UPSC syllabus

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

HISTORY

ANCIENT HISTORY

1. Pre Historic Cultures In India " Vedic Texts
" Sources for Reconstructing
" Periodization of Indian pre history
" Sources of pre history Vedic Society and Culture
" Stone age " Geography of the Rig Vedic Period

Paleolithic (2 million BC – 10,000 BC) and geography of the later Vedic Phases
Mesolithic (10,000 BC – 8,000 BC) " Economic Conditions
Neolithic (8000 BC – 4000 BC) " Political Organisation and Evolution
" Chalcolithic Age (4000 BC – 1500 BC)
" Iron age (1500 BC-200 BC) of Monarchy
" Impact of Iron " Social Organisation and Varna System
" Religion and Thought
2. Pastoral and Farming Communities
5. Pre Mauryan Period
" Neolithic Phase
" Chalcolithic Phase " Formation of states
" Early Iron Phase " The Sixteen Mahajanapadas
" Geographical Distribution and " Republics
" Rise of urban centres
Characteristics " Haryanka dynasty
" Shishunaga dynasty
3. Indus Valley Civilization " Nanda dynasty

" Major Cities Town Planning 6. The Mauryan Empire
" Harappan Trade
" Agriculture " Chandragupta and Bindusara
" Domestication of animals " Megasthenes
" Crafts " Asoka and His Successors
" Religion " Asoka’s Inscriptions and Sites
" Harappan Pottery " Asoka’ a Dhamma
" Weights and Measures " Mauryan. Administration, Economy,
" Script and Language
" Images Society and Art
" Decline of Harappan Culture " The Arthasastra

4. Vedic Society 7. Post-Mauryan India (sc 200-AD 300)

" Original Home of Aryans " Society: Evolution of Jatis
" Features of Aryan Culture " Sangam Texts-and Society
" Satavahanas and Other Indigenous

Dynasties
" Foreign Dynasties

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" Commercial Contacts with the Outside World 10. Harshavardana
" Schools of Art
" Sources for Harsha’s Period
8. Growth of Jainism and Buddhism " Early life of Harsha
" Harsha’s Administration
" Jainism " Important Officials of the empire
" Buddhism " Economy under Harsha
" Society
9. Imperial Guptas " Religion

" Sources of Gupta Rule 11. The Southern Dynasties
" Political history of Guptas
" Fahien " The Shathavahanas (230 BC TO AD 225)
" Gupta Administration " The Pallavas (AD 330–796)
" Gupta Culture " The Chalukyas (AD 535–1190)
" Urban centres in Gupta period " The Pandyas of Madurai (AD 590–1323)
" Economic Conditions " The Chola Dynasty (AD 850–1310)
" Rashtrakutas (AD 753–973)

MEDIEVAL INDIA

1. Central Asian Politics and the 4. The Establishment of the North
Advance of Babur towards India Indian Empire

" The Timurids " The Surs
" Sher Shah’s Early Life
" The Timurid-Uzbek and Uzbek-Iran " Social and Political Background of Bihar
Conflict and Babur
and the Rise of Sher Shah to Power.
" Babur’s Advance towards India
" The Sur Empire (1540-56)
2. Struggle for Empire in North- India " Contributions of Sher Shah
(Afghans, Rajputs and Mughals)
5. Consolidation and Expansion of the
" Struggle between Ibrahim Empire - Akbar
Lodi and Babur
" Conflict with the Afghans - Hemu
" the Battle of Panipat " Struggle with the Nobility: Bairam Khan’s
" Babur’s problems after the Battle " Regency; Revolt of Uzbek Nobles
" Early Expansion of the Empire
of Panipat
(1560-76) - Malwa, Garh-Katanga,
" Struggle with Rana Sanga Rajasthan, Gujarat, Eastern India
" Problems of the Eastern Areas
" Relations with the Rajputs -
and the Afghans Growth of a Composite Ruling Class

" Babur’s Contribution and Significance " Rebellions, and Further Expansion
of his Advent into India of the Empire in the North West

3. Struggle for Empire in North India 6. State and Government under Akbar

" Humayun and the Afghans " Akbar’s Concept of Suzerainty
" Early Activities of Humayun, " Structure of Government,

and the Tussle with Bahadur Shah Central and Provincial - the Vikalat,
the Central Ministries, Provincial
" The Gujarat Campaign
" The Bengal Campaign, and Struggle " Government, District and
Local Government
with Sher Khan

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" The Working of Government - the Ruler, " State and Religion in the First Half
Land-Revenue System, the of the Seventeenth Century
Dahsala System, the Mansabdari
" Shah Jahan - Consolidation and
System and the Army Expansion of the Empire

7. Akbar’s Religious Views " Evolution of the Mughal Ruling Class
and the Mansabdari System
" Relations with the Ulama and
Social Reforms 11. Aurangzeb - Religious Policies,
North India and the Rajputs
" The Early Phase (1556-73)
" The Second Phase (1573-80) - " War of Succession
" Religious Policy : First Phase (1658-79)
the Ibadat Khana " Reforms and Puritanical Measures, Hindu
" Temples, Jizyah; Second Phase
" Debates - the Mahzar - Breach
with Orthodox (1679-1707)
" Territorial Consolidation and
" Ulama - Re-organisation of
Madadd-i-Maash Grants Expansion of Empire - North India
" Popular Revolts - Jats, Satnamis,
" Third or Final Phase - Din-i-Ilahi - State
" Policies and religious toleration Afghans and Sikhs
" Breach with Marwar and Mewar
8. The Deccan and the Mughals
(Upto 1657) 12. Climax and Crisis of the Mughal
Empire the Marathas and the
" The Deccani States upto 1595 Deccan
" Mughal Advance towards the Deccan
" Mughal Conquest of Berar, Khandesh " Rise of the Marathas - Early Career
of Shivaji -
and Parts of Ahmadnagar
" Treaty of Purandar - the Agra Visit
" Rise of Malik Ambar, and Frustration of " Shivaji’s Swarajya - Administration
" Mughal Attempt at Consolidation
and Achievements
(1601-27) " Aurangzeb and the Deccani States

" Extinction of Ahmadnagar, (1658-87)
Acceptance of Mughal " Marathas and the Decean (1687-1707)
" Assessment of Aurangzeb and the
" Suzerainty by Bijapur and Golconda
" Shah Jahan and the Deccan (1636-57) Jagirdari Crisis
" Cultural Contribution of the
13. Society-Structure and Growth
Deccani States
" Rural Society
9. Foreign Policy of the Mughals " Towns and Town Life
" Artisans and Master-Craftsmen
" Akbar and the Uzbeks " Women
" The Question of Qandahar and " Servants and Slaves
" Standard of Living
Relations with Iran " The Ruling Classes - Nobility,

" Shah Jahan’s Balkh Campaign Rural Gentry
" Mughal - Persian Relations - " The Middle Strata
" The Commercial Classes
the Last Phase
14. Economic Life-Patterns and
10. India in the First Half of the Prospects
Seventeenth Century
" Inland Trade
" Jahangir’s Accession - his Early " Overseas Trade - Role of Foreign Trading
Difficulties " Companies - Position of Indian

" Territorial Consolidation and Expansion Merchants Over-land Trade
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" Nur Jahan, and the Nur Jahan ‘Junta’
" The Rebellions of Shah Jahan, and

the coup de main of Mahabat Khan

" Jahangir as a Ruler

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" The Mughal State and Commerce " Struggle for ‘New’ Wizarat: Zulfiqar Khan
" Trend of India’s Economy and Prospects and Jahandar Shah (1712-13)

during the First Half of the " The Saiyid Brothers’ Struggle for
Eighteenth Century ‘New’ Wizarat

15. Religion, Fine Arts, Science and " The Saiyid ‘New’ Wizarat
Technology " The Wizarat of M. Amin Khan and

" Religion- Hindu Religion, Sikh Religion, Islam Nizam-ul-Mulk
" Fine Arts - Architecture, Painting, Language " Rise of Regional States, Beginning

and Literature, Music of Foreign Invasions of India (1725-48)
" Science and Technology
17. The Maratha Bid for Supremacy
16. Northern India in the First Half of
the Eighteenth Century " The Marathas and their Policy
of Expansion
" Bahadur Shah I, and the Beginning
of the Struggle " The Marathas and Nizam-ul-Mulk
" The Maratha Advance into Gujarat
" For Wizarat - Rajput Affairs - Marathas
and the and Malwa
" The Maratha Advance into Doab
" Deccan - Accentuation of the
Party Struggle and Punjab:
" First Phase (1741-52); Second Phase

(1752-61);
" Third Battle of Panipat

MODERN HISTORY

1. Scenario before 1857 4. Intimation of freedom

" Later Mughals " Civil Disobedience Movement
" Regional powers in 18th Century " Round table conference
" The British conquest of India " Poona pact
" The wars during British conquest of India " Government of India Act 1935
" British Administration before 1857 " Tripuri session – 1939
" August offer
2. Revolt of 1857 " Individual Satyagarha 1940-41

" Indian National Movement (1858-1905) 5. Towards achievement of freedom
" Early Nationalists and Swadeshi Movement
" Government of India Act 1909 " Popular struggles in the princely states
" Home rule league movement " 2nd World War and Nationalist response

3. The struggle for Swaraj 6. Partition of India

" Montague’s statement – Aug 1917 " Rise of Communalism
" Emergence of Gandhi – as a mass leader " Wavell plan
" Khilafat & Non-Cooperation Movement " Cabinet Mission Plan
" Mountbatten plan
(NCM)
" Swaraj Party 7. During the freedom struggle
" Revolutionary Terrorism phase II (1920’s)
" Simon Commission and Nehru report " Indian renaissance/socio-religious movement
" Civil Rebellions during British
" Tribal movements during British period

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" Peasant’s movement during British period " Role of women in Freedom Struggle
" Working class Movement (1850-1900) " Governor generals of India
" Growth of communalism " Viceroys of India
" Left and communist trends in " Important persons
" Important news paper/journals
National Movement " Congress sessions

