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MAINS SYLLABUS

(We have 4 buttons in the Mains Syllabus Segment given below)

General Studies-I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
  • Indian Culture - 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, Redrawal 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.
    • For better comprehension, it would be helpful to divide the syllabus mentioned above into distinct subjects.

Detail Syllabus of Geography

  • 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.

Geomorphology
  1. Origin of the earth
  2. Interior of the earth
  3. Types and characteristics of rocks
  4. Folding and Faulting
  5. Volcanoes, earthquakes
  6. Interior of the earth
  7. Weathering
  8. Landforms formed by fluvial, aeolian, and glacial actions
  9. Geological Time Scale

Climatology            
  1. Atmosphere – structure and composition
  2. Temperature
  3. Pressure Belt
  4. Wind systems
  5. Clouds and types of rainfall
  6. Cyclones and anti-cyclones
  7. Major climatic types

Oceanography
  1. Ocean relief
  2. Temperature, salinity
  3. Ocean deposits
  4. Ocean currents
  5. El Nino and La Nina
  6. Waves and tides

Biogeography
    1. Soil – origin and types
    2. Major biomes of the world
    3. Ecosystem, food chain
    4. Environmental degradation and conservation

Human Geography     
  1. Man & environment; relationship, growth and development of human geography; determinism and possiblism
  2. Population, tribes, migration
  3. Economic activities – agriculture, manufacturing, industries, tertiary activities
  4. Settlements, urbanization, functional classification of towns, million-cities and megacities

World Geography
  1. Major natural regions
  2. Regional geography of developed countries
  3. Regional geography of developing countries
  4. Regional geography of South Asia

Indian Geography
  1. Location, latitude, longitude, time zone, etc.
  2. Neighbors
  3. Important straits
  4. States and their position
  5. States with international boundaries

Indian Physical features
  1. The Himalayas – geological formation, climate, vegetation, soil, biodiversity, physiographic divisions, major passes, significance
  2. The Great North Indian Plains – geological formation, physiographic divisions, climate, vegetation, soil, biodiversity, significance
  3. Peninsular Plateau – geological formation, Central Highlands, Deccan Plateau, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats
  4. Indian Desert
  5. Coastal plains and islands

Indian River systems
  1. Himalayan rivers
  2. Peninsular rivers
  3. River basins
  4. Regional development and planning
  5. Hydropower projects, major dams
  6. West-flowing and east-flowing rivers
  7. Interlinking of River

Indian Climate
  1. Monsoons – driving mechanism, El Nino, La Nina
  2. Seasons
  3. Cyclone

India’s Minerals 

and industries
  1. Mineral distribution, industrial policies, location

Indian Agriculture


    1. Land utilization
    2. Types of agricultural practices
    3. Green Revolution
    4. Soils and crops
    5. Irrigation
    6. Land reforms
    7. Animal husbandry
    8. Government schemes

India’s Natural 

Vegetation
  1. Classification of natural vegetation                      
  2. Rainfall Distribution in India
  3. Biosphere reserves, national parks, etc.
  4. Red-listed species

India’s Economic Infrastructure
    1. Transportation (highways, inland waterways, etc.)
    2. Power and energy sector
    3. Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy
    4. Energy conservation

India’s 

Human 

Geography
  1. Demographics
  2. Recent census


Recommended Books

Detailed Syllabus of History

  • 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 the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on society.

