UPSC PLAN

PRELIMS

 POLITY
 ECONOMICS
 GEOGRAPHY + ENVIRONMENT
 ANCIENT HISTORY + ART AND CULTURE
 MODERN HISTORY
 CURRENT AFFAIRS + SCINCE AND TECH.

MAINS

 ETHICS+INTEGRITY+APTITUDE
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT
 INDIAN SOCIETY/SOCIAL ISSUE
 INTERNATIONAL RELATION
 SOCIAL JUSTICE
 INTERNAL SECURITY
 POST INDIPENDENCE
 GOVERNANCE
 WORLD HISTORY
 ESSAY

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE

 (नैतिकता, अखंडता और योग्यता)

SYLLABUS:-

IAS Syllabus for Mains GS-IV

General Studies Paper-IV is also called Paper-V of UPSC Mains. The major topics covered under it are Ethics,
Integrity and Aptitude. This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues
relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by
him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The
following broad areas will be covered:

 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.

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

 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.

 Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and

governance.

 Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

 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.

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

 Case Studies on the above issues.

 UPSC GS 2 Syllabus 2025
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International
relations.

 Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features,

amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
 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.
 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/Services
relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
 Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
 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.
 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.
Preparing for General Studies Paper 2 (GS2) of the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a
well-planned and disciplined approach. GS2 focuses on topics like governance, polity, social
justice, and international relations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to achieving top-notch
preparation:

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

 Polity: Indian Constitution, Parliamentary system, judiciary, federal structure, and governance.
 Governance: Transparency, accountability, e-governance, NGOs, SHGs, and issues in
governance.
 Social Justice: Welfare schemes, human resources, health, education, and vulnerable sections.
 International Relations: Bilateral relations, regional groupings, and global organizations.

Action: Keep a printed copy of the syllabus and use it to track your preparation. This prevents
deviation.

2. Build a Strong Foundation

Standard Books:

 Polity: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (read thoroughly for conceptual clarity).

 Governance: 2nd ARC Reports (particularly those on ethics, transparency, and governance).
 Social Justice: NCERTs, schemes from PIB, and reports like NITI Aayog documents.
 International Relations: Current Affairs and books like India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri.

Constitution Knowledge:

 Read the Constitution of India for a deeper understanding of articles and provisions.

3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

 Follow The Hindu, Indian Express, or LiveMint editorials for updates on governance,
international relations, and socio-economic issues.
 Use monthly compilations from Vision IAS, InsightsIAS, or similar platforms.
 Focus on current affairs related to schemes, policy changes, and international relations.

4. Develop Answer Writing Skills

  Practice writing structured answers, integrating facts, examples, and data.
 Use the IRAC approach (Introduction, Rule, Application, Conclusion):
o Introduction: Define or give context.
o Body: Analyze the issue with relevant provisions, challenges, and solutions.
o Conclusion: Give a balanced view or way forward.

Action: Enroll in a GS2 test series for feedback and improvement.

5. Analyze Previous Year Question Papers

 Understand the trend and type of questions asked.

 Categorize questions into direct, analytical, and current affairs-based.
 Focus on themes that are frequently repeated.

6. Make and Revise Notes

 Prepare concise, bullet-point notes for topics like:

o Important articles (e.g., Article 14, 19, 21, etc.).
o Committees (e.g., Punchhi, Sarkaria).
o Landmark judgments (e.g., Keshavananda Bharati, S.R. Bommai).
o Key international organizations (UN, WTO, etc.).

Tip: Use digital tools like Evernote or Notion to organize your notes.

7. Practice Case Studies

For governance and social justice, prepare examples and case studies on:

 Successful welfare schemes (e.g., MGNREGA, PMAY).

 Best governance practices (e.g., RTI implementation, e-governance initiatives).

8. Strengthen International Relations

 Focus on India's relations with neighboring countries, major powers, and regional organizations
like ASEAN and SAARC.
 Study key international agreements and their impact on India.

Tip: Use MEA's annual reports and websites for authentic data.
9. Use Diagrams, Flowcharts, and Maps

 Polity: Draw organizational charts of government structures.

 IR: Use maps to explain boundary disputes, trade routes, etc.
 Governance: Showcase schemes with flowcharts for clarity.

10. Time Management

 Allocate specific hours weekly for GS2, ensuring a balance with other GS papers.
 Revise regularly—dedicate one day a week to revision.

11. Test Yourself

 Attempt UPSC-level mock tests regularly.

 Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and refine your strategy.

12. Mental Preparation

 Stay consistent and manage stress through breaks, meditation, or physical activity.
 Avoid distractions and focus on gradual, sustained improvement.

By diligently following this roadmap, staying disciplined, and practicing extensively, you can
aim for a high score in GS2 and strengthen your overall selection chances in UPSC.

