C.

Interview/Personality Test
The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of the
candidate’s career. The candidate will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The
object of the Interview/Personality Test is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a
career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The
Interview/Personality Test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms
this is really an assessment of not only intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in
current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of
assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest,
ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

2. The technique of the Interview/Personality Test is not that of a strict cross-examination but
of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental
qualities of the candidate.3. The Interview/Personality Test is not intended to be a test either of
the specialized or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through
their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their
special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both
within and outside their own State or Country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new
discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well-educated youth.

SECTION III: SYLLABI FOR THE EXAMINATION

Note: Candidates are advised to go through the Syllabus published in this Section for the
Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination, as periodic revision of syllabus has been done
in several subjects.
Part A—Preliminary Examination
Paper I ‐ (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
 Current events of national and international importance.
 History of India and Indian National Movement.
 Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the
World.
 Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy,
Rights Issues, etc.
 Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion,
Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
 General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not
require subject specialization.
 General Science.
Paper II‐(200 marks) Duration : Two hours
 Comprehension;
 Interpersonal skills including communication skills;

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
  Logical reasoning and analytical ability;
 Decision making and problem solving;
 General mental ability;
 Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data
interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level);
Note 1 : Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with
minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.
Note 2 : The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.
Note 3 : It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim)
Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in
case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.
Part B—Main Examination
The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of
understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory.

The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will
be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study.
The questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which
will have relevance for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidate’s
basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting
socio-economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and
succinct answers.

The scope of the syllabus for optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) for the
examination is broadly of the honours degree 1evel i.e. a level higher than the bachelors’ degree
and lower than the masters’ degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical Science and law, the level
corresponds to the bachelors’ degree.

Syllabi of the papers included in the scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination are given as
follows :—
QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH
The aim of the paper is to test the candidates' ability to read and understand serious
discursive prose, and to express ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian language
concerned.
The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows :
(i) Comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Precis Writing.
(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.
Indian Languages :—

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
(i) comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Precis Writing.
(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.
(v) Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.
Note 1 : The papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent
standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be
counted for ranking.
Note 2 : The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English
and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).
PAPER‐I
Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to
keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write
concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
PAPER‐II
General Studies‐I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society.
 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present-
significant events, personalities, issues.
 The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from
different parts of the country.
 Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
 History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution,
world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political
philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
 Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
 Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
 Effects of globalization on Indian society.
 Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
 Salient features of world’s physical geography.
 Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India).
 Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
 etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
PAPER‐III
General Studies‐ II: 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

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
 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.

PAPER‐IV
General Studies‐III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment,
Security and Disaster Management
 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth,
development and employment.
 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
 Government Budgeting.
 Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation
and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and
related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
 Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and
food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
 Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream
and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
 Land reforms in India.
 Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth.
 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
 Investment models.
 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
 Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology.
 Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
 Disaster and disaster management.
 Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
 Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering
and its prevention.

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
  Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with
terrorism.
 Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
PAPER‐V
General Studies‐ IV: 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 utilise 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 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 above issues.
PAPER‐VI & PAPER VII
Optional Subject Papers I & II
Candidate may choose any optional subject from amongst the List of Optional Subjects given
in Para 2.
AGRICULTURE
PAPER‐I
Ecology and its relevance to man, natural resources, their sustainable management and
conservation. Physical and social environment as factors of crop distribution and production. Agro

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
 9. Psychological problem of social integration :
The concept of social integration. The problem of caste, class, religion and language conflicts
and prejudice. Nature and manifestation of prejudice between the ingroup and outgroup. Casual
factors of such conflicts and prejudices. Psychological strategies for handling the conflicts and
prejudices. Measures to achieve social integration.
10. Application of Psychology in Information Technology and Mass Media :
The present scenario of information technology and the mass media boom and the role of
psychologists. Selection and training of Psychology professionals to work in the field of IT and
mass media. Distance learning through IT and mass media. Entrepreneurship through e-commerce.
Multilevel marketing. Impact of TV and fostering value through IT and mass media. Psychological
consequences of recent developments in Information Technology.
11. Psychology and Economic development :
Achievement motivation and economic development. Characteristics of entrepreneurial
behaviour. Motivating and Training people for entrepreneurship and economic development;
Consumer rights and consumer awareness, Government policies for promotion of
entrepreneurship among youth including women entreprenures.
12. Application of Psychology to environment and related fields :
Environmental Psychology effects of noise, pollution and crowding. Population Psychology :
Psychological consequence of population explosion and high population density. Motivating for
small family norms. Impact of rapid scientific and technological growth on degradation of
environment.
13. Application of psychology in other fields :
(a) Military Psychology
Devising psycological tests for defence personnel for use in selection, Training,
counseling; training psychologists to work , with defence personnel in promoting positive health;
Human engineering in defence.
(b) Sports Psychology
Psychological interventions in improving performance of athletes and sports. Persons
participating in Individual and Team Games.
(c) Media influences on pro and anti‐social behaviour.
(d) Psychology of Terrorism.
14. Psychology of Gender :
Issues of discrimination, Management of diversity; Glass ceiling effect, Self-fulfilling prophesy,
Women and Indian society.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
PAPER‐I
Administration Theory
1. Introduction :