    • ANCIENT HISTORY

Pre-Historic

Three Historical Ages:

  • Stone Age
  • Chalcolithic Age
  • Iron Age

Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)


Here are the five areas to focus on when studying Harappan culture:

  • Town Planning
  • Harappan Society
  • Characteristics of Major Centers
  • Harappan Art & Architecture
  • Decline of Harappan Culture

Vedic Society                            

Topics on Vedic Civilization
Here are some key areas of interest regarding 

Vedic civilization:

  • The original home of Aryans
  • Characteristics of socio-economic status in Vedic society
  • Vedic literature
  • Social organization and the Varna system
  • Religion and philosophical thought

Pre-Mauryan Period


  • Mahajanpadas
  • Haryanka dynasty
  • Shishunaga dynasty
  • Nanda dynasty

Jainism and Buddhism
  • Gautam Buddha
  • Mahavira
  • The proliferation of Jainism and Buddhism

Mauryan Empire


A List of Topics on the Mauryan Empire
Here are some key areas to consider when studying the Mauryan Empire:

  • Chandragupta and Bindusara
  • The book "Arthashastra" by Kautilya
  • Megasthenes
  • Asoka and his successors
  • Asoka's inscriptions and sites
  • Asoka's Dhamma
  • Mauryan administration, economy, society, and art
  • The decline of the Mauryan Empire

Post-Mauryan India


  • Arrival of Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians & Kushana
  • Satavahanas and Other Indigenous Dynasties
  • Schools of Art: Gandhara; Mathura; Amravati
  • Imperial Guptas
    • Political history of Guptas
    • Gupta Administration
    • Development of Art & Culture
    • Age of Golden age
    • Economic Conditions
    • Urban centres in Gupta period
  • Harshavardana
    • Sources for Harsha’s Period
    • Early life of Harsha
    • Harsha’s Administration
    • Important Officials of the empire
    • Economy under Harsha
    • Huen Tsang
    • Society
    • Religion
  • The Southern Dynasties
    • Satavahanas (230 BC TO AD 225)
    • Pallavas (AD 330–796)
    • Chalukyas (AD 535–1190)
    • Pandyas of Madurai (AD 590–1323)
    • Chola Dynasty (AD 850–1310)
    • Rashtrakutas (AD 753–973)


MEDIEVAL HISTORY

MODERN HISTORY

Important Modern History Events Before 1857


  • Later Mughals
  • Regional powers in 18th Century
  • Carnatic Wars
  • Battle of Plassey & Buxar
  • Anglo-Mysore War
  • Anglo Punjab War
  • Socio-economic Condition of People
  • European Penetration of India
  • British Conquest of India
  • British Policies & Their Impact – Economic, Administrative & Socio-cultural
  • Socio-cultural Reform Movements
  • Uprisings Against British Pre-1857

Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857: Causes, Leaders, and Nature
Learn about the suppression tactics used against the Revolt of 1857
Explore the aftermath and impact of the Revolt of 1857
The Act of Good Governance 1858: An Overview

The Emergence of Nationalism in India during 1858-1905.

Topics on the Unification, Education, Press, Rediscovery of India's Past, Early Political Movements, Formation of INC, and the Era of Moderates.

The Rise of Militant Nationalism and Revolutionary Acts (1905-1918)

List of Historical Events:

  • Swadeshi & Boycott Movement
  • Surat Split
  • International Influence
  • Morley – Minto Reforms
  • Growth of Communalism

The Emergence of Mass Nationalism (1919-1939)

A comprehensive list of significant events and movements that shaped India's history during the early 20th century:

  • Mahatma Gandhi and his ideas and leadership
  • Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
  • Rowlatt Act, Satyagrah, and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
  • Non-cooperation and Khilafat Movement
  • Swarajists and No-Changers
  • Emergence of new forces, including socialistic ideas, youth, and trade unionism
  • Revolutionary activity
  • Simon Commission and Nehru Report
  • Civil Disobedience Movement
  • Round Table Conferences
  • Communal Award and Poona Pact
  • Participation in elections to Central Legislature (1934) and Provincial Assemblies (1937)
  • Government of India Act, 1935

Freedom and Partition (1939-1947)

Key Events in India's Struggle for Independence from the British

  • National Movement During World War II
  • August Offer
  • Individual Satyagraha
  • Communalism's Growth
  • Peasant Movements
  • State People's Struggle
  • Cripps Mission
  • Quit India Movement
  • Wavell Plan
  • INA & Subhash Chandra Bose
  • Cabinet Mission
  • Nationalist Upsurge Post-World War II
  • Independence with Partition

