[GENERAL STUDIES – I]

HISTORY

1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times – Nitin Singhania + Class 11 fine arts +Nitin Sangwan’s notes

2. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present-
significant events, personalities, issues - Spectrum

3. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from
different parts of the country - Spectrum

4. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country – ABP News

pradhan mantri series + Nitin Sangwan’s notes

5. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution,
world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political
philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the
society – Vision IAS notes + Youtube Channel Crash course World history

GEOGRAPHY
1. Salient features of world’s physical geography – NCERT class 11 – Fundamentals of physical
geography

2. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
sub-continent) –http://mrunal.org/2015/04/world-geography-lecture-china-japan-russia-
asia-resources-distribution.html#1 (G10/P1:World geography-China ,G10/P2 ,G10/P3 ,
G10/P4)

Resources in India – Class 12 NCERT Geography- India people and Economy

Resources around the world - www.eolss.net/Sample-Chapters/C09/E6-65-05-02.pdf

Just Google the minerals mentioned in this pdf i.e. Gold resource distribution around the
world and you will encounter articles like this –
https://www.neostencil.com/distribution-of-gold-and-silver

Energy resources distribution in the world –

http://www.worldenergy.org/assets/images/imported/2016/10/World-Energy-Resources-
Full-report-2016.10.03.pdf
3. factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in
various parts of the world (including India) –

https://www.clearias.com/factors-responsible-for-the-location-of-primary-secondary-and-
tertiary-sector-industries-in-various-parts-of-the-world-including-india/

Google the keywords of :-

Primary Sector - grains, sugar, spices,etc.

Secondary Sector –Iron and steel industry, copper industry, gems and jewellery industry etc.

Tertiary sector – Tourism industry, healthcare, telecom ,etc.

4. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone

etc- Physical Geography book + Google all the natural Hazards/Disasters

http://www.geographynotes.com/essay/tsunami/tsunami-compilation-of-essays-on-
tsunami-natural-disasters-geography/4160

Google Keywords on - http://geographynotes.com/

5. Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including

water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes –

Google Keywords – “ Human impact on geographical features as climate change”, “ocean

acidification”, “water depletion”,”pollution”,”deforestation”,”desertification”,”erosion”

INDIAN SOCIETY

NCERT-CBSE Class 12 – Indian society, Social change and development in India

https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Syllabus-break-up-Indian-
Society.pdf

Google each one of them – no single source.

Role of women and women’s organization

Population and associated issues

Poverty and developmental issues

 Urbanization, their problems and their remedies

Effects of globalization on Indian society

Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism

https://www.indiacelebrating.com/social-issues-in-india/

Google each social issue and make your own notes

[General Studies – II]

1. Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
provisions and basic structure – M.Laxmikant

2. 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 – M.Laxmikant

3. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
–Vision IAS notes

GOOGLE these topics :-

1. Dispute Redressal Mechanism
2. Administrative Tribunals
3. National Company Law Tribunal
4. Single Tribunal for Inter-State Water Dispute
5. National Green Tribunal
6. Gram Nyalaya
7. Lok Adalat
8. Arbitration and Conciliation
9. Institution Mechanism For Dispute Redressal

+ Current Affairs (Eg.- IBC-Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code)

4. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries –

https://visionias.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/comparison-of-indian-constitu-tries-www-
visionias-in.pdf

5. Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &

privileges and issues arising out of these - M.Laxmikant
6. 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 –

https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/pressure-groups.pdf

7. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act –

https://discuss.forumias.com/uploads/FileUpload/1c/36d5f2ac95ed64f45b706ee9e151ef.pd
f

8. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of

various Constitutional Bodies – M.Laxmikant

9. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies –

http://www.upsciasexams.com/article-details/197/Stautory,%20Regulatory%20&%20Quasi-
Jjudicial%20Bodies

10. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising
out of their design and implementation – Latest Govt. Schemes (VISION IAS PT-365)

11. Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various
groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders –
https://www.upscsuccess.com/sites/default/files/documents/The-Role-of-NGOs---SHGS---
Development-processes.pdf + Current affairs

12. 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 - GOI Schemes + Best state
government schemes + schemes in news.

13. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources – Regular note taking from The Hindu/ Indian express

14. Issues relating to poverty and hunger –

https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/around-22-indians-live-below-poverty-line-
chattisgarh-jharkhand-fare-worst/1713365/

15. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance

applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency &
accountability and institutional and other measures –
https://www.gktoday.in/gk/citizen-charters-and-governance-various-topics-for-gs-paper-ii/
http://visionias.in/resources/vam.php
 16. Role of civil services in a democracy –
https://www.academia.edu/29647401/ROLE_OF_CIVIL_SERVICES_IN_A_DEMOCRACY_VISIO
N_IAS

