PAPER-I
Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
Paper-II
General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
CSM24/Q2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.
CSM24/Q11. "Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture." Comment.
CSM23/Q1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.
CSM23/Q11. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion. Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society.
CSM22/Q1. How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?
CSM22/Q12. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
CSM22/Q13. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.
CSM21/Q1: Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q1. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q11. Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q12. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q1: Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. (150 words)
CSM18/Q1: Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (150 words)
CSM17/Q1: How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? (150 words)
CSM16/Q1: Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q1: The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q2: Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. (12 marks)
2. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
CSM24/Q13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?
CSM23/Q12. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period. How did those technological changes influence the Indian society.
CSM22/Q2. Why did the armies of the British East India Company, mostly comprising of Indian soldiers, win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers?
CSM22/Q3. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.
CSM21/Q2: Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q11: To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q13. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q2: The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (150 words)
CSM18/Q2: Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (150 words)
CSM17/Q2: Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. (150 words)
CSM17/Q3: Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? (150 words)
CSM17/Q12: Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (250 words)
CSM16/Q3: Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q3: How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q4: Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (12 marks)
3. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
CSM24/Q3. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
CSM21/Q12: Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q13. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q11: Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (250 words)
CSM18/Q11: The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (250 words)
CSM17/Q13: Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century. (250 words)
CSM16/Q4: Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (12 marks)
CSM16/Q5: Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q8: Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (12 marks)
4. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
CSM22/Q11. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.
CSM21/Q3: Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM19/Q12: Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (250 words)
CSM16/Q6: Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? (12 marks)
CSM15/Q5: It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (12 marks)
5. 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.
CSM24/Q12. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?
CSM24/Q13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?
CSM23/Q3. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.
CSM21/Q13: There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars. Evaluate the statement. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q13: Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions. (250 words)
CSM18/Q13: Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (250 words)
CSM17/Q4: What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula? (150 words)
CSM16/Q7: The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q6: Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? (12 marks)
CSM15/Q7: To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (12 marks)
6. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
CSM24/Q1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period.
CSM24/Q20. Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.
CSM23/Q8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India.
CSM23/Q19. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static.
CSM23/Q7. Why is the South-West Monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region. How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region.
CSM22/Q10. Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?
CSM22/Q18. Analyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion.
CSM21/Q8: Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q9: Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q20: How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q8. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q19. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q8: What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (150 words)
CSM19/Q9: Empowering women is the key to control population growth. Discuss. (150 words)
CSM18/Q8: Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India. Comment. (150 words)
CSM18/Q18: Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. (250 words)
CSM17/Q9: In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (150 words)
CSM17/Q18: The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? (250 words)
CSM16/Q10: Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q9: How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India? (12 marks)
CSM15/Q10: Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q11: The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q12: Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (12 marks)
7. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
CSM24/Q5. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
CSM24/Q7. What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.
CSM24/Q8. Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women's empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?
CSM24/Q10. In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive?
CSM24/Q19. Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family?
CSM23/Q9. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.
CSM23/Q18. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises.
CSM22/Q8. Explore and evaluate the impact of 'Work From Home' on family relationships.
CSM22/Q9. How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption?
CSM21/Q10: Examine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q17: What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM21/Q18: Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q9. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q15. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q20. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q19: What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (250 words)
CSM15/Q13: Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (12 marks)
8. Effects of globalization on Indian society.
CSM24/Q19. Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family?
CSM23/Q10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.
CSM22/Q20. Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India.
CSM21/Q19: What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q18. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q20: Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (250 words)
CSM18/Q19: Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate. (250 words)
CSM16/Q8: To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q14: Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. (12 marks)
9. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
CSM24/Q9. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.
CSM24/Q17. What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?
CSM24/Q18. Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
CSM23/Q20. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.
CSM22/Q19. Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.
CSM20/Q10. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM19/Q10: What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (150 words)
CSM18/Q10: How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (150 words)
CSM18/Q20: Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (250 words)
CSM17/Q10: What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (150 words)
CSM17/Q19: Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. (250 words)
10. Salient features of world’s physical geography.
CSM24/Q15. What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
CSM24/Q16. What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?
CSM23/Q6. How are the fjords formed. Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world.
CSM22/Q4. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.
CSM22/Q17. Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How?
CSM21/Q14: Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q4. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM18/Q6: Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (150 words)
CSM17/Q14: Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. (250 words)
CSM17/Q17: What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (250 words)
CSM16/Q13: Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q18: How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. (12 marks)
11. 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).
CSM24/Q14. The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?
CSM23/Q14. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
CSM23/Q17. From being net food importer in 1960s India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.
CSM22/Q6. Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan Trap'.
CSM22/Q7. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.
CSM22/Q15. Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.
CSM21/Q5: Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q16: Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q7. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q16. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q4: Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (150 words)
CSM19/Q5: Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (150 words)
CSM18/Q5: Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? (150 words)
CSM18/Q7: What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones' on marine ecosystem? (150 words)
CSM17/Q6: In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development. Discuss. (150 words)
CSM17/Q8: How does the cryosphere affect global climate? (150 words)
CSM16/Q14: "The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides." Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (12 marks)
CSM16/Q15: The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q15: Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (12 marks)
CSM15/Q16: India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q17: The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. (12 marks)
12. 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.
CSM24/Q4. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
CSM24/Q6. What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain.
CSM23/Q4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.
CSM23/Q5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources.
CSM23/Q15. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.
CSM22/Q5. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by the India Meteorological Department.
CSM22/Q14. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing industry of the world.
CSM22/Q16. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.
CSM21/Q4: Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q6: What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q7: Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM21/Q15: How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q2. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q5. The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q6. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words) – 10 Marks
CSM20/Q14. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM20/Q17. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words) – 15 Marks
CSM19/Q6: Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (150 words)
CSM19/Q7: Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (150 words)
CSM19/Q14: What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (250 words)
CSM19/Q15: How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (250 words)
CSM19/Q16: How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (250 words)
CSM17/Q15: Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words)
CSM17/Q20: The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. (250 words)
CSM16/Q11: With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme'. (12 marks)
CSM15/Q19: Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. (12 marks)
PAPER-III
General Studies- II: 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 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 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.
PAPER-V
General Studies- 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.