POST-INDEPENDENCE INDIA

The Process of Building a Nation
  • Partition and its aftermath
  • Integration of princely states
  • Linguistic regionalism in India
  • Reorganization of states
  • Issue of official language
  • Tribal consolidation
  • Regional aspirations

Foreign Policy of India


  • Non-Aligned Movement
  • Panchsheel
  • Wars with Pakistan & China
  • Nuclear Policy

Economy of India After Independence                            
  • Planned Development
  • Green Revolution, Operation Flood & Cooperatives
  • Agrarian & Land Reforms
  • Industrial Reforms
  • LPG Reforms

Polity after Independence


  • Era of One-Party Dominance
  • Emergence of Opposition Parties
  • Emergency: Crisis of Democratic Order
  • Rise of Regional Parties
  • Coalition Era

Social Movement After                            Independence                                 
  • Popular Movements
  • Communalism
  • Indian Women Since Independence
  • Issue of Women and Evolution of Women's Movement
  • Naxalism

Post-Independence Policy of Science And Technology
  • India’s Policy in the Field of the Science and Technology
  • Impact of Economic Reform on the Science and Technology in India

WORLD HISTORY

  The Emergence of the                               Modern World
  • Industrial Revolution
  • European Nations Settle North America
  • Rise of Slave Trade
  • Discovery of Sea Routes
  • American War of Independence
  • French Revolution
  • Nationalism in Europe
  • The Emergence of Capitalism, Colonialism & Imperialism

The First World War           (WWI)

All Events Associated with WW1

The Second World War

All Events Associated with WW2

The Interwar Period: A Time     Between Two Wars
  • Europe After the War – Fascism & Nazism
  • The Great Depression
  • The Rise of the Soviet Union
  • Overview of Nationalist Movements in Asia and Africa
  • The United States as an Influential Global Power

Redrawing National Boundaries with Decolonization in Mind
  • A significant period in European history is the aftermath of World War II.
  • The Cold War
  • Rise of Asia & Africa
  • Advancements in West Asia and North Africa
  • Spread of Communism
  • The Conflict in Korea is commonly known as the Korean War.
  • The conflict in Vietnam occurred from 1955 to 1975.
  • The Cuban Crisis
  • The Fall of the Soviet Union

Concept, Types & Social Impact of Political Philosophies
  • Communism
  • Capitalism
  • Socialism

Detailed Syllabus of Art and Culture
Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Overview of Indian Art Forms

Forms of Indian art include paintings, dances, music, puppetry, pottery, drama/theatre, martial arts, and visual art.

Literature        

Indian literature across different eras and genres, including classical Sanskrit literature like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, books by Kalidasa, Vishakhadatta, and others, ancient Buddhist and Jainism literature, early Dravidian literature from the Sangam period, medieval literature, trends in medieval literature, and modern Indian literature.

Architecture
  • An overview of the history and styles of Indian architecture, including Harappan, Mauryan, Gupta, Temple, Cave, Medieval, Indo-Islamic, Colonial, and Modern architecture.
  • The rock-cut architecture including the South, West, and East Indian styles.
  • The contribution of Buddhism and Jainism to Indian architecture is explored.

Bhakti & Sufi Movements
    • The Dissemination of Bhakti and Sufi Movements and the Role of Women Poets in Bhakti

Indian Society

  • Salient Features of Indian Society- Family System, Inequality and Exclusion, Pluralism, Unity.
  • Diversity of India- Diversity (Types – caste, linguistic, social and religious, race, tribe and ethnicity, culture), Challenges posed by Diversity.

