| ANCIENT HISTORY |
| PRE HISTORY OF INDIA |
- Sources of pre history
- Categorization of Indian ancient History
- Stone Age – Palaeolithic age (2 million BC – 10,000 BC)
- Mesolithic Age (10,000 BC – 8,000 BC)
- Neolithic (8000 BC – 4000 BC)
- Chalcolithic Age (4000 BC – 1500 BC)
- Iron Age (1500 BC – 200 BC)
| INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION |
- Harappan civilisation & Urban planning
- Harappan Internal & Foreign Trade, Agriculture, Domestication of animals
- Crafts, Weights and Measures, Script and Language
- Harappan Society, Religion, Economy, Burial System
- Decline of Harappan Culture
| VEDIC ERA |
- Native Land of the Aryans and Characteristics of Aryan Culture
- Vedic Texts & Upanishad
- Reconstruction Resources for Vedic Society and Culture
- Geography of the Rig Vedic era and Later Vedic phases
- Economic Conditions
- Political Structure and Monarchy’s Development
- Social Structure and the Varna System
| PRE MAURYAN PERIOD |
- Second urbanization’s age, Formation of states
- The Sixteen Mahajanapadas, Evolution of Republics
- Rise of urban places, Evolution of Coins
- Haryanka dynasty, Shishunaga dynasty, Nanda dynasty
| EVOLUTION OF JAINISM AND BUDDHISM |
- Rise of Jainism and Buddhism
| THE MAURYAN EMPIRE |
- Chandragupta and Bindusara, The Arthasastra, Megasthenes
- Ashoka and His Successors, Ashoka’s Inscriptions, Sites and Dhamma
- Mauryan Administration, Economy, Society and Art
- Decline of Maurya
| POST-MAURYAN INDIA (BC 200 – AD 300) |
- Arrival of Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians & Kushana
- Commercial Contacts with the Outside World
- Satavahanas and Other Indigenous Dynasties
- Society: Evolution of Jatis, Sangam Texts and Society
- Schools of Art: Gandhara; Mathura; Amravati
| IMPERIAL GUPTAS |
- Sources, Political history, Fa-hien Arrival
- Gupta Administration, Development of Art & Culture
- Gupta Empire – Period of Golden Age
- Economic Conditions, Urban centres in Gupta period
| HARSHAVARDHANA |
- Sources, Early life, Administration, Important Officials
- Economy, Huen Tsang Arrival, Society, Religion
| CONNECTIONS WITH ASIA |
- Propagation of Buddhism abroad, India’s contacts with Roman empire
- Trade and Chinese silk route, Reign of Kanishka
- Spread of Indian culture to SE Asia
| SANGAM PERIOD (SOUTH INDIAN DYNASTIES) |
- Sangam Literature, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas
- Sangam Polity, Society and Culture, Economy
- Foreign Dynasties, Commercial Contacts, Schools of Art
| MEDIEVAL HISTORY |
| EARLY MEDIEVAL INDIA’S MAJOR DYNASTIES (750–1200) |
- Pratiharas, Palas, The Tripartite Conflict, Senas
- Rajaputs, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas
- Indian Feudalism, Administration, Society and Culture
- Economy and the decline of Trade
| CHOLAS AND OTHER SOUTH INDIAN KINGDOMS |
- Chola Rulers and Political History, Chola Administration
- Socio-Economic Life, Education and Literature
- The Cheras (9th–12th Century), The Yadavas (12th–13th Century)
| THE DELHI SULTANATE (1206–1526 AD) |
- Slave Dynasty, Khalji Dynasty (1290–1320 AD)
- Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 AD), Sayyid Dynasty, Lodi Dynasty
- Mongol and other Turk attacks, Government, Economy and Urbanization
- Challenges that contributed to the Sultanate’s decline
| VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE |
- Political History, Administration, Social and Cultural Life
- Economic Condition, Conflicts with the Bahmani Kingdom
| THE SUR EMPIRE & MUGHALS |
| Struggle for Empire in North India |
- Ibrahim Lodi and Babur’s conflict – Battle of Panipat
- Humayun and the Afghans, The Gujarat Campaign, The Bengal Campaign
- The Sur Empire (1540–56), Contributions of Sher Shah
| State and Government under Akbar |
- The Suzerainty Concept, Central and Provincial Government Structures
- Land-Revenue System, the Dahsala System, the Mansabdari System and the Army
| The Deccan and the Mughals (Upto 1657) |
- Progress of the Mughal Empire towards the Deccan
- Emergence of Malik Ambar, demise of Ahmadnagar
- Bijapur and Golconda’s acknowledgment of Mughal dominance
- Shah Jahan’s rule in the Deccan (1636–57), Cultural contributions of the Deccani States
| Aurangzeb’s Reign |
- Religious Policies – Initial Phase (1658–1679) & Second Phase (1679–1707)
- Implementation of Reforms and Puritanical Measures
- Dealing with Popular Revolts: Jats, Satnamis, Afghans, Sikhs
- Strained Relations with Marwar and Mewar
| The Marathas and the Deccan |
- The emergence of the Marathas, initial rule of Shivaji
- The Purandar Treaty and Shivaji’s visit to Agra
- Shivaji’s Swarajya – Governance and Accomplishments
- Marathas and their Impact in the Deccan (1687–1707)
- Evaluating Aurangzeb’s Rule and the Jagirdari Crisis
| SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION AND FINE ARTS |
- Rural Communities, Urban Areas and Urban Lifestyle
- Craftsmen, Women’s Status, Domestic Workers and Enslaved Individuals
- The Dominant Elite – Nobility, Rural Gentry, Mercantile and Business Classes
- Domestic Trade, Foreign Trade – Influence of Foreign Trading Companies
- Indian Merchants and Their Role in Overland Trade
- Religion – Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam
- Fine Arts – Architecture, Painting, Language and Literature, Music
- Science and Technology
| THE MARATHA QUEST FOR DOMINANCE |
- Maratha Expansion Strategies, Marathas and Nizam-ul-Mulk Relations
- Maratha Inroads into Gujarat, Malwa, Doab and Punjab
- Initial Phase (1741–1752) and Later Phase (1752–1761)
- The Third Battle of Panipat
| MODERN HISTORY |
| PRE-1857 SITUATION |
- The Later Mughals and their Downfall
- Regional Forces during the 18th Century
- Arrival of Europeans in India, The British Conquest of India
- Carnatic Wars, Battles of Plassey and Buxar
- Anglo-Mysore War, Anglo-Punjab War
- British Governance and Economic Policies Prior to 1857
| THE INDIAN REBELLION OF 1857 |
- Reasons behind the uprising of 1857
- Key figures and the quelling of the 1857 revolt
- Characteristics, nature and Consequences of Revolt of 1857
| EARLY NATIONALISM & THE STRUGGLE FOR SWARAJ |
- The Rise of Early Nationalism, The Indian National Movement (1858–1905)
- Early Nationalists and the Swadeshi Movement
- The Government of India Act 1909, The Home Rule League Movement
- Montague’s Statement (August 1917)
- The Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM)
- The Formation of the Swaraj Party
- The Second Phase of Revolutionary Terrorism in the 1920s
- The Simon Commission and the Nehru Report
| INDICATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE |
- The Civil Disobedience Movement, The Round Table Conference, The Poona Pact
- The Government of India Act 1935, The Tripuri Session of 1939
- The August Offer, Individual Satyagraha (1940–1941)
| PARTITION OF INDIA |
- Rise of Communalism, Wavell Plan, Cabinet Mission Plan, Mountbatten Plan
| FREEDOM STRUGGLE – BROAD CANVAS |
- Indian Renaissance and Socio-Religious Movements
- Civil Rebellions, Tribal Movements, Peasant’s Movements, Working Class Movement
- Growth of Communalism, Left and Communist Trends in the National Movement
- Press and Education during the British Period
- Role of Women in the Freedom Struggle
- Governors Generals, Viceroys, Notable Personalities, Prominent Journals, Congress Sessions