" Press and education during British period

POST INDEPENDENCE INDIA

1. Re-organisation of states 6. Communalism & Social
Consolidation
" Constitutional provisions related
to State formation " Secularism
" Causes of Communalism in India
" Factors that lead to merger " Consequences of the communalism
" Accession of the princely states
" Accession of States under France and social consolidation

and Portuguese 7. Issue Of Linguistic Minorities
" Accession of Sikkim
" Rehabilitation of the Refugees " Operational Inefficiency
" Federal crisis " Government initiatives
" Regional aspirations, insurgencies and
8. Overview Of Economic Development
areas of tension Since Independence
" Accommodation and national integration
" Planning in India
2. Linguistic Regionalism In India
9. Agriculture
Constitutional position and
language policy " Industry
" Service sector
Language and regionalism " Current challenges facing the
Recent controversy due to rise of Hindi
Indian economy
3. Tribal Issue And Policy " Agriculture
Consolidation " Journey through Five Year Plans
" Land Reforms
" Issues & Present Status " Post Green Revolution Agricultural Issues
" Policy consolidation " Agrarian Movements
" Achievements in Agriculture
4. Issue Of Women And Evolution Of
Women Movement Since Independence
" Recent Challenges
" Issues & challenges
" Women movements 10. Industry
" Government policy response and legislation
" Governmental schemes " Industrial development since independence
" Public sector since independence
5. Problem Of Caste And Social " Sectoral Development
Consolidation " Private Sector since Independence
" Industrial Policy since Independence
" Caste practices in India " Make in India
" Ambedkar Movement
" Constitutional provisions 11. New Economic Policy
" Recent government initiatives for
" Impact of New Economic Policy
emancipation of Scheduled Castes
" Issues of Manual Scavenging

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12. Post Independence Policy Of Science " Science and Technology In
And Technology Pre- Reform Period

" India’s Policy in the Field of the " Impact of Economic Reform on the
Science and Technology Science and Technology in India:

" Institutional Framework for Science " New Policy Initiatives in the S&T
and Technology Development
" Agenda of the Skill Training

WORLD HISTORY

1. Beginning of Modern Age " Political Effects of the Revolution
" How did the American Revolution
" Disintegration of the Feudal System
" Renaissance influence the French Revolution?
" US Civil War
Humanism " Impact of Civil War on USA
Art and Architecture " Global Impact of US Civil War
Literature " Impact on India
Science
Reformation etc. 6. World War-I
" Explorations, Discovery, Trade
" Colonization – Rise of Nation State " Major causes of the war
" The English Revolution " Course of the war
" Analysis of major events of the war
2. French Revolution " Consequences of World War I
" Aftermath of World War I
" Causes " League of Nations
" The revolution in France
" France under Napoleon 7. Russian Revolution
" Impact of revolution
" Significance of revolution " Major events in pre-revolution Russia
" Causes
3. Nationalism in Europe " Course of revolution
" Consequences
" Rise of the nation- state system " Aftermath of the war
" Unification of Italy " Post-Lenin Russia
" Unification of Germany
8. Inter-War Years (1919 To 1939)
4. Colonialism and Imperialism
" The Great Depression
" Colonialism " The Great Depression- an
" The age of Imperialism (1870-1914)
" Imperialism in Asia economic perspective
" Analysis of Colonialism " Rise of Fascism in Italy
" Rise of Nazism in Germany
5. Emergence of USA " Soviet Union (USSR)

" Foundation of American Colonies 9. World War- II
" The Independence of
" Foundations of the war
United States of America " Course of the war
" The American Revolutionary War " Aftermath of war
" What was the impact of " Analysis of the war
" Decolonization phase
American Revolution?

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10. Development In Middle East 12. Post Cold-War World

" Democratic reforms in Middle East " Global issues since 1991
" Arab nationalism " Integration of Europe
" Israel " European integration- a timeline
" Rise of global Islamic terrorism
11. Cold War " Rise of China

" Reasons 13. Communism, Socialism and Capitalism

" Development of Cold War (1945-1953) " Capitalism (concept, types and example)
" Communism (concept, types, example)
" To what extent was there a there thaw " Relevance of capitalism in present era
after 1953? " Socialism

" Nuclear Arms Race and the Cuban Missile
Crisis (1962)

INDIAN CULTURE

1. Visual Art " Temples of Kerala 5
" Vesara Style
" Sculptures of Harappan Civilisation " Hoysala Style
" Sculptures of Mauryan Age " Rashtrakuta Period
" Post-Mauryan Period
" Jain Sculptures 3. Indo-Islamic Architecture
" Buddhist Sculpture
" Gupta Sculpture " Imperial Style (Delhi Sultanat
" Medieval School of Sculpture " Provincial Style
" Modern Indian Sculpture " Mughal Style
" Sikh Style of Architecture
2. Architecture in Ancient India " Rajput Architecture
" Salient features
" Harappan Period
" Mauryan Architecture 4. Modern Architecture
" Post-Mauryan Period
European Influence
Gupta Period Indo-Saracenic Architecture
" Temples of Khajuraho Post-Independence Period
" Temples of Odisha
" Temples of Gwalior 5. Indian Paintings
" Temples of Gujarat
" Temples of Rajasthan " Tradition of Mural Paintings in India
" Temples of Bengal " Tradition of Miniature Paintings in India
" Temples of Assam " Paintings in the Deccan
" Temples of Himachal Pradesh " Rajput School of Painting
" Temples of Jammu and Kashmir " Pahari School of Painting
" Pallava Period " Miniature Painting in South India
" Chola Period " Regional Paintings
" Pandya Temples " Modern Paintings
" Vijaynagar Period " Contemporary Paintings
" NayakaTemples
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6. Pottery Tradition in India " Buddhism
" Jainism
" Ochre:Coloured Pottery(OCP) " Sikhism
" Black and Red Ware (BRW) " Islam
" Painted GreyWare (PGW) " Christianity
" Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) " Zoroastrianism
" Glazed and Unglazed Pottery " Judaism
" Philosophy in India
7. Music in India
14. Bhakti & Sufi Movements
" Main Pillars of Indian Music
" Forms of Indian Music " Bhakti Movement
" Musical Instruments " Vaishnava Acha:ryas:Metaphysical Foundatio
" Institutions Related to Music " Other Saints of Bhakti Movement
" Maharashtra Dharma
8. Dances in India " Sufism

" Concept of Dance in India 15. Languages & Literature in India
" Concept of Ashta Nayika
" Eight Classical Dance Forms in India " Sanskrit Literature
" Folk Dances " Pali Literature
" Modern Dances " Prakrit Literature
" Tamil Literature
9. Martial Arts in India " Telugu Literature
" Malayalam Literature
" Genesis of Martial Arts " Kannada Literature
" Forms of Traditional Martial Arts " Odia Literature
" Assamese Literature
10. Indian Theatre " Bengali Literature
" Gujarati Literature
" Classical Sanskrit Theatre " Rajasthani Literature
" Regional Theatre " Punjabi Literature
" Modern Theatre " Marathi Literatur
" Renaissance of Indian Theatre " Hindi Literature
" Persian Literature
11. Indian Puppetry " Urdu Literature

" String Puppets 16. Miscellaneous Topics
" Shadow Puppets
" Rod Puppets " Indian Handicrafts
" Glove puppets " Indian Universities
" Modern Puppetry " Personalities Related to Culture
" Tribal Puppetry " Places of Cultural Interest
" Fairs and Festivals in India
12. Indian Cinema " Cultural Institutions in India
" Awards and Honours Associated with Culture
" Cinema in India " The Calendar
" History of Indian Cinema " The Eras
" Classification of Indian Cinema Film " Science and Technology in Ancient India
" UNESCO’s List of Cultural Heritage in India
Music of India

13. Religions in India

" Pre-Vedic Religon
" Hinduism

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" Legal Provisions Related to the Protection UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21
and Promotion of Indian Culture
and Heritage " National List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage (ICH)
17. Recent developments
" Kurzarbeit Scheme
" ‘The Miyas of Assam, and their " Central Sanskrit Universities
char-chapori culture’
Bill, 2020
" ‘’Life in Miniature’ Project’ " Battle of Çanakkale
" Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, a 3-Storey " The five ‘iconic’ archaeological

Structure with Nagara Style Architecture Sites mentioned in the Budget
" Battle of Koregaon
Remarks " Tulu Language

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GEOGRAPHY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

1. Geomorphology " Geology
Minerals
" The origin of the Earth Major Elements of the Earth’s Crust
Early Theories
Minerals – Feldspar , Quartz,
Modern Theories – BBT Pyroxene Amphibole , Mica , Olivine
Star Formation
Formation of Planets
Physical Characteristics–Crystal
Solar System Form, Cleavage Fracture, Lusture,
Color, Streak
" The Evolution of the Earth
Layered Structure (5 layers)
Transparency, Structure, Hardness,
Evolution of Lithosphere Specific Gravity
Evolution of Atmosphere
Evolution of Hydrosphere
Metallic minerals – precious Ferrous ,
Non Ferrous
" Geological History of the Earth

Non-metallic Minerals –
" Earth Sulphur, Phosphates, Cement
Latitude and Longitude including
important Parallels and Meridians Rocks (Aggregate of Minerals)
Motions of the Earth - Rotation,
Petrology
Revolution and their effects
Rocks & landforms
Inclination of the Earth’s Axis
Rocks & Soils
and its effects
3 Family of Rocks
Local and Standard Time and Igneous
the International Date Line, Calendar Sedimentary
Eclipses - Solar, Lunar Metamorphic

Rock Cycle
" Origin of Life
" Earthquakes
" Geological Time Scale Waves: P,S, Body , Surface ,
Shadow Zone
" Interior of the Earth Types of Earthquakes
Sources of Information Effects

Direct Frequency

Indirect - Earth Quake Waves Locating an Epicentre
Volcanoes
Crust " Volcano
Mantle Types
Core
Shield

Composite

Caldera

Flood Basalt

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Mid Ocean Ridge Major Plate
Landforms (intrusive) Minor Plates

