.

4. Agriculture growth and productivity: Sustainable agricultural growth-concepts and constraints.

Institutional set-up of land system and land reforms, Green Revolution and technological changes.

Capital formation in agriculture; Food security, Agricultural pricing, Food Procurement and Public Distribution System.

5. Indian Public finance: Indian tax system, public expenditure, public debt, deficit and subsidies in the Indian economy.

Centre-state financial relation.

Macroeconomic stabilization: trade, fiscal, investment and monetary policy issues and their impact.

GST and its implications.

6. Policies and Performance of Industry:
Structure and composition of Industry– issues of concentration, large vs small industry– industrial location,

Trends and patterns of industrial growth, Cottage industries,

performance of public sector and privatization.

7. Population and Human Development: Broad demographic features — Population size and growth rates, Sex and age composition, occupational distribution.

Density of population, Urbanization and economic growth in India.

Population growth as a factor of economic development and demographic dividend, Progress of human development in India.

Development of education in India, health and family welfare and the development of health infrastructure.

Environment and sustainable development.

8. Rural developmentChallenges and policies, Poverty -Trends, measurement and policies, Inequality-measurement, causes and effects.

Employment and Unemployment-size of workforce, rate of participation, occupational structure, rural & urban unemployment, employment policies/schemes in India.

Skill India, Make in India and Start-Ups.

9. External sector: Trends, Composition and Direction of Foreign Trade.

External sector reforms.

Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

10. India in Global Indices Global Innovation Index, Human Development Index, Global Competitiveness Index, Global Creativity Index and the Global Gender Gap Report.

11. Gujarat economy-An overview; social sector in GujaratEducation, Health, and Nutrition.

Gujarat Economy in relation to India and major states in recent decades, major problems in agriculture, forest, water resources, mining, industry and service Sector.

Development policies for economic and social infrastructure – An appraisal.

Co-operative movement in Gujarat and its impact on Socio-economic aspects of life.

12. Infrastructure: Energy, Port, roads, Airport, Railways, Telecommunications Social Impact Assessment.

(C) Current Events of Regional, National and International Importance.