UPSC Deep Syllabus & Strategy
Expert Breakdown, Micro-Topics, Booklists & Revision Notes.
History & Culture
Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Art (15-20 Questions)
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📚 Detailed Resources & Strategy
Booklist:
- Ancient: Old NCERT (RS Sharma) – Read Ch 10-18.
- Medieval: Old NCERT (Satish Chandra) – Mughal Admin only.
- Modern: ‘Spectrum’ by Rajiv Ahir.
- Art: Nitin Singhania (Architecture, Painting, UNESCO).
Strategic Focus:
- Chronology: Events from 1857 to 1947.
- Keywords: Vishti, Eripatti, Taniyurs.
- Philosophy: Buddhism & Jainism.
Ancient India
Pre-History & IVC
• Stone Age: Paleolithic, Neolithic (Burzahom).
• Indus Valley: Town Planning, Seals, Dholavira (Water), Lothal (Dock).
• Indus Valley: Town Planning, Seals, Dholavira (Water), Lothal (Dock).
Buddhism & Jainism
• Buddhism: 4 Councils, Pitakas, Mahayana/Hinayana.
• Jainism: Triratna, Digambara vs Shvetambara.
• Jainism: Triratna, Digambara vs Shvetambara.
Modern India
1857 to 1905
• Revolt: Leaders (Nana Saheb, Rani Laxmibai).
• Reformers: Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj.
• Tribal: Santhal, Munda, Indigo.
• Reformers: Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj.
• Tribal: Santhal, Munda, Indigo.
Freedom Struggle
• Gandhian Era: Champaran, NCM, CDM, Quit India.
• Revolutionary: Bhagat Singh, HRA, Chittagong Raid.
• Revolutionary: Bhagat Singh, HRA, Chittagong Raid.
Geography & Environment
Physical, Mapping & Ecology Laws
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📚 Detailed Resources & Strategy
Booklist:
- Fundamentals: NCERT Class 11 (Physical Geo).
- Indian Geo: NCERT Class 11 (India Physical).
- Mapping: Oxford Student Atlas.
- Environment: Shankar IAS / PMF IAS.
Strategic Focus:
- Map Work: Locations in News (Red Sea, Ukraine).
- Concepts: Cyclones, Monsoon Mechanism.
- Environment: National Parks, Red List Species.
Physical Geography
Geomorphology
• Interior: Crust, Mantle, Core.
• Tectonics: Continental Drift, Plate Tectonics.
• Processes: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Rock Cycle.
• Tectonics: Continental Drift, Plate Tectonics.
• Processes: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Rock Cycle.
Climatology
• Structure: Troposphere, Stratosphere.
• Winds: Trade Winds, Westerlies, Jet Streams.
• Cyclones: Tropical vs Temperate.
• Winds: Trade Winds, Westerlies, Jet Streams.
• Cyclones: Tropical vs Temperate.
Environment (Critical)
Ecology
• Basics: Ecotone, Niche, Food Web.
• Conservation: National Parks, Biosphere Reserves.
• Conservation: National Parks, Biosphere Reserves.
Acts & Conventions
• Legislation: WPA 1972, EPA 1986.
• International: UNFCCC, Kyoto, Paris Agreement.
• International: UNFCCC, Kyoto, Paris Agreement.
Polity & Constitution
Schedules, Writs, Motions & Committees
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📚 Detailed Resources & Strategy
Booklist:
- The Bible: M. Laxmikanth (Indian Polity).
- Base: NCERT Class 11 (Constitution).
- Reference: Bare Act (PM Bakshi).
Strategic Focus:
- Memorize: FR (12-35), DPSP (36-51), FD (51A).
- Compare: President vs Governor, SC vs HC.
- Exceptions: Focus on “Provided that…” clauses.
Constitutional Framework
Preamble & Rights
• Preamble: Keywords, 42nd Amendment.
• FR (Art 12-35): Equality, Freedom, Writs (Art 32).
• DPSP: Socialist, Gandhian principles.
• FR (Art 12-35): Equality, Freedom, Writs (Art 32).
• DPSP: Socialist, Gandhian principles.
Amendments
• Art 368: Types of majority.
