Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) –

Mains Syllabus
Main Examination Syllabus

Qualifying Paper- English

The aim of the paper is to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand serious discursive
prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly.

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

Comprehension of given passages.

Precis Writing.
Usage and Vocabulary.
Short Essays.
Minimum Qualification Standard- 25% / 75 Marks

(The paper will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks
obtained in this paper will not be counted for final ranking.)

Paper-I (Essay)

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 orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be
given for effective and exact expression.

Paper-II (GS Paper-I)

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

Indian Culture – 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 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, World
Wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like
Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc. – their forms and effect on the 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 problems and 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 sub-
continent); 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, cyclone 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.

Paper-III (GS Paper-II)

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant

Provisions and Basic Structure.
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 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 Development and Management of Social Sector/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 Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian
Diaspora.
Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora – their Structure, Mandate.

Paper-IV (GS Paper-III)

Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster

Management

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 Issues and
Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid 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, Roads, 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, Role of Media and Social
Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber 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.

Paper-V (GS Paper-IV)

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test 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 utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants 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 Family
Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour;
Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-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 World.
Public/Civil 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 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 Service; 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.

List of Optional Subjects

 Optional Subjects
1. Agriculture 10. Geography 19. Physics
2. Animal Husbandry and 11. Geology 20. Political Science and
Veterinary Science International Relations
3. Anthropology 12. History 21. Psychology
4. Botany 13. Law 22. Public Administration
5. Chemistry 14. Management 23. Sociology
6. Civil Engineering 15. Mathematics 24. Statistics
7. Commerce and 16. Mechanical Engineering 25. Zoology
Accountancy
8. Economics 17. Medical Science
9. Electrical Engineering 18. Philosophy

Literature of any one of

the following Languages
1. Arabic 4. Hindi 7. Punjabi
2. Dogri 5. Kashmiri 8. Sanskrit
3. English 6. Persian 9. Urdu

Main Examination Trend Analysis (2018-2023)

General Studies Paper – I No. of Questions (Marks)
History of India and The World 2023 2022 2021 2018

Indian Heritage and Culture 6 (65) 8 (100) 5 (55) 2 (20)

Important Historical Personalities and 3 (40) 2 (25) 1 (15) -
Significant Events
History of Modern India (Before 2 (30) 1 (10) 1 (15) 4 (50)
Independence)
History of Modern India (After - - - 2(20)
Independence)
World History - - - 1 (10)
Marks 135 135 135 135

Geography of India and the World No. of

Questions
(Marks)
Physical Geography 3 (35) 3 (40) 3 (30) -
Distribution of Natural Resources 2 (25) 1 (10) 1 (15) 2 (30)
Factors for establishing Industries in 1 (15) 1 (15) 1 (15) 1 (15)
India and the World
Major Geophysical Events 1 (10) 2 (25) 1(15) 2 (30)
(Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes,
etc.)
Geographical features and their - - 1 (10) -
location
Marks 85 90 85 75

Indian Society No. of

Questions
(Marks)
Salient Features of Indian Society - 1 (10) 1 (15) 1 (10)
Issues related to Women - - 1(15) -
Poverty and Developmental Issues - - - -
Urbanization 2 (30) 1 (15) 1(10) -
Population - - 1(15) -
Impact of Globalization on Indian - - - 2 (20)
Society
Communalism, Regionalism, - - 1(15) 2 (30)
Secularism
Social Empowerment - - 1 (10) 1(15)

Marks 30 25 80 75

General Studies No. of Questions (Marks)

Paper – II
Governance 2023 2022 2021 2018
Important Aspects — 1(10) 1(15) 1(10)
of Governance
Civil Services — — 4(45) 2(30)
Government 2(30) 1(10) 3(35) 2(25)
Policies
Development 1(10) — — —
Process and
Development
Industry
Marks 40 20 95 65
Constitution No. of Questions (Marks)
Indian Constitution — 2 (20) 1 (10) 2 (25)
(features &
provision)
Comparison of the
Indian
Constitutional
Scheme with that of
other Countries
Issues related to 1 (15) 1 (10) — 1 (10)
the Federal
Structure and Local
Government
Separation of Power — — — —
between various
components
Marks 15 30 10 35
Indian Polity No. of Questions (Marks)
Legislature and 1 (10) — 2 (25) 2 (20)
Representation of
the People’s Act
Executive — — — —
Judiciary 1 (10) 1 (10) — 1(10)
Constitutional 3 (35) — 1 (10) —
Bodies, Statutory
Bodies, Regulatory
and Quasi-judicial
Bodies
Marks 55 10 35 30
Social Justice No. of Questions (Marks)
Welfare Schemes 1 (10) — — 1 (15)
launched for the
Vulnerable
Sections
Issues Related to — — — —
Health, Education,
Human Resources
Issues related to — — — 2 (30)
Poverty & Hunger
Marks 10 — — 45
International No. of Questions (Marks)
Relations
India and its 1 (10) 1(10) 2 (25) 1(15)
Neighbours
Bilateral, Regional 8 (105) 13 (180) 6 (85) 4 (50)
and Global Groups,
The Impact of
Policies of
Developed and
Developing
Countries on India,
Indian Diaspora
Important 1(15) — — 1 (10)
International
Institutions
Marks 130 190 110 75

