UKPSC Mains Examination Syllabus

• 20 Jan 2025

The Mains Examination of the Uttarakhand Combined State Civil/ Upper Subordinate Examination is designed to comprehensively assess candidates' knowledge, analytical abilities, and understanding of diverse subjects relevant to the state, nation, and global affairs.  

The syllabus emphasizes a balance of theoretical understanding and practical application across varied domains, fostering a holistic evaluation of aspirants' competencies.

The detailed syllabus for the Uttarakhand PCS Mains Examination is provided below. 

General Hindi

Sl. No.	Topic	Details	Marks
1	शब्द-रचना	उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय  सन्धि एवं समास  वचन एवं लिंग  व्याकरणिक कोटियाँ: संज्ञा, सर्वनाम, क्रिया, विशेषण, क्रिया-विशेषण, अव्यय के अनुप्रयोग  वाक्य परिवर्तन (कर्तृवाच्य, कर्मवाच्य, भाववाच्य)	15
2	शब्द-विवेक	(अ) शब्द-भेद  तत्सम, तद्भव, देशज, विदेशी, शंकर, रूप, योगिक, योगरूढ़  पर्यायवाची, विलोम, अनेकार्थी, समश्रुत किंतु भिन्नार्थक  वाक्य या वाक्यांश के लिए एक शब्द  (ब) शब्द-शुद्धि	15
3	वाक्य-रचना	रचना के आधार पर वाक्य परिवर्तन: सरल, मिश्र, संयुक्त वाक्य  व्याकरण के आधार पर वाक्य परिवर्तन: प्रश्नवाचक, विधिनिषेधात्मक, कर्तृवाच्य, कर्मवाच्य, भाववाच्य  विराम चिह्न  वाक्य शुद्धि  स्त्रोत लेखन	15
4	मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ	अर्थ और वाक्य में प्रयोग	10
5	पत्र लेखन	अनौपचारिक एवं औपचारिक पत्र	15
6	(अ) प्रतिवेदन लेखन	सरकारी/गैर-सरकारी कार्यालय, विद्यालय, संगठन आदि की घटनाओं पर आधारित प्रमाणिक विवरण	10
	(ब) हिंदी के प्रशासनिक शब्दों का अंग्रेजी अनुवाद	-	10
7	बौधन	अपठित अवतरण पर आधारित बोध-प्रश्नों के उत्तर	15
8	सार लेखन/सारांश/संक्षेपण	साहित्यिक, तकनीकी, प्रतिवेदन, भाषण, पत्र आदि की विषय सामग्री को लगभग 1/3 रूप में प्रस्तुत करना	15
9	पल्लवन	प्रदीप्त सूक्तियां, वाक्यांश, सूक्तिवाक्य, कहावतें/लोकोक्तियां की व्याख्या और विस्तार	10
10	हिंदी अवतरण का अंग्रेजी में अनुवाद	-	10
11	अंग्रेजी अवतरण का हिंदी में अनुवाद	-	10

Note: Generally, it will be mandatory to obtain a minimum of 35% marks in General Hindi question paper, based on high school level syllabus. 

Essay

Time: 03 Hours  

Maximum Marks: 150

This question paper will consist of three sub-sections- ‘A’ ,‘B’ and ‘C’. The candidates will have to write an essay of 700-800 words limit from each sub-section of opted language alternatives.

• Section A 
  • Literature and Culture 
  • Social sphere 
  • Political sphere 
  • Economic sphere: Agriculture, Industry and Trade 
• Section B 
  • Science, Environment and Technology 
  • National and International Events 
  • Natural Calamities: Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought, etc. 
  • National Development Programmes and projects 
• Section C 
  • Social structure of Uttarakhand 
  • History and Culture, Art and Literature in Uttarakhand 
  • Economic and Geographic Scenario of Uttarakhand, Tourism and Migration in Uttarakhand 
  • Environment & Disaster and Disaster Management in Uttarakhand 
  • Women Empowerment in Uttarakhand

The Maximum Mark for the essay of 700-800 words limit from each section will be 50. The marks during the evaluation of each essay will be given keeping in mind the following points. 

• Accuracy of Language and Grammar, Proper Word Selection, and Legible Handwriting. 
• Rendering of Original Thoughts related to the Subject. 
• Presentation of Multi-dimensional and Comprehensive Understanding of the Subject. 
• Systematic, Compatible, and Reasonable Revelation of Subject-related thoughts and Essay Style. 
• Clarity, Expression Ability and Expansion and Summarization ability with reference to the given subject.

General Studies-I

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

Time: 03 Hours  

Maximum Marks: 200

• 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 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 the 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, re-drawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc. – their forms and effect on 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 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 subcontinent); 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, cyclones 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 

General Studies – II 

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

Time: 03 Hours  

Maximum Marks: 200

• Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure 
• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges significant provisions 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 the development and management of social/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 developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora 
• Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate 

General Studies – III

(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Time: 03 Hours  

Maximum Marks: 200

• 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 issue and related constraints; e-technology in the 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, 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, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybers 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

General Studies – IV 

(Ethics, integrity and Aptitude)

Time: 03 Hours  

Maximum Marks: 200

• This paper will include questions about 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 utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered: 
  • Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinates 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 society and educational institutions in inculcating value 
  • Attitude: Content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion 
  • Aptitude and foundational values for civil service, integrity, impartiality and – 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 the world 
  • Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and problems; 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; 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

General Studies-V 

(Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand)