• Basic Structure: Keshavananda Bharati Case.
• Key Amendments: 42nd, 44th, 73rd, GST (101st).
• Basic Structure: Keshavananda Bharati Case.
• Key Amendments: 42nd, 44th, 73rd, GST (101st).
System of Government
Parliament
• Houses: Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha.
• Process: Zero Hour, No-Confidence Motion.
• Bills: Money Bill vs Ordinary Bill.
• Process: Zero Hour, No-Confidence Motion.
• Bills: Money Bill vs Ordinary Bill.
Federalism
• Emergency: National (352), State (356).
• Centre-State: 7th Schedule Lists.
• Centre-State: 7th Schedule Lists.
Indian Economy
Concepts, Banking, Budget & Schemes
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📚 Detailed Resources & Strategy
Booklist:
- Concepts: Mrunal Patel / Sriram IAS.
- Book: Ramesh Singh (Selective).
- Current: Budget & Eco Survey Summary.
Strategic Focus:
- Logic: Understand Repo Rate vs Inflation link.
- Trends: Fiscal Deficit trends (Last 5 years).
- Schemes: Ministry, Eligibility, Funding pattern.
Macro Concepts
National Income
• Metrics: GDP, GNP, Real vs Nominal.
• Inflation: CPI vs WPI, Core Inflation.
• Inflation: CPI vs WPI, Core Inflation.
Banking
• RBI: MPC, Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR.
• Banking: NPA, Basel Norms, UPI.
• Banking: NPA, Basel Norms, UPI.
Fiscal & External
Budget
• Deficits: Fiscal, Revenue, Primary.
• Taxation: GST, Cess vs Surcharge.
• Taxation: GST, Cess vs Surcharge.
BoP & Trade
• BoP: Current vs Capital Account.
• Forex: Components, NEER vs REER.
• Forex: Components, NEER vs REER.
Science & Technology
Orbits, Missiles, Diseases & IT
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📚 Detailed Resources & Strategy
Resources:
- Basics: NCERT 6-10 (Science).
- Bio: NCERT 12th (Biotech units).
- Current: The Hindu (Sunday Science Page).
Strategic Focus:
- Applications: AI, Nano-tech, CRISPR uses.
- Space: PSLV vs GSLV, Mars/Moon Missions.
- Health: Vaccines (mRNA), Diseases (Vectors).
Tech Themes
Space
• Orbits (LEO, GEO). Launch Vehicles. Missions (Chandrayaan).
Biotech
• CRISPR-Cas9, GM Crops, Stem Cells, Cloning.
IT & Emerging
• 5G, AI, Blockchain, Quantum Computing.
CSAT (Paper II)
Qualifying (66 Marks Required)
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📚 Detailed Resources & Strategy
Resources:
- PYQs: Last 10 Years Papers (Crucial).
- Book: RS Aggarwal / Arihant.
Strategy:
- Aim for 90+ marks.
- Master Number System & Percentage.
- Practice Reading Comprehension elimination.
Topics
Math
• Number System, HCF/LCM, Percentage, Profit/Loss, Time & Work.
Reasoning
• Syllogism, Blood Relations, Directions, Series.
RC
• Inference, Assumption, Critical Reasoning.
UPSC Mains Master Syllabus
Comprehensive Breakdown for Essay, GS I, II, III & IV (Ethics)
Paper I: Essay
250 Marks | 2 Essays (125 Each)
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Approach:
- Section A (Philosophical): Requires abstract thinking. Use anecdotes, quotes, and multi-dimensional analysis (Individual, Societal, National, Global).
- Section B (General): Often revolves around Education, Women, Health, or Democracy. Use concrete data and Govt schemes.
- Structure: Intro (Anecdote/Quote) → Body (PESTLE Analysis) → Antithesis → Way Forward → Conclusion.
Resources:
- Reading: Editorials (The Hindu/Express).
- Book: ‘151 Essays’ by Arihant (for basics).
- Value Add: Collect 50 good quotes and 20 real-life anecdotes.
GS Paper I: Heritage, History & Geography
Indian Culture, Modern History, Society & Physical Geo
View Deep Syllabus ▼
Mains Sources:
- Art & Culture: Nitin Singhania. Focus on Temple Architecture, Paintings, and Literature.
