Agriculture (Optional Subjects)

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 ecology; cropping pattern as indicators of environments. Environmental pollution and associated hazards to crops, animals and humans. Climate change – International conventions and global initiatives. Green house effect and global warming. Advance tools for ecosystem analysis – Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Cropping patterns in different agro-climatic zones of the country. Impact of high-yielding and short-duration varieties on shifts in cropping patterns. Concepts of various cropping and farming systems. Organic and Precision farming. Package of practices for production of important cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fibres, sugar, commercial and fodder crops. Important features and scope of various types of forestry plantations such as social forestry, agro-forestry, and natural forests. Propagation of forest plants. Forest products. Agro forestry and value addition. Conservation of forest flora and fauna.

Weeds, their characteristics, dissemination and association with various crops; their multiplications; cultural, biological, and chemical control of weeds.
Soil- physical, chemical and biological properties. Processes and factors of soil formation. Soils of India. Mineral and organic constituents of soils and their role in maintaining soil productivity. Essential plant nutrients and other beneficial elements in soils and plants. Principles of soil fertility, soil testing and fertilizer recommendations, integrated nutrient management. Biofertilizers. Losses of nitrogen in soil, nitrogen-use efficiency in submerged rice soils, nitrogen fixation in soils. Efficient phosphorus and potassium use. Problem soils and their reclamation. Soil factors affecting greenhouse gas emission.

Sociology (Optional Subjects)

Paper – I : Fundamentals of Sociology

A. Sociology – The Discipline:
1. Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of sociology.
2. Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.
3. Sociology and common sense.

B. Sociology as Science:
1. Science, scientific method and critique.
2. Major theoretical strands of research methodology.
3. Positivism and its critique.
4. Fact value and objectivity.
5. Non- positivist methodologies.

C. Research Methods and Analysis:
1. Qualitative and quantitative methods.
2. Techniques of data collection.
3. Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.

D. Sociological Thinkers:
1. Karl Marx- Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle.
2. Emile Durkheim- Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society.
3. Max Weber- Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.
4. Talcolt Parsons- Social system, pattern variables.
5. Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups
6. Mead – Self and identity.

E. Stratification and Mobility:
1. Concepts- equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and deprivation
2. Theories of social stratification- Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian theory.
3. Dimensions – Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity and race.
4. Social mobility- open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources and causes of mobility.

F. Works and Economic Life:
1. Social organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society, industrial /capitalist society.
2. Formal and informal organization of work
3. Labour and society.

G. Politics and Society:
1. Sociological theories of power
2. Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.
3. Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.
4. Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.

H. Religion and Society:
1. Sociological theories of religion.
2. Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.
3. Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.

I. Systems of Kinship:
1. Family, household, marriage.
2. Types and forms of family.
3. Lineage and descent
4. Patriarchy and sexual division of labour
5. Contemporary trends.

J. Social Change in Modern Society:
1. Sociological theories of social change.
2. Development and dependency.
3. Agents of social change.
4. Education and social change.
5. Science, technology and social change.

Public Administration (Optional)

Administrative Theory

 1. Introduction:  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.

History (Optional)

1. Sources: Archaeological sources: Exploration, excavation, epigraphy, numismatics, monuments Literary sources: Indigenous: Primary and secondary; poetry, scientific literature, literature, literature in regional languages, religious literature. Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese and Arab writers.

2. Pre-history and Proto-history: Geographical factors; hunting and gathering (paleolithic and mesolithic); Beginning of agriculture (neolithic and chalcolithic).

3. Indus Valley Civilization: Origin, date, extent, characteristics, decline, survival and significance, art and architecture.

4. Megalithic Cultures: Distribution of pastoral and farming cultures outside the Indus, Development of community life, Settlements, Development of agriculture, Crafts, Pottery, and Iron industry.

5. Aryans and Vedic Period: Expansions of Aryans in India. Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature; Transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period; Political, social and economical life; Significance of the Vedic Age; Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.

6. Period of Mahajanapadas: Formation of States (Mahajanapada) : Republics and monarchies; Rise of urban centres; Trade routes; Economic growth; Introduction of coinage; Spread of Jainism and Buddhism; Rise of Magadha and Nandas. Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.

7. Mauryan Empire: Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, Kautilya and Arthashastra; Ashoka; Concept of Dharma; Edicts; Polity, Administration; Economy; Art, architecture and sculpture; External contacts; Religion; Spread of religion; Literature. Disintegration of the empire; Sungas and Kanvas.

8. Post - Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western Kshatrapas): Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres, economy, coinage, development of religions, Mahayana, social conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature and science.

9. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India: Kharavela, The Satavahanas, Tamil States of the Sangam Age; Administration, economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds and urban centres; Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and culture; Art and architecture.

10. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas: Polity and administration, Economic conditions, Coinage of the Guptas, Land grants, Decline of urban centres, Indian feudalism, Caste system, Position of women, Education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi, Literature, scientific literature, art and architecture.

