General Studies-II (250 Marks / 3 Hours)

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(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.