| POST-INDEPENDENCE CONSOLIDATION |
| STATE REORGANIZATION |
- Constitutional Provisions for State Formation
- Reasons for the Merger of States, Princely States’ Accession
- Accession of Territories under French and Portuguese Control, Sikkim’s Accession
- Rehabilitation of Refugees, Federal Challenges
- Regional Aspirations, Insurgencies, Accommodation and National Integration
| LINGUISTIC REGIONALISM IN INDIA |
- Constitutional Provisions and Language Policy
- Language and Its Impact on Regionalism
| TRIBAL, CASTE & COMMUNAL CONCERNS |
- Tribal Concerns and Policy Implementation, Consolidation of Tribal Policy
- The Ambedkar Movement, Constitutional Provisions regarding Scheduled Castes
- Recent Government Initiatives for SC Empowerment, Challenges of Manual Scavenging
- Secularism, Factors Leading to Communalism, Consequences and Social Consolidation
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SINCE INDEPENDENCE |
- Economic Planning in India
- Land Reforms, Agricultural Challenges Post the Green Revolution
- Agricultural Achievements since Independence, Present-day Agricultural Challenges
- Industrial Progress, Public Sector Development, Private Sector Growth
- Industrial Policy since Independence, Make in India Initiative
- New Economic Policy and its Consequences
| POST-INDEPENDENCE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICIES |
- India’s Approach to Science and Technology
- Institutional Framework for Science and Technology Development
- S&T Before the Reform Period, Impact of Economic Reforms on S&T in India
- Novel Policy Initiatives in Science and Technology, Skill Training Agenda
| WORLD HISTORY |
| THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MODERN ERA |
- The Breakdown of the Feudal System, The Renaissance, Humanism
- Art and Architectural Advancements, Literature, Scientific Advancements
- Reformation, Explorations, Discoveries, and Trade
- Colonization and the Emergence of Nation States, The English Revolution
| THE FRENCH REVOLUTION |
- Causes, The Revolution in France, France during Napoleon’s Rule
- Influence and Importance of the Revolution
| NATIONALISM IN EUROPE |
- Emergence of the Nation-State System
- The Unification of Italy, The Unification of Germany
- Colonialism, The Era of Imperialism (1870–1914), Imperialism in Asia
| THE RISE OF THE UNITED STATES |
- Establishment of American Colonies
- The Declaration of Independence, The American Revolutionary War
- The US Civil War, Effects of the Civil War on the USA
- Consequences of World War I, Formation of the League of Nations
| THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION |
- Significant Pre-Revolutionary Events in Russia
- Causes, Progression, Outcomes and Consequences of the Revolution
| PERIOD BETWEEN THE TWO WORLD WARS (1919–1939) |
- The Great Depression – An Economic Overview
- The Emergence of Fascism in Italy, The Rise of Nazism in Germany
- The Soviet Union (USSR)
- World War II – Causes, Progression, Outcomes, Aftermath, Decolonization Era
| DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST |
- Democratic Reforms, The Impact of Arab Nationalism, The Establishment of Israel
| THE COLD WAR & POST-COLD WAR WORLD |
- Causes, The Evolution of the Cold War (1945–1953)
- Thawing Relations after 1953, The Nuclear Arms Race, Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
- Global Issues Since 1991, The Process of European Integration
- The Emergence of Global Islamic Terrorism, The Rise of China
| COMMUNISM, SOCIALISM, AND CAPITALISM |
- Capitalism (Definition, Types, and Examples)
- Communism (Definition, Types, and Examples)
- The Significance of Capitalism in the Modern World
| INDIAN CULTURE |
| SCULPTURAL ART IN INDIA |
- Harappan, Mauryan, Post-Mauryan Sculptures
- Jain and Buddhist Sculpture Traditions
- Sculptural Art during the Gupta Period
- Sculptures in the Medieval School, Modern Indian Sculpture
| ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE |
| Ancient Architecture |
- Harappan, Mauryan, Post-Mauryan and Gupta Periods
- Temples of Khajuraho, Odisha, Gwalior, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bengal, Assam, Himachal, J&K
- Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, Nayaka, Kerala, Vesara, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta Architectures
| Indo-Islamic Architecture |
- The Imperial Style of the Delhi Sultanate, Provincial Style, Mughal Style, Sikh Style
| Contemporary Architecture |
- European Impact, Indo-Saracenic Architectural Style, Post-Independence Architecture in India
| INDIAN PAINTINGS |
- Mural Paintings, Miniature Paintings, Paintings in the Deccan Region
- Rajput School, Pahari School, Miniature Painting in South India
- Regional Painting Styles, Modern Paintings, Contemporary Paintings
| POTTERY HERITAGE IN INDIA |
- Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP), Black and Red Ware (BRW)
- Painted Grey Ware (PGW), Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)
- Glazed and Unglazed Pottery
| MUSIC, DANCE, MARTIAL ARTS, THEATRE & PUPPETRY |
- Fundamental Elements of Indian Music, Various Forms, Musical Instruments
- The Eight Classical Dance Forms, Folk Dances, Modern Dance Styles
- The Origins of Martial Arts, Varieties of Traditional Martial Arts
- Classical Sanskrit Theatre, Regional Theatre, Modern Theatre, Renaissance of Indian Theatre
- Indian Puppetry – String, Shadow, Rod, Glove, Modern, Tribal
| INDIAN CINEMA |
- Film Industry in India, Historical Perspective, Categorization of Indian Cinema Films
| RELIGIONS IN INDIA |
- Pre-Vedic Religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
- Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism
| PHILOSOPHY, BHAKTI & SUFI MOVEMENTS |
- Bhakti Movement, Vaishnava Acharyas: Metaphysical Foundation
- Other Saints of the Bhakti Movement, Maharashtra Dharma
- Sufism
| LANGUAGES & LITERATURE IN INDIA |
- Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada Literature
- Odia, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi Literature
- Marathi, Hindi, Persian, Urdu Literature
| MISCELLANEOUS CULTURAL TOPICS |
- Indian Handicrafts, Indian Universities, Personalities Related to Culture
- Fairs and Festivals in India, Cultural Institutions in India, Awards and Honors
- The Calendar, The Eras, Science and Technology in Ancient India
- UNESCO’s List of Cultural Heritage in India
- Legal Provisions Related to the Protection and Promotion of Indian Culture and Heritage
| GEOGRAPHY |
| GENERAL GEOGRAPHY & EVOLUTION OF EARTH |
- The Earth’s Origin – Early Theories, Big Bang Theory, Star Formation, Solar System
- Layered Structure – Evolution of Lithosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
- Latitude and Longitude, Important Parallels and Meridians
- Moons of the Earth – Rotation, Revolution and their Effects
- Local and Standard Time, International Date Line, Eclipses, Geological Time Scale
| GEOMORPHOLOGY |
| Interior of the Earth |
- Direct and Indirect Sources of Information (Earthquakes, Waves, Magnetic Field)
- Seismic Waves – Body Waves and Surface Waves
- Internal Structure: Crust, Lithosphere, Mantle, Asthenosphere, Outer Core, Inner Core
- Seismic Discontinuities
| Geology |
- Minerals – Major Elements of the Earth’s Crust, Physical Characteristics
