Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) – Mains Syllabus

• 30 Aug 2024

Main Examination Syllabus

Qualifying Paper- English

• The aim of the paper is to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly.

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

• Comprehension of given passages.
• Precis Writing.
• Usage and Vocabulary.
• Short Essays.
• Minimum Qualification Standard- 25% / 75 Marks

(The paper will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in this paper will not be counted for final ranking.)

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 (GS Paper-I)

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

• Indian Culture – 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 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 (GS Paper-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 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 (GS Paper-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.
• Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
• Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

Paper-V (GS Paper-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.

• 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.

List of Optional Subjects

Optional Subjects
1. Agriculture	10. Geography	19. Physics
2. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science	11. Geology	20. Political Science and International Relations
3. Anthropology	12. History	21. Psychology
4. Botany	13. Law	22. Public Administration
5. Chemistry	14. Management	23. Sociology
6. Civil Engineering	15. Mathematics	24. Statistics
7. Commerce and Accountancy	16. Mechanical Engineering	25. Zoology
8. Economics	17. Medical Science
9. Electrical Engineering	18. Philosophy

Literature of any one of the following Languages
1. Arabic	4. Hindi	7. Punjabi
2. Dogri	5. Kashmiri	8. Sanskrit
3. English	6. Persian	9. Urdu

Main Examination Trend Analysis (2018-2023)

General Studies Paper – I	No. of Questions (Marks)
History of India and The World	2023	2022	2021	2018
Indian Heritage and Culture	6 (65)	8 (100)	5 (55)	2 (20)
Important Historical Personalities and Significant Events	3 (40)	2 (25)	1 (15)	-
History of Modern India (Before Independence)	2 (30)	1 (10)	1 (15)	4 (50)
History of Modern India (After Independence)	-	-	-	2(20)
World History	-	-	-	1 (10)
Marks	135	135	135	135
Geography of India and the World	No. of Questions (Marks)
Physical Geography	3 (35)	3 (40)	3 (30)	-
Distribution of Natural Resources	2 (25)	1 (10)	1 (15)	2 (30)
Factors for establishing Industries in India and the World	1 (15)	1 (15)	1 (15)	1 (15)
Major Geophysical Events (Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, etc.)	1 (10)	2 (25)	1(15)	2 (30)
Geographical features and their location	-	-	1 (10)	-
Marks	85	90	85	75
Indian Society	No. of Questions (Marks)
Salient Features of Indian Society	-	1 (10)	1 (15)	1 (10)
Issues related to Women	-	-	1(15)	-
Poverty and Developmental Issues	-	-	-	-
Urbanization	2 (30)	1 (15)	1(10)	-
Population	-	-	1(15)	-
Impact of Globalization on Indian Society	-	-	-	2 (20)
Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism	-	-	1(15)	2 (30)
Social Empowerment	-	-	1 (10)	1(15)
Marks	30	25	80	75

General Studies Paper – II	No. of Questions (Marks)
Governance	2023	2022	2021	2018
Important Aspects of Governance	—	1(10)	1(15)	1(10)
Civil Services	—	—	4(45)	2(30)
Government Policies	2(30)	1(10)	3(35)	2(25)
Development Process and Development Industry	1(10)	—	—	—
Marks	40	20	95	65
Constitution	No. of Questions (Marks)
Indian Constitution (features & provision) Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of other Countries	—	2 (20)	1 (10)	2 (25)
Issues related to the Federal Structure and Local Government	1 (15)	1 (10)	—	1 (10)
Separation of Power between various components	—	—	—	—
Marks	15	30	10	35
Indian Polity	No. of Questions (Marks)
Legislature and Representation of the People’s Act	1 (10)	—	2 (25)	2 (20)
Executive	—	—	—	—
Judiciary	1 (10)	1 (10)	—	1(10)
Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies	3 (35)	—	1 (10)	—
Marks	55	10	35	30
Social Justice	No. of Questions (Marks)
Welfare Schemes launched for the Vulnerable Sections	1 (10)	—	—	1 (15)
Issues Related to Health, Education, Human Resources	—	—	—	—
Issues related to Poverty & Hunger	—	—	—	2 (30)
Marks	10	—	—	45
International Relations	No. of Questions (Marks)
India and its Neighbours	1 (10)	1(10)	2 (25)	1(15)
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groups, The Impact of Policies of Developed and Developing Countries on India, Indian Diaspora	8 (105)	13 (180)	6 (85)	4 (50)
Important International Institutions	1(15)	—	—	1 (10)
Marks	130	190	110	75

