UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus
The General Studies Paper 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination evaluates candidates’ understanding of governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. This syllabus covers various aspects, including the Indian Constitution, its historical background, features, and amendments. It explores topics such as the functioning of the government, separation of powers, transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Additionally, it examines social justice, focusing on poverty, hunger, and the welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of society. The syllabus also encompasses India’s relations with neighboring countries, international institutions, and the Indian diaspora. Understanding this syllabus equips candidates with the knowledge necessary for effective governance and engagement in domestic and global affairs.
For detailed trend analysis and topic-wise questions of GS2 Paper click here
General Studies 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Polity
- 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.
Governance
- 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.
- 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.
Social Justice
- 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.
International Relations
- 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.
It is important to note that the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is vast, and candidates are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the topics mentioned above. In addition to the syllabus, candidates should also focus on current affairs and develop critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively answer questions in the GS2 paper.