Optional strategy
Preparing Public Administration (Pub Ad) as an optional for the UPSC Civil Services
Examination requires a structured approach, as it is one of the most popular optional subjects but
also requires conceptual clarity and application skills. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare
effectively:
1. Understand the Syllabus

 The syllabus of Public Administration is concise but conceptual. Familiarize yourself

with both Paper I (Administrative theory) and Paper II (Indian Administration).

Paper I:

o Theoretical concepts, administrative thinkers, and comparative administration.

Paper II:

o Indian administrative structure, governance, financial management, and recent issues.

Key Tip: Keep the syllabus handy and revise it regularly. Break it into sections for better
understanding.

2. Select Standard Books and Study Material

Here’s a list of recommended books and resources:

For Paper I (Administrative Theory)

1. "Administrative Thinkers" by Prasad and Prasad:

o Covers all major administrative thinkers like Weber, Taylor, Fayol, Simon, etc.
2. "New Horizons of Public Administration" by Mohit Bhattacharya:
o A must-read for conceptual clarity and dynamic understanding.
3. "Public Administration" by Laxmikanth:
o Simplified concepts and beginner-friendly.
4. "Public Administration Theory and Concepts" by Rumki Basu:
o Detailed book for advanced understanding.

For Paper II (Indian Administration)

1. "Indian Administration" by Rajni Goyal and Ramesh Arora:

o Comprehensive coverage of Indian administrative structure.
2. "Public Administration in India" by S.R. Maheshwari:
o Good for historical and institutional aspects.
3. ARC (Administrative Reforms Commission) Reports:
o Use the 2nd ARC for topics like governance, ethics, and reforms.

Other Resources:

 Yojana/Kurukshetra Magazines: For current issues related to governance and administration.

 Economic Survey: Relevant for governance, financial administration, and social justice.
 The Hindu/Indian Express: Regularly read editorials for examples and contemporary issues.
3. Create a Preparation Strategy

1. Start with Basics:

o Begin with Paper I, focusing on administrative theories and thinkers.

o Relate the concepts with examples from Paper II to ensure understanding.

2. Integrate Paper I and Paper II:

o Many topics are interconnected. For instance, "Accountability" in Paper I can be linked
to "RTI Act" in Paper II.

3. Focus on Thinkers:

o Thinkers are the backbone of Paper I. Understand their theories and apply them to case
studies in Paper II.
o Use flowcharts and diagrams to summarize their ideas.

4. Update with Current Affairs:

o Connect theories to contemporary governance issues. Example: Link Max Weber’s

bureaucracy to the Indian civil services reforms.

5. Practice Diagrams and Flowcharts:

o Use diagrams to represent administrative structures, theories, and comparisons.

6. Solve Previous Year Question Papers:

o Analyze the trend of questions and identify important topics.

o Try to write concise and structured answers.

4. Focus on Answer Writing

Public Administration requires you to:

1. Be Precise:

o Write answers that are to the point and structured (Introduction-Body-Conclusion

format).

2. Use Administrative Jargon:

 o Incorporate terms like "span of control," "delegation," "accountability," etc.

3. Incorporate Thinkers in Answers:

o Use relevant thinkers in both Paper I and Paper II answers to make them impactful.

4. Relate Theory to Practice:

o For Paper II, provide real-world examples from Indian administration to substantiate
your points.
o Example: When writing about "Disaster Management," mention the NDMA (National
Disaster Management Authority).

5. Time Management:

o Practice writing within the word limit and allocate time for all questions in the exam.

5. Use Additional Resources

1. ARC Reports:

o Focus on specific reports like:

 Ethics in Governance for Paper I and II.
 Disaster Management for Paper II.
 Citizen-Centric Governance for both papers.

2. Government Documents:

o Refer to the Budget, Economic Survey, and NITI Aayog reports for recent reforms and
data.

3. Mock Tests:

o Enroll in a good test series for regular evaluation and feedback.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overloading with Books:

o Stick to a few reliable resources instead of referring to multiple sources.
2. Neglecting Paper II:
o Focus equally on Indian Administration and link it with Paper I concepts.
3. Ignoring Current Affairs:
 o Many questions in Paper II are dynamic and require an understanding of current
developments.
4. Lack of Practice:
o Regular answer writing is essential for conceptual clarity and exam readiness.

7. Daily Plan

1. Morning:
o Read and revise a topic from Paper I (e.g., Administrative Thinkers).
2. Afternoon:
o Study a corresponding topic from Paper II (e.g., Civil Services in India).
3. Evening:
o Write one answer each from Paper I and Paper II.
o Read newspapers/editorials for case studies and examples.