- Modern History: Spectrum + Bipin Chandra (India’s Struggle for Independence).
- World History: Norman Lowe (Selected Chapters) or VisionIAS Notes.
- Society: NCERT Class 12 (Indian Society) + Current Affairs (Communalism/Regionalism).
- Geography: NCERT 11th & 12th + G.C. Leong (Climate).
Answer Writing Tips:
- Geography: Draw maps in every single answer (India/World).
- Society: Use data (Census/NFHS) to substantiate arguments on women/poverty.
- History: Connect past events to present relevance (e.g., Gandhian ethics today).
History & Culture
Indian Heritage & Culture
• Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from Ancient to Modern times.
• Focus: Temple styles (Nagara/Dravida), Cave architecture, Classical Dances, Bhakti/Sufi movement impacts.
• Focus: Temple styles (Nagara/Dravida), Cave architecture, Classical Dances, Bhakti/Sufi movement impacts.
Modern Indian History
• Events from mid-18th century to present.
• The Freedom Struggle: Stages, Contributors (Gandhi, Bose, Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh).
• Post-Independence Consolidation: Reorganization of states, Language issue, Wars (1962, 65, 71).
• The Freedom Struggle: Stages, Contributors (Gandhi, Bose, Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh).
• Post-Independence Consolidation: Reorganization of states, Language issue, Wars (1962, 65, 71).
World History
• Industrial Revolution.
• World Wars (Causes & Impact).
• Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization & Decolonization.
• Political Philosophies: Communism, Capitalism, Socialism (Forms & Effect).
• World Wars (Causes & Impact).
• Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization & Decolonization.
• Political Philosophies: Communism, Capitalism, Socialism (Forms & Effect).
Indian Society
Social Issues
• Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
• Role of Women & Women’s Organizations.
• Population and associated issues, Poverty and Developmental issues.
• Urbanization: Problems and remedies (Slums, Smart Cities).
• Role of Women & Women’s Organizations.
• Population and associated issues, Poverty and Developmental issues.
• Urbanization: Problems and remedies (Slums, Smart Cities).
Social Dynamics
• Effects of Globalization on Indian society (Family structure, Culture).
• Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
• Focus: Current debates on UCC, Reservation, Caste Census.
• Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
• Focus: Current debates on UCC, Reservation, Caste Census.
Geography
Physical Geography
• Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.
• Geophysical phenomena: Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclones.
• Changes in critical geographical features (Water-bodies, Ice-caps) and Flora/Fauna.
• Geophysical phenomena: Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclones.
• Changes in critical geographical features (Water-bodies, Ice-caps) and Flora/Fauna.
Resource Distribution
• Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia).
• Factors responsible for location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries (Iron & Steel, Cotton, IT).
• Focus: Why industries move? (e.g., Sugar industry shifting South).
• Factors responsible for location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries (Iron & Steel, Cotton, IT).
• Focus: Why industries move? (e.g., Sugar industry shifting South).
GS Paper II: Polity & Governance
Constitution, Social Justice & International Relations
View Deep Syllabus ▼
Mains Sources:
- Polity: Laxmikanth (Static) + The Hindu (Dynamic). Focus on “Issues” not just “Articles”.
- Governance: VisionIAS Value Added Material (Citizen Charter, E-Gov).
- IR: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) website + Monthly Current Affairs Magazines.
- Social Justice: Govt Schemes (Year Book) + NITI Aayog Reports.
Answer Writing Tips:
- Cite Articles: Always mention Art 14, 19, 21, 32 etc.
- SC Judgments: Quote Keshavananda Bharati, Puttaswamy (Privacy), Indira Sawhney cases.
- Committees: Mention ARC Reports, Punchhi Commission, Sarkaria Commission recommendations.
Constitution & Polity
Indian Constitution
• Historical underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure.
• Separation of Powers, Dispute Redressal Mechanisms.
• Comparison of Indian Constitutional scheme with other countries (UK, USA).
• Separation of Powers, Dispute Redressal Mechanisms.
• Comparison of Indian Constitutional scheme with other countries (UK, USA).
