Mains — GS Papers & Essay

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Modern Indian history from mid-18th century — significant events, personalities, issues. The Freedom Struggle. Post-independence consolidation. World History from 18th century — industrial revolution, world wars, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies.

Salient features of world's physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world. Factors responsible for location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries. Important geophysical phenomena. Changes in critical geographical features and effects on flora and fauna.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women's organizations. Population and associated issues. Poverty and developmental issues. Urbanization. Effects of globalization. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, basic structure. Functions of Union and States. Federal structure issues. Parliament and State Legislatures. Executive and Judiciary. Governance, transparency, accountability, e-governance. Welfare schemes. Development processes — role of NGOs, SHGs. Social Justice — welfare of vulnerable sections.

India and its neighbourhood relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India. Effect of policies of developed and developing countries on India's interests. Indian diaspora. Important international institutions, agencies and fora — structure, mandate.

Indian Economy — planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, employment. Inclusive growth. Government Budgeting. Land reforms. Changes in industrial policy. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways. Investment models. Major crops, cropping patterns, irrigation. MSP, PDS, food security. Food processing industries. Economics of animal-rearing.

Developments in S&T — applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in S&T. Indigenization of technology. Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-tech, bio-tech. 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. Challenges through communication networks. Role of media and social networking. Cyber security. Money laundering. Security challenges in border areas. Organized crime-terrorism linkages. Various security forces and agencies.

Ethics and Human Interface — essence, determinants, consequences. Human Values — lessons from great leaders. Attitude — content, structure, function. Aptitude and foundational values for civil service. Emotional intelligence. Contributions of moral thinkers from India and world. Probity in governance. Codes of ethics, citizen's charters. Corruption challenges. Case studies on above issues.