SYLLABUS BREAK UP
This portion of syllabus can be divided into the following sub-topics :
- Polity
- Constitution
- Governance
- Social Justice
- International relations
ANALYSIS OF PAST QUESTION PAPERS
| Sub -Topic | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polity | 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 90 |
| Social Justice | 60 | 50 | 37.5 | 62.5 | 50 |
| Governance | 50 | 50 | 62.5 | 25 | 40 |
| International Relations | 50 | 50 | 50 | 62.5 | 70 |
HOW TO PREPARE FOR EACH SUB – TOPIC
“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”
- For the static part from the section of Polity and constitution you need to refer the following book:
- You should revise the book as many times as you.
- For dynamic part of this section current Affairs is very important.
- For bills and Acts passed by the parliament you should refer the following websites :
- The following official reports will also be useful for this section :
- The important articles newspapers regarding this section are very important not only for this sub topic but for the whole General studies 2 paper. It is observed that questions are framed from important issues in the newspaper
“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 or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
“Issues relating to poverty and hunger”
- This is one of the difficult sections in the syllabus as there is no particular book or material available for reference
- This section can be covered through following sources :
Yojana
Kurukshetra
PIB
EPW
Newpaper
Relevant Chapters from India Year Book
- For govt. schemes and projects you should refer websites of Ministries of govt.
“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”
- This part of the syllabus is mainly static in nature
- This part can be covered with the help of the following materials :
Governance in India by Laxmikanth
Relevant Chapters of IGNOU notes on Masters in Public Administration
1st, 2nd, 6th, 11th and 12th reports of 2nd ARC reports
Relevant Chapters from India Year Book
“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 fora- their structure, mandate”
- This is an important section for Prelims as well as Mains
- The static part should be compiled with the dynamic part for writing quality answers.
- The following is a standard book for this part
International Relations by Pavneet Singh
- Dynamic part can be further covered from :
Website of Ministry of External Affairs
Newspapers
Frontline and World Focus
- Frontline and World Focus may be read if time permits.
GENERAL TIPS FOR MAINS
- Language used for answering questions should be proper and precise. Consistent efforts should be made to improve the language
- Answer should be specific and to the point rather than what you know. Beating around the bush won’t work.
- Style of answering can be either point wise or in paragraphs. Writing in Paragraph is time consuming
- Presentation and structure of writing answers is important. Examiner has only limited time to check the paper.
- Technical and complex language is not advisable in answering General Studies paper
- Stick with few materials and revise it properly. This will help in consolidation and reproduction of the acquired knowledge
- Answer writing practice is important on a daily basis. Writing practice will help the aspirants to attempt all the questions in 3 hours
- Our Daily writing initiative will help you in developing the art of answer writing . It will take time to write quality answers in the beginning but with practice you will catch up the necessary speed in due course.