COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION –I GROUP – I SERVICES (PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION) GENERAL STUDIES (DEGREE STANDARD)

COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION –I

GROUP – I SERVICES (PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION) GENERAL STUDIES (DEGREE STANDARD)

Topics for Objective Type

SUBJECT CODE: 003

 

UNIT-I : GENERAL SCIENCE

• Scientific Knowledge and Scientific temper – Power of Reasoning – Rote Learning Vs Conceptual Learning – Science as a tool to understand the past, present and future.
• Nature of Universe – General Scientific Laws – Mechanics – Properties of Matter, Force, Motion and Energy – Everyday application of the basic principles of Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Sound, Heat, Nuclear Physics, Laser, Electronics and Communications.
• Elements and Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Petroleum Products, Fertilizers, Pesticides.
• Main concepts of Life Science, Classification of Living Organisms, Evolution, Genetics, Physiology, Nutrition, Health and Hygiene, Human diseases.
• Environment and Ecology.

UNIT-II: CURRENT EVENTS

1. History – Latest diary of events – National symbols – Profile of States – Eminent personalities and places in news – Sports – Books and authors.
2. Polity – Political parties and political system in India – Public awareness and General administration – Welfare oriented Government schemes and their utility, Problems in Public Delivery Systems.
3. Geography – Geographical landmarks.
4. Economics – Current socio – economic issues.
5. Science – Latest inventions in Science and Technology

UNIT- III: GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA

1. Location – Physical features – Monsoon, rainfall, weather and climate – Water resources – Rivers in India – Soil, minerals and natural resources – Forest and wildlife – Agricultural pattern.
2. Transport – Communication.
3. Social geography – Population density and distribution – Racial, linguistic groups and major tribes.
4. Natural calamity – Disaster Management – Environmental pollution: Reasons and preventive measures – Climate change – Green energy

UNIT – IV: HISTORY AND CULTURE OF INDIA

1. Indus valley civilization – Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals and Marathas – Age of Vijayanagaram and Bahmani Kingdoms – South Indian history.
2. Change and Continuity in the Socio – Cultural History of India.
3. Characteristics of Indian culture, Unity in diversity – Race, language, custom.
4. India as a Secular State, Social Harmony.

UNIT-V: INDIAN POLITY

1. Constitution of India – Preamble to the Constitution – Salient features of the Constitution – Union, State and Union Territory.
2. Citizenship, Fundamental rights, Fundamental duties, Directive Principles of State Policy.
3. Union Executive, Union legislature – State Executive, State Legislature – Local governments, Panchayat Raj.
4. Spirit of Federalism: Centre – State Relationships.
5. Election – Judiciary in India – Rule of law.
6. Corruption in public life – Anti-corruption measures – Lokpal and LokAyukta – Right to Information – Empowerment of women – Consumer protection forums, Human rights charter

UNIT-VI: INDIAN ECONOMY

1. Nature of Indian economy – Five year plan models – an assessment – Planning Commission and Niti Ayog.
2. Sources of revenue – Reserve Bank of India – Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy – Finance Commission – Resource sharing between Union and State Governments – Goods and Services Tax.
3. Structure of Indian Economy and Employment Generation, Land reforms and Agriculture – Application of Science and Technology in agriculture – Industrial growth – Rural welfare oriented programmes – Social problems – Population, education, health, employment, poverty.

UNIT-VII: INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

1. National renaissance – Early uprising against British rule – Indian National Congress – Emergence of leaders – B.R.Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Bharathiar, V.O.Chidambaranar, Jawaharlal Nehru,Kamarajar, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, ThanthaiPeriyar, Rajaji, Subash Chandra Bose and others.
2. Different modes of Agitation: Growth of Satyagraha and Militant movements.
3. Communalism and partition.

UNIT- VIII: HISTORY, CULTURE, HERITAGE AND SOCIO – POLITICAL MOVEMENTS IN TAMIL NADU

1. History of Tamil Society, related Archaeological discoveries, Tamil Literature from Sangam age till contemporary times.
2. Thirukkural : (a) Significance as a Secular literature

                       (b) Relevance to Everyday Life

                       (c) Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity

                       (d) Thirukkural and Universal Values – Equality,Humanism, etc

                       (e) Relevance to Socio – Politico – Economic affairs

                       (f) Philosophical content in Thirukkural

1. Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle – Early agitations against British Rule – Role of women in freedom struggle.
2. Evolution of 19th and 20th Century Socio-Political movements in Tamil Nadu – Justice Party, Growth of Rationalism -Self Respect Movement, Dravidian movement and Principles underlying both these movements, Contributions of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna.