Effects of globalization on Indian society, Exploring the Various Dimensions of Globalization, The forces behind globalization are multifaceted, Explore the effects of globalization on various aspects of Indian society, including socio-cultural, economic, women's rights, and the agrarian sector.
  • National Integration, communalism, regionalism & secularism
  • Role of women and women’s organizations, A Brief Overview of Women's Organizations in Indian History, Social Reform Movements in the 19th Century and the Emergence of Women's Organizations, Problems faced by women’s organizations, Role of SHGs, Micro finance Institutions.
  • Social empowerment, poverty, and developmental issues- Understanding Poverty: Development Concepts, Poverty Types, and Measurement, Consequences of Poverty, Poverty Alleviation Initiatives, Exploring the Poverty-Inequality-Development Connection: How Poverty Reduction is Linked to Development
  • 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 section
  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
  • Inclusive growth and issues arising from it- Exploring Social Empowerment: Definition, Dimensions, and Importance, India's Experience with Empowerment in Practice
GS Paper 2
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

  • 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, 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 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 Neighborhood- 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 for a - their Structure, Mandate.

    • For better comprehension, it would be helpful to divide the syllabus mentioned above into distinct subjects.

    Details Syllabus of Polity and Constitution

The Historical Foundation and Evolution
  • Regulating Act (1773) to Independence Act (1947)
  • Constituent Assembly
  • Objective Resolution
  • Enactment & Enforcement of the Constitution

Salient Features of the Constitution


Types of Government:

  • Written vs. Unwritten
  • Flexible vs. Rigid
  • Federal vs. Unitary
  • Presidential vs. Parliamentary

"Amendments to the                      Constitution"
  • Significant Amendments and their Provisions
  • The Procedure for Amending the Constitution

Key Provisions of the Constitution

Key Components of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution comprises several vital elements, including:

  • Fundamental Rights
  • Directive Principles of State Policy
  • Judicial Review
  • Universal Adult Franchise
  • Single Citizenship
  • Separation of Powers
  • Basic Structure

Functions and responsibilities of both the Union and State governments.
  • 7th Schedule of the Constitution
  • Legislative Functions of Government
  • Financial Functions of Government
  • Administrative & Quasi-Judicial Functions of Government

Challenges and Concerns Associated with the Federal System

Centre-State Relations

Inter-State Relations

Emergency and President Rule

Role of Governor

2nd ARC, Punchhi, Sarkaria, etc.

Devolution of powers and finances up to the local government level
  • Local Government
  • Panchayat and Municipality
  • 11th and 12th Schedule
  • State Finance Commission
  • State Election commission
  • Challenges in the devolution of power

Separation of powers between various organs of the government
  • Provisions for Checks & Balances in the Indian Constitution
  • Separation of Power in the Indian Constitution
  • Related Judgments - Golaknath case, Kesavananda Bharati, Indira Gandhi Vs Raj Narain, Ram Jawaya vs Punjab

Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
  • Tribunals, etc.
  • Public Interest Litigation
  • Right to Information
  • Judicial Activism

Comparison of India’s constitutional scheme with other countries
  • Comparison of Features like Unitary structure, federalism, separation of Power etc

Structure, Organization & Functioning of the Executive, Legislators, and the Judiciary
  • Parliament and State Legislatures
    • Structure
    • Functioning
    • Conduct of Business
    • Powers & Privileges
    • Issues arising out of Powers & Privileges of legislative bodies
  • Executive and Judiciary
    • Structure
    • Organization
    • Functioning
    • Ministries and departments of the government
  • Pressure groups
  • Formal & Informal associations and their role in the polity
  • Salient features of the People’s Representation Act

Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts
  • Election Commission
  • Union Public Service Commission
  • State Public Service Commission
  • Finance Commission
  • National Commission for SCs
  • National Commission for STs
  • Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
  • Comptroller and Auditor General of India
  • Attorney General of India
  • Advocate General of the State

Details Syllabus of Governance

Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors
  • Government Policies & Interventions in Health, Gender, Education, Poverty, Economic, etc
  • Assessment of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Other Government Schemes and Policies like
    • Jal Jeevan Mission
    • Make in India
    • Smart City
    • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    • MGNERGA
    • Digital India
    • Skill India
    • PM Jan Dhan Yojana
    • Start-up India etc.