Plate Boundaries

Batholiths Divergent

Lacoliths Convergent

Lapoliths Transform

Phacoliths
Rates of Plate Movements

Sills
Force of plate movements

Dykes
Indian Plate
Movement from 71mnyrs
" Geomorphic Processes
Earth’s Surface ago till Today

Exogenic Forces

Endogenic Forces " Landforms and their Evolution

Gradation , Degradation & Agradation Causes
Geomorphic Process
Geomorphic Processes

Endogenic Process
Agents
Diastrophism Geomorphic Agents
Orogenic
Erosional or Destructional
Epierogenic
Depositional or Constructional
Earthquakes Agents and their Impacts
Plate movements
Wind , Running Water ,
Volcanism Ground Water , Glaciers ,

Exogenic Forces Waves & Currents
Denudation Processes Winds
Weathering
One of the Two dominant agents
Mass movements in Hot deserts
Erosion Transportation
Cause – Deflation Abrasion Impact
& Deposition
Erosional landforms
Pediments and Pedi plains
" Distribution of Continents & Oceans Playas
Theories Deflation Hollows and Caves

Continental Drift Theory Mushroom , Table &
Alfred Wegner 1912 Pedestal Rocks
Pangea , Panthalasa
Depositional Landforms
Laurasia , Gondwanaland Barchans

Evidence in support of Continental Seif
Drift Theory Parabolic
Jigsaw Fit Transverse
Rocks of Same age across oceans Longitudinal
Tillite Running Water
Placer Deposits
Humid Regions
Distribution of Fossils
2 Components

Forces of Drifting Overland Flow – Sheet
Pole Fleeing Force Linear Flow – Strems
Tidal Force
Stages

Post Drift Studies Youth Mature Old
Convectional Current Theory
Erosional Landforms
Mapping of the Ocean Floor Valleys
Continents – plate Tectonics Rills

Lithospheric Plates Gullies

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Valleys – V Shape , Caves
Gorge(Hard Rocks) , Canyon Stacks
(Sedimentary)
Depositional Landforms
Beaches and Dunes
Potholes & Plunge pools Bars Barriers Spits
Weathering
Incised or entrenched meanders
Weather over Earth Materials

Factors
River Terraces – paired & unpaired Geological
Climatic

Depositional Landforms Topograhic
Vegetative
Alluvial Fans
Major Processes
Chemical
Delta Physical or Mechanical
Biological
Fllod Plains , Natural Levees,
Chemical – Forces Chemical Action
Point Bars Solution
Carbonation
Meansders , Slip off bank , Hydration
Under cut bank Oxidation & Reduction

Physical Forces Gravitational ,
Oxbow lake Expansion , Water Pressure

Braided Channels Unloading & Expansion
Temperature changes
Ground Water (Karst Topography)
and Expansion

Permeable Rocks
Freezing , Thawing ,
Percolation & Frost Wedging

Bedding Plains Salt Weathering

Biological Weathering

Limestone and Dolomite Regions
Burrowing
Balkans , Adjacent to Wedging
Adriatic regions Plant Roots
Effects of Weathering

Erosional Landforms Exfoliation(Flaking)– Exfoliation

Pools-Swallow Hole, Valley Sinks Domes , Tors
(Uvalas), Sinkholes, Collapse sinks
(Dolines), Lapies, Ridges ,
Significance of Weathering
Limestone Pavements Soil Formation
Biomes and Biodiversity
Caves – Altering bed of Rocks Leaching / Enrichment
(Shale sandstone quartzite),
Caves and Tunnels Mass Movements

Activating causes

Depositional landforms
Forms of movement – Heave
Flow Slide
Stalactites

3 major Groups – Slow Movement ,
Stalagmites Rapid Movements , land Slides

Pillar Columns " Landforms across the world:
Rivers and lakes
Glaciers Mountain and Peaks
Plateaus

Erosional Landforms

Cirque of Tarn Lakes

Hors and Serrated Regions – Arete

Glacial Valleys / Troughs – Fiords


Depositional Landforms

Glacial Tills

Moraines

Eskers

Outwash Planes

Drumlins

Waves and Currents


High Rocky Coasts & Low
Sedimentary Coasts


Erosional Landforms

Clifs

Terraces

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2. Climatology UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Composition
Pressure Gradient Force
Gases
Frictional Force
Water Vapour
Coriolis Force
Dust Particles
Pressure and Wind ( Cyclonic &

" Structure Anticyclone Circulation)
Exosphere " General Circulation of the Atmosphere –
Thermosphere
Mesosphere Pattern of Planetary Winds
Stratosphere Latitudanal Variation of
Troposphere
Altitude vs Temperature Atmospheric Heating
Emergence of Pressure Belts
" Solar Radiation Heat Migration of Belts Following apparent
Balance Temperature
Insolation Path of Sun
Aphelion and Perihelion Distribution of continents & Oceans
Variability of Insolation at the surface Rotation of the Earth
of the Earth " Circulation

Day Season Year Simplified Global Circulation – Hadley

Rotation on Axis , Angle of
Inclination of sun rays , Length of the day Cell, Ferrel Cell

Transparency of Atmosphere, Seasonal Wind
configuration of land in terms of its aspect. Local Wind
Land and Sea Breezes
" Heat Balance Mountain and Vally winds
Heating and cooling of atmosphere AIR MASS – fronts

Conduction Extra Tropical Cyclone

Convection Thunderstorms

Advection Tornadoes
Terrestrial Radiation " Water in the Atmosphere
Heat Budget of the Planet Earth Water Vapour
Macro Budget Precipitation

Albedo Humidity – Absolute and Relative

Shortwave Radiation Saturation – Dew Point

Long wave Earth Radiation Evaporation and Condensation
Variation in the net Heat Budget at
the Earth’s Surface
Dew

Frost
" Temperature
Fog & Mist
Factors controlling T distribution Clouds
Distribution of T Month of January-July
Types – Cirrus Cumulus
Range of T Month of January-July
Inversion of Temperature Stratus Nimbus

High – Cirrus Cirrostratus
" Atmospheric Circulation and Weather
Systems Cirrocumulus
Atmospheric Pressure
Middle – Altostratus Altocumulus
Vertical variation of pressure
Low – Stratocumulus Nimbostratus
Horizontal distribution of pressue
Vertical Development – Cumulus
World Distribution of Sea Level Pressure
Factors affecting the velocity and and Cumulonimbus
direction of the WIND Precipitation


Rainfall Snowfall Sleet Hail Hailstones
Types of Rainfall


Conventional

Orographic

Cyclonic
World Distribution of Rainfall

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3 layers
" World Climate Salinity of the Ocean Water
The Hot, Wet Equatorial Climate
Factors affecting salinity
The Tropical Monsoon and Tropical Evaporation and precipitation
Marine Climates Fresh water flow from rivers
The Savanna or Sudan Climate Wing
The Hot Desert and Mid-Latitude Ocean currents
Desert Climates
Horizontals distribution of sailinity
The Warm Temperate Western
Vertical Distribution of salinity
Margin (Mediterranean) Climate Density of Ocean Waters
The Temperate Continental (Steppe)
Climate " Movements of ocean Water
The Warm Temperate Eastern Margin Factors influencing Movement
(China Type) Climate
Temperature
The Cool Temperate Western Margin
Salinity
(British Type) Climate
Density
The Cool Temperate Continental
Sun MOON WINDS
(Siberian) Climate Motion – Horizontal & Vertical Currents
The Cool Temperate Eastern Margin Waves
(Lauren-tian) Climate
Motion of waves and water molecules
The Arctic or Polar Climate
Characteristics Of WAVE
Crest and Trough
3. Oceanography Height
Amplitude
" Water on the Surface of the Earth Period
Hydrological Cycle Length

Component Speed

Processes Frequency
Tides
" Oceans Relation between Gravitional Forces
Relief of the Ocean floor and Tides
4 divisions of the ocean floor
Tidal currents

Continental Shelf
Types of Tides

Continental Slope Based on Frequency – Semi

Deep sea plain Diurnal , Diurnal , mixed

Oceanic deep and Trenches Based on SME position – spring
Minor relief features and Neap Tides

Mid oceanic ridges
Importance of Tides

Seamount Ocean Currents

Submarine canyons
Influenced by 2 forces

Guy outs
Primary Force that initiates the

Atoll movement
Temperature of the Ocean Water Heating of solar energy

Vertical Wind

Spatial Gravity

Factors affecting Temperature Coriolis force
distribution
Secondary force that influence the
Latitude currents to flow
Unequal distrivution of land
Characteristic – Drift – 5 knots
& Water
Prevailing wind
Ocean Currents

Horizontal & Vertical Distribution

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Types of ocean curents Forests
Surface currents &Deep water Significance of forests
currents based on Depth
Cold and Warm Currents based
Economic significance,
on Temperature Ecological significance


Major Ocean currents of the World
Cultural significance

Effects of Ocean Currents Factors of forest development
Extent of forest cover
4. Water Resource Classification of forests

" Underground water resource
Grasslands
" Surface water resources
Desert vegetation
" Inland water resources: Utilization
Tundra Vegetation
Economic utilization of forests
of inland water resources by ma Deforestation
" Oceanic water resources: Main features
Deforestation in tropical forests

Deforestation in temperate forests
of ocean
Rate and extent of deforestation
" Utilization of oceans by man
Causes and factors of
" Water consumption patterns
" Water pollution deforestation: Immediate causes of
" Conservation of water resources deforestation
" Techniques of water conservation

Indirect deforestation
5. Biogeography
Underlying causes of deforestation
Conservation of forests
" Soil
Forest conservation strategies
Soil Characteristics
Reforestation
Factors Responsible for Soil Formation
Monoculture plantation
Stages of Soil Formation
Afforestation
Soil Forming Processes Types of forestry
Soil Profiles and Horizons
Social forestry
Soil Classification
Agro-forestry
Soil Erosion and Conservation

