UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus, Books & Preparation Tips

The GS 2 paper has the following 3 subjects.

• Polity & Governance
• Welfare
• International Relations

The detailed GS 2 syllabus is mentioned below.

Indian Constitution          

• Historical underpinnings of the constitution
• Evolution of the Constitution
• Salient features
• Basic structure
• Amendments
• Significant provisions
• Challenges in the devolution of power
• Comparison of India’s constitutional scheme with other countries
• Devolution of finances and powers up to the local government level
• Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
• Responsibilities and functions of the states and the Union territories
• Issues and challenges related to the Federal Structure
• Separation of powers between various organs of the govt.

Governance & Polity       

– Parliament and State Legislatures

– Structure

– Functioning

– Conduct of Business

– Powers & Privileges

– Issues arising out of Powers and Privileges of legislative bodies

• Executive and Judiciary

• Structure
• Organization
• Functioning
• Ministries and departments of the government

• Pressure groups
• Formal & Informal associations and their role in the polity
• Salient features of the People’s Representation Act

Governance 

• Appointment to various constitutional posts
• Powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies
• Development processes and the development of industry
• Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors
• Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
• Issues arising out of the design and implementation of government intervention
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
• The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
• e-governance

• applications
• models
• successes
• limitations and potential
• citizens charters
• transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

• Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Social Justice        

• Issues related to poverty and hunger
• Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources
• Mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population
• The performance of welfare schemes
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the centre and states

International Relations    

• India and its neighbourhood
• Relations between India and the neighbouring countries
• 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
• Important International institutions and agencies
• Indian diaspora – Its structure and mandate