Functions of Union & States
• Responsibilities of Union and States.
• Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure (Governor’s role, GST compensation).
• Devolution of powers and finances to local levels (Panchayats).
• Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure (Governor’s role, GST compensation).
• Devolution of powers and finances to local levels (Panchayats).
Organs of Government
• Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges.
• Executive and Judiciary: Ministries, Pressure Groups.
• Representation of People’s Act (RPA).
• Executive and Judiciary: Ministries, Pressure Groups.
• Representation of People’s Act (RPA).
Constitutional Bodies
• Appointment, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies (ECI, UPSC, CAG, NCSC).
• Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies (NHRC, NGT, CVC).
• Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies (NHRC, NGT, CVC).
Governance & Social Justice
Governance
• Government policies and interventions for development.
• Role of NGOs, SHGs, donors, charities, and institutional stakeholders.
• E-Governance: Applications, models, successes, limitations.
• Citizen’s Charters, Transparency & Accountability (RTI).
• Role of NGOs, SHGs, donors, charities, and institutional stakeholders.
• E-Governance: Applications, models, successes, limitations.
• Citizen’s Charters, Transparency & Accountability (RTI).
Social Justice
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections (Women, Children, SC/ST, Elderly).
• Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
• Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
• Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
• Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
International Relations (IR)
India & Neighborhood
• Relations with neighbors (China border, Pakistan terror, Nepal hydro, Sri Lanka debt, Bangladesh).
• “Neighborhood First” policy.
• “Neighborhood First” policy.
Global Groupings
• Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India (Quad, BRICS, SCO, G20, ASEAN).
• Effect of policies of developed countries on India (H1B Visa, Oil prices).
• Indian Diaspora. International Institutions (UN, WTO, IMF).
• Effect of policies of developed countries on India (H1B Visa, Oil prices).
• Indian Diaspora. International Institutions (UN, WTO, IMF).
GS Paper III: Economy, Tech & Security
Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Security & Disaster
View Deep Syllabus ▼
Mains Sources:
- Economy: Mains 365 (Vision) + Budget & Economic Survey Summary.
- Environment: PMF IAS + Current Affairs (Climate Summits).
- Security: ‘Challenges to Internal Security’ by Ashok Kumar (IPS).
- Disaster Mgmt: NDMA Guidelines (Specific guidelines for Flood, Earthquake).
Answer Writing Tips:
- Data Heavy: Use data for Economy (GDP, Inflation stats).
- Flowcharts: Essential for Supply Chain, Cyber Security, and Disaster cycles.
- Keywords: Use terms like “Lone Wolf Attack,” “Indigenization,” “Inclusive Growth.”
Economic Development
Indian Economy
• Planning, Mobilization of resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting (Gender budgeting, Zero-based).
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting (Gender budgeting, Zero-based).
Agriculture
• Major crops, Cropping patterns, Irrigation systems.
• Transport and marketing of agricultural produce.
• E-technology in the aid of farmers.
• Farm Subsidies, MSP, PDS (Public Distribution System), Buffer stocks, Food Security.
• Food processing industries (Supply chain management).
• Transport and marketing of agricultural produce.
• E-technology in the aid of farmers.
• Farm Subsidies, MSP, PDS (Public Distribution System), Buffer stocks, Food Security.
• Food processing industries (Supply chain management).
Industry & Reforms
• Land reforms in India.
• Effects of liberalization on the economy.
• Changes in industrial policy.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways.
• Investment models (PPP, BOT, EPC, HAM).
• Effects of liberalization on the economy.
• Changes in industrial policy.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways.
• Investment models (PPP, BOT, EPC, HAM).
Science, Tech & Environment
Science & Technology
• Developments and their applications in everyday life.
• Achievements of Indians in S&T.
• Indigenization of technology.
• Awareness in: IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-tech, IPR issues.
• Achievements of Indians in S&T.
• Indigenization of technology.
• Awareness in: IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-tech, IPR issues.
Environment & Disaster
• Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Disaster and Disaster Management (NDMA, Sendai Framework).
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Disaster and Disaster Management (NDMA, Sendai Framework).