8. Use Case Studies and Examples

Case studies are critical in Public Administration. Prepare examples from:

1. Governance Models:
o The success of Kerala in health administration or the Gujarat model of disaster
management.
2. Reforms:
o Use administrative reforms like e-governance initiatives (Aadhaar, DBT).
3. Personal Insights:
o Incorporate hypothetical scenarios and analyze using administrative theories.

9. Revision Strategy

1. Revise the syllabus multiple times.

2. Use notes for quick revision.
3. Practice summarizing theories and concepts in one-liners.

10. Motivation and Persistence

Public Administration demands consistency. Stay motivated, focus on conceptual clarity, and
connect theories with real-life examples to make your answers stand out.
By following this plan, you can excel in Public Administration optional and make it your strong
suit in the UPSC examination.

SYLLABUS FOR PUB AD.

PAPER-I
PAPER-II
 POLITY FOR PRELIMS
The Polity syllabus for UPSC Prelims is derived from the broader topic of Indian Polity and
Governance as mentioned in the UPSC notification. Below is the detailed breakdown of the
polity syllabus and important topics for UPSC Prelims:

Polity Syllabus for Prelims

As per the UPSC notification:

 "Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy,
Rights Issues, etc."

Detailed Topic-Wise Breakdown

1. Constitution of India

 Historical Background:
o Indian Councils Act, Government of India Acts (1919 and 1935).
o Regulating Act, Charter Acts, and their significance.
 Making of the Constitution:
o Constituent Assembly, its composition, and working.
o Key Committees (e.g., Drafting Committee).
 Preamble:
o Features, significance, and objectives.
 Fundamental Rights (Part III):
o Articles 12-35, scope, and judicial interpretations.
o Key SC judgments (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati, Golak Nath).
 Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
o Types, relation to Fundamental Rights, and implementation.
 Fundamental Duties:
o List, importance, and legal enforceability.
 Amendments:
o Procedure, important amendments (e.g., 42nd, 44th, 73rd, and 74th).
 Schedules:
o Overview of the 12 Schedules.
2. Union and State Government

 President and Vice President:

o Election, powers, and functions.
 Prime Minister and Council of Ministers:
o Role, powers, and collective responsibility.
 Parliament:
o Structure, functioning, powers, privileges, and procedures.
o Types of bills: Ordinary, Money, Financial, Constitutional.
 Judiciary:
o Supreme Court, High Courts, and Subordinate Courts.
o Judicial review, judicial activism, and Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
 Governors:
o Powers, role, and relation with Chief Minister.
 State Legislature:
o Structure and functioning.
 Chief Minister and Council of Ministers:
o Role and powers.

3. Federalism and Center-State Relations

 Division of powers (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists).

 Interstate relations:
o Interstate councils, river water disputes, Zonal councils.
 Special provisions for states (e.g., Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370—before abrogation).
 Role of the Finance Commission.

4. Local Governance

 Panchayati Raj Institutions:

o 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (Gram Panchayats).
 Urban Local Bodies:
o 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (Municipalities).
 Functions and significance of local governance.

5. Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies

 Constitutional Bodies:
o Election Commission, UPSC, State PSCs.
o Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
o Finance Commission, National Commission for SCs/STs.
 o Attorney General and Advocate General.
 Non-Constitutional Bodies:
o NITI Aayog, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Central Information
Commission (CIC), Lokpal and Lokayuktas.

6. Political System

 Features of Parliamentary and Federal systems.

 Comparison of Presidential and Parliamentary systems.
 Political parties: National and regional.
 Coalition politics.

7. Elections and Representation

 Electoral process in India.

 Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1950 and 1951.
 Anti-defection law.
 Role of Election Commission of India.

8. Public Policy and Governance

 Rights-based legislations (e.g., RTI Act, RTE Act, MNREGA).

 Issues in governance, transparency, and accountability.
 E-Governance initiatives and their impact.

9. Rights Issues

 Protection of vulnerable sections (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities).

 Constitutional safeguards for women, children, and disabled persons.
 Policies for socio-economic development.

Key Books for Polity Preparation

1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (most recommended for UPSC).

2. NCERT Books:
o Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work.
o Class 9-10: Democratic Politics I & II.
 3. Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu (optional but insightful).
4. Relevant government documents (e.g., Constitution of India, ARC reports).

Preparation Tips for Polity in Prelims

1. Understand Concepts:

o Focus on conceptual clarity, particularly the Constitution’s provisions and their practical
application.

2. PYQs:

o Analyze previous year questions to identify focus areas.

3. Link Static and Current Affairs:

o Relate current events (e.g., recent SC judgments, amendments, or legislative debates) to

static polity topics.

4. Revision:

o Polity is highly factual, so frequent revision is essential.

5. Mock Tests:

o Solve polity-specific and full-length mock tests to improve accuracy and understanding.

By covering these topics comprehensively, you can secure a strong grip on Indian Polity, which
constitutes a significant portion of the UPSC Prelims exam.