The Connection Between Development Processes and Industry Advancement

Non-Governmental Organizations

Self Help Groups (SHGs)

Societies, Trusts and Cooperatives

The role of NGOs, 

SHGs, various groups 

and associations, 

donors, charities,          institutional and other stakeholders
  • Exploring the Connection Between Civil Service and Democracy:
    The Function of Civil Services
  • *Challenges Facing Indian Civil Services**
  • *Strengthening Democracy through Bureaucracy Reform**

Important aspects of 

governance, transparency, 

and accountability
  • e-governance
    • applications
    • models
    • successes
    • limitations and potential
    • citizens charters
    • transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
  • RTI
  • Social Audit
  • Whistleblower Protection Bill
  • Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act
  • Citizens Charters (CC)

Details Syllabus of Social Justice

Social Justice


  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by center and states
  • The performance of welfare schemes
  • Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population
  • Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
  • Issues related to poverty and hunger

Details Syllabus of International Relations

Relations between India and neighboring countries

India’s Bilateral relationship with

  • China
  • Pakistan
  • Myanmar
  • Bhutan
  • Bangladesh
  • Sri Lanka
  • Afghanistan
  • Nepal
  • Maldives etc.

Relations between India and other countries

India’s Bilateral relationship with

USA, Russia, Japan, Korea, Europe, African Nations, Middle East, Lattin America, Australia & and New Zealand, and Pacific Countries

Regional & Global Groupings                                         
  • G-20
  • SCO
  • ASEAN & RCEP
  • BIMSTEC
  • IBSA
  • SAARC
  • BRICS
  • East Asia Summit
  • National Security Summit
  • Multilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory Regimes: Wassenar, MTCR, Australia Group
  • Asian Development Bank
  • APEC, etc

Effect of policies 

and politics of 

developed and developing countries on India’s interests
  • South China Sea Conflict
  • One Belt One Road
  • Russia - Ukraine War
  • Israil - Palestine war
  • Middle East disturbance
  • Russia - USA aggression
  • USA - China Trade War
  • International North-South Transport Corridor
  • UN Reforms
  • Global Currency War
  • WTO Reforms
  • De-globalization & Protectionism – US Sanctions on Iran, US Pullout from Paris Agreement, H-1B Visa Issue etc.
  • OPEC Oil Prices Manipulation, etc.

Indian diaspora                     

The Indian Diaspora: A Global Perspective

Initiatives for Engaging with India's Diaspora Policy

  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
  • OCI

Role played by Indian Diaspora

Issues Concerning the Diaspora

Significant Global 

Organizations, 

Agencies, and Fora
  • IMF
  • World Economic Forum
  • UN & and its Agencies
  • WTO
  • World Bank
  • Commonwealth of Nations, etc.

General Studies Paper 3

(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
  • 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.
  • 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 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, 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.
    • For better comprehension, it would be helpful to divide the syllabus mentioned above into distinct subjects.

Detailed Syllabus of SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Impact of Scientific 

Advancements on Daily Life and 

Their Practical Applications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

New Drugs and Therapies discovered

Food-related advancements like GM Crops.

Water purification and air purification.

Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

Achievements of Indian Institutions (ISRO)

Achievements of Indian Scientists

Achievements of Indian Educational Institutes and other organizations.

Indigenization of 

Technology & and 

Developing New 

Technology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biotechnology
  • IT & Computers
  • Space
  • Defense
  • Nuclear

Exploring Awareness 

Across Different Fields
  • IT & Computers
  • Space
  • Robotics
  • Defense
  • Nuclear
  • Nanotechnologykkk
  • Biotechnology

Issues Relating to Intellectual Property Rights
  • IPR Regime in India
  • Types of IPR
  • International Agreements Related to IPRs
  • Geographical Indicators
  • Current Topics in Intellectual Property
    Some of the latest issues in intellectual property include evergreening, compulsory licensing, and prominent legal cases.