Internal Security
Extremism & Terrorism
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism (Naxalism).
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Cyber & Border Security
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks.
• Role of media and social networking sites.
• Basics of Cyber Security, Money-laundering and its prevention.
• Security challenges and their management in border areas.
• Role of media and social networking sites.
• Basics of Cyber Security, Money-laundering and its prevention.
• Security challenges and their management in border areas.
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Theory & Case Studies (250 Marks)
View Deep Syllabus ▼
Mains Sources:
- Theory: ‘Lexicon for Ethics’ or G. Subba Rao.
- Thinkers: Read 2-page summaries of Kant, Mill, Gandhi, Aristotle.
- Case Studies: Solve last 7 years UPSC Case Studies.
- Definitions: Memorize definitions of Integrity, Probity, Empathy, etc.
Answer Writing Tips:
- Examples: Use examples from Civil Service (e.g., T.N. Seshan, E. Sreedharan).
- Constitution: Link answers to Constitutional values (Preamble, DPSP).
- Case Study Format: Stakeholders -> Ethical Dilemmas -> Options -> Evaluation -> Course of Action.
Ethics Theory
Ethics & 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 of great leaders, reformers and administrators.
• Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
• Dimensions of ethics; Ethics in private and public relationships.
• Human Values: Lessons from the lives of great leaders, reformers and administrators.
• Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude & Aptitude
• Content, structure, function; influence and relation with thought and behaviour.
• Moral and political attitudes; Social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service (Integrity, Impartiality, Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication, Empathy, Tolerance).
• Moral and political attitudes; Social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service (Integrity, Impartiality, Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication, Empathy, Tolerance).
Emotional Intelligence
• Concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
Moral Thinkers
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India (Gandhi, Buddha, Kautilya) and World (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Mill).
Applied Ethics & Case Studies
Public Service Values
• Status and problems; Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government.
• Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance.
• Accountability and ethical governance.
• Ethical issues in international relations and funding; Corporate governance.
• Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance.
• Accountability and ethical governance.
• Ethical issues in international relations and funding; Corporate governance.
Probity in Governance
• Concept of public service.
• Information sharing and transparency (RTI).
• Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters.
• Work culture, Quality of service delivery.
• Utilization of public funds, Challenges of corruption.
• Information sharing and transparency (RTI).
• Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters.
• Work culture, Quality of service delivery.
• Utilization of public funds, Challenges of corruption.
Case Studies
• Application of the above concepts to practical scenarios faced by a Civil Servant.
UPSC Personality Test (Interview) Master Syllabus
Decoding the DAF, Psychometrics, and Situational Intelligence (275 Marks)
DAF Analysis (Detailed Application Form)
Your Biodata is Your Syllabus | 60% of Questions
View DAF Breakdown ▼
Strategy:
- Every Word Matters: If you wrote “Cricket” as a hobby, know the dimensions of the pitch, history of ICC, and physics of swing bowling.
- Home State: Know the GDP, Literacy rate, Sex ratio, and major tourist spots of your district and state.
- Name Meaning: Know the meaning of your name, famous personalities with the same name.
Preparation Tips:
- Google Yourself: See what comes up.
- Mock Interviews: Take at least 3-5 mocks to get comfortable with your DAF questions.
- Defend Gaps: Prepare honest answers for gap years in education/career.
Personal Profile
Educational Background
• Graduation Subject: Why did you choose it? Why civil services after Engineering/Medicine?
• College/University: History, Motto, Famous Alumni.
• Achievements: Medals, Positions of Responsibility.
• College/University: History, Motto, Famous Alumni.
• Achievements: Medals, Positions of Responsibility.
Hobbies & Interests
• Depth of Knowledge: Technical details, current trends, recent news related to hobby.
• “Why” this hobby?: How does it help in administration? (e.g., Chess -> Strategic thinking).
• Avoid generic hobbies like “Listening to Music” unless you know ragas/genres.
• “Why” this hobby?: How does it help in administration? (e.g., Chess -> Strategic thinking).
• Avoid generic hobbies like “Listening to Music” unless you know ragas/genres.
Employment Details
• Job Role: What did you do? Why did you quit?
