Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Topic 1 : Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Topic 2 : 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.
Topic 3 : Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Topic 4 : Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Topic 5 : Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Topic 6: 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.
Topic 7 : Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Topic 8 : Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Topic 9 : Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Topic 10 : Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Topic 11 : Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Topic 12 : 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.
Topic 13 : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Topic 14 : Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Topic 15 : Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Topic 16 : Role of civil services in a democracy.
Topic 17 : India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Topic 18 : Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Topic 19 : Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Topic 20 : Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.