Detailed Syllabus of Environmental Science and Biodiversity

Biodiversity


Exploring Biodiversity: Genetic, Species, Ecosystem, and More.

The Significance of Biodiversity: Ecosystem Services, Economically Important Bio-Resources, and Social Benefits

Loss of Biodiversity

Conservation
  • In-situ & Ex-Situ
  • Eco-Sensitive Areas
  • Ecological Hotspots
  • International Agreements & Groupings
  • Overview of National Guidelines, Legislation & Other Programs.

Environmental Pollution & Degradation

An Overview of Pollution and Pollutants

The Effects of Pollution and Degradation

  • Ozone Layer Depletion
  • Greenhouse Gas Effect
  • Global Warming
  • Acid Rain
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Nutrient pollution (Eutrophication)
  • Desertification

Identifying the Causes and Sources of Pollution and Degradation

Controlling and Preventing Pollution and Degradation

Overview of National Environmental Agencies, Legislation, and Policies

International Environmental Agencies and Agreements

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Process of EIA

Need & Benefits of EIA

Issues with EIA

Detailed Syllabus of Disaster Management

  • Different Kinds of Disasters
  • Disaster Management
  • Disaster Management Act 2005
  • Disaster Management Funds
    • NDRF
    • SCRF
    • CRF
    • CFI
  • Disaster Management Authorities
    • SDRF
    • NDRF
  • Government Initiatives on Disaster Management
  • Recent Disaster and their management

Detailed Syllabus of Internal Security

The Correlation Between Development and the Proliferation of Extremism
  • Naxalism
  • Causes of Extremism Spread
  • Actions the Government Can Take to Curb the Spread of Extremism Stemming from Underdevelopment

Communication Networks: A Threat to Internal Security
  • The Significance of Media and Social Networking Sites in Addressing Internal Security Challenges.
  • The Difficulties of Social Media Management

The Impact of External State and Non-State Actors on Internal Security Challenges

Non-State Actors as a Source of Threats

  • J&K Separatism
  • Left Wing Extremism
  • North East Insurgency
  • Terrorism in Hinterland & Border Areas
  • Right Wing Terrorism

Institutional Framework to Tackle the Challenge of Internal Security

  • NIA
  • NATGRID
  • MAC
  • UAPA
  • TADA
  • POTA

Factors Contributing to the Spread of Terrorism

State Sponsored Terrorism

Cyber Security
  • Cyber Security
  • Challenges Facing Cybersecurity in India
  • Actions Taken by India:
  • Collaboration Across Borders: Cybersecurity
  • Cyber Warfare

Money-Laundering
  • Process of Money Laundering
  • Impact of Money Laundering
  • Challenges to Tackle Money Laundering
  • Steps to Counter Money Laundering
  • Terms Related To Money Laundering

Security Challenges in Border Areas
  • Dealing with Boundary Disputes Among Neighbors.
  • India's Policy in Border Area Security Management
  • The Struggle of Managing Coastal and Terrestrial Border Security

Organized Crime and Terrorism
  • Types of Organized Crime
  • Challenges in Controlling Organized Crime
  • Indian Context – Link between Organized Crime & Terrorism

Various Security Forces & Agencies and their Mandate
  • Assam Rifles (AR)
  • Border Security Force (BSF)
  • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  • Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
  • National Security Guard (NSG)
  • Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
  • Security & Intelligence Agencies – IB. R&WA, etc.