- Metallic Minerals (Precious, Ferrous, Non-Ferrous), Non-metallic Minerals
- Three Families of Rocks (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic), Rock Cycle
| Earthquakes, Volcanoes & Tsunami |
- Seismic Waves: P, S, Body, Surface Waves; Shadow Zone; Types and Causes of Earthquakes
- Volcano Types: Shield, Composite, Caldera, Flood Basalt, Mid Ocean Ridge
- Intrusive and Extrusive Volcanic Landforms
- Distribution of Volcanoes: Pacific Ring of Fire, Mediterranean Volcanism
- Mechanism, Properties and Effects of Tsunami
| Geomorphic Processes & Plate Tectonics |
- Exogenic and Endogenic Forces, Gradation, Degradation & Aggradation
- Continental Drift Theory (Alfred Wegener, 1912)
- Pangea, Panthalassa, Laurasia, Gondwana Land – Evidence and Forces of Drifting
- Post Drift Studies: Convectional Current Theory, Ocean Floor Mapping
- Lithospheric Plates – Major and Minor Plates
- Plate Boundaries: Divergent, Convergent, Transform
| Landforms & Weathering |
- Wind – Erosional: Pediments, Playas, Deflation Hollows, Mushroom Rocks
- Wind – Depositional: Barchans, Seif, Parabolic, Transverse, Longitudinal
- Running Water – Erosional: Valleys, V-Shaped Valleys, Gorges, Canyons, Potholes
- Running Water – Depositional: Alluvial Fans, Deltas, Floodplains, Natural Levees, Meanders, Oxbow Lakes
- Groundwater (Karst Topography) – Erosional and Depositional Landforms
- Glaciers – Erosional: Cirque, Tarn Lakes, Horns, Aretes, Fiords
- Glaciers – Depositional: Glacial Tills, Moraines, Eskers, Drumlins
- Waves and Currents – Cliffs, Terraces, Caves, Stacks, Beaches, Spits
- Weathering – Factors, Major Processes, Mass Movements
| CLIMATOLOGY |
- Composition of Atmosphere: Gases, Water Vapour, Dust Particles
- Structure: Exosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere
- Solar Radiation Heat Balance – Insolation, Aphelion, Perihelion
- Heat Balance: Conduction, Convection, Advection, Terrestrial Radiation, Albedo
- Atmospheric Pressure – Vertical and Horizontal Distribution
- Factors affecting velocity and direction of Wind: Pressure Gradient Force, Frictional Force, Coriolis Force
- General Circulation: Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, Polar Cell
- Seasonal Wind, Local Wind, Land and Sea Breezes, Mountain and Valley Winds
- Air Mass, Fronts, Extra Tropical Cyclone, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes
- Water in the Atmosphere – Humidity, Types of Clouds, Types of Precipitation
- Tropical Cyclones – Formation, Paths, Early Warning Systems
- Jet Streams – Features, Types, Impact on Weather Patterns
- Temperate Cyclones – Air masses, Fronts, Origin and Development
- Polar Vortex – Characteristics, Relationship with Ozone Depletion
- El Nino and La Nina – ENSO, Indian Ocean Dipole, Effects on Indian Monsoon
- World Climate Types
| OCEANOGRAPHY |
- Hydrological Cycle – Components and Processes
- Relief of the Ocean Floor: Continental Shelf, Continental Slope, Deep Sea Plain, Oceanic Trenches
- Minor Relief Features: Mid-oceanic Ridges, Seamounts, Submarine Canyons, Atolls
- Temperature of Ocean Water – Vertical and Spatial Variations, Thermocline
- Salinity of Ocean Water – Factors, Vertical Distribution, Density
- Ocean Water Movements: Currents, Waves, Tides, Tidal Currents
- Major Ocean Currents of the World and their Effects
- Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
- Resources from the Ocean: Ocean Deposits, Mineral Resources, Energy, Biotic Resources
- Deep Ocean Mission, UNCLOS
| BIOGEOGRAPHY – SOIL & VEGETATION |
- Soil Characteristics, Factors Responsible for Soil Formation, Soil Profiles, Classification
- Types of Natural Vegetation – Forests, Grasslands, Desert Vegetation, Tundra Vegetation
- Significance of Forests – Economic, Ecological, Cultural
- Deforestation – Causes, Consequences, Conservation Strategies
- Types of Forestry: Social forestry, Agro-forestry, Miyawaki Method
| PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA |
- Geographical Location and Geopolitical Importance of India
- Geological Regions: The Deccan Plateau, The Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain
- Water Drainage System: Himalayan and Peninsular Drainage
- River Networks: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Peninsular Rivers
- Climate of India – Factors, Monsoon Phenomenon, Air Mass Theory, Jet Stream Theory
- El-Nino and La-Nina Impact on India
- Seasonal Cycle: Cold Season, Hot Season, Southwest Monsoon, Retreating Monsoon
- Climatic Zones of India
- Soils in India – Types, Textures, Challenges of Soil Degradation and Erosion
- Natural Vegetation – Categories of Forests in India, Extent of Forest Cover, Conservation
| HUMAN GEOGRAPHY |
- Demography – Human Resources Concept, Distribution, Density, Growth of Population
- Theories of Population Growth: Malthusian, Marxian, Demographic Transition
- Population Challenges in Developing and Developed Countries
- Urbanization – India’s Urbanization Features, Patterns, Challenges
- Rural-Urban Migration, Emergence of Slums, Urban Transport, Waste Disposal
- Smart Cities/Inclusive Cities Mission
- Migration: Push Factors and Pull Factors, Within Country and Across Borders
- Census – Literacy, Sex ratio, Family Planning, Age Structure, Density, Population growth
| ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA |
| Agriculture |
- Land Resource – Land-use, Land capability classification, Land Degradation
- Types of farming, Cropping seasons, Seeds, Fertilizers, Irrigation, Horticulture
- Agricultural Revolutions, Agricultural labours, Price Policy, Major Schemes, Climate Change impact
- Wheat, Rice, Maize, Barley, Coffee, Fibre Crops (Cotton, Jute), Natural Rubber, Sugarcane
| Mineral & Energy Resources |
- Ferrous Metals: Iron ore, Manganese, Chromium, Nickel, Tungsten, Copper, Bauxite, Zinc, Lead, Tin
- Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Mineral Chemicals: Mica, Potash, Phosphate
- Coal – Nature, origin, kinds, Coal fields, By products, Conservation
- Petroleum – Nature, properties, Origin, Exploration, Refining, Reserves, OPEC
- Hydro-electricity, Atomic (Nuclear) Energy – Uranium, Thorium
- Renewable Energy: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Tidal, Wave, Biomass, Hydrogen
| Industry & Transport |
- Iron and Steel Industry – Process, Location, Distribution, Global Steel Production
- Textile Industry – Cotton, Woollen, Silk, Synthetic Silk Industry
- Engineering Industries, Chemical Industry, Fertilizer Industry
- Land Transport – Roads, Railways; Water Transport; Air Transport – Air Routes
| INDIAN SOCIETY |
| CHARACTERISTICS & PLURALISM OF INDIAN SOCIETY |
- Salient attributes that define Indian society, Transformations and their consequences
- Understanding the idea and significance of diversity in India
- Assessing the reality or perception of unity in diversity
- Strategies to harmonize various elements within Indian society
| WOMEN, POVERTY & DEVELOPMENT |
- Historical significance of women’s organizations in India, Categories, Reach and Impact
- Challenges encountered by women’s organizations
- Contribution of SHGs and Microfinance Institutions in empowering women
- Understanding the concept of poverty, Definition and implications of development
- A comparative analysis of Sen vs Bhagwati models on development
- Government’s initiatives and strategies in five-year plans