 

General Studies Paper – III	No. of Questions (Marks)
Science and Technology	2023	2022	2021	2018
Development of Science & Technology, its applications, Information & Technology, Space, Robotics etc., Issues related to Intellectual Properties	4 (50)	4 (50)	4 (55)	2 (25)
Achievements by Indians in Science & Technology, Development of Technology Indigenously	3 (35)	—	1(10)	—
Marks	85	50	65	25
Indian Economy	No. of Questions (Marks)
Over view of Indian Economy, and Issues related to Planning, Resources, Development, Growth, Employment	3 (40)	5 (55)	1 (15)	3 (35)
Inclusive Growth	3 (40)	—	—	3 (40)
Government Budgeting	—	—	—	1 (10)
Major Crops– Cropping Patterns, Storage of Agricultural Produce, Transport, Irrigation, E-Technology and other Related Issues and Constraints	2 (20)	1 (15)	—	—
Direct and Indirect agricultural Subsidies, MSP, Public Distribution System, Food Security, Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing	1 (15)	1 (10)	—	1 (15)
Food Processing & Related Industries, Animal Husbandry	—	—	—	1 (15)
Impact of Liberalization on the economy, Industrial Policy	1(10)	2(30)	1(10)	1(10)
Infrastructure	1 (10)	—	2(25)	1(10)
Investment Models	—	—	1(15)	2(25)
Marks	135	110	65	160
Environment and Disaster Management	No. of Questions (Marks)
Environment & Ecology	2 (30)	5 (60)	4 (50)	—
Disaster Management	—	1 (15)	3 (40)	1 (10)
Marks	30	75	90	10
Internal Security	No. of Questions (Marks)
Linkages between Development and Extremism	—	—	—	—
Challenges of Internal Security, Cybersecurity, Money Laundering	—	1 (15)	3 (30)	1 (10)
Security Challenges in border areas, Organized Crime and Terrorism	—	—	—	2 (30)
Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandates	—	—	—	1 (15)
Marks	—	15	30	55

 

General Studies Paper – IV	No. of Questions (Marks)
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude	2023	2022	2021	2018
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants, Consequences, Dimensions of Ethics in Human Activities, Ethics in Public and Private Relations, Human Values, Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Developing Values.	3 (30)	5(50)	4 (40)	2 (20)
Attitude: Content, Structure, its Influence in Thought Conduct, Moral-Political Attitudes &, Social Influence and Persuasion	1 (10)	2 (20)	3 (30)	3 (30)
Emotional Intelligence: Its Concept and usage in administration	1(10)	—	2 (20)	2 (20)
Contribution of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers of India and the world	3 (30)	1 (10)	3 (30)	1 (10)
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Service, Empathy, Tolerance, Compassion for Weaker Sections	1 (10)	1 (10)	—	—
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions, Sources of Ethical Guidance, Accountability, Moral Values in Governance, Responsibilities, Ethical Issues in International Relations, Corporate Governance	1 (10)	4 (40)	1 (10)	4 (40)
Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service, Right to Information, Ethical Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Transparency, Quality of Work Culture, Public Funds, Corruption	3 (30)	—	—	1 (10)
Case Studies	6(120)	6(120)	6(120)	6(120)
Total Marks	250	250	250	250