WHAT IS THE SYLLABUS OF GS2 PAPER FOR UPSC MAINS?

 

General studies -2 includes Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations. For 250 Marks.

Detailed Syllabus and Areas of focus are given below

1. Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings , evolution, feature, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
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 there in.
3. Separation of powers between various organs , dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
4. Comparison of the Indian Constitution Scheme with that of other countries.
5. Parliament and State Legislature- structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issue arising out of these.
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.
7. Salient features of Representation of people's act.
8. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies.
9. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi judicial bodies.
10. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of  their design and implementation.
11. Development process and development of  industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations , donors, charities, institutional and other stake holders.
12. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes , mechanisms, laws, institutions, and other stake holders.
13. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of population by  the Centre and the states and the performance of these schemes, mechanisms, laws , institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
14. Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to health , education, human resources .
15. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
16. Important aspect of governance, transparency and accountability , e- governance- applications , models, successes, limitations, and potential, citizen charters , institutional and other measures.
17. Role of civil services in democracy.
18. India and it's neighborhood relations.
19. Bilateral , regional and global groupings, and agreements involving India and or / affecting India's interests.
20. Effect of politics and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
21. Important international institutions , agencies and their structure, mandate.

STRATEGY

• Use Indian polity by Laxmikanth
• Read news paper well
• Prepare Short notes 
• Collect stats 
• Prepare a good introduction and conclusion
• Study well about each area given in the syllabus.
• Mock tests, Toppers answer copy 
• Time management is very important as well as using diagrams, flow charts etc.

PYQ links are given below 

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