Paper I – Essay

• Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics
• Focus on clarity, coherence, and effective expression

Paper II – General Studies I

Indian Heritage & Culture

• Art forms, Literature, Architecture from ancient to modern times

Modern Indian History

• Freedom struggle, important personalities, post-independence consolidation

World History

• Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Colonization, Political philosophies

Society

• Salient features of Indian society, diversity, women issues, globalization

Geography

• Physical geography, distribution of resources, geophysical phenomena

Paper III – General Studies II

Polity

• Constitution, governance, separation of powers, Parliament, Judiciary

Governance

• Transparency, accountability, e-governance, NGOs, SHGs

International Relations

• India and its neighborhood, global groupings, international institutions

Paper IV – General Studies III

Economy

• Indian economy, planning, inclusive growth, budgeting

Agriculture

• Major crops, irrigation, food processing, land reforms

Science & Tech

• Developments in IT, space, robotics, biotechnology

Environment

• Conservation, biodiversity, climate change

Security

• Internal security, cyber security, terrorism

Paper V – General Studies IV (Ethics)

• Ethics, integrity, and aptitude
• Human values, emotional intelligence
• Public service values and probity
• Case studies

Paper VI & VII – Optional Subject

• Two papers based on candidate’s chosen subject
• Syllabus varies depending on subject