" Vegetation resources
Types of natural vegetation

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

1. Demography " Pattern of population density
" Population increase (growth) in the world
" Concept of human resources " Causes of rapid increase in population
" Population distribution " Present trend
" Factors of population distribution— " Future projections
" Determinants of population growth
Physical factors " Natural increase
" Socio-cultural factors " Characteristics of population
" Demographic factors
" World population distribution Age composition
Population pyramids
Ecumene Sex composition
Non-ecumene Literacy
" Continent-wise distribution of population
" Density of population www.iasscore.in 13

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" Theories of population growth " Migration
Malthusian theory " Displacement
Marxian theory " Importance of the Rehabilitation Policy
Demographic transition theory " Urban settlements: types
" Urbanisation process in India.
" Optimum population " Morphology of urban settlements
Over-population " Town planning and patterns of
Under-population
rural settlement
" Population problems
Population problems of " Settlement types of the world
developing countries " Migration: Push factors and pull factors
" Emigration during colonial,
Population problems of
developed countries post-independent and post-liberalisation period

Population dilemma of Europe " Internal versus world migration
" Population Policies: of China, of India " Functional classification of cities
" Various types of rural settlements " Difference between boundaries
" Relationship between house types
and frontiers, their classification
with relief, climate and building materials
" Rural urban fringe characteristics,
2. Urbanization advantages, problems

" Basic Feature and Pattern’s of " National urbanisation policy
India’s Urbanization " Principles of urban planning
" Land cover transformation
" Issues of Urbanization in India " Factors affecting rural settlements,
Rural Urban Migration
Emergence of Slums their types and patterns
Urban Transport
Waste Disposal " Cities – hierarchical classification,
Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation morphological classification
Electronic Waste
Urban Poverty 3. Census
Real Estate (Regulation & Development)
Bill, 2013 " Literacy
" Sex ratio
" Way Forward to Tackle Issues Related " Family Planning
to Urbanization " Old Age
" Age Structure
Inclusive Cities/Smart cities " Density
Recent government programmes: " Population growth
" Census terminology
AMRUT

ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

1. Agriculture Performance of the agriculture sector
Types of farming in India
" Land resource Dry zone farming
Land-use Organic farming
Land capability classification Cropping seasons in India
Causes of Land Degradation Cropping Pattern in India
Impact of Land Degradation Agriculture regionalization
Steps taken by GOI Infrastructure factors: Seeds;
Sustainable Land Management
Fertilizers; Irrigation
" Basic terms related to Agriculture Land use pattern in India

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Institutional Factors as land reform International trade
Horticulture sector in India
Cocoa
Agricultural revolutions
Agricultural labours Conditions of growth
Price Policy for Agriculture Production pattern
Agricultural marketing International trade
Agricultural Insurance Tobacco
Agricultural Census
Conditions of growth
Major schemes in agricultural sector
Production pattern
National Policy for farmers
International trade
Impact of climate change on agriculture Fibre Crops
What is sustainable agriculture?
Cotton
Use of IT in agriculture Varieties of cotton
Agriculture Issues and Challenges Conditions of growth
" Productivity of Crops and conditions for Production pattern
growth International trade
Wheat
Jute
Conditions of growth

Conditions of growth Production pattern

Varieties International trade

Types of cultivation Substitutes of Jute: Flax, Hemp

Production pattern Abaca, Henequeno

International trade Sisal
Rice
Raw Silk

Conditions of growth Production pattern

Varieties International trade

Methods of cultivation
Natural Rubber

Production pattern Other sources of rubber

International trade Plantations in South-east Asia
Maize (Corn) Production pattern

Conditions of growth International trade

Production pattern
Sugarcane

International trade Conditions of growth
Barley Production pattern

Conditions of growth International trade

Production pattern Sugarbeet—Conditions of growth

International trade Production pattern
Oats Sugar industry
Rye Sugar consumption
Beverages International trade

Tea
2. Mineral resource
Condition of growth
Production pattern " Types of minerals: Metallic minerals
International trade " Non-metallic mineral

Coffee " Distribution of minerals and mining regions
Types of coffee " Distribution, production and
Conditions of growth
Production pattern international trade of Metallic minerals:
Ferrous metals: Iron ore

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Ferro-alloys and non-ferrous Distribution of potential hydro-power
" Manganese Hydro-electric power generation
" Chromium " Atomic (nuclear) energy
" Nickel Atomic :source minerals: Uranium
" Tungsten World distribution of uranium
" Antimony Production of uranium
" Copper Thorium
" Bauxite and Aluminium Production of atomic (nuclear) energy
" Zinc; Lead Nuclear energy: the energy of future
" Tin " Alternative (non-conventional) sources
" Precious metals: Gold of energy
" Silver
" Platinum Solar energy
" Mineral chemicals Wind energy
Geothermal power
Mica Tidal energy
Potash Wave energy
Phosphate Biomass energy
Nitrates " Alternate Energy Sources
Sulphur Hydrogen as a Fuel for Future or
" Conservation of mineral resources
Hydrogen as an Alternative Energy Source
3. Energy resources
Microbial Fuel Cell
" Classification of energy Energy Context with Respect to
" Production of conventional energy
" General trends of energy production Indian Scenario

and consumption Energy Plantation
" Reserves and sources of energy " Energy crisis
" Coal
4. Industry
Nature and origin of coal
Constituents and kinds of coal " Industrial development
Coal fields and coal production " Iron And Steel Industry
By products of coal
Conservation of Coal Petroleum Process of iron and steel production
" Petroleum Location of iron and steel industry
Nature and properties of petroleum Early localization
Origin and recovery Development of iron manufacture
Exploration Distribution of iron and steel industry
Petroleum refining Global steel production
Petroleum reserves International trade
Producing areas Growth potential of the steel industry
Consumption of petroleum " Textile Industry
International trade Cotton textile industry: Location
OPEC and its role in oil trade
" Natural gas: Reserves and Production of the industry
" Hydro-electricity
Advantages of hydro-electricity Recent trends in localization
Ideal conditions for generation of Distribution and production of

hydro-electricity cotton textiles

Woollen textile industry: Location
of the industry

Silk textile industry: Raw silk manufacture
Silk textile manufacturing
Synthetic (artificial) silk industry:

Distribution of man-made fibre and fabrics.

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" Engineering Industries Pulp and paper industry: Essential
Machine tools and machines: conditions for pulp production
Areas of production
Industrial machinery: Textile machinery Production of paper and paper board
Other industrial machinery Newsprint
Agricultural machinery International trade
Salient features of pulp and
" Manufacturing of transport equipment
Automobile industry paper industry
Railway car and locomotive industry
Shipbuilding " Cement industry
Recent trends Distribution of cement industry
Aircrafts industry Recent trends: Main global competitors

" Chemical Industry " Petroleum refining industry: Localization
Classes of chemicals: Branches of Site selection of petroleum refineries
chemical industry History of oil refineries
Heavy chemical industry World pattern of oil refining
Production of acids and alkalies Petroleum products
Rise of chemical industry
Fertilizer industry: Nitrogen fertilizers " Industrial Regions
Phosphate fertilizers Characteristics of industrial regions
Potash fertilizers Delimitation of an industrial region
Explosives Principal industrial regions of the world
Glass industry: Production of glass Industrial regions of Anglo America-USA,
Canada, Western Europeand Central Britain,
" Agro-industries Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Italy,
Synthetic rubber industry Eastern Europe, Poland, Former USSR

Eastern Asia—Japan, China, the
‘Dragons’, India, High tech patterns.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

" Existence of eighth continental " Climate Vulnerability Map of India
‘Zealandia’ confirmed. " India largest emitter of SO2 in the world
" Ten new Ramsar sites in India
" BARNARD’S STAR B: ‘Super Earth’ " Bamboonomics
found orbiting Sun’s nearest single star. " Burning of Amazon forest
" ‘Dead-Zone’ found in the Gulf of Mexico
" Earth’s water a result of asteroid " WAVES:Wealth accounting and the
impacts and leftover gas from Sun’s
Birth: Study valuation of ecosystem service.

" East African Rift system is slowly " Miyawaki Method
breaking away with Madagascar " Nature Index 2020
splitting into pieces. " Avian botulism
" Yellow rust disease in wheat crops
" Havre world’s largest deep Ocean " Uranium contamination in ground water
volcanic eruption.
in ten districts of Bihar.
" National Cyclone Risk Mitigation
Project (NCRMP) " Global Risk Report 2020
" Massive reserves of mercury found
" Pesticide Management Bill 2020
in arctic permafrost.
" Gogabeel:Bihar’s first Community Reserve
" IEA BIOENERGY TCP
" Andaman & Nicobar gets Island
protection Zone www.iasscore.in 17

" India Cooling action plan

" Forest Plus 2.0

" Project replan

GS SCORE

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21 " Global Agriculture and food security
programme
" iCRAFPT
" Zearalenone in Cereals " Noney Bridge
" Rice knowledge Bank " Water Aerodrome in Chilka lake
" Ongole cattle " Bogibeel Bridge

Remarks

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INDIAN SOCIETY FEATURES
& SOCIAL JUSTICE

INDIAN SOCIETY

1. Salient features of Indian society " Government’s initiatives and the
five year plans
" Features of Indian society
" Changes within Indian society " Role of civil society organizations

and their repercussions 5. Effects of globalization on Indian
" Causes of changes society
" Indian society today
" What is the meaning of globalization
2. Diversity of India " Kinds of impact of globalization

" What is diversity? –economic, political, developmental and
" Types of diversities in India socio-cultural
" Can diversity be equated with difference?
" The unity in diversity- a reality or a chimera " Is the impact solely positive or negative
" Some examples
" Manner of reconciliation 6. Social empowerment

3. Role of women’s organizations " Meaning and concept of
social empowerment
" Women’s organizations in Indian history
" Types of women’s organizations " Why do we need social empowerment?
" Level of penetration
" Women’s organization – a ray of hope " Specific sections for whom
social empowerment is the life blood
few case studies
" Problems faced by women’s organizations " Social empowerment through the
" Is a larger vocal role possible and ways five year plans

to achieve the same " Government’s initiatives for empowerment
" Role of SHGs, Micro finance Institutions
" Empowerment in reality and India’s
4. Poverty and development issues experience