| GLOBALIZATION, SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT & COMMUNALISM |
- Globalization – economic, political, developmental and socio-cultural impact
- Defining Social Empowerment, Rationale, Government Initiatives
- Alternative approaches, players and tools for achieving Social Empowerment
- Communalism – Definition, Historical Roots, Recent Incidents, Legal Framework
| SECULARISM & REGIONALISM |
- Defining Secularism in the context of the Indian Constitution
- Contrasting Indian and Western models of secularism
- Gandhiji’s perspective on religion, Challenges to the secular spirit
- Definition of Regionalism, Theoretical Perspectives, Diverse Expressions
- Recent events triggering regionalism, Strategies to address and mitigate regionalism
| INDIAN POLITY |
| HISTORICAL EVOLUTION & FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTION |
- Importance of Constitution, Historical evolution, Constituent Assembly
- Objectives of the Constitution
- Salient features – Unitary, Federal, Parliamentary features
- Parliamentary vs. Presidential system of government
| PREAMBLE & CITIZENSHIP |
- Value premises – Democratic, Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Republic, Justice, Equality, Liberty, Fraternity, Integrity
- Amenability of the Preamble
- Procedures and methods for acquiring and losing citizenship
- Concept of dual citizenship, OCI vs. PIOs distinctions
| FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS |
- Significance of Fundamental Rights
- Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation
- Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies, Writs and their uses
- Fundamental Rights and Armed Forces, Martial Law & Fundamental Rights
- Rights outside Part III of the Constitution
- Need of Revitalizing Indian Reservation System
| DPSP & FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES |
- DPSP – Economic and Social, Gandhian, Administrative, International Peace
- Implementation of DPSP, Fundamental Rights vs. DPSP Controversy
- Application of Uniform Civil Code in India
- Fundamental Duties – Features, Link with Fundamental Rights
| OTHER PRINCIPLES & UNION–STATE RELATIONS |
- Process of law making, Role of Constitutional and extra-constitutional bodies
- Basic structure doctrine: How it evolves?
- Different types of majorities required in Indian Constitution
- Separation of Powers, Judicial Review
- Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with USA, UK, India and neighbours
- State Reorganization Commission, Formation of new states, Zonal Councils
- Special provisions for states, Scheduled and Tribal Areas
- Administrative, Legislative, Financial relations between Union and States
- Emergency Provisions and Misuse of Article 356, Inter-State relations and border disputes
| CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES & PARLIAMENT |
| The President & Vice President |
- Qualifications, Election procedure, Term, Powers (executive, legislative, emergency, financial, judicial)
- Process of impeachment, Power to grant pardons
| Prime Minister & Council of Ministers |
- Appointment process and functions of the Prime Minister
- PM’s role with respect to Council of Ministers, President, Lok Sabha
- Division of the Council of Ministers and their roles
| Parliament |
- Composition of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
- Qualifications and disqualifications of MPs and MLAs
- Parliament sessions, the lawmaking procedure, Powers and privileges
- Financial proceedings, comparison between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Women’s reservation in Parliament, Working of parliamentary committees
| THE JUDICIARY |
- Integrated judicial system – Supreme Court, High Court, Lower Judiciary
- Composition, Independence, Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
- Judicial Review, PIL, Judicial Activism
- Judiciary appointment – Collegiums System, NJAC Controversy
- National Court of Appeal, Judicial Accountability
- Issues of corruption in judiciary, Need for Virtual Courts
| LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES |
- Provisions of 73rd AA and 74th AA – Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats
- Role of State Election Commission, State Finance Commission
- Smart City Mission & Municipal Governance
- Election Commission, UPSC, SPSC, Finance Commission, GST Council
- National Commission for SCs and STs
| NON-CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES & POLITICAL DYNAMICS |
- NITI Aayog, National and State Human Rights Commission
- Central and State Information Commission, Central Vigilance Commission
- Central Bureau of Investigation, Lokpal and Lokayukta
- Provisions related to Political Parties, Rise of Regional Parties in India
- Election Laws and Electoral Reforms in India
- Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
| GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE |
| GOVERNANCE |
| Good Governance & Government Intervention |
- Growth and development, Human development and human capital formation
- Governance: Meaning and Scope, Good Governance – Contemporary debate
- Role of institutions, bureaucrats, and stakeholders in promoting good governance
- Transparency and accountability in government actions
- Efficient utilization of resources, Monitoring and evaluating outcomes
- Budgeting, Zero Base Budgeting, Input-Output Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Government interventions in social media, data, privacy, and the social sector
| SHGs, Micro Finance & NGOs |
- Self Help Groups – Meaning, Importance, Objectives, Institutional Structure, Funding
- SHGs and Women, SHGs and Poverty, SHGs and Rural Development
- Micro Finance – Meaning, Importance, Objectives, Structure, Advantages, Micro Finance in India
- NGOs – Types, Development projects, Community development, Disaster management, Advocacy
| E-Governance & Citizens Charters |
- E-Governance – Introduction, Applications, Models, Successes, Limitations, Future Prospects
- Dashboards and Portals, Democracy and E-governance, E-governance and Judiciary
- Citizens Charters – Introduction, Models, Features, CC in India, Sevottam Framework
| Civil Services & Pressure Groups |
- Role of Civil Services – Law making, Policy formulation, implementation, evaluation
- Civil Services Reforms – Lateral Entry, Capacity Building, Autonomy, Cadre Policy
- Performance Appraisal and HR policies for Civil Services
- Pressure Groups – Types, Significance, Differentiation from Political Party
- Pressure Groups and New Media, Politicisation of Pressure Groups
| SOCIAL JUSTICE |
| Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections |
- Women welfare, Gender technology gap, Women in Indian Political System
- SC/ST welfare, OBC welfare, Minorities welfare, Old age welfare
- Legislations, Issues and Reforms needed
| Education & Health Services |
- Education structure in India – Primary, Secondary and Higher Education
- Initiatives taken by GOI in Education, Reforms needed, Skill Development
- Private and Public health structure, NITI Aayog Report
- Economic development and human development, SDGs and India
| Poverty, Hunger & Tribal Areas |
- Poverty definition, Data, Causes, Rural poverty, Urban poverty, Feminization of poverty
- Poverty alleviation measures