11. Regional States during Gupta Era: The Kadambas, Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami; Polity and Administration, Trade guilds, Literature; growth of Vaishnava and Saiva religions. Tamil Bhakti movement, Shankaracharya; Vedanta; Institutions of temple and temple architecture; Palas, Senas, Rashtrakutas, Paramaras, Polity and administration; Cultural aspects. Arab conquest of Sind; Alberuni, The Chalukyas of Kalyana, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandyas; Polity and Administration; local Government; Growth of art and architecture, religious sects, Institution of temple and Mathas, Agraharas, education and literature, economy and society.

12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History: Languages and texts, major stages in the evolution of art and architecture, major philosophical thinkers and schools, ideas in Science and Mathematics.

13. Early Medieval India, 750-1200:

• Polity: Major political developments in Northern India and the Peninsula, origin and the rise of Rajputs

• The Cholas: administration, village economy and society

• “Indian Feudalism”

• Agrarian economy and urban settlements

• Trade and commerce

• Society: the status of the Brahman and the new social order

• Condition of women

• Indian science and technology

14. Cultural Traditions in India, 750-1200:

• Philosophy: Skankaracharya and Vedanta, Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita, Madhva and Brahma-Mimansa

• Religion: Forms and features of religion, Tamil devotional cult, growth of Bhakti, Islam and its arrival in India, Sufism

• Literature: Literature in Sanskrit, growth of Tamil literature, literature in the newly developing languages, Kalhan’s Rajtarangini, Alberuni’s India

• Art and Architecture: Temple architecture, sculpture, painting

15. The Thirteenth Century:

• Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors behind Ghurian success

• Economic, social and cultural consequences

• Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans

• Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban

16. The Fourteenth Century:

• “The Khalji Revolution”

• Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measures

• Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures, bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq

• Firuz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil engineering and public works, decline of the Sultanate, foreign contacts and Ibn Battuta’s account

17. Society, Culture and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries:

• Society: composition of rural society, ruling classes, town dwellers, women, religious classes, caste and slavery under the Sultanate, Bhakti movement, Sufi movement

• Culture: Persian literature, literature in the regional languages of North India, literature in the languages of South India, Sultanate architecture and new structural forms, painting, evolution of a composite culture

• Economy: Agricultural production, rise of urban economy and non-agricultural production, trade and commerce

18. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century – Political Developments and Economy:

• Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zainul Abedin), Gujarat,Malwa, Bahmanids

• The Vijayanagra Empire

• Lodis

• Mughal Empire, First phase: Babur and Humayun

• The Sur Empire: Sher Shah’s administration

• Portuguese Colonial enterprise

• Bhakti and Sufi Movements

19. The Fifteenth and early Sixteenth Century – Society and Culture:

• Regional cultural specificities

• Literary traditions

• Provincial architecture

• Society, culture, literature and the arts in Vijayanagara Empire.

20. Akbar:

• Conquests and consolidation of the Empire

• Establishment of Jagir and Mansab systems

• Rajput policy

• Evolution of religious and social outlook, theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy

• Court patronage of art and technology

21. Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century:

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COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

General Studies is the other compulsory paper, it is composed of two Papers. Under the syllabus of the General Studies is that the nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The nature of question comes under this topic is such that a Civil Servant must aware and understand very well. It also tests the general awareness of the candidates. The questions are set as to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues of socio-economic. It is expected from the candidates that they must give relevant, meaningful and compendious answers.

It is usually observed that among aspirants there are some sort of fear of General Studies paper. But with proper orientation and good strategy the General Studies could become very interesting and scoring one. It is seen that candidate’s more concentration is on optional rather than General Studies. This may not be a good strategy, as General Studies gives good marks with lesser efforts. The General Studies is also helpful in essay and interview, and also later on in career. Therefore, the paper requires proper attention. Firstly, the nature of General Studies should be understood. This can be done by a thorough analysis of the previous year’s papers. It says that the questions are focused only on certain dimensions, especially those relevant for an administrative career

General Studies (Paper IV)

General Studies - Paper I Duration : 3 Hours Marks : 300 1. History of Modern India and Indian Culture. 2. Geography of India. 3. Constitution of India and Indian Polity. 4. Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance.

History of Modern India and Indian Culture.

Syllabus: The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian culture from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and architecture. This is one of the very important area of the syllabus because it develop our understanding of our History and Culture. The Indian national movement (freedom struggle) and developments during the period have to be studied. Here note down that the General Studies paper is only test basic clarity on the national movement.