Detailed Syllabus of Indian Economy

Economic Planning


  • Meaning of Planning
  • Need for Planning in Economic Development
  • Imperative Vs. Indicative Vs. Structural Planning
  • Objectives of Planning
  • Indian Planning History
  • Shortcomings of Planning Commission
  • NITI Aayog Vs. Planning Commission

Mobilization of Resources


  • Various Resource Types - Financial, Human, Natural, and More
  • The Importance of Mobilizing Resources
  • Government Resources: Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Tax and Non-Tax
  • Banking Sector & NBFCs
  • Capital Market
  • Government Securities and Treasury bond

Growth & Development
  • Understanding the Meanings of Development and Growth
  • Distinguishing the Differences between Development and Growth
  • Factors Influencing Growth and Development
  • Challenges to Development & Growth
  • Employment and Unemployment
  • Rural vs. Urban
  • Formal Vs. Informal
  • Government Initiatives for Generating Employment

Inclusive Growth

Meaning and significance of inclusive growth.

Budget


Different Components of Budget

Types of Budgets

Fiscal Deficit and other type of budget

Fiscal Policy of Government

FRBM Act

Liberalization

The phase of Liberalization in India

Cause of Liberalization in India

Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Industrial Policy
  • Comparison of Industrial Policy Pre and Post 1991.
  • The stages of industrial growth.
  • Economic Reforms
  • National Manufacturing Policy
  • SEZs
  • Make in India

Land Reforms in India
  • The Reasoning Behind Implementing Land Reforms
  • Breaking Down Land Reform
  • Impact of Land Reforms
  • Success of Land Reforms
  • Problems in the Implementation of Land Reforms
  • Recent Initiatives

Infrastructure
  • Roads
  • Airports
  • Railways Energy
  • Ports
  • Communication

Investment Models
  • Domestic Investment Models
    • Public Investment Model
    • Private Investment Model
    • Public Private Participation Investment Model
  • Foreign Investment Models:
    • FDI
    • FII, etc.
  • Sector-Specific Investment Models
  • Cluster-Based Investment Models

Need for Investment

Sources of Investment

Models Followed by India

Agriculture                              
  • Different Cropping Patterns and Major Crops Across the Country
  • Various Types of Irrigation and Irrigation System Storage
  • Transport & Marketing of Agricultural Produce & Issues & Related Constraints
  • Assisting Farmers with Technology: Technology Missions
  • Challenges Associated with Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices.
  • Public Distribution System Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping
  • Issues of Buffer Stocks & Food Security
  • Economics of Animal-Rearing
  • Food Processing & Related Industries in India

General Studies Paper 4

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Ethics and Human Interface, Human Values, Attitude, Attitude, Emotional Intelligence, Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world, Public or Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration, Ethical issues in international relations and funding corporate governance, Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; information, Codes of ethics & Citizen’s Charters, Case Studies on above issues.

    Detailed Syllabus of Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Ethics and Human Interface
  • Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human actions
  • Dimension 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
  • 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
  • Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.

Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
  • Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and the World.

Civil Service Values
  • 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 the above-mentioned issues.

Reference Books for General Studies Paper

  1. Lexicon for Ethics by Chronicle.
  2. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Nanda Kishore and Santhosh Ajmera.
  3. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by M Karthikeyan
  4. 2nd ARC.

    5. GS Paper 4 Structure

    Key Features of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV
    Here are the important elements to take into account when it comes to the structure of the General Studies IV paper:

Here are the key points to note about this paper:
  1. The paper has twelve questions divided into two sections. Before 2018, there were fourteen questions, but the complexity has since increased while the number of questions has been reduced.
  2. All questions are mandatory.
  3. Questions are worth either 10 or 20 marks, depending on the required answer length. Answers to 10-mark questions should be within 150 words, while answers to 20-mark questions should be within 250 words.
  4. The total marks allocated for this paper are 250 marks.
  5. There are two types of questions:
    • Direct concept-related questions that assess the candidate's comprehension of ethical issues and concepts related to integrity and aptitude (125 marks)
    • Case studies that assess the candidate's application of these concepts to situations involving the candidate and other stakeholders such as politicians, pressure groups, the public, and other people (125 marks)
  6. Out of the four General Studies Papers, this one is the most variable, and question types vary widely from year to year. It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the syllabus and the patterns of the last few years.