UNIT – IX: DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION IN TAMIL NADU

1. Human Development Indicators in Tamil Nadu and a comparative assessment across the Country – Impact of Social Reform movements in the Socio – Economic Development of Tamil Nadu.
2. Political parties and Welfare schemes for various sections of people – Rationale behind Reservation Policy and access to Social Resources – Economic trends in Tamil Nadu – Role and impact of social welfare schemes in the Socio – economic development of Tamil Nadu.
3. Social Justice and Social Harmony as the Cornerstones of Socio – Economic development.
4. Education and Health systems in Tamil Nadu.
5. Geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on Economic growth.
6. Achievements of Tamil Nadu in various fields.
7. e-governance in Tamil Nadu.

UNIT-X: APTITUDE AND MENTAL ABILITY

1. Simplification – Percentage – Highest Common Factor (HCF) – Lowest Common Multiple (LCM).
2. Ratio and Proportion.
3. Simple interest – Compound interest – Area – Volume – Time and Work.
4. Logical Reasoning – Puzzles-Dice – Visual Reasoning – Alpha numeric Reasoning – Number Series.

COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION- I

Group – I Services (Main Examination)

(Degree Standard)

 

PAPER – I

UNIT- I: Modern history of India and Indian culture

UNIT- II: Social issues in India and Tamil Nadu

UNIT- III: General Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard)

PAPER – II

UNIT- I: Indian Polity and emerging political trends across the world affecting India

UNIT- II: Role and impact of Science and Technology in the development of India

UNIT- III: Tamil Society ‐ Its Culture and Heritage

PAPER – III

UNIT- I: Geography of India with special reference to Tamil Nadu

UNIT- II: Environment, Bio Diversity and Disaster Management

UNIT- III: Indian Economy – Current economic trends and impact of global economy on India

SYLLABUS

COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION – I

Group – I Services (Main Examination) (Degree

Standard)

PAPER – I – General studies

 UNIT- I: MODERN HISTORY OF INDIA AND INDIAN CULTURE

Advent of European invasion ‐ Expansion and consolidation of British rule – Early uprising against British rule ‐ 1857 Revolt – Indian National Congress ‐ Growth of militant movements ‐ Different modes of agitations – Emergence of national leaders ‐ Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore, Netaji, Moulana Abulkalam Azad, Ambedkar and Patel ‐ Era of different Acts & Pacts ‐ Second World War & final phase struggle ‐ Communalism led to partition. Effect of British rule on socio‐economic factors ‐ National renaissance – Socio religious reform movements. India since independence ‐ Characteristics of Indian culture ‐ Unity in diversity ‐ Race, Language, Religion Custom ‐ India: a secular state ‐Organizations for fine arts, dance, drama and music. Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle ‐ Bharathiar, VOC,Subramania Siva, Rajaji, Periyar and others – Political parties and Welfare schemes. Latest diary of events: National and International ‐ National symbols- Eminent personalities & places in news ‐ Sports & Games ‐Books & Authors ‐ Awards & Honours ‐ Cultural panorama ‐ Latest historical events – Latest terminology ‐ Appointments ‐ who is who?

UNIT- II: SOCIAL ISSUES IN INDIA AND TAMIL NADU

 Population Explosion ‐ Unemployment issues in India & Tamil Nadu ‐Child Abuse & Child Labour – Poverty – Rural and Urban Sanitation –Illiteracy.

Women Empowerment ‐ Role of the Government in Women Empowerment – Social injustice to Women ‐ Domestic violence, Dowry menace, Sexual assault – Role of women and women’s organisations Social changes in India – Urbanization and its impact on the society– Problems and remedies ‐ Impact of violence on Society – Religious violence, Terrorism and Communal violence ‐ Regional Disparities ‐

Problems of Minorities ‐ Human Rights issues. Education – Linkage between Education and Social Development ‐Community Development Programmes ‐ Employment Guarantee Schemes‐ Self Employment and Entrepreneurship Development ‐ Role of N.G.Os in Social Welfare – Government Policy on Health.