• Organization: Revenue model, Challenges, Sector analysis (e.g., IT sector issues).
• Ethical Dilemmas faced in previous job.
• Organization: Revenue model, Challenges, Sector analysis (e.g., IT sector issues).
• Ethical Dilemmas faced in previous job.
Service & Cadre Preference
Service Preference
• Why IAS over IPS? Why IFS (Foreign Service)?
• Justification for lower preferences (e.g., Why IRS IT over IRS Customs?).
• Knowledge about the roles and hierarchy of each service.
• Justification for lower preferences (e.g., Why IRS IT over IRS Customs?).
• Knowledge about the roles and hierarchy of each service.
Cadre Preference
• Why Home State? Or Why “Any” state?
• Challenges of the preferred state (e.g., Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, Borders in North East).
• Willingness to serve in “Hard Areas”.
• Challenges of the preferred state (e.g., Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, Borders in North East).
• Willingness to serve in “Hard Areas”.
Psychometric Traits
Mental Alertness, Integrity & Leadership
View Traits Syllabus ▼
UPSC Notification Says:
- The interview is not a test of knowledge but of “intellectual and social traits”.
- The board looks for: Mental Alertness, Critical Powers of Assimilation, Clear & Logical Exposition, Balance of Judgment, Variety & Depth of Interest, Ability for Social Cohesion & Leadership, Intellectual & Moral Integrity.
How to Exhibit:
- Integrity: Admit “I don’t know” rather than bluffing. Honesty > Knowledge.
- Balance: Never take extreme sides (Leftist/Rightist). Stick to the Constitution.
- Alertness: Listen to the full question. Don’t interrupt the board member.
Core Qualities Tested
Mental Alertness
• Presence of mind.
• Ability to handle stress and unexpected questions.
• Example Q: “If you were the DM of this district, what are the first 3 things you would do?”
• Ability to handle stress and unexpected questions.
• Example Q: “If you were the DM of this district, what are the first 3 things you would do?”
Balance of Judgment
• Ability to see multiple perspectives (Pros/Cons).
• Rationality over emotions.
• Example Q: “Should capital punishment be abolished in India? Give arguments.”
• Rationality over emotions.
• Example Q: “Should capital punishment be abolished in India? Give arguments.”
Intellectual & Moral Integrity
• Honesty in admitting mistakes/ignorance.
• Consistency in views (Don’t change stance just because the board disagrees).
• Ethical grounding in answers.
• Consistency in views (Don’t change stance just because the board disagrees).
• Ethical grounding in answers.
Social Cohesion & Leadership
• Ability to work with diverse groups.
• Empathy towards weaker sections (SC/ST/Women).
• Vision for the country.
• Example Q: “How will you handle a communal riot as an SP?”
• Empathy towards weaker sections (SC/ST/Women).
• Vision for the country.
• Example Q: “How will you handle a communal riot as an SP?”
Current Issues & Opinion
National & International Importance
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Focus Areas:
- Controversial Topics: UCC, One Nation One Election, Farm Laws, Reservation. (Prepare balanced views).
- International: India’s stance on wars (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine), G20 presidency.
- State Specific: Issues of your home state (Floods, Drought, insurgency, economy).
Source:
- Newspapers: The Hindu & Indian Express (Editorials are crucial for forming opinions).
- Sansad TV: Watch ‘Perspective’ debates for balanced arguments.
Types of Questions
Opinion Based
• “What is your view on the privatization of banks?”
• “Is Indian democracy in danger?”
• “Should India reclaim PoK militarily?”
• “Is Indian democracy in danger?”
• “Should India reclaim PoK militarily?”
Situational (SRT)
• “Your political boss orders you to do something illegal. What will you do?”
• “A mob is attacking your office. You have 5 policemen. How do you manage?”
• “You see a senior officer taking a bribe. Action?”
• “A mob is attacking your office. You have 5 policemen. How do you manage?”
• “You see a senior officer taking a bribe. Action?”
Hypothetical
• “If you were the Prime Minister for one day, what would you change?”
• “If you don’t get selected this year, what is your backup plan?”
• “If you don’t get selected this year, what is your backup plan?”
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