- 5th Schedule Areas, 6th Schedule Areas, Composition of autonomous councils
- Role of Governor with respect to tribal areas, Tribal sub plan
| Key Government Schemes |
- Social Security: Atal Pension Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana
- Women & Child: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi, Ujjawala, Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Health: National Health Mission, National Ayush Mission, Jan Aushadhi, Mission Indradhanush, NFHS-5
- Education: Mid Day Meal Scheme, GIAN, Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, SWAYAM
- Rural & Urban: PM Gram Sadak Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, PM Awas Yojana, Smart Cities Mission
| INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS |
| EVOLUTION & PRINCIPLES OF INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY |
- Determinants of India’s Foreign Policy
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), NAM 2.0
- Panchsheel, India’s Nuclear Doctrine
- Evolution of Neighbourhood Policy
- Look East Policy, Act East Policy, Look West Policy, Act West Policy
- Role played by Indian Diaspora
| BILATERAL RELATIONS – INDIA & NEIGHBOURS |
- India and Nepal – Cooperation, Contentions, Water and Hydropower Issues
- Indo-Afghan Relations – Historical ties, Development partnership, Post-NATO withdrawal, Taliban
- India-Bangladesh – ‘Look East’ policy, Teesta River dispute, Boundary agreements
- India-Sri Lanka – Commercial relations, Developmental cooperation, Fishermen issue
- India-Myanmar – Historical relationship, Recent policy changes, China’s role
- Indo-Pak Relations – Major crises, Water disputes
- Indian-Russia Relations – Strategic cooperation, Major concerns
- Indo-China Relations – Economic relations, Water issues, String of Pearls Strategy, Belt and Road Initiative
| SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION |
- The Pivot to Asia – US Policy Shift
- South China Sea – Issues of Mistrust
- Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
- Neighbourhood Issues and Terrorism, Energy Routes, Fisheries and Livelihood Issues
- Environmental Security, Declaration of Indian Ocean as Zone of Peace
| INDIA AND ASIAN NATIONS |
- India-Iran – Iran Nuclear Deal, US Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Considerations
- India-Israel – Israel and Palestine Conflict
- India-Saudi Arabia – Areas of Cooperation, Challenges
- India-South East Asia – Indo-ASEAN Relations, India-ASEAN Security Cooperation
- Indo-Japan – Economy Centric Relationship
- India-South Korea – Economic Partnership in Recent Years
| INDIA AND AFRICA & WESTERN NATIONS |
- India and Africa – Historical Connections, Gandhi’s Role, Nehru’s Role, Strengthening of Ties
- South-South Engagement, Economic Cooperation, Afro-Indian Trade
- India-France – Strategic Partnership
- India-United Kingdom – India & UK Relations, India & BREXIT
- India-USA – Strategic Consultations, Counterterrorism, Trade, Energy, Science & Technology, Defence Cooperation
- Indo-Pacific Relations, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
| MULTILATERAL RELATIONS |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) |
- WTO functions, decision-making process, WTO Secretariat
- Assistance to developing and transition economies, The Nairobi Package
- WTO’s stance on protectionism and IPR issues, Proposed reforms
- WTO and India – concerns of developing nations
| Nuclear Security & IMF |
- Nuclear Security Summit, Threats of Nuclear Terrorism
- Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
- Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) – NSG Membership for India
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
- IMF functions and IMF Reforms
| BRICS, SAARC & Global Institutions |
- BRICS – Economic Environment, BRICS-BIMSTEC, BRICS & India
- Prospects For SAARC, Indo-Pak Conflict, Problem of Resource Development
- United Nations & its Bodies – Structure, General Assembly, Security Council (UNSC)
- India & UNSC, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- UN Specialized Agencies: FAO, ICAO, ILO, IMO, ITU, UNESCO, IFAD, WHO, WMO, WIPO
- World Bank, IMF
- New World Order – Dynamics, New Cold War
| INDIAN ECONOMY |
| PLANNING, GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT |
- Indian Economy in Pre-independence Period, Post-Independence India
- Phases of Economic Development – Nehruvian Socialist Economy, Economic Reforms
- Planning – Objectives, Planning History, Analysis of each plan
- Growth & Development – GDP, GNP, NDP, NNP, Personal Income
- Measures of Economic Development: HDI, Gender-related Development Index, Poverty Index
- Sustainable Development Goals and India
| RESOURCE MOBILIZATION & INCLUSIVE GROWTH |
- Types of resources: Physical capital and Finance capital
- Budgetary resources: Tax and Non-Tax, Role of Public Debt
- Role of fiscal and monetary policies, Foreign investment in resource mobilization
- Definition and Notion of Inclusivity
- India’s Experience with the Process of Inclusion in the Social Sector
- Financial Inclusion, Strategies for Mitigating Poverty and Generating Employment
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, MUDRA, Skill India, MGNREGA, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, NAM, Digital India
| GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL PLANNING & FISCAL POLICY |
- Allocation of Funds, Vocabulary Related to Budgeting
- Categories of Financial Plans, Characteristics of Result-Oriented Financial Planning
- Integration of Railway and Overall Financial Plans
- Fiscal Policy in India, Important Budgetary Terms and Fiscal Concept
- Government Revenues & Spending
- Deficits and its Financing – Revenue Deficit, Fiscal Deficit, Primary Deficit
| TAXATION & MONETARY POLICY |
- Principles of Tax Collection, Taxation Framework in India
- Contemporary Tax Strategy in India
- Progress of Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Retrospective Taxation in the Indian Context
- India’s Monetary Strategy – Tools for Managing Monetary Policy
- Monetary Approach Before and After Economic Reforms
- Recommendations from the Urjit Patel Committee
- Monetary Policy Committee and Targeting Inflation
| FINANCIAL SYSTEM & BANKING |
- Indian Financial System – Components, Financial Institutions, Financial Assets, Financial Markets
- Types of Banks: RBI, Cooperative, Commercial, Public Sector, Private Sector, Foreign, Regional Rural, Specialized, Small Finance, Payments Banks
- Bank Nationalization in India
- Banking Sector Reforms: Narasimhan Committee, Nachiket Mor Committee, P J Nayak Committee
- Development Finance Institutions: IFCI, ICICI, SIDBI, IDBI, UTI, LIC, GIC
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
- Financial Inclusion: PMJDY, Payment Banks, Small Banks
- Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), Rise of Neo Banks, Emerging Concept of Bad Banks
- Indian Insurance Sector, Privatization, Account Aggregator System
| GLOBAL TRADE & INTERNATIONAL ENTITIES |
- International Trade, India’s Balance of Payments – Current Account, Capital Account
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), Overseas Commercial Borrowing
- Foreign Exchange Rate Determination, Types of Exchange Rate
- Capital and Current Account Convertibility in India