Welfare Schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Central and State governments and their performance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

UNIT-III : GENERAL APTITUDE & MENTAL ABILITY

(SSLC Standard)

Conversion of information to data ‐ Collection, compilation and presentation of data ‐ Tables, Graphs, Diagrams ‐ Parametric representation of data ‐ Analytical interpretation of data ‐ Percentage ‐

Highest Common Factor (HCF) ‐ Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) ‐ Ratio and Proportion ‐ Simple interest ‐ Compound interest ‐ Area ‐ Volume‐Time and Work – Probability.

Information technology ‐ Basic terms, Communications ‐ Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ‐ Decision making and problem solving ‐ Basics in Computers / Computer terminology.

 

COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION- I

Group – I Services (Main Examination) (Degree

Standard)

PAPER – II – General studies

UNIT – I: INDIAN POLITY AND EMERGING POLITICAL TRENDS

ACROSS THE WORLD AFFECTING INDIA

Constitution of India: Historical background – Making of the Indian

Constitution – Preamble – Salient features of the Indian Constitution –

Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties – Directive Principles of State

Policy – Schedules to the Indian Constitution.

Union Executive: President, Vice – President, Prime Minister and Council

Of Ministers, Attorney General of India.

Union Legislature: Parliament: Lok – Sabha and Rajya – Sabha –

Composition, Powers, Functions and Legislative procedures.

Union Judiciary: Structure, Powers and Functions of the Supreme Court –

Judicial Review – Latest Verdicts.

State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister – Speaker and Council of

Ministers, Advocate General of the State.

State Legislature: State Legislative Assembly – Organization, Powers and

Functions.

State Judiciary: Organization, Powers and Functions of High Courts,

District Courts and Subordinate Courts.

Local Government: Historical Development – Features and working of 73^rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Union Territories: Evolution of States and Union Territories –

Administration of Union Territories.

Federalism in India: Centre – State Relations – Centre – State

Administrative Relations – Centre – State Legislative Relations and Centre –

State Financial Relations.

Civil Services in India: Historical background – Classification of Civil

Services – Recruitment & Training of Civil Servants.

State Services: Classification of State Services and Recruitment.

Official Language: Constitutional provision – Official Language Act,

VIII Schedule to the Constitution.

Amendments: Major Amendments to the Indian Constitution.

Special Status to Jammu & Kashmir: Art 370.

Political Parties: National & Regional parties, Pressure Groups, Interest

Groups, Public Opinion, Mass Media, Non-Governmental Organizations

(NGOs) and their role.

Issue Areas in Indian Administration: Corruption in India – Anti –

Corruption Measures – CVC – Lok Adalats – Ombudsman – RTI Act –

Minister – Secretary Relationship – Generalist vs. Specialist controversy.

Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies – Composition, Powers and

Functions.

Profile of States – Defence, National Security and Terrorism – World

Organisations – Pacts and Summits.

India’s Foreign Policy: Foreign Affairs with Special emphasis on India’s relations with neighboring countries and in the region – Security and

defence related issues – Nuclear Policy – Issues and conflicts. The Indian

Diaspora and its contribution to India and to the World.

 

UNIT – II : ROLE AND IMPACT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN

THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIA

Science and Technology – Role, Achievements and Developments -Their applications and effects in everyday life ‐ Energy ‐ Conventional and Non-conventional – Self sufficiency ‐ Oil exploration ‐Defence Research.Organizations and other science and technology institutions – Ocean Research and Development – Role and Functions.Advancements in the fields of I.T., Space, Computers, Robotics,

Nano-Technology ‐ Mobile Communication – Remote sensing and its benefits.Health and hygiene ‐ Human diseases – Prevention and remedies ‐Communicable diseases and non‐communicable diseases – Genetic.Engineering – Organ transplantation – Stem cell Technology – Medical

Tourism – Advancements in Horticulture & Agriculture. Achievements of Indians in the fields of Science and Technology.Latest inventions in science & technology.

 

UNIT – III : TAMIL SOCIETY – ITS CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Candidates may answer the questions in this unit EITHER in Tamil

OR in English.