This is considered that the freedom movement starts with the inception of Indian National Movement, so candidate need to study right from here and up to 1947 when India got independent. It passed through several phases i.e. the moderate, the extremist, the Gandhian, the revolutionaries, the leftist and the socialist. All phased should be learned in details. Usually, in the UPSC exam questions are formed in nature, cause, impact and failure of any movement or other issue. Along with, Do you agree? Do you think? What is your opinion? What do you think? etc. Our answer should be in the line of the question being asked and should be analytical rather than not merely the collection of facts. Indian freedom struggle is comprises of topics, Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule League Movement, Rowlatt Satyagraha, Khilafat Movement, Non-cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement. All movement is incorporated with each other in one or another way this should keep in mind while preparing for the General Studies History. For Cultural part of Indian history, it should not limited to factual information rather it should go beyond the factual, its impact on the society should be well discussed in the answer. This portion should be studied after through study of the history, once you have gained some insights into the values of Indian society and culture. You can make a list of important popular freedom fighters or personalities of various regions, religion, class, caste, creed, sex etc. Try to write down the basis of them. For example: Mohandas Das Karam Chand Gandhi : Known as the ‘Father of the Nation’, helped in the India’s freedom Struggle, was the leader of various movement i.e. Swadeshi movt., Civil disobedience, Quit India etc.

Lastly, it should not be understand that history is not all about mugging up events, dates, rulers, chronology etc. rather than we should understand that to know our self it is important to know our history and culture. For the larger goal of society is should achieve in this way.

Suggested Reading:

• Indian Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
• India After Independence by Bipin Chandra.
• NCERT books for Modern India for a basic understanding

Geography of India

Syllabus: In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India. The General Studies paper I syllabus for geography section bring in about 30 marks in Mains examination. There is one section of Environment which comes under this Geography part. This makes the importance of Geography more, in all it has total contribution of marks in both the papers is 50 around. There is misconception that this part is more fact based because of the presence of the topics like physical feature, climate, census etc. but the subject should not be judged by merely it. Students should concentrate on human and economic geography. Population is one of the section which is related to the human geography. Everyear United Nations Development Programme releases Human Development Report, the report is important for the candidates. Classical geography like types of soil and rocks etc should be given less importance as compared to the other topics. Preparing cultural and economic geography should be on priority. But do not invest too much in the pure Geography rather focus should be on issues like ecology, sustainable development, green living, environmental impact assessment etc. There should be a good understanding about the geography of India. This will also help a lot in prelims. Geography has changed in nature and can no way it can be approached in a conventional manner, it is theoretical as well as practical and applied We can sketch the major topics of as:

1. Physical Geography of India: Physiographic regions, drainage system, soil, vegetation climate, natural disasters, wildlife.
2. Economic Geography of India: Energy, Metallic, Non-Metallic resources, Water resources, Industries, Transport sector, Agriculture.
3. Social Geography of India: Population growth, distribution, Demographic attributes, Urbanization, Races, linguistic, Religious groups, SCs & STs etc.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

ENGLISH AND INDIAN LANGUAGES

This is one of the two compulsory papers. One has to qualify in both the compulsory papers if one wish to go through to the further stage. Here it should be note down that if candidate fails in any of these two compulsory papers, the other optional subjects will not be evaluated. The aim of the English paper is to test the candidate's ability to understand and express their ideas clearly in the English.
Those from non-English medium background might face some difficulty in English paper. There are statistics which shows that more than thousands candidates of hindi medium candidates fails in this compulsory paper English. Then the preparation should be made from some standard book. Note that the grammar is not much tested, but it is only the functional knowledge in the language. For people who are weak in English, buy a good grammar book, a dictionary and last 10 yrs English papers.

The pattern of questions is as follows:

• Short Essay
• Reading Comprehension
• Précis writing

Table of Contents

Tricki, a small dog, is pampered and overfed by his rich mistress. He falls seriously ill and his mistress consults a veterinary surgeon. Does he perform an operation? Does the dog recover?

READ AND FIND OUT
• Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
• What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
• Who is the ‘I’ in this story?

READ AND FIND OUT
• Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
• How does he treat the dog?
• Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
• Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?

Table of Contents

1.A Letter to God (G.L.FUENTES)
Dust of Snow (ROBERT FROST)
Fire and Ice (ROBERT FROST)

2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA)
A Tiger in the Zoo (LESLIE NORRIS)

3. Two Stories about Flying
I. His First Flight
LIAM O’ FLAHERTY
II. Black Aeroplane
FREDERICK FORSYTH
The Ball Poem
JOHN BERRYMAN

4. From the Diary of Anne Frank
ANNE FRANK
Amanda!
ROBIN KLEIN

5. The Hundred Dresses–I
EL BSOR ESTER

6. The Hundred Dresses–II
EL BSOR ESTER
Animals
WALT WHITMAN

7. Glimpses of India
I. A Baker from Goa
LUCIO RODRIGUES
II. Coorg
LOKESH ABROL
III. Tea from Assam
ARUP KUMAR DATTA
The Trees
ADRIENNE RICH

8. Mijbil the Otter
GAVIN MAXWELL
Fog
CARL SANDBURG

9. Madam Rides the Bus
VALLIKKANNAN
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
OGDEN NASH

10. The Sermon at Benares For Anne Gregory
WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

11. The Proposal
ANTON CHEKOV

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