Time: 03 Hours

Maximum Marks: 200

• History of Uttarakhand: Prehistoric period, Proto-historic period, Major archeological sites of Uttarakhand, Ancient tribes of Uttarakhand, Kunindas and Yaudheyas, Katyuri dynasty, Parmar dynasty in Garhwal- Rule, Administration, society, Economy, Chand dynasty of Kumaon- Rule, Administration, society, Economy, Gorkha invasion and administration in Uttarakhand 
• British Rule in Uttarakhand: Administrative System, Land Revenue, Forest Management, Economy, Education and Health System, Growth of Vernacular journalism in Uttarakhand, Tehri state- Rule, Administration, Society, Economy, Religion and Culture, National Movement, Prominent Freedom Fighters of 
• Uttarakhand, Merger of the Tehri state 
• Popular Movements in Uttarakhand: Coolie Begar Movement, Dola Palki Movement, Chipko Movement, Anti-Liquor Movement, Social Reformers of Uttarakhand. Anti princely Tehri State, Movement of separate Uttarakhand state and its immediate and long-term consequences 
• Society and Culture of Uttarakhand: Family, Marriage and kinship system Uttarakhand, Caste system and caste mobility in Uttarakhand: Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Others Backward Classes in Uttarakhand; Rural Power Structure, Urbanization and Industrialization in Uttarakhand, Folks Songs, Folks dance and craft. 
• Prominent Folks singers and folk artists of Uttarakhand, musical instruments, paintings, costumes, food habits, Religious places and Temples of Uttarakhand, Fairs and Festivals, Dialects and crafts of Uttarakhand 
• Uttarakhand State: Political, Local Administration and Public Policy; Political System in Uttarakhand, Party Politics, Regional Parties, Pressure groups 
• Administrative System: Structure of the state government, Cabinet and Departments, Administrative Agencies and District and Tehsil level Administration. State Public Service Commission. Lok Ayukta, State Vigilance Agency. Local Self Government in Uttarakhand- Nature of urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions in Uttarakhand, State Finance Commission, State Election Commission. Public Policy in Uttarakhand- Good governance- Citizen's Charter and e-governance, prevention of corruption and Lok pal and Lokayukta, Right to information, Right to education, Right to service, Women Empowerment, MNREGA, Soldier’s Welfare and rehabilitation etc. Important Aayog in Uttarakhand 
• Current events in the context of Uttarakhand state 

General Studies – VI 

(Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand)

Time: 03 Hours  

Maximum Marks: 200

• Geography of Uttarakhand: Location, Extent and Strategic Importance, Structure and Relief, Climate, Drainage System, Natural Vegetation, Soil, Glacier, Lake and Climate Change. Resources- Forest, Water, Minerals and Land, Agriculture, Irrigation, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Industry. Transport – Road, Rail and Air. 
• Hydro-electric Projects, Water Scarcity and Solution 
• Tourism: Problems and Prospects 
• National parks and Wildlife sanctuaries 
• Population: Growth Rate, Density, Distribution, Sex Ratio, Literacy, Migration- Pattern, Problem and Solution. Rural Settlement- type and patterns, Urbanization and cities, Smart City. Tribal habitat, Human Development Index 
• Economy of Uttarakhand: Main features of the state's economy 
• Natural Resources: Water, Forests, Minerals etc. 
• Economic Profile of the State: State domestic products and its Components, Per Capita Income. Major sources of income; Agriculture, Horticulture, Medicinal Plants, Forest products, and Tourism etc. 
• Industrial development: State MSME Policy, Large, Medium, Small, Cottage and Handicraft Industries, Investment scenario, Problems and Possibilities 
• Infrastructure: Physical – Road, Rail and Air transport, Banking and financial Institutions, Education Health, Energy, Communication, Self Help Groups (SHGs) 
• Economic Planning and Policies: State annual plans, Development Programmes, Schemes and Policies; Decentralized Planning- Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies 
• Public Finance: Revenue receipts, State Taxes, Public Expenditure, Uttarakhand’s Budget 
• Major Economic Problems of the State: Poverty, Migration, Natural Disasters, Environmental degradation 
• Welfare Programs: Youth, Child and Women welfare programs, Poverty alleviation programs, MNREGA, Food and Civil supply, soldiers welfare and rehabilitation etc. 
• Disaster Management: Nature, types and effects. Important Factors of natural disaster and efforts to reduce it 
  • Denudation, Earthquake, Cloud-burst, Forest Fire, Drought & Avalanche etc. Difficulties in Disaster Management. Ecological – Sensitive areas. Role of NDRF and SDRF 
  • Disaster Management Act, 2005, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Disaster and impact due to Anthropogenic activities. Efforts of Uttarakhand Government 
• Human Resource and Community Development in Uttarakhand: Employment and Development: Human resource management and human resource development and its indicators in Uttarakhand. Nature and types of unemployment problem in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand government schemes. Rural development and community development schemes – role of related institutions and organizations including centrally and state sponsored schemes 
• Education: Role of education in human resource development and social change. System of education in Uttarakhand - problems and issues (including universalization and professionalization), education for women and other socially and economically deprived sections and minorities 
  • Right to Education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and National Secondary Education Abhiyan in Uttarakhand. Status of higher, technical and professional education in Uttarakhand. Role of various institutions (including Centre, State and other organizations) in the improvement of education 
• Health as a Component of Human Resource Development in Uttarakhand: 
  • Health care system in Uttarakhand 
  • National Rural Health Mission and other related schemes 
  • Health and Nutrition 
  • Food Security Act etc.