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 Meaning, scope and significance of Public Administration, Wilson’s vision of Public
Administration, Evolution of the discipline and its present status. New Public Administration,
Public Choice approach; Challenges of liberalization, Privatisation, Globalisation; Good Governance:
concept and application; New Public Management.
2. Administrative Thought :
Scientific Management and Scientific Management movement; Classical Theory; Weber’s
bureaucratic model its critique and post-Weberian Developments; Dynamic Administration (Mary
Parker Follett); Human Relations School (Elton Mayo and others); Functions of the Executive (C.I.
Barnard); Simon’s decision-making theory; Participative Management (R. Likert, C. Argyris, D.
McGregor.)
3. Administrative Behaviour :
Process and techniques of decision-making; Communication; Morale; Motivation Theories
content, process and contemporary; Theories of Leadership: Traditional and Modem:
4. Organisations :
Theories systems, contingency; Structure and forms: Ministries and Departments,
Corporations, Companies; Boards and Commissions; Ad hoc, and advisory bodies; Headquarters
and Field relationships; Regulatory Authorities; Public-Private Partnerships.
5. Accountability and Control :
Concepts of accountability and control; Legislative, Executive and judicial control over
administration; Citizen and Administration; Role of media, interest groups, voluntary
organizations; Civil society; Citizen’s Charters; Right to Information; Social audit.
6. Administrative Law :
Meaning, scope and significance; Dicey on Administrative law; Delegated legislation;
Administrative Tribunals.
7. Comparative Public Administration :
Historical and sociological factors affecting administrative systems; Administration and
politics in different countries; Current status of Comparative Public Administration; Ecology and
administration; Riggsian models and their
critique.
8. Development Dynamics :
Concept of development; Changing profile of development administration; ‘Anti-development
thesis’; Bureaucracy and development; Strong state versus the market debate; Impact of
liberalisation on administration in developing countries; Women and development the self-help
group movement.
9. Personnel Administration :
Importance of human resource development; Recruitment, training, career advancement,
position classification, discipline, performance appraisal, promotion, pray and service conditions;
employer-employee relations, grievance redressal mechanism; Code of conduct; Administrative
ethics.

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
10. Public Policy :
Models of policy-making and their critique; Processes of conceptualisation, planning,
implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review and their limitations; State theories and public
policy formulation.
11. Techniques of Adminstrative Improvement :
Organisation and methods, Work study and work management; e-governance and
information technology; Management aid tools like network analysis, MIS, PERT, CPM.
12. Financial Administration :
Monetary and fiscal policies: Public borrowings and public debt Budgets types and forms;
Budgetary process; Financial accountability; Accounts and audit.
PAPER‐II
Indian Administration
1. Evolution of Indian Administration :
Kautilya Arthashastra; Mughal administration; Legacy of British rule in politics and
administration Indianization of Public services, revenue administration, district Administration,
local self Government. .
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of
Government :
Salient features and value premises; Constitutionalism; Political culture; Bureaucracy and
democracy; Bureaucracy and development.
3. Public Sector Undertakings :
Public sector in modern India; Forms of Public Sector Undertakings; Problems of autonomy,
accountability and control; Impact of liberalization and privatization.
4. Union Government and Administration :
Executive, Parliament, Judiciary-structure, functions, work processes; Recent trends;
Intra-governmental relations; Cabinet Secretariat; Prime Minister’s Office; Central Secretariat;
Ministries and Departments; Boards; Commissions;
Attached offices; Field organizations.
5. Plans and Priorities :
Machinery of planning; Role, composition and functions of the Planning Commission and the
National Development Council; ‘Indicative’ planning; Process of plan formulation at Union and
State levels; Constitutional Amendments (1992) and decentralized planning for economic
development and social justice.
6. State Government and Administration :
Union-State administrative, legislative and financial relations; Role of the Finance Commission;
Governor; Chief Minister; Council of Ministers; Chief Secretary; State Secretariat; Directorates.
7. District Administration since Independence :

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 Changing role of the Collector; Union-State-local relations; Imperatives of development
management and law and order administration; District administration and democratic
decentralization.
8. Civil Services :
Constitutional position; Structure, recruitment, training and capacity building; Good
governance initiatives; Code of conduct and discipline; Staff associations; Political rights;
Grievance redressal mechanism; Civil service neutrality; Civil service activism.
9. Financial Management :
Budget as a political instrument; Parliamentary control of public expenditure; Role of finance
ministry in monetary and fiscal area; Accounting techniques; Audit; Role of Controller General of
Accounts and Comptroller and Auditor
General of India.
10. Administrative Reforms since Independence :
Major concerns; Important Committees and Commissions; Reforms in financial management
and human resource development; Problems of implementation.
11. Rural Development :
Institutions and agencies since Independence; Rural development programmes: foci and
strategies; Decentralization and Panchayati Raj; 73rd Constitutional amendment.
12. Urban Local Government :
Municipal governance: main features, structures, finance and problem areas; 74th
Constitutional Amendment; Global-local debate; New localism; Development dynamics, politics
and administration with special reference to city
management.
13. Law and Order Administration:
British legacy; National Police Commission; Investigative agencies; Role of Central and State
Agencies including para military forces in maintenance of law and order and countering
insurgency and terrorism; Criminalisation of politics and administration; Police-public relations;
Reforms in Police.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration:
Values in public service; Regulatory Commissions; National Human Rights Commission;
Problems of administration in coalition regimes; Citizen administration interface; Corruption and
administration; Disaster management.
SOCIOLOGY
PAPER– I
FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIOLOGY
1. Sociology ‐ The Discipline:
(a) Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of Sociology.
(b) Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.