17. India and its neighborhood- relations –

Current Affairs Booklet + Newspaper + Vision Mains 365 + https://idsa.in/

18. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
India’s interests -

Vision Mains 365 + https://idsa.in/

19. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,
Indian diaspora –

Vision Mains 365 + https://idsa.in/

20. Important International institutions, agencies and fora-their structure, mandate

Vision Mains 365 + https://idsa.in/

[GENERAL STUDIES –III]

1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth,
development and employment –

2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it –

http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Inclusive Growth_

3. Government Budgeting - GOI Budget + Yojana Magazine’s Budget issue +Budget Speech

4. Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation
and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues
and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers -

Economic Survey + NITI Ayog 3 Years action agenda + Current Affairs

5. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System-objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks
and food security –
https://xamlibrary.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/agricultural_subsidies_and_minimum.pdf
Google ---- PDS, Buffer stocks and food security
6. Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing –

https://www.civilsdaily.com/technology-missions-in-india/

Economic Survey + NITI Ayog 3 Years action agenda + Current Affairs

7. Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream
and downstream requirements, supply chain management –

https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/food-processing

Economic Survey + NITI Ayog 3 Years action agenda + Current Affairs

8. Land reforms in India –

http://www.economicsdiscussion.net/land-reforms-2/land-reforms-in-india-objective-
measures-and-impact/14176

https://www.theigc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/igcss2012l.pdf + Current Affairs

9. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth –
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_liberalisation_in_India

http://www.igidr.ac.in/faculty/nag/IDR%202011,%20Chapter%206.pdf

+ Current Affairs + Newspaper

10. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

[Economic Survey ] + [NITI Ayog 3 Years action agenda ] + [Current Affairs Booklet] +
[NITI Ayog Strategy at 75]

11. Investment models –

[Economic Survey ] + [NITI Ayog 3 Years action agenda] + [Current Affairs Booklet] +
[NITI Ayog Strategy at 75]

12. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life –

[Current Affairs] + [Mains booklet of any reputed institute]

+ [Google the terms that you encounter eg ‘Anti-Satellite’]

https://dst.gv.in/
 13. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology –
[Current Affairs] + [Mains booklet of any reputed institute]
https://dst.gv.in/

14. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology
and issues relating to intellectual property rights –
Vision IAS MAINS -365 + https://dst.gv.in/

15. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment –

[Shankar IAS Environment Book] + [Current affairs magazine]

16. Disaster and disaster management –

[2nd ARC 3rd Report – Crisis Management] + [NDMA guideline] + [Current affairs magazine]
+ [Vision IAS notes]

INTERNAL SECURITY
Google the specific issues on – https://www.orfonline.org/

Or/And

1. Linkages between development and spread of extremism –

[Vision IAS -Mains 365] + https://idsa.in/

https://www.orfonline.org/research/half-a-century-of-indias-maoist-insurgency-an-
appraisal-of-state-response-51933/

https://www.orfonline.org/topic/defence-security/internal-security/

2. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security -

[Vision IAS -Mains 365] +

https://idsa.in/

https://www.orfonline.org/topic/defence-security/internal-security/

3. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money laundering
and its prevention -

[Vision IAS -Mains 365] +

https://idsa.in/

https://www.orfonline.org/topic/defence-security/internal-security/
 4. Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with
terrorism -

[Vision IAS -Mains 365] +

https://idsa.in/

https://www.orfonline.org/topic/defence-security/internal-security/

https://www.orfonline.org/research/securing-indias-cities-remembering-2611-learning-its-
lessons-53066/?amp

5. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate –

[Vision IAS -Mains 365] +

https://idsa.in/

https://www.orfonline.org/topic/defence-security/internal-security/

[GENERAL STUDIES - IV]

1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human
actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values -
lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of
family society and educational institutions in inculcating values –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour;
moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

3. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour;
moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

4. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-
partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion
towards the weaker-sections –
 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

5. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and

governance-

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

6. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical
concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and
conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance;
strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international
relations and funding; corporate governance –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

7. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and

probity –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics,

Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of
public funds, challenges of corruption –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIH4O02DhToil3vNEXn1T_Ic4F4wPRUQ/view
[Complete notes by Balyan sir.pdf]

https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ethics-in-governance-arc-
4threport.pdf
CASE STUDIES on the above issue: -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHtSX_HuSE3QyGO78wGoo63wC2tTTaa0/view [Vision IAS
55 CASE Study with solution]
https://www.insightsonindia.com/category/case-studies/
https://www.insightsonindia.com/70-days-ethics-plan/
https://www.drishtiias.com/ethics/case-studies

S- Social P- Political E-Economic C- Cultural

I –International E – Environment

L- Legal/ Constitutional
Notes Making -
1)facts
2)causes
3)impacts
4)govt. steps
5)Solutions

QUOTES – Anudeep Blog

Mains answer – pointer from Anudeep blog

Essay - pointer from Anudeep blog

Art and culture -- GK Today revision notes.

Go though VISION IAS questions. They try to Cover major themes like sculpture, rock cut
architecture etc

ESSAY – anudeep quora .. notes sample + hand written notes+

quotes