- The Bretton Woods Twins – World Bank, International Monetary Fund
- World Trade Organisation (WTO) and India
- ADB, NDB, BRICS Bank, AIIB
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India
| AGRICULTURE IN INDIA |
| CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURE TO THE INDIAN ECONOMY |
- Historical Context and Current Status
- Cropping Systems – Monocropping, Crop Rotation, Sequential Cropping, Inter Cropping, Relay Cropping
- Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices
- Buffer Stocks and Public Distribution System in India
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Direct Benefit Transfers
- National Food Security Act
- Diverse Cropping Patterns, Irrigation Types, Technological Integration
- Definitive Land Title Registration, Biotech-KISAN Initiative
| LAND REFORMS |
- Land ownership patterns under the British rule
- Zamindari System (Permanent Settlement of Bengal), Ryotwari System, Mahalwari System
- Land reforms since independence – Objectives and Progress
| AGRICULTURAL CREDIT, INSURANCE & SCHEMES |
- Commercial Bank, Lead Bank Scheme, Multi Agency Approach
- Regional Rural Banks, NABARD, Kisan Credit Card Scheme
- Self Help Group (SHG), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana – Historical Background, Issues, Challenges
- PM-Kisan Scheme, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
- Rythu Bandhu Scheme
| SUBSIDIES & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
- Farm Subsidies, Fertiliser Subsidies, Subsidy on Power and Irrigation
- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies
- Issues of buffer stocks and food security
- Objectives, Functioning, Limitations of PDS
- Evolution from universal PDS to targeted PDS
- Buffer Stock policy and government’s intervention in food market
| AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTIONS & FOOD PROCESSING |
- Green Revolution, White Revolution, Yellow Revolution, Blue Revolution, Golden Fibre Revolution
- Extent and Importance of Food Processing Industries
- Geographical Distribution, Government Actions and Measures
- Progress in Building Food Processing Infrastructure
- Challenges within the Food Processing Domain, FDI Regulations in Food Processing
| INDUSTRIAL SECTOR & INFRASTRUCTURE |
| INDUSTRIAL POLICY & KEY ASPECTS |
- The Mahalanobis Approach and India’s Industrial Policy
- Analysis of 1948 and 1956 Industrial Policy Resolutions
- The New Economic Policy and Industrial Strategies Amidst Liberalization
- Roles of Private and Public Sectors, Investment in Industry
- Strategies for Disinvestment and Privatization
- Role of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (MSME)
- New Manufacturing Policy, Industrial Dispersal and Industrial Corridors
- SEZs – Main Issues, Industrial Sickness, Exit Policy Issues
- Main Constraints in the Industrial Development of India
- Transformation of MSME Sector and Impact on India
| INFRASTRUCTURE IN INDIA |
- Effects of Infrastructure – Economic, Social Progress, Environmental Consequences
- Transportation Networks – Ports, Maritime Trade Routes, Inland Waterway Systems
- Road Networks – Government Initiatives, National Infrastructure Pipeline, Bharatmala Pariyojana
- Airports and their Significance, Railways and Factors Shaping Railroad Development
- Energy Pipeline System: Crude Oil Pipelines, Natural Gas Pipelines
- Public-Private Partnerships and Associated Matters
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) Scheme
- NaBFID, National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)
| SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
| BIOLOGY |
- Chemical Building Blocks of Life, History and Origin of Life
- Diversity of Living Things, Classification and Domains of Life
- Evolution of Life Forms and Humans
- Genetic Principles – Inheritance Mechanisms, DNA and RNA, Gene Expression, Genetic Mutations
- Cellular Structure – Cell Membranes, Cell Communication, Cellular Respiration, Cell Division
- Tissues: Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous
- Organ Systems and Human Physiology: Skeletal, Muscular, Reproductive, Excretory, Digestive, Immune Systems
- Plant Processes: Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Plant Water Regulation, Reproduction in Plants
- Imaging Methods: CT Scan, MRI, PET
- Biological Fuel Production: Fossil Fuels, Biofuels, Biodiesel, Natural Gas
| CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS |
- Atoms and Compounds, Elements and Molecules, Various States of Matter
- Structure of Atoms, Metallurgy and Chemistry, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry Applications
- Chemicals in Daily Life, Polymers and Biopolymers
- Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals, Carbon and its Various Forms, Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules
- Vitamins and Enzymes
- Characteristics of Fundamental Particles, Basic Forces in Nature
- Energy and its Various Forms, Study of Light and Optics, The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Theories and Laws in Physics, Including Relativity
- Concepts of Electromagnetism, Heat and Thermodynamic Principles
- Understanding Waves: Mechanical and Electromagnetic Wave Behavior
- Exploring the Universe: Big-bang theory, Dark Matter and Energy, Black Holes, Neutrino Observatory, Gravitational Waves
| BIOTECHNOLOGY |
- Genetic Engineering – Procedure and Utilization, Genomics Study, Proteomics Study
- Varieties of RNA and Technological Applications, Genome Sequencing
- Biotechnology Application in Environmental Context: Bio Composting, Bioremediation, Carbon Capture
- Plant Biotechnology – Genetically Modified Plants, Techniques and Uses
- Animal Biotechnology – Genetically Modified Animals
- Biotechnology in Food and Beverage Industry: Bioprocessing, Bioreactors, Food Fortification
- Biotechnology in Agriculture – GM Technology, GM Crops, Plants Resistant to Pests
- Biotechnology and Medical Field: Gene Editing, Gene Therapy, Molecular Diagnostics, PCR, ELISA
- Stem Cells and their Engineering, Biopharmaceuticals and Therapeutic Proteins
- Ethical Considerations, Biopiracy Issues, Protocols for Biosafety, IPR in Biotechnology
| HUMAN HEALTH & DISEASES |
- Ordinary Human Diseases and Their Responsible Agents
- Diseases Arising from Insufficient Nutrients
- Human Disease in Connection with Molecular Biology
- Disease Correlation with Chromosomal and Non-Chromosomal Inheritance
- Diseases Transmitted by Vectors, Diseases Spread through Water
- Health Issues Stemming from Lifestyle
| SPACE SECTOR |
- Different Types of Orbits, Diverse Categories of Launch Vehicles and their Uses
- Space Expeditions: NASA, ISRO, ESA, ROSCOSMOS, JAXA, CNSA
- ISRO’s Contribution to National Advancement, Private Sector Involvement
- Space Technology Innovations: Cryogenic Techniques, Nanosatellites, Electric Propulsion
- Satellite-Based Internet Communication with Starlink
- Satellite Communication Applications, Remote Sensing
- Strategic Implications: Space Weaponry, Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Technology, Laser Technology
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) Technology
- Navigation Systems: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, IRNSS
| DEFENCE |
- Missile Systems – Ballistic and Cruise Missiles, India’s Array of Missiles
- Missile Defense Programs
- Advancements in Defense Technology: Robotics, AI, Internet of Military Things (IoMT)
- Cyber Warfare and Preparedness
- Drone Technology: UAV, Stealth Technology, Lethal Autonomous Weapons, Hypersonic Technology
- Armament Technology: Conventional Arms, WMDs, Chemical, Biological, Directed Energy Weapons
- Restructuring of Defense Sector – Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Establishment
- Military Platforms: Submarines, Aircraft Carriers, Combat Aircraft
| NUCLEAR ENERGY, NANO TECHNOLOGY & IPR |
- Varieties of Nuclear Reactions, Nuclear Power – Peaceful and Military Exploitation
- Materials for Nuclear Fission, India’s Stance on Nuclear Energy
- Effects of Nuclear Radiation, Consequences of Radioactive Waste
- Basics of Nano Science and Nano Technology, Nanomaterial
- Applications of Nano Technology: Nano medicine, Semiconductors, Food, Textiles, Sustainable Energy, Environment, Transport, Space, Agriculture
- Adverse Health, Environmental, Social and Ethical Impacts of Nano Technology
- Definition of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Categories of IPR
- Global Pacts and Organizations Dealing with IPR
- Intellectual Property Rights Framework in India
| VACCINATION & PHARMACEUTICALS |
- Vaccination Initiatives in India
- Pharmaceuticals – Antibiotic Medications, Drugs for Combating Viruses and Fungi
- Medical Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies
- Challenges Related to Resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs
- Development of Drug Mixtures, Drug Cost Structure in India, Role of Genetics in Pharmacology
| ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY |
| ECOLOGY & ECOSYSTEM |
- Types of Ecology, Ecological Hierarchy, Scope of Ecology
- Habitat & Ecological Niche, Ecological Principles
- Ecological Community – Structure, Characteristics, Ecotones, Ecological Dominance
- Ecological Succession – Types, Process, Climax Community
- Ecosystem – Functions, Properties, Abiotic and Biotic Components
- Flow of Energy – Trophic Levels, Food Chain, Food Web
- Models for Energy Flow, Ecological Productivity, Ecological Pyramid
- Biomagnifications, Biological Control, Organic Farming
| BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES & BIOMES |
- Parts of a Biogeochemical Cycle
- Types: Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle, Sulphur Cycle
- Forest, Grassland, Mountain, and Desert Ecosystems (including Thar Desert)
- Biome, Grasslands, Tundra, Mountain Biome
| AQUATIC LIFE ZONES & BIODIVERSITY |
- Aquatic Ecosystems – Basic facts about the ocean, Zones, Marine life
- Coral Reefs in India, Mangroves, Freshwater in India
- Importance of Lakes, National Lake Conservation Plan
- Wetlands and their importance, Ramsar Convention, Ramsar Sites, Montreux Record
- Biodiversity – Endemic species, Keystone species, Indicator species, Invasive species
- Biodiversity Distribution, State of Global Biodiversity, Threats to Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Hotspots, Eco-regions, Role of Traditional Knowledge, Biopiracy
- Extinction of species, IUCN Red-List, Level of biodiversity in India
- Biogeographical Classification of India
| BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION |
- Ex-situ and In-situ Conservation, Seed Banks, Botanical Gardens
- Protected Areas, UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB)
- International Agreements: Convention on Biological Diversity, Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol
- Aichi Biodiversity Targets
- Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of India, Global Tiger Initiative, Project Tiger
- Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species
| ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION & WASTE MANAGEMENT |
- Mining and the Environment – Effects, Indirect Ramifications, Sustainable Mining Practices
- Deforestation – Factors, Consequences, Impact on Wildlife, Monsoon, Human Populations
- Government Initiatives for Forest Preservation
- Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, E-Waste, Bio Medical Waste, Plastic Waste
- Methods for Waste Management – Landfill and other methods
| SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & POLLUTION |
- Principles of Sustainability, Measurement of Sustainability
- Sustainable Ethics or Equitable Utilization of Natural Resource
- Challenges to Sustainable Development, International Efforts to Achieve Sustainability
- Air Pollution – Sources, Effects, Classification, Control Measures, National Ambient Air Quality Standards
- Water Pollution – Sources, Types, Effects, Water Quality Standards, Control of Water Pollution
- Thermal Pollution – Sources, Effects, Control
- Soil Pollution or Land Degradation – Sources, Effects, Control Measures
- Solid Waste Management Rules, Hazardous Waste Management
| COASTAL ECOSYSTEM & EIA |
- Mangroves – Salient Features, Importance, Threats in India, Legal and Regulatory Approaches
- Estuaries – Importance and Threats
- Coral Reefs – Uses, Conservation
- Steps for Coastal Ecosystem Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment – Government Body, Environmental Effects Analysed, Process, EIA Ruling 1984
| ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS & GOVERNANCE |
- Provisions in the Indian Constitution towards Environmental Protection
- Salient Features of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Salient Features of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Salient Features of Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Salient Features of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Salient Features of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Pollution Control Boards, National Green Tribunal, Forest Survey of India, National Board for Wildlife
- Environmental Schemes: Ecomark, National Afforestation Program, National Mission for Clean Ganga, UJALA Scheme, Bharat Stage Norms
| INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE & CLIMATE CHANGE |
- UNEP, UNDP, Centre for Biological Diversity, WWF for Nature, IUCN – Red List, Birdlife International
- International Conventions/Protocols
- Green House Effect and Global Warming
- Global Climate Change: International Efforts to Control Global Warming
- Ozone Layer Depletion, Acid Rain, El Nino, La Nina
- Impact of Agriculture on Climate: CO2 Emissions, Monoculture, Chemical Fertilizers, Pesticides, GM Crops, Methane Emissions
- Sustainable Agriculture Techniques
| INTERNAL SECURITY |
| CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY |
- Social Diversity as a Security Concern
- Examining Internal Security Concerns Stemming from Immediate Neighbors
- Threats Posed by Non-State Entities within Borders
- Global Metrics for State Vulnerability to Non-State Actors
- Balancing Law and Order with Internal Security
| TERRORISM & ORGANIZED CRIME |
- Evolving Nature of Terrorism, The Shifting Landscape of Terrorism and its Ramifications
- Terrorist Threats Confronting India
- Holistic Framework for Combating Terrorism, Shortcomings in Intelligence Infrastructure
- Types of Organized Crime, Problems in Controlling Organized Crimes
- Drug Trafficking in India, Combating Organized Crimes
- Linkage of Terrorism and Organized Crime in India
| NAXALISM & EXTREMISM |
- Why Naxalism got huge support from common man?