" Poverty " Other approaches /players/tools
" Concept of development for social empowerment and some
" Sen vs Bhagwati model case studies on the same
" Crisis of development
" Certain case studies 7. Communalism

GS SCORE " Meaning and concept of communalism

" Historicity of communalism

" Recent incidents

" Role of third parties in inciting/
perpetrating communalism

" Communalism under the law

" Can communalism eradicated from
the Indian society completely

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

8. Secularism 9. Regionalism

" Meaning and concept of secularism " Meaning and concept of regionalism
" Secularism through the vantage point " Theories on regionalism
" Regionalism in its various manifestations
of Indian Constitution " Role of various players
" Recent incidents causing a wave of flurry
" Comparisons of models Indian & Western " Possible ways to tackle the same
" Gandhi ji on religion
" Indian philosophy on secularism
" Threats on the secular spirit
" Is the Indian democracy mature enough

to handle the gravity of secularism

SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Welfare schemes for vulnerable " Reforms needed
sections of the population by the " SDGs and India
Centre and States
3. Issues relating to poverty and hunger
" Constitutional arrangement
" Women welfare " Poverty definition by different committees
" Child welfare " Poverty data in India
" SC/ST welfare " Causes of poverty
" OBC welfare " Poverty and unemployment
" Minorities welfare " Poverty and social conflict
" Old age welfare " Impact of LPG on poverty
" Legislations " Linkage between poverty and development
" Issues " Rural poverty
" Reforms needed " Urban poverty
" Feminization of poverty
2. Services relating to Health, " Poverty alleviation measures
Education, Human Resources " Problems in implementation of

" Education structure in India Poverty alleviation programmes
" Primary, secondary and higher education " Poverty and Hunger
" Initiatives taken by GOI in education " Food security programmes and issues
" Issues " Hunger and health
" Reforms needed " Impact of hunger and poverty
" Recommendations of committees
" Future prospects in education sector on economic development of the nation
" Skill development " Controversy related to poverty
" Health indicators
" Health structure in India data estimation
" Private and Public health structure
" Issues 4. The Scheduled And Tribal Areas
" Reforms needed
" NITI Aayog Report " 5th Schedule Areas
" Economic development and human " 6th Schedule Areas
" Composition of autonomous councils
development " Role and functions of councils
" Role of Governor with respect to tribal areas
" Tribal sub plan

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WELFARE SCHEMES

1. Start-up and Skill Development " Jan Aushadhi Scheme
" Mission Indradhanush
" Start Up India Scheme " NFHS-4 survey
" Stand up India Scheme
" National Student Startup Policy 4. Education
" National Skill Development Mission
" Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana " Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat
" Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana " Mid Day Meal Scheme
" Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen " Ishan Uday
" GIAN (Global Initiative of Academic
Kaushalya Yojana
" Skill Development Initiative Scheme Networks)
" Self-Employment & Talent Utilisation (SETU) " Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan
" Atal Innovation Mission " SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active -

2. Vulnerable Sector Learning for Young Aspiring Minds)

" Social Security 5. Rural & Urban Development
" Atal Pension Yojana
" Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana " Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
" Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana " Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan
" Minorities " Shyama Prasad Mukharjee Rurban Mission
" Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
Nai Roshni Scheme " Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
USTAAD Scheme (Upgrading the Skills " Swachch Bharat Abhiyan
" Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin
and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts " Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban
for Development) " Housing for all by 2022
Nai Manzil Scheme " Smart Cities Mission
" Women and Child Development " Hriday - National Heritage City Development
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Augmentation Yojana
Digital Gudda Guddi Board " Amrut (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation
Sabla
Ujjawala Scheme and Urban Transformation)
Janani Suraksha Yojana
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram 6. Miscellaneous Schemes
" SC/ST
Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana " Jeevan Praman
Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana " Digilocker
" Disability " Bharatnet Project
Accessible India Campaign
(Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) (National Optical Fibre Network)
" INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit
3. Health
for Inspired Research)
" National Health Mission " SAKAAR
" National Ayush Mission " Digital India
" Swasthya Rakshan Program " Namami Gange Project (Integrated

Ganga Conservation Mission Project)
" Ganga Gram Yojana
" Jal Kranti Abhiyan

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Khelo India " ‘Child Labor (Prohibition and Amendment)
" One Rank One Pension Scheme Bill, 2016’
" PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance
" Maternity Benefit Bill, 2016
and Timely Implementation)
" Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) " Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal
Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act
7. Inclusive growth
" Mental Health Care Bill, 2013
" Measurement criteria
" Government initiatives for inclusive growth " Protection of Children from Sexual
" Basic Amenities: Housing/Drinking Offenses (POCSO)

Waters/ Sanitations " Anti Trafficking Bill with Stringent Penalty
" Sustainable Development
" HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control)
8. Rural Development Bill-2014 - Amendments

" Rural development and poverty alleviation " Domestic Violence Act, 2005 -
" Review of the Existing Programmes SC Widens Ambit
" Development Administration
" Panchayati Raj " Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014
" Agriculture and Rural Development with more Benefits

9. Social Sector Bills " Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights)
Bill 2016
" The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
of Children) Act " The Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
" ‘Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016’ Amendment Act

SOCIAL ISSUES IN NEWS

" Medical Termination of Pregnancy " Darwaza Band Part-2
" Violence against women " STRIDE
" Tech for Tribals " “Kerala bans CFL and filament bulbs”
" WHO award for Rajasthan " “Addition of 3 Endangered Indian

Health Department Species to the Global Conservation List”

" South Asian Migrant Crisis " ‘Migrant Policy Index’
" Climate change is already damaging " “Lassa fever”
" PM – KISAN scheme
health of children, says Lancet report " National Education Policy 2020
" Women in Armed Forces’
" Global Population Summit in Nairobi " ‘CAG Survey Report on School Toilets’
" Global Social Mobility Index " ‘World Polio Day 2020, Where does
" Project Samarthan
" Swachh Survekshan 2020 India stand?’
" Female Health and Hygiene
" ‘Law against sexual harassment at work’
Programmes - Khushi and Ujjawala " SC on Prohibition of Child Marriage
Sanitary napkin initiatives
Act, 2006’
" Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh
" School Education Quality Index " Disabled are entitled to the same
" Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan benefits of SC/ST quota: Supreme Court
" ‘The Pulse Polio Programme’

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Remarks

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

POLITY & GOVERNANCE

POLITY

1. Historical Evolution & Features " Concept of dual citizenship
" Citizenship provisions in J&K
" Importance of Constitution
" Historical evolution of the Constitution " Special privileges enjoyed by citizZens
" Constituent Assembly in India
" Objectives of the Constitution
" Salient features of Indian Constitution 4. Fundamental Rights
" Unitary features
" Federal features " Significance of Fundamental Rights
" Parliamentary form of government " Right to Equality
" Presidential form of government " Right to Freedom
" Parliamentary vs. Presidential " Right against Exploitation
" Right to Freedom of Religion
system of government " Cultural and Educational Rights
" Right to Constitutional Remedies
2. Preamble " Difference between procedure

" Preamble established by law and due process of law
Basic features " Writs and their uses
Value premises of constitution " Restrictive limitations on fundamental rights
Terminologies as:

Democratic 5. DPSP

Sovereign

Socialist " Basic features

Secular " Directives

Republic " Economic and Social DPSP

Justice " Gandhian DPSP

Equality " Administrative DPSP

Liberty " DPSP related to International Peace

Fraternity " Implementation of DPSP

Integrity " Fundamental Rights and the

3. Citizenship Directive Principles of State Policy
Controversy

6. Fundamental Duties

" Basic constitutional features " Features
" Methodology of getting citizenship " Link of Fundamental Rights and
" Modes of Losing the Citizenship of India
Fundamental Duties

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7. Other Principles 12. Issues and challenges pertaining to
the federal structure
" Process of law making in India
" Role of Constitutional and extra " Administrative relations
" Legislative relations
constitutional bodies in law making " Financial relations
" Basic structure: How it evolves? " Misuse of Article 356
" Different types of majorities required " Issues related to concurrent list
" Issues related to appointment of Governor
in Indian Constitution " Issues related to state formation
" DPSP Fundamental Rights " Poor devolution of finances
" Doctrines Terminologies " Reserving bill for Presidential approval
" Central sponsored schemes and issues
8. Separation of Powers " Special package for different states
" Issues between Centre and State
" Features in American and UK Constitution
" Checks and balances provisions after 1990 reforms
" Foreign policy and Centre and
in Indian Constitution
" Judicial Review State Relations
" Concept of Separation of Powers
13. The President
9. Comparison of the Indian
constitutional scheme with that of " Importance of President
other countries " Qualification
" Election procedure
" It should cover Comparison of USA, UK, " Advantages and disadvantages
India and neighbours
of single transferable form of voting
10. Union & States " Presidents’ Term of Office and emoluments
" Executive Powers
" State Reorganization Commission (brief) " Legislative Powers
" Components of Indian territory " Emergency Powers
" Process of formation of new states " Financial Powers
" Zonal Councils " Miscellaneous powers
" Judicial powers
" Union territories " Presidents Impeachment
" Special provisions for states " President as nominal head
" Issues
11. Functions and responsibilities of the
Union and the States Ordinance making power
Passage of bills
" Regulating functions of Government " Misuse of emergency provisions
" Development functions of government Pardon power
" Service providing functions of government Coalition government
" Problems in implementation
" Recommendations for improvement 14. Vice President
" Interrelationship between union, state
" Office of the Vice-President
and local government in implementation " Functions
of roles

" Constitutional provisions related to
financial devolution

" Issues of financial devolution

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

15. Prime Minister Composition
Independence of Supreme Court
" Appointment of PM Jurisdiction of SC
" Functions of PM Judicial Review
" Role of PM with respect to " High Court
Composition
CoM Terms and removal
President Jurisdiction
Lok Sabha Other powers
Political Party Lower judiciary
Coalition Government Appointment
Powers
16. Council of Ministers " The role of the Supreme Court of India
as guardian of the Constitution and
" Division of CoM protector of Fundamental Rights
" Role of CoM " Judicial Review
" Role of Cabinet " PIL
" Responsibilities of the Ministers " Judicial Activism
" Judiciary appointment
17. Attorney General of India " Collegiums System
" NJAC Controversy
" Qualification " National Court of Appeal
" Functions " Judicial Accountability
" Powers with respect to parliament " Issues of corruption in judiciary

