General Studies (GS) Paper II exam syllabus
UPSC Mains GS 2 paper is one of the nine subjective papers of the second stage of the Civil Services Examination. The GS 2 paper syllabus consists mainly of the following subjects:
- Polity & Governance
- Social Justice and Welfare
- International Relations
Detailed topics for the subjects are mentioned below:
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Polity |
|
| Governance |
|
| Social Justice |
|
| International Relations | Bilateral Groupings Regional and global groupings Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests |
Exam Pattern
In the paper, 20 compulsory questions are given in Hindi and English which are to be answered in the language selected while filling out the application form. Questions that are answered in any other language other than the selected medium are not evaluated.
The paper is of a total of 250 marks. The word limits for a 10 mark question, and a 15 mark question are 150 and 250 words respectively.
Candidates should note that there is a heavy emphasis on governance and polity related topics, with a focus also on social Justice and international relations.
Subject-wise preparation plan
Rigorous planning and execution is paramount for success in the General Studies paper. It requires the candidate to have in-depth knowledge of the topics, while at the same time use their critical thinking skills, paired with exceptional writing skills in order to ace the exam.
Here is a structured plan on how to go about preparing for the exam.
Polity
Indian Constitution:
- Start with a comprehensive reading of the Indian Constitution.
- Create a summary of the Preamble, Parts, Schedules, and Articles.
- Dedicate specific time to understanding Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties.
- Make a list of landmark Supreme Court judgments related to the Constitution.
Features of Indian Constitution:
- Learn about the federal structure, separation of powers, and the basic structure doctrine.
- Compare India’s Constitution with those of other countries for a broader perspective.
- Study the significant amendments and their historical context.
- Understand the implications of key amendments.
- Focus on provisions related to fundamental rights, duties, and the structure of government.
- Make concise notes summarising these provisions.
Constitutional and non-constitutional bodies:
- Explore constitutional bodies like the Election Commission and UPSC.
- Understand the roles and functions of non-constitutional bodies like NITI Aayog.
- Prepare a list of important bodies and their functions.
Governance
Government policies and interventions:
- Identify major government policies and programs in areas like education, health, and economic development.
- Analyse their objectives and outcomes.
- Create a timeline to track policy changes over the years.
- Study the structure and functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures.
- Understand how business is conducted, powers, and privileges of legislative bodies.
- Create flowcharts or diagrams to visualise these structures.
Transparency and Accountability:
- Explore the concept of transparency and its significance in governance.
- Study measures in place to ensure accountability, such as anti-corruption laws.
- Compare India’s transparency and accountability measures with global practices.
E-governance applications:
- Research various e-governance initiatives in India.
- Understand their objectives and benefits.
- Try to access and use some of these applications to gain practical experience.
International Relations
Bilateral groupings:
- Begin by studying India’s relations with neighbouring countries.
- Create a timeline of historical events and diplomatic ties.
- Analyse current issues and disputes.
Regional and global groupings:
- Learn about India’s participation in regional groups like SAARC and global groups like the United Nations.
- Understand the objectives and roles of these organisations.
- Research India’s contributions and positions within these groups.
Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests:
- Identify significant international agreements India is a part of, including trade agreements and security pacts.
- Analyse how these agreements impact India’s foreign policy and interests.
- Stay updated on recent developments in these agreements.
Social Justice and welfare
Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector:
- Focus on key areas such as health, education, and human resources development.
- Study government schemes and programs aimed at improving these sectors.
- Analyse the impact of various initiatives on society.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger:
- Understand the multidimensional aspects and causes of poverty and hunger in India.
- Research government initiatives and welfare schemes addressing these issues.
- Study poverty alleviation programs and their effectiveness.
Last-minute Revision Tips
Prioritise topics already covered:
- In the last leg of your preparations, prioritise revising the topics you’ve already covered thoroughly.
- Avoid delving into new subjects or topics during this phase.
- Concentrate on reinforcing your understanding of the material you’ve already studied.
Organise comprehensive notes:
- Ensure you have well-organised, concise notes for each subject and topic.
- Summarise key points, formulas, and facts to make your notes easy to review.
- Use colour-coding or highlighting to emphasise important information.
Active Recall and Self-assessment:
- Engage in active recall by trying to remember and explain concepts from memory.
- Quiz yourself with flashcards or self-made questions to assess your knowledge.
- Identify areas where you struggle and revisit those topics for reinforcement.
FAQs
- What is the UPSC Mains exam?
The UPSC Mains exam is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination and consists of 9 papers which are Compulsory Indian Language, English, Essay, General Studies-1, General Studies-2, General Studies-3, General Studies-4, Optional Paper-1, and Optional Paper-2. - When is
UPSC CSE Mains 2023 ?
The UPSC CSE Mains 2023 is scheduled to take place from September 15 to September 24, 2023. - What is the total marks for
GS paper II ?
The paper is of a total of 250 marks. - What is the word limit for a 10 mark and a 15 mark question?
The word limits for a 10 mark question, and a 15 mark question are 150 and 250 words respectively. - What is the duration of the UPSC Mains paper?
Each UPSC Mains paper lasts for 3 hours.