GS Paper 2
General Studies Paper 2 Index
Indian Constitution, federalism, separation of powers, executive, legislature, judiciary, constitutional bodies, citizen charters, welfare schemes, and foreign policy.
Official Syllabus Directory (20 Topics)
2013-2026 ArchiveHistorical Underpinnings & Salient Features
“Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.”
Union & States: Functions & Challenges
“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 & Dispute Redressal
“Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.”
Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme
“Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.”
Parliament & State Legislatures
“Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.”
Executive & Judiciary
“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.”
Representation of People's Act
“Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.”
Constitutional Bodies
“Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.”
Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies
“Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.”
Government Policies & Interventions
“Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.”
Development Processes & NGOs
“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
“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.”
Social Sector/Services (Health, Education, HR)
“Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.”
Poverty & Hunger
“Issues relating to poverty and hunger.”
Governance, Transparency & Accountability
“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 Democracy
“Role of civil services in a democracy.”
India and its Neighborhood
“India and its neighborhood- relations.”
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings
“Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.”
Effect of Policies of Developed & Developing Countries
“Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.”
Important International Institutions
“Important International institutions, agencies and fora - their structure, mandate.”