UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper 2 (GS 2) is an important component of the Mains examination. GS 2 mainly covers topics related to governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. Here's a detailed syllabus for GS 2:
Syllabus for UPSC CSE GS 2 :
1. Governance, Constitution, Polity
- Indian Constitution :
1) Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
- Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States:
1) Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels, and challenges therein.
- Separation of Powers:
1) Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
- Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
- Parliament and State Legislatures:
1) Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges, and issues arising out of these.
- Executive and the Judiciary:
1) Structure, organization, functioning, 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:
1) Powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
- Statutory, Regulatory, and Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies.
2) Governance :
- Government Policies and Interventions:
1) For development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
- Development Processes and the Development Industry:
1) The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the Population:
1) 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:
1) Relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger.
3) Social Justice :
- Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency, and Accountability:
1) E-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.
- Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
4) 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:
1) Indian Diaspora.
- Important International Institutions, Agencies, and Fora:
1) Their structure, mandate.
Preparation Tips for GS 2 :
1) Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly:
- Go through the syllabus in detail and understand what each topic demands.
2) Read Standard Books:
- For Polity: "Indian Polity" is considered a standard book.
- For Governance: ARC reports and relevant government publications.
3) Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
- Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and follow reliable news sources for updates on government policies, international relations, and other relevant topics.
4) Practice Answer Writing:
- Join test series or practice previous year question papers to improve your writing skills and time management.
5) Revise Regularly:
- Make concise notes and revise them frequently to retain information.
6) Utilize Government Sources:
- Read PIB releases, Yojana, Kurukshetra, and other government publications for authentic information and analysis.
Best UPSC Mains General Studies-2 Books for 2024 Exam Preparation