18. Parliament 20. Ministries and Departments of the
Government
" Composition of Rajya Sabha
" Composition of Lok Sabha " Functioning of Ministries
" Composition of Legislative " Central Secretariat
" Cabinet Secretary
assembly and Legislative Council " Field organizations
" Qualification and disqualification " Reforms needed
" International methodology
of MPs and MLAs
" Vacation of seats 21. Panchayats
" Sessions of parliament
" Law making procedure " Provisions of 73rd AA and 74th AA
" Officers of Parliament and state legislature " Role and functions of different tiers
" Parliament Proceedings " Municipal Corporations
" Motions and resolutions in Parliament " Municipal Councils
" Powers and Privileges " Nagar Panchayats
" Financial proceedings " The steps taken towards
" Comparison of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
" Comparison of Legislative assembly women’s empowerment
" Role of State Election commission
and council " Role of State Finance Commission
" Women reservation in Parliament and issues " Smart City Mission & Municipal Governance
" Lowering of Parliamentary powers
" Parliamentary committees and their working 22. Dispute redressal mechanisms and
" Judicial activism and Parliament institutions
" Delegated legislation and issues
" What is Dispute redressal mechanism?
19. The Union Judiciary " Need of Dispute redressal mechanisms

" Integrated judicial system
" Supreme Court

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Administrative tribunal and issues 25. CM
" Fast Track Courts and issues
" Gram Nyalayas and issues " Appointment
" Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats and issues " Powers and responsibilities
" Family Courts and issues " Relationship between the Governor
" Lok Adalat and issues
" NALSA and issues and the Chief Minister
" Dispute redressal for Weaker section " Relationship between CoM and
" Arbitration Mechanism
" International Arbitrary Centre the Chief Minister
" Commercial Court
26. The Advocate-General for the State
23. Comptroller And Auditor-General
Of India " Appointment
" Functions
" Appointment
" Functions 27. State legislature
" Role of CAG in good governance
" The composition of Vidhan Sabha
24. The Governor and Vidhan Parishad

" Appointment, term of office, qualification, etc " Qualifications of the Members of Legislature
" Powers " Powers and Functions of State Legislature
" Discretionary powers " Relationship between both the Houses
" Ordinance making power " Officers of State Legislature
" Powers, Privileges and Immunities

of State Legislatures and their Members
" Legislative procedure
" Governor’s assent to Bills
" Procedure in Financial Matters/Budget

GOVERNANCE

1. Need and importance of Government " Optimum use of resources- Right
Policies targeting, plugging leakages and wasteful
expenditure, use of available knowledge,
" Growth and development research and innovation.

" Human development and human " Monitoring and evaluation- Outcome
capital formation budget, zero base budgeting, input-
output analysis, cost-benefit
" Equality (interpersonal and interregional) analysis
and social justice
" Setting up institutions and regulatory
" Unity and integrity norms task forces, steering
committees and review committees.
" Trust between state and citizens

2. Effective Implementation 4. Development process and industry

" What is effective implementation? Best " Difference between Growth and Development
outcomes in view of given time, " Main Constraints of development
resources and constraints " Main Stake holders in development process
" Self Help Groups
" Analysis of different important schemes
Meaning
3. Government intervention Importance
Objectives
" Good Governance-Role of institutions, Institutional Structure and organization
bureaucrats and other stakeholders

" Transparency and accountability

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

Funding " Features
" Micro Finance " CC in India
" Issues in CC implementation
Meaning and importance " Reform needed
Objectives
Structure and Organization 8. Role of civil services in a democracy
Advantages
Micro Finance in India " Concept of civil services
" Non-Government Organizations " Need for civil services
What are NGOs? " Different role of civil services
Difference between Non Government " Law making
" Policy formulation
Organizations (NGOs) and International " Policy implementation
Non Government Organizations (INGOs) " Policy evaluation
United Nations Criteria for INGO " Civil services as protector of democracy
and NGO " To protect minorities (religious and linguistic)
NGOs and development projects " To promote Inclusive and sustainable growth
" NGOs and Community development
" NGOs involved in relief and rehabilitation 9. Pressure groups and formal/informal
" NGOs involved in disaster management associations and their role in the
" NGOs and advocacy Polity

5. Important aspects of governance, " What are pressure groups?
transparency and accountability " Types
" The significance of pressure groups in India
" Citizen centric governance " Differentiate between a pressure group
" Features of good governance
" Legislative accountability and a political party
" Administrative accountability " Evaluation of pressure groups role
" Judicial accountability
" Ombudsman 10. Appointment to various
" Whistleblowers concept Constitutional posts, powers,
" Anti corruption machinery functions and responsibilities of
" Role of citizens various Constitutional Bodies
" Role of media
" Social audit " Appointment of CAG ( procedure of
" Systematic reforms appointment)- composition of CAG

6. e-Governance " Functions and responsibilities of CAG
" Powers and privileges of CAG (provided
" Introduction
" Applications by constitution and different ACTs of
" Models Parliament.)
" Successes " Appointment of ECI ( procedure of
" Limitations appointment)- composition of ECI
" Future prospects " Functions and responsibilities of ECI
" Powers and privileges of ECI (provided
7. Citizens Charters by constitution and different
ACTs of Parliament)
" Citizens Charters " Appointment to UPSC (procedure of
" Introduction appointment)- composition of UPSC
" Models " Functions and responsibilities of UPSC
" Powers and privileges of UPSC
(provided by constitution and different ACTs
of Parliament.)
" Appointment to Finance commission
(procedure of appointment)
-composition of Finance commission

28 www.iasscore.in GS SCORE

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Functions and responsibilities of 12. Elections in India
Finance commission
" Salient features of the Representation
" Powers and privileges of Finance of People Act, 1950
commission (provided by constitution
and different ACTs of Parliament.) " Salient features of Representation of
Peoples Act, 1951
" National commission for SCs and STs.
" Electoral reforms
11. Statutory, regulatory and various " Criminalization of politics
quasi-judicial bodies " Negative or neutral voting
" State funding of Elections
" SEBI " Irregularities in polling
" CVC
" CBI 13. Political Parties in India
" Planning Commission
" NDC " Political parties in India
" PMO " Party reforms
" Zonal Council " Problems in the working of parties
" TRAI " Casteism and politics
" IRDA " Reforms in Party system in India
" National Human Rights Commission " Strengthening of Anti-defection measures
" State Human Rights Commission
" Central Information Commission 14. Role of Pressure Groups
" State Information Commission
" National Consumer Disputes " Types of pressure groups
" Role of pressure group in
Redressal Commission
developing countries
" Tribunal " Functions of pressure groups in India
" Medical Council Of India " Pressure groups methods
" Pension Fund Regulatory and " Pressure groups and Democracy
" Criticism of pressure groups
Development Authority

" Biodiversity Authority Of India
" Press Council Of India
" Forward Markets Commission
" Inland Waterways Authority Of India

RBI

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

" Call to bring Arunachal Pradesh under " In Economist’s Democracy Index,
the ambit of the Sixth Schedule’ India at its lowest ranking ever

" ‘Article 32 and its ever changing " Internet shutdowns
interpretation’
" ‘Centre allows additional borrowing
" Coalition Government as strengthening by five states’
force to democracy
" National Statistical Commission (NSC)
" Daughter’s equal right to ancestral Bill 2019
property: SC’
" ‘Shaheen Bagh case: Public spaces
" ‘Concern about democracy in the cannot be occupied indefinitely, says SC’
digital age’
" Proposed changes in definition of NRIs
" National Company Law Appellate
Tribunal (NCLAT) " ‘State Cabinet nod to make Bodo,
the associate official language of the State’
" ‘The unrest on the Assam-Mizoram
border’ " How a language is declared ‘classical’
in India, what benefits it enjoys?

GS SCORE www.iasscore.in 29

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21 " ‘Private Property is a human right: SC’
" Uniform Civil code - the debate, the status
" ‘Armed Forces Tribunal’ " e-Lok Adalats
" Plea is SC challenging imposing of
" “Unparliamentary” speech and
conduct in Parliament’ ‘Hindi’ as official court language

" ‘States mandated to set up panel " Centre-State disputes and Article 131
on Content Regulation of Govt Ads’ " ‘National Recruitment Agency’
" How the Centre’s planned Sanskrit
" ‘Involuntary narco tests an intrusion
into a person’s mental privacy: Supreme Court’ universities will function?