General Studies No. of Questions (Marks)

Paper – III
Science and 2023 2022 2021 2018
Technology
Development of 4 (50) 4 (50) 4 (55) 2 (25)
Science &
Technology, its
applications,
Information &
Technology, Space,
Robotics etc.,
Issues related to
Intellectual
Properties
Achievements by 3 (35) — 1(10) —
Indians in Science &
Technology,
Development of
Technology
Indigenously
Marks 85 50 65 25
Indian Economy No. of Questions (Marks)

Over view of Indian 3 (40) 5 (55) 1 (15) 3 (35)

Economy, and
Issues related to
Planning,
Resources,
Development,
Growth,
Employment
Inclusive Growth 3 (40) — — 3 (40)

Government — — — 1 (10)
Budgeting
Major Crops– 2 (20) 1 (15) — —
Cropping Patterns,
Storage of
Agricultural
Produce, Transport,
Irrigation, E-
Technology and
other Related
Issues and
Constraints
Direct and Indirect 1 (15) 1 (10) — 1 (15)
agricultural
Subsidies, MSP,
Public Distribution
System, Food
Security,
Technology
Missions;
Economics of
Animal-Rearing
Food Processing & — — — 1 (15)
Related Industries,
Animal Husbandry
Impact of 1(10) 2(30) 1(10) 1(10)
Liberalization on
the economy,
Industrial Policy
Infrastructure 1 (10) — 2(25) 1(10)

Investment Models — — 1(15) 2(25)

Marks 135 110 65 160
Environment and No. of Questions (Marks)
Disaster
Management
Environment & 2 (30) 5 (60) 4 (50) —
Ecology
Disaster — 1 (15) 3 (40) 1 (10)
Management
Marks 30 75 90 10
Internal Security No. of Questions (Marks)

Linkages between — — — —
Development and
Extremism
Challenges of — 1 (15) 3 (30) 1 (10)
Internal Security,
Cybersecurity,
Money Laundering
Security Challenges — — — 2 (30)
in border areas,
Organized Crime
and Terrorism
Security Forces and — — — 1 (15)
Agencies and their
Mandates
Marks — 15 30 55

General Studies No. of Questions (Marks)

Paper – IV
Ethics, Integrity 2023 2022 2021 2018
and Aptitude
Ethics and Human 3 (30) 5(50) 4 (40) 2 (20)
Interfa
ce: Essence,
Determinants,
Consequences,
Dimensions of
Ethics in Human
Activities, Ethics in
Public and Private
Relations, Human
Values, Role of
Family Society and
Educational
Institutions in
Developing Values.
Attitude: Content, 1 (10) 2 (20) 3 (30) 3 (30)
Structure, its
Influence in
Thought Conduct,
Moral-Political
Attitudes &, Social
Influence and
Persuasion
Emotional 1(10) — 2 (20) 2 (20)
Intelligence: Its
Concept and usage
in administration
Contribution of 3 (30) 1 (10) 3 (30) 1 (10)
Moral Thinkers and
Philosophers of
India and the world
Aptitude and 1 (10) 1 (10) — —
Foundational
Values for Civil
Service: Integrity,
Impartiality and
Non-partisanship,
Objectivity,
Dedication to
Service, Empathy,
Tolerance,
Compassion for
Weaker Sections
Public/Civil 1 (10) 4 (40) 1 (10) 4 (40)
Service Values
and Ethics in
Public
 A
dmi
nistration: Ethical
Concerns and
Dilemmas in
Government and
Private Institutions,
Sources of Ethical
Guidance,
Accountability,
Moral Values in
Governance,
Responsibilities,
Ethical Issues in
International
Relations,
Corporate
Governance
Probity in 3 (30) — — 1 (10)
Gove
rnance: Concept of
Public Service,
Right to
Information, Ethical
Codes of Ethics,
Codes of Conduct,
Citizen’s Charters,
Transparency,
Quality of Work
Culture, Public
Funds, Corruption
Case Studies 6(120) 6(120) 6(120) 6(120)
Total Marks 250 250 250 250

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