MPSC State Services Exam Syllabus- Mains

• 13 Feb 2025

The Mains examination of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) delves deeper into candidates’ analytical abilities and understanding of various subjects relevant to administration. It evaluates knowledge across various disciplines. This phase plays a crucial role in determining a candidate's suitability for higher responsibilities in public administration.

Information regarding MPSC SSE Mains syllabus is provided below.

	Subject Names	Total Marks	Exam Duration
Paper 1	Marathi Language	300	3 Hours
Paper 2	English Language	300	3 Hours
Paper 3	Essay	250	3 Hours
Paper 4	General Studies:-1 (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society with some weightage to Maharashtra)	150	3 Hours
Paper 5	General Studies:-2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations with some weightage to Maharashtra)	250	3 Hours
Paper 6	General Studies:-3 (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management with some weightage to Maharashtra)	250	3 Hours
Paper 7	General Studies:-4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)	250	3 Hours
Paper 8	Optional Subject Papers 1	250	3 Hours
Paper 9	Optional Subject Papers 2	250	3 Hours

Paper-1: Qualifying Paper of Marathi Language 

• The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows: 
  • Comprehension of given passages. 
  • Precis Writing. 
  • Usage and Vocabulary. 
  • Short Essays. 
  • Translation from English to Marathi and vice-versa. 
• This Paper will be of qualifying nature. The marks obtained in this paper will not be counted for merit.

Paper-2: Qualifying Paper of English Language 

• The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows: 
  • Comprehension of given passages. 
  • Precis Writing. 
  • Usage and Vocabulary. 
  • Short Essays. 
• This Paper will be of qualifying nature. The marks obtained in this paper will not be counted for merit.

Paper-3 Essay

• In Essay Paper, 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 an orderly fashion and to write concisely.

Paper-4: General Studies 1

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society with some weightage to Maharashtra)

Subject	Topics Covered
Indian Culture	Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Bhakti Movement	Philosophy and significance, with special reference to the saints’ movement in Maharashtra.
Modern Indian History	Events, personalities, and issues from the mid-18th century to the present.
Freedom Struggle	Various stages and key contributors from different parts of India.
Post-Independence India	Consolidation and reorganization within the country.
World History	Events from the 18th century onwards, including:  - Industrial Revolution  - World Wars  - Redrawal of national boundaries  - Colonization and decolonization  - Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, and their impact on society.
Indian Society	- Salient features of Indian society  - Diversity of India
Social Issues	- Role of women and women’s organizations  - Population and associated issues  - Poverty and developmental challenges  - Urbanization, related problems, and solutions
Globalization	Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Social Empowerment & Ideologies	Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism.
World Geography	- Salient features of the world’s physical geography  - Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)  - Factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various regions (including India).
Geophysical Phenomena	- Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic activity, Cyclones  - Changes in geographical features (including water bodies and ice caps)  - Impact on flora and fauna due to these changes.

Paper-5: General Studies 2 

(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations with some weightage to Maharashtra)

Subject	Topics Covered
Indian Constitution	Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
Union and State Relations	Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges in the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances to local levels, and challenges.
Separation of Powers	Separation of powers between various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparative Constitutional Study	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.
Executive and Judiciary	Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations in the polity.
Local Self-Government	Structure and functioning of local self-governments.
Representation of People's Act	Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Constitutional Posts and Bodies	Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Development and NGOs	Development processes and the role of NGOs, SHGs, groups, associations, donors, charities, and other stakeholders.
Welfare Schemes	Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and their performance; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies for protection and betterment.
Social Sector Issues	Issues related to the development and management of social services in Health, Education, and Human Resources.
Poverty and Hunger	Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Governance and Accountability	Aspects of governance, transparency, accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, citizens' charters, and institutional measures.
Civil Services	Role of civil services in a democracy.
India and its Neighbourhood	Relations between India and its neighbours.
Bilateral and Global Groupings	Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving or affecting India’s interests.
Global Impact on India	Effects of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests and the Indian Diaspora.
International Institutions	Important international institutions, agencies, their structure, and mandate.

Paper-6: General Studies 3  

(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management with some weightage to Maharashtra)

Subject	Topics Covered
Indian Economy	Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
Inclusive Growth	Issues arising from inclusive growth.
Government Budgeting	Government budgeting process.
Agriculture	- Major crops and cropping patterns in various parts of the country.  - Different types of irrigation systems, storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce.  - Issues related to irrigation, constraints, and e-technology in aid of farmers.
Farm Subsidies & PDS	- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies, minimum support prices.  - Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security.  - Technology missions and economics of animal-rearing.
Food Processing	Scope, significance, location, and supply chain management in food processing and related industries in India.
Land Reforms	Land reforms in India.
Liberalization Effects	Effects of liberalization on the economy and changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure	- Energy, ports, roads, airports, and railways.  - Investment models in infrastructure.
Science and Technology	- Developments and their applications in everyday life.  - Achievements in science and technology, indigenization, and developing new technologies.
Technological Awareness	Awareness in IT, space, computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues related to intellectual property rights.
Environmental Issues	- Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.  - Environmental impact assessment.
Disaster Management	- Disaster management, disaster risk resilience, and building a resilient society.
Extremism and Development	Linkages between development and the spread of extremism.
Internal Security Challenges	- Role of external state and non-state actors in internal security challenges.  - Communication networks, media, social networking sites in security challenges.  - Basics of cyber security, money-laundering, and its prevention.
Security in Border Areas	Security challenges and their management in border areas, linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Security Forces and Agencies	Role and mandate of various security forces and agencies.

Paper-7: General Studies 4 

(Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) 

Subject	Topics Covered
Ethics and Human Interface	Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions.  Dimensions of 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, and function of attitude.  - Influence and relation with thought and behavior.  - Moral and political attitudes, social influence, and persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service	- Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker sections.
Emotional Intelligence	Concepts, utilities, and application in administration and governance.
Contributions of Moral Thinkers	Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world.
Public/Civil Service Ethics	- Public 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, ethical governance, and strengthening of ethical and moral values.  - Ethical issues in international relations, funding, and corporate governance.
Probity in Governance	- Concept of public service and philosophical basis of governance and probity.  - Information sharing, transparency, 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	Case studies on ethical issues, governance, and integrity.

Paper-8 and Paper-9  

(Optional Subject Papers I & II)

List of Optional Subjects:

• Agriculture  
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science  
• Anthropology  
• Botany  
• Chemistry  
• Civil Engineering  
• Commerce and Accountancy  
• Economics  
• Electrical Engineering  
• Geography  
• Geology  
• History  
• Law  
• Management 
• Marathi Literature 
• Mathematics 
• Mechanical Engineering 
• Medical Science 
• Philosophy 
• Physics 
• Political Science and International Relations 
• Psychology 
• Public Administration 
• Sociology 
• Statistics 
• Zoology