" ‘Three capitals for Andhra Pradesh " Postal Ballot System
— it's logic and the questions " Promoting Tribals of India
it raises’ " ‘Rethink Speaker’s power to disqualify

" ‘Plea on ‘Office of Profit’ dismissed lawmakers: SC’
by President’
" Section 188 of IPC
" Grants-in-aid to Rural Local Bodies in " ‘Abolition of Legislative Council’
28 States

" “Criminalisation of Politics”

" ‘New Rules for Postal Ballot’

" ‘Government plans to bring
social security schemes under one umbrella’

Remarks

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS

INDIA & NEIGHBORS

1. India – Nepal Relations 5. India-Maldives Relations 31

" Background of Relation " Geostrategic Importance of Maldives
" Political " Development Cooperation
" Economic " Security Risks
" The Issue of Water and Hydropower
6. India-Sri Lanka Relations
Cooperation
" Social " Commercial Relations
" Psychological " Developmental Cooperation
" The Recent Visit of Prime Minister " Fishermen Issue

Narendra Modi 7. India-Myanmar Relations
" Recommendations to Improve Relations
" Relation through ages
2. India and Bhutan " Recent change in policy
" China Role
" Economy: A Broad Overview
" India, Bhutan and China: issues 8. Indo-Pak Relations
" The Recent Landmark visit by
" Major Crisis
Indian Prime Minister " Water Dispute
" Current Internal Scenario
3. Indo-Afghan Bilateral Relations " Impact on India
" Developments in Last One Year
" A Long History of Bilateral Relations
" The India-Afghanistan Development 9. Indo-Chine Relations

Partnership " Economic Relation
" Strategic factors undergirding India’s " China India Water Related Issue
" “String of Pearls Strategy”
Partnership with Afghanistan " China’s Maritime Silk Route
" Afghanistan after NATO Withdrawal
" Options for India Implications for India

4. India-Bangladesh Relations 10. South China Sea Dispute

" Development Partnership " Main Disputes
" India-Bangladesh Relations in line with " Resources as a Driver of Competition

‘Look East’ policy www.iasscore.in
" Recent Boundary Agreements and

their analysis

GS SCORE

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Attempts for Resolution " Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
" India and South China Dispute " Neighbourhood Issues and Terrorism
" Energy Routes
11. Security Challenges in the Indian " Fisheries and Livelihood Issues
Ocean Region " Environmental Security
" Declaration of Indian Ocean as Zone
" The Pivot to Asia – US Policy Shift
" South China Sea- Issues of Mistrust of Peace
" India and Asian Nations relations

INDIA & ASIAN NATIONS RELATIONS

1. CIS Countries of Central Asia 6. India – Saudi Arabia

" India-Turkmenistan " Areas of Cooperation
" India-Kazakhstan " Challenges in relations
" India Tajikistan
" China And Central Asia 7. Asia-Pacific Region
" International North-South Transport Corridor
" Shanghai Cooperation Organisation " Zones of Activity
" Regional Groupings
" Geopolitics of Asia Pacific

2. India-Mongolia 8. India-South East Asia

" India-Mongolia Bilateral Cooperation " Steps in Indo-ASEAN Relations
" Deal on Uranium Supply " India-ASEAN Security Co-operation
" Visit
9. Indo-Japan Bilateral Relationship
3. India – UAE Relations
" Economy Centric Relationship
" Political and economic relation " Contemporary Perspective
" Oil Economic Relation
10. India – South Korea
4. India – IRAN
" India South Korea Relations
" Iran Nuclear Deal and India " Economic Partnership in Recent Years
" India Iran Relations
" US-Geopolitical and Geo-Economic 11. India-Vietnam

Consideration in Iran " Economic Cooperation
" Strategic Cooperation
5. India – ISRAEL " Geo-political Issues concerning

" Israel and Palestine India-Vietnam Energy Cooperation
" India – Israel Relations " China’s Response
" India’s Response

INDIA & ASIAN NATIONS RELATIONS

1. Indian Diaspora " Schemes for Welfare of Overseas Indian
" Narendra Modi and Indian Diaspora
" Role played by Indian Diaspora
" Issue of safety of Indians abroad

32 www.iasscore.in GS SCORE

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

INDIA & OTHER NATION & INSTITUTIONS

1. India and Africa " Area of Co-operation : Energy
and Climate Change
" Historical Connections
" Gandhi’s Role " Area of Co-operation : Science
" Nehru’s Role & Technology (S&T) and Space
" Strengthening of Ties
" South-south Engagement " Area of Co-operation : People to People Ties
" Current Dynamics
" Economic Cooperation " Area of Co-operation : Defence Cooperation
" Human resources development and
" Intellectual Property Issues
capacity building
" Energy Cooperation " India and International Organisations
" Military Security Co-operation
" Trade Policy under Modi 6. The World Trade Organization
" Afro-Indian Trade
" Indian investment in Africa " Representation in the WTO and
" African investment in India Economic Groupings
" Development cooperation and assistance
" How the WTO takes Decisions
2. Indo-Australia Relationship
" The WTO Secretariat and Budget
" Immigration Issue and Indian Diaspora
" Economic Relationship " How Countries Join the WTO
" Issue of Nuclear Cooperation
" 26. India-Russia Bilateral Relationship " Assisting Developing
" Shanghai Co-operation Organization and Transition Economies
" Warming Relationship between
" Specialized Help for Export Promotion
Pakistan and Russia
" The WTO’s Part in Global Economic
3. France Policy-making

" Strategic Partnership " Nairobi Package adopted at 10th WTO
" Prime Minister’s Recent Visit to France Ministerial Conference
" 28. Germany
" Indian-Germany Economic Relations " WTO reportsrise in protectionism

4. United Kingdom 7. International Monetary Fund

" Ties in Current Context " International Monetary Fund (IMF)
" Scotland’s Referendum " India gets more Voting Rights in IMF Reforms
" India & BREXIT
8. Nuclear Security Summit
5. India-USA Relations
" The fourth Nuclear Security Summit: 2016
" Area of Co-operation: Strategic " Threats of Nuclear Terrorism
Consultations " Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
" Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
" Area of Co-operation : Counter terrorism " Recent Support for NSG Membership for India
and Internal Security " Why is India seeking to become a

" Area of Co-operation : Trade and Economic member of NSG?

GS SCORE " Why are certain countries opposing
India’s entry into NSG?

" Argument in favour for India Joining NSG

9. BRICS

" Economic Environment in BRICS Countries
" Last BRICS Summit in Goa, India
" BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit

www.iasscore.in 33

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21 " Prospects For SAARC

10. BIMSTEC 13. Relevance of Non-Alignment in
present India
" Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance
in Criminal Matters " What is NAM?
" Relevance in present era
11. IBSA
14. India-ASEAN Economic Cooperation
" IBSA Potential
" Need for Revitalizing IBSA " Singapore
" India’s Policy Options " Vietnam
" Technological Collaboration " Indonesia
" India ASEAN FTA in Service
12. SAARC

" Indo-Pak Conflict
" Problem of Resource Development

Remarks

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

ECONOMY

BASIC ECONOMY

1. Indian Economy and issues relating " Role of foreign investment in
to planning resource mobilization, desirability
and consequences
" Indian Economy in Pre-independence Period
" Economy on Eve of Independence " Multilateral agencies and resource
" Challenges mobilization
" Features
" Post-Independence India 3. Inclusive growth and issues arising
" Issues from it
" Agriculture and its development so far
" Industry " Meaning and concept of Inclusion
" Services " India’s experience
" Phases of Economic Development in India " Social sector initiatives and inclusion process
" Nehruvian Socialist Economy " Ground reality and working of
" Economic Reforms
" Planning flagship schemes
" Objectives
" Technical details " India’s growth story in this context
" Planning History " Why India’s growth is not inclusive?
" Analysis of each plan " Rural economy based growth
" Need of Sustainable agriculture,
2. Resource Mobilization
food security and resilience for growth.
" Types of resources: Physical capital
and finance capital " Public distribution schemes: Way to
inclusive growth.
" Need for resource mobilization- Police State
and Democratic Welfare State " Financial inclusion as an instrument of
inclusive growth.
" Sources of resource mobilization:
Public Sector and Private Sector " Poverty Alleviation and Employment
Generation as a strategy for inclusive growth
" Savings and investment over the
five year plan " Social sector development as an
instrument for inclusive growth.
" Budgetary resources: Tax and Non tax
" Role of Public Debt in resource mobilization " Public private partnership for
inclusive growth
and effects: Market borrowing, loans, grants, etc.
" Industrial Integration for inclusive growth
" Role of fiscal and monetary policies in " Sectoral and regional diversification as a
resource mobilization
tool for inclusive growth.

4. Government Budgeting

" Budget terminology
" Types of budget
" Features of outcome budgeting
" Merger of Railway and General Budget

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Benefits of budgeting " Monetary Policy in Post-Reform Era
" Flaws in budgeting process (Since – 1991)
" Budget analysis
" Urjit Patel Committee Report
5. Investment models " Monetary Policy Committee

" Measures of Investment and Inflation Targeting
" Capital and investment
" Factors affecting investment 9. Financial system
" Classification of Investment
" FDI " Money Market in India
" Angel Investors and Start-ups " Capital Market in India
" M&A " Indian Capital Market Regulatory Framework
" Investment Models " Primary Market Reforms in India
" Role of State " Secondary Market Reforms in India
" PPP (Public-Private Partnership)
" Savings and Investment Trends 10. Banking

6. Fiscal policy " Indian Banking System
" Functions of Commercial Banks
" Fiscal Policy in India " Challenges Faced by
" Important Budgetary Terms and
Commercial Banks in India
Fiscal Concept " Nationalization of Banks in India
" Government Revenues & Spending " Banking Reforms in India
" Deficits " New Bank Licence Criteria
" Balance Sheet " Small Finance Banks and

7. Taxation Payment Banks Criteria
" Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)
" Taxation Meaning " Terminologies/Concepts Related to
" Principles of Taxation
" Objectives of Taxation Banking in India
" Taxation for Mobilization of Resources " Financial Inclusion
" Tax System in India " NPAs
" Subsidies " Bills relatied to Banking
" Tax Reforms
" GST 11. Foreign trade & International
Organisations
8. Monetary policy in India
" International Trade
" Instruments of Monetary Policy " Trade Policy
" Monetary policy in pre-reform " Balance of Payments
" Foreign Capital
Era (1948 – 1991) " Impact of Globalization on Indian Economy
" International Monetary Fund
" WTO
" World Bank Group
" AIIB and NDB

AGRICULTURE

1. Role of Agriculture in Indian " Land-use
Economy " Land capability classification
" Causes of Land Degradation
2. Land resource " Impact of Land Degradation

36 www.iasscore.in GS SCORE

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Steps taken by GOI " Government Measures to Improve
" Sustainable Land Management Agricultural Marketing in India

3. Land Reforms " Analysis of APMC Act

" Objectives of Land Reforms in India 8. Subsidies
" Progress of Land Reforms in India
" Progress of Ceiling Legislation " Objectives of subsidies
" NITI Aayog Report on Land Leasing " Transfer of resources from gainers

4. Agriculture Finance from economic policies to losers from
economic policies
" Features of Agricultural Finance " Farm Subsidies
" Criteria for Agricultural Credit " Fertiliser subsidies
" Need for Agricultural Finance " Subsidy on power
" Sources of Agricultural Finance " Subsidy on irrigation
" Problems of Agricultural Finance " Rationale of Minimum Support Price
" Measures taken to improve credit " Impact of MSP on inflation
" Public Distribution System: Objectives,
flow to agriculture functioning, limitations, revamping, evolution
" Co-operative Credit Societies in India from universal PDS to targeted PDS,
Targeted PDS, a critical analysis of cost
5. Agricultural Credit Institutions and benefit of PDS
" Buffer Stock policy and government’s
" Commercial Bank intervention in food market to keep prices
" Lead Bank Scheme under reasonable limits to help consumers
" Multi Agency Approach " Food Security bill, questions of
" Regional Rural Banks resource mobilization for the FSB, criticism
" National Bank for Agriculture of the FSB
" Important questions on the future
and Rural Development (NABARD) of subsidies
" Reserve Bank of India
" Kisan Credit Card Scheme 9. Agricultural Revolutions in India
" Self Help Group (SHG)
" Green Revolution
Bank Linkage Programme " White Revolution – Operation Flood
" Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) " Yellow Revolution
" Government Policy For Agricultural Credit " Blue Revolution
" Farmers Service Societies (FSS) " Golden Fiber Revolution: Jute

6. Crop Insurance in India 10. Food Processing

" Historical Background " Processed Foods Scenario with respect
" Issues Related to Crop Insurance to Specific Sectors
" Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
" Comparison with Earlier Crop Insurance " Policy Initiatives
" Infrastructure Development in
Schemes
" Challenges Food Processing Sector
" Issues in Food Processing Sector
7. Agriculture Marketing
FDI Policy in Food Processing
" Process of Agricultural Marketing in India Notable Trends in the Indian
" Structure of Agricultural Marketing in India
" Importance of Proper Agriculture Marketing Food Processing Sector

Strategies Adopted in Budget

New foreign and domestic investment

Sector-specific government policies

GS SCORE www.iasscore.in 37

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

INDUSTRY

1. Industrial policy and industrial main problems, effects of globalization
development: Main Is sues
" New Manufacturing Policy
" Mahalanobis strategy and India’s industrial
policy-Discussing Industrial policy " Industrial disbursal and Industrial corridors
resolution 1948 and 1956 critically
" SEZs- Main issues like land use, relocation
" New Economic Policy and Industrial policy of same industries that exist, exports
under the policy of liberalization, earnings vs loss of tax income
privatization and globalization
" Industrial sickness, institutional mechanism
" Phases of Industrial development to support the sick industries, exit policy issues

2. Main features of Industrial " Main constraints in the industrial
development in India development of India

" Roles of private sector and public sector, " Effects of globalization on industries,
Investment in the industrial sector, Sub-prime crisis and sovereign debt crisis
employment, productivity, profit etc. on Industry in India

" Strategies for disinvestment " Industrial Finance in India: Role of
and privatization development banking, commercial banking,
venture capital, angel capital in
" Role of Small, Medium and Micro industrialization and promotion of
enterprises, Government Policy, entrepreneurship

" Make in India achievements

TRANSPORT

" Transport " Transport and trade in the modern era
" Importance and development of transport
" Means of transport " Transport costs and scale economies
" Transport costs and economic distance
" Operating costs in transport " Falling transport costs increase trade
" Relative importance of means of between neighbours

transport: Railways, Roads, Pipeline, " Failing transport costs lead to
Oceans, Air transport concentration within countries

" Profits and freight rates " Negative externalities of transport
" Government’s transport policy
" Transport patterns in the world: " Important issues

Oceanic transport Ownership and financing

" Ocean transport routes Pricing of Public utilities
" Inland waterways
" Main regions of inland waterways Infrastructure as avenues for investment
" Railways: Factors affecting the railroads
" Distribution of railroads in the world Project delays-reasons and measures
" Factors influencing air transport to overcome
" Pipeline Transport
" Petroleum (oil) Pipelines Public Private Partnership and related
" Gas Pipelines issues
" Transport costs and specialization
Operation and Maintenance of roads,
railways, irrigation and power
projects-Main problems and solutions

Impact of Infrastructure-Economic
Impacts, impact on social development,
Environmental impacts

38 www.iasscore.in GS SCORE

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

" What’s next for virtual currency? " ‘Regional Cluster concept of
economic development ’
" ‘Business Reform Action Plan’
" ‘Fortification of edible oil with
" Financial Inclusion Index (FII) Vitamins A and D’

" Essential Commodities Act " ‘Lessons from the Bangladesh
and Vietnam’s Growth Story’
" Gender budgeting
" ‘A secure future for platform workers’
" ‘Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial
Contracts Bill, 2020’ " ‘The prize in Economic Science 2020’

" ‘Business Reform Action Plan’ " ‘NITI Aayog announces governing
structure of India Energy Modelling Forum’
" India Slips to 131 in Human
Development Index Ranking’ " ’CAROTAR Rules 2020’

" ‘India slips 17 spots down to 111th rank’ " ‘NSE IFSC-SGX Connect’

" ‘US puts India back on Currency " ‘World Risk Index (WRI) 2020’
Manipulation Watchlist’
" RBI to bring startups under Priority
" ‘IFSCA obtains Membership Sector Lending (PSL)
of International Association of Insurance
Supervisors (IAIS)’ " RBI sets up panel for stressed loans
resolution norms.
Remarks

GS SCORE www.iasscore.in 39

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY

BIOLOGY

1. Chemical Building Blocks of Life 6. Evolution

2. History and Origin of Life " Evolution of Life
" Animal Evolution
3. Cells " Human Evolution

" Cell Structure 7. Tissues
" Membranes
" Cell-Cell Interactions " Epithelial tissue
" Energy and Metabolism " Connective tissue
" Respiration " Muscle tissue
" Photosynthesis
" How Cells Divide 8. Economic Zoology
" Sexual Reproduction
" Beneficial animals: Corals - Earthworm -
4. Genetics Vermiculture - Beneficial insects
Prawns - Lobsters - Crabs - Pearl
" Inheritance oysters - Fishes - Guano - Aquarium
" DNA, The Genetic Material - Vivarium.
" Gene Expression
" Gene Regulation " Harmful animals: Disease causing organisms
" Mutation Vectors - Poisonous organisms - Fouling
" Recombinant DNA Technology organisms - Pests.

5. Classification of Living Things 9. Endocrine System

" Classification and Domains of Life " Hypothalamus
" General Biology/Classification of " Pineal body (epiphysis)
" Pituitary gland (hypophysis)
Living Things/Viruses " Thyroid
" Prokaryotes " Adrenal glands
" Eukaryotes " Reproductive glands
" Protists
" Plants 10. Respiration
" Fungi
" Animals " External and Internal Respiration
" Respiratory system in Plants
" Respiratory System in Insects
" Respiratory System in Humans and Animals

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

11. The Transport System in Organisms " Sexual Reproduction in Animals
" Sexual Reproduction in Humans
" Transport system in a Cell
" Transport System in Plants 14. Excretion, Osmoregulation and
" Transport System in Animals Thermoregulation
" Blood Vascular System
" The Lymphatic System " Excretory products
" Excretion in plants
12. Skeletal and Muscular Systems " Excretion in Animals
" Osmoregulation, ADH and formation of
" Bone and Skeleton System (Osteology)
" Ligaments (Syndesmology) Urine in Animals
" Muscular System (Myology) " Physiological and Behavioural Adjustments
" Vertebrates
15. Nutrition
13. Reproduction
" Classification by Source of Energy and Carbon
" Asexual Reproduction in Plants " Plant Nutrition
" Asexual Reproduction in Animals " Animal Nutrition
" Sexual Reproduction in Plants " Human Diet
" The Digestive System

INSTITUTIONS & POLICY

" India’s policy in the field of the " Science and technology as a source
science and technology of Human Resource Development

" The S&T policy resolution in 1958 " Awards related to Science
" S&T policy of the 1983
" S&T policy of the 2003 " New Initiatives Aligned with the
" S&T policy 2013 National Agenda
" Institutional structure
" Department of Science & Technology " India and World collaboration in
" CSIR science projects
" Survey of India
" Science and Engineering Research Council " Technology Vision Document 2035
" Technology Development Board
" National Accreditation Board For " National Biotechnology Development
Strategy 2015-2020
Testing And Calibration Laboratories
" National Intellectual Property Rights Policy

" Organ donation rules in India

" Policy on Synthetic Biology

BIOTECHNOLOGY

1. Genetics and biotechnology " Potential laboratory biohazards
of genetic engineering
" Industrial genetics
" Protoplast and cell fusion technologies " Bioprocess/fermentation technology
" Genetic engineering
" DNA sequencing 2. Biological fuel generation
" Nucleic acid probes
" Genomics and proteomics " Global warming and the significance
" Antisense and RNA interface of fossils fuels

GS SCORE " Photosynthesis: the ultimate energy source

" Biofuels from biomass

www.iasscore.in 41

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Bioethanol from biomass " Biotechnology and medicine
" Biodiesel " Pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals
" Methane " Antibiotics
" Hydrogen " Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies
" Biopharmaceuticals/therapeutic proteins
3. Environmental Biotechnology " Pharmacogenetics
" Molecular biology and human disease
" Microbial Ecology Environmental " Diagnostics in developing countries
Biotechnology " Gene therapy
" Systems biology and medicine
" Waste water and sewage treatment " Stem cell biotechnology
" Landfilling technologies
" Composting 7. Protection of biotechnological
" Bioremediation inventions
" Detect and monitoring of pollutants
" Microbes and the geological environment " Patent protection Trade secrets
" Environmental sustainability " Plant breeders’ rights

and clean technology 8. Recent initiatives in Health &
Biotechnology
4. Plant and Forest Biotechnology
" Recent initiatives in Health & Biotechnology
" Plant biotechnology " Diseases in News
" Forest biotechnology " India Declared Maternal and

5. Animal and Insect Biotechnology Neonatal Tetanus, H5N1 and Yaws Free
" IPV Injection
" Genetic manipulation and transgenic animals " Mission Indