CSE 2021

(PRE CUM MAINS)

{MARCH 2019 TO MARCH 2021}

Phase 1 (March, 2019 – October 2019)

 NCERT (class 6-12)

 Revision

Phase 2 (November 2019 – February 2020)

 Gs paper 1 - standard books + subject notes

 Gs paper 2 - standard books + subject notes
 Other materials (i.e. atlas, reports, etc)
 Revision
 Mock test + answer writing
 Essay writing

Phase 3 (march 2020 – June 2020)

 Gs paper 3 - standard books + subject notes

 Gs paper 4 - standard books + subject notes
 Revision
 Mock test + answer writing
 Essay writing

Phase 4 (July 2020 – December 2020)

 Optional subject - standard books + subject notes

 English compulsory paper
 Optional language paper (Hindi)
 Mock test + answer writing + previous year paper
 Revision
 Essay writing

Phase 5 (January 2021 – may 2021)

 Complete revision (prelims + mains)

 Complete current issues analysis
 Mock tests
 Essay writing

Things to cover during entire session -

 News paper reading

 Current from Insight
 Monthly magazines
 English language
 NCERT BOOK LIST

NCERT Books for General Studies Paper I

 UPSC Preparation Books from NCERT History Books:

o History: NCERT Class VI – Our Past
o History: NCERT Class VII – Our Past -I
o History: NCERT Class VIII – Our Past II and III
o History: NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I
o History: NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – II
o History: NCERT Class X – Themes In World History
o History: NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History – I
o History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – II
o History: NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History – III
 NCERT Books about Indian Society for UPSC exam:
o Indian Society: NCERT Class VI – Social Science: Social & Political Life I
o Indian Society: NCERT Class VII – Social Science: Social & Political Life II
o Indian Society: NCERT Class VIII – Social Science: Social & Political Life III
o Indian Society: NCERT Class XI – Sociology: Understanding Society
o Indian Society: NCERT Class XII – Indian Society
o Indian Society: NCERT Class XII – Social Change and Development in India
o IAS aspirants can also refer class 12 book for Sociology.
 NCERT Indian Art and Culture books for UPSC:
o Art & Culture : NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
o Art & Culture : NCERT Class XI – Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 &
10)
 UPSC Preparation Books from NCERT Geography Books for IAS:
o Geography: NCERT Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat
o Geography: NCERT Class VII – Our Environment
o Geography: NCERT Class VIII – Resource and Development
o Geography: NCERT Class IX – Contemporary India – I
o Geography: NCERT Class X – Contemporary India – II
o Geography: NCERT Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
o Geography: NCERT Class XI – India – Physical Environment
o Geography: NCERT Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography
o Geography: NCERT Class XII – India – People and Economy
 Additional IAS preparation books for reference: Old NCERT books for History
o Ancient India (class XI) by RS Sharma: This covers the ancient Indian history
syllabus completely.
o Medieval India (class IX) by Satish Chandra.
o Modern India (class X) by Bipin Chandra: Best book for UPSC Medieval History
o Alternative Published version: India Before Independence: Bipan Chandra’s
published book is easily available is more comprehensive, but the NCERT is more
objective and easier to read.
 o World History (Class X): Should be enough for an intro to world history

NCERT UPSC Preparation Books for General Studies Paper II:

 Polity NCERT Books for UPSC

o Polity: NCERT Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
o Polity: NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
o Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
o Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Political Theory
o Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics
o Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence
o For Polity: Class 9 to 12 NCERT books should be read in detail, with a focus on
11th and 12th (of which World Politics, only if time permits).

UPSC Books from NCERT for General Studies Paper III:

 NCERT Books on Economy for UPSC

o Economy: NCERT Class IX – Economics
o Economy: NCERT Class X – Understanding Economic Development
o Economy: NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development
o Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics
o Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics
 Science & Technology IAS Preparation Books from NCERT
o Science: NCERT Class VI
o Science: NCERT Class VII
o Science: NCERT Class VIII
o Science: NCERT Class IX
o Science: NCERT Class X
o Science: NCERT Class XI – Chemistry: Unit 14 & Biology: Units 4 & 5
o Science: NCERT Class XII – Chemistry: Unit 16 & Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10
 UPSC Books from NCERT on Environment & Ecology
o Science: Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)
For Science: Refer textbooks of class IX and X that would be good enough for your
IAS exam preparation.

NCERT IAS Books for General Studies Paper IV

 Ethics: NCERT Class XII – Psychology: Not too important from the exam perspective,
however good for some basics. Read selectively
 OTHER BOOK LIST

(For Prelims)

Preliminary Examination Paper I - (200 marks) Duration : Two hours

1. Current events of national and international importance.

 The Hindu (special focus on vocabulary, current, structure)

 The Indian Express- explains – in-depth

 Yojna

 Vision IAS

 INDIA year book

 Insights
2. History of India and Indian National Movement.

 Ncert

 Spectrum modern India

 Bipin chandra
3. Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
 Ncert
 GC Leong – physical
 Majid Husain- geography of India
 Oxford ATLAS
 Maps
4. Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
 Ncert
 M. Laxmikant
5. Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives,
etc.
 Ncert
 Ramesh Singh
 Sanjiv Verma – The Indian Economy (for basics)
 Coaching notes
 Economic survey, budget
6. General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
 Biology Ncert 12
 Shankar IAS/Dr. Ravi Agrahari
7. General Science
 Ncert (6-10)
 Science Reporter
 Lucent GS

Preliminary Examination Paper II - (200 marks) Duration : Two hours

 Previous years paper

 CSAT Book
 OTHER BOOK LIST

(FOR MAINS)

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER -I

 Nitin Singhaniya – art and culture
 CCRT website
 Norman Lowe – World History
 Post Independence – NCERT 12, 9,10
 India since Independence
 India after Gandhi
 Society- NCERT 12

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER -II

 M Laxmikant
 Yojna
 2nd ARC report
 International relation- NCERT 12

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER -III

 Science Reporter
 NCERT
 Disaster Management – IGNOU Notes
 Current News
 Internal Security – Ashok Kumar

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER -1V

 Lexicon
 G. Subba Rao
SCHEME AND SUBJECTS FOR THE PRELIMINARY AND MAIN EXAMINATION.

A. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION:

The Examination shall comprise of two compulsory Papers of 200 marks each.
Note :
1. The General Studies Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a
qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.
2. The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English.

B. MAIN EXAMINATION:

The written examination will consist of the following papers :—

1. Qualifying Papers :
Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are
encouraged to apply.
 Paper-A
(One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included
in the
Eighth Schedule to the Constitution) 300 Marks

 Paper-B
English 300 Marks

2. Papers to be counted for merit

 Paper-I
Essay 250 Marks

 Paper-II - General Studies-I 250 Marks

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and
Geography of the World and Society)

 Paper-III - General Studies -II 250 Marks

(Governance, Constitution, Polity,
Social Justice and International relations)

 Paper-IV - General Studies -III 250 Marks

(Technology, Economic Development,
Bio-diversity, Environment, Security
and Disaster Management)

 Paper-V - General Studies -IV 250 Marks

(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

Paper-VI Optional Subject - Paper 1 250 Marks

Paper-VII Optional Subject - Paper 2 250 Marks
SYLLABUS FOR THE EXAMINATION

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;
 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
Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are
encouraged to apply. 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 his 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) Précis Writing.
(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.

Indian Languages:—
(i) comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Précis 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.

Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are
encouraged to apply.
􀀀 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
presentsignificant
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
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.
Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are
encouraged to apply.
􀀀 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-governanceapplications,
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.

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

PAPER-I

 Constitutional and administrative Law :

1. Constitution and Constitutionalism:The distinctive features of the Constitution.

2. Fundamental Rights—Public interest litigation; Legal Aid; Legal services authority.
3. Relationship between Fundamental rights, Directive principles and Fundamental duties.
4. Constitutional Position of the President and relation with the Council of Ministers.
5. Governor and his powers.
6. Supreme Court and the High Courts:
(a) Appointments and transfer.
(b) Powers, functions and jurisdiction. Government strives to have a workforce which
reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
7. Centre, States and local bodies:
(a) Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
(b) Local Bodies.
(c) Administrative relationship among Union, State and Local Bodies.
(d) Eminent domain-State property-common property-community property.
8. Legislative powers, privileges and immunities.
9. Services under the Union and the States:
(a) Recruitment and conditions of services;Constitutional safeguards; Administrative
tribunals.
(b) Union Public Service Commission and StatePublic Service Commissions—Power
andfunctions.
 (c) Election Commission—Power and functions.
10. Emergency provisions.
11. Amendment of the Constitution.
12. Principle of Natural Justice—Emerging trends and judicial approach.
13. Delegated legislation and its constitutionality.
14. Separation of powers and constitutional governance.
15. Judicial review of administrative action.
16. Ombudsman: Lokayukta, Lokpal etc.

 International Law :

1. Nature and Definition of International Law.

2. Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law.
3. State Recognition and State Succession.
4. Law of the sea: Inland Waters,Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Continental Shelf,
Exclusive
Economic Zone and High Seas.
5. Individuals: Nationality, statelessness; Human Rights and procedures available for
their enforcement.
6. Territorial jurisdiction of States, Extradition and Asylum.
7. Treaties : Formation, application, termination and reservation.
8. United Nations : Its principal organs, powers and functions and reform.
9. Peaceful settlement of disputes—different modes.
10. Lawful recourse to force : aggressions, self-defence, intervention.
11. Fundamental principles of international humanitarian law—International conventions
and contemporary developments.
12. Legality of the use of nuclear weapons; ban on testing of nuclear weapons; Nuclear
nonproliferation
treaty, CTST.
Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are
encouraged to apply.
13. International Terrorism, State sponsored terrorism, Hijacking, International Criminal
Court.
14. New International Economic Order and Monetary Law : WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World
Bank.
15. Protection and Improvement of the Human Environment : International Efforts.

PAPER II

 Law of Crimes :—

1. General principles of Criminal liability : mens rea and actus reus, mens rea in statutory
offences.
2. Kinds of punishment and emerging trends as to abolition of capital punishment.
3. Preparations and criminal attempt.
4. General exceptions.
5. Joint and constructive liability.
6. Abetment.
7. Criminal conspiracy.
8. Offences against the State.
9. Offences against public tranquility.
 10. Offences against human body.
11. Offences against property.
12. Offences against women.
13. Defamation.
14. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
15. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and subsequent legislative developments.
16. Plea bargaining.

 Law of Torts

1. Nature and definition.

2. Liability based upon fault and strict liability; Absolute liability.
3. Vicarious liability including State Liability.
4. General defences.
5. Joint tort fessors.
6. Remedies.
7. Negligence.
8. Defamation.
9. Nuisance.
10. Conspiracy.
11. False imprisonment.
12. Malicious prosecution.
Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are
encouraged to apply.
13. Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

 Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law

1. Nature and formation of contract/E-contract.

2. Factors vitiating free consent.
3. Void, voidable, illegal and unenforceable agreements.
4. Performance and discharge of contracts.
5. Quasi-contracts.
6. Consequences of breach of contract.
7. Contract of indemnity, guarantee and insurance.
8. Contract of agency.
9. Sale of goods and hire purchase.
10. Formation and dissolution of partnership.
11. Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
12. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
13. Standard form contracts.

 Contemporary Legal Developments

1. Public Interest Litigation.
2. Intellectual property rights—Concept, types/prospects.
3. Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws—Concept, purpose/prospects.
4. Competition Law—Concept, purpose/prospects.
5. Alternate Dispute Resolution—Concept, types/prospects.
6. Major statutes concerning environmental law.
7. Right to Information Act.
8. Trial by media.