- Why Naxalism is biggest threat to internal security?
| CYBER SECURITY |
- Types of Cyber Crimes, Impact and Steps needed
- Recent Incidents – Ransomware
- India’s Cyber Security Infrastructure
- The National Cyber Security Policy of India 2013
- Cyber Warfare, Social Media and Internal Security Threat
- Money Laundering, Black Money in India
| POLICE REFORMS & SECURITY FORCES |
- Police Reforms in India – Organisational Structure, Duties and Responsibilities
- Traditional and Non-Traditional Security Challenges (NTS)
- Recommendations for Police Reforms
- Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force
- National Security Guard, Integrated Theatre Commands
- National Maritime Security, Coordination Issues with Paramilitary Forces
| DISASTER MANAGEMENT |
| NATURAL & MAN-MADE DISASTERS |
- Types of Disasters: Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Landslides, Flood, Drought, Epidemics
- Nuclear Reactor Explosion, Dam Collapse, Oil Spill, Volcanic Eruption, Forest Fires
- India’s Vulnerability Profile
| DISASTER MANAGEMENT, PREPAREDNESS & MITIGATION |
- Management of Disasters, Community Management
- Government Initiatives to Tackle Disasters
- National Disaster Management Act, 2005
- Global Framework for Disaster Risk Management
- Role of Media in Disaster, Gender Implications of Disasters
- Disaster Management Cycle
- Role of NGOs in Disaster Management
- Pre-disaster Preparation
| ETHICS INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE |
| BASIC VALUES & HUMAN VALUES |
- Dimensions of Ethics, Essence of Ethics
- Approaches of Ethical Study – Indian Perspective and Western Perspective
- Basic Concept of Ethics, Morality and Value
- Ethics in Public Life, Ethics in Economic Life
- Freedom and Discipline, Duties and Rights, Virtue Ethics
- Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions, Values and Ethics in Government
- Human Value & Socialization, Individual Personality and Value
- Fundamental and Instrumental Values, Democratic Values
- Role of Ethical Value in Governance and Society, Significance of Value in Civil Services
- Aesthetic Values, Values in Work Life and Professional Ethics
| APTITUDE & FOUNDATIONAL VALUES OF CIVIL SERVICES |
- Essential Aptitude for Civil Servants
- Foundational Values: Neutrality, Anonymity, Accountability, Integrity, Humility, Adaptability, Perseverance
- Impartiality and Non-Partisanship, Tolerance and Compassion for the Weaker Section
- India & World Thinkers/Leaders/Administrators
| ATTITUDE |
- Components of Attitude: Affective, Cognitive, Behavioral Component
- Functions of Attitude: Adjustive Function, Ego-Defensive Function, Value-Expressive Function, Knowledge Function
- Attitude Formation Model
- Impact of Beliefs and Values, Social Influence, Persuasion Tactics
- Moral Attitude Formation, Political Attitude Formation
| EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE |
- Theories Linked to Emotional Intelligence
- Is Emotional Intelligence Cultivable?
- Emotional Competencies: Self-Awareness Group, Self-Management Group, Social Awareness Group, Relationship Management Group
- Significance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace and in Civil Services
| VALUES & ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION |
- Ethical Concerns in Public and Private Institutions
- Ethical Dilemmas in Public and Private Institutions
- Laws, Rules and Regulations as Source of Ethical Guidance
- Accountability and Ethical Governance
- Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance
- Moral Judgements in International Relations
- Corporate Governance, Models of Corporate Social Responsibility
- Concept of Business Ethics
| PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE |
- Public Service Concept, Philosophical Foundation of Governance and Integrity
- Sharing Information, Transparency, and Right to Information
- Weaknesses in RTI and Suggestions for Enhancement
- Importance of Code of Ethics, Code of Ethics in Professions
- Codes of Conduct for Ministers, Legislators, Civil Servants, Regulators, and Judiciary
- Elements of a Citizen Charter, Steps in Crafting a Citizen’s Charter
- Work Culture Concept, Enhancing Work Culture Methods
- Quality of Service Delivery, Efficient Utilization of Public Funds
- Corruption in India: Extent, Nature, and Countermeasures
- Integrity in Public Life, Role of Whistleblower Act
| APPLIED ETHICS |
- Euthanasia Debate – Social and Ethical Perspective, Various Arguments
- Surrogacy – Ethical Aspects
- Ethics and Athletics: Sportsmanship, Doping, Discrimination, Commercialization of Sports
- Media Ethics: Media’s Function, Moral Challenges for Journalists, Media Bias, Ethics in Digital Media, Paid News
- Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, CSR
- Environmental Ethics – Linkage between Ethics and Environment, Theories
- Ethical Issues in Biotechnology: Stem Cell, Cloning, Designer Babies
- Animal Ethics: Research on Animals, Keeping Animals as Pets, Cruelty against Animals
- Ethical Aspect in Child Labour – Children’s Rights, Child Labor and Business
- Ethical Aspect in Treating Minors as Adults – System of Juvenile Justice
- Ethics Concerning Aging – Moral Dilemmas, Challenges Faced
- Ethics in Relationships – Public and Private: Moral Values, Ethical Guidelines, Interconnection