1) Tamil Society : Origin and expansion.

2) Art and Culture : Literature, Music, Film, Drama, Architecture,

Sculpture, Paintings and Folk Arts.

3) Socio – economic history of Tamil Nadu from Sangam age to till date.

4) Growth of Rationalist, Dravidian movements in Tamil Nadu -Their role in the socio – economic development of Tamil Nadu.

5) Social and cultural life of contemporary Tamils : Caste, Religion,Women, Politics, Education, Economy, Trade and relationship with other countries.

6) Tamil and other Disciplines: Mass Media,Computer etc.

 

COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION- I

Group – I Services (Main Examination)

( Degree Standard)

PAPER – III ‐ General studies

UNIT-I : GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TAMILNADU

Location – Physical features – Major Rivers – Weather & Climate – Monsoon, Rainfall ‐ Natural resources:- Soil, Water, Forest, Minerals and Wild life – Agricultural pattern – Livestock – Fisheries – Industries; Major industries – Growth and Development – Social- Cultural geography -Population : Growth, Density and Distribution – Racial, linguistic and

major tribes.Oceanography – Bottom relief features of Indian Ocean, Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal.Basics of Geospatial Technology: Geographical Information

System (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).Map: Geographical landmarks – India and its neighbours.

 

UNIT II: ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Ecology: Structure and function of Ecosystem – Ecological succession -Biodiversity conservation: Types – Biodiversity Hot Spots in India –Biodiversity: Significance and Threats – In situ and Ex situ conservation. Measures – Roles of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) & Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD).

 

Environmental Pollution and Management: Air, Water, Soil, Thermal and Noise pollution and control strategies – Solid and Hazardous waste management – Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Steps in EIA process – Environmental Clearance – Environmental Auditing.

Climate Change: Global Environmental Issues and Management –Changes in monsoon pattern in Tamil Nadu and India – Environmental consequences of climate change and mitigation measures – Clean and Green Energy – Environmental Sustainability.

Environmental Laws, Policies & Treaties in India and Global scenario -Natural calamities and Disaster Management – Environmental Health and Sanitation.

 

UNIT III : INDIAN ECONOMY – CURRENT ECONOMIC TRENDS AND

IMPACT OF GLOBAL ECONOMY ON INDIA

Features of Indian Economy – Demographical profile of India –National Income – Capital formation – NEP (New Economic Policy) – NITI AYOG – National Development Council.Agriculture – Role of Agriculture – Land reforms – New Agricultural

Strategy – Green Revolution – Price Policy, Public Distribution System (PDS), Subsidy, Food Security– Agricultural Marketing, Crop Insurance, Labour – Rural credit & indebtness – WTO & Agriculture. Industry – Growth ‐ Policy – Role of public sector and disinvestment– Privatization and Liberalization – Public Private Partnership (PPP) –

SEZs. – MSMEs. – Make in India.Infrastructure in India – Transport System – Energy – Power –Communication – Social Infrastructure – Science & Technology – R&D.

Banking & Finance – Banking, Money & Finance – Central Bank –Commercial Bank – NBFIs. – Stock Market – Financial Reforms – Financial.Stability – Monetary Policy – RBI & Autonomy.Public Finance – Sources of Revenue – Tax & Non-Tax Revenue – Canons of taxation – GST – Public expenditure – Public debt – Finance

Commission – Fiscal Policy.Issues in Indian Economy – Poverty & inequality – Poverty alleviation programmes – MGNREGA – New Welfare programmes for rural poverty – Unemployment – Inflation – Inflation targeting – Sustainable economic growth – Gender issues.

India’s Foreign Trade – BOP, EX-IM Policy, FOREX Market, FDI; Globalization & its impact – Global economic crisis & impact on Indian economy. International Agencies – IMF (International Monetary Fund) World Bank – BRICS – SAARC – ASEAN.Tamil Nadu Economy & Issues – Gross State Domestic Product –Trends in State’s economic growth – Demographic profile of Tamil Nadu –Agriculture – Industry & entrepreneurship development in Tamil Nadu –Infrastructure – Power, Transportation systems – Social Infrastructure –SHGs. & Rural Women empowerment – Rural poverty & unemployment –Environmental issues – Regional economic disparities – Local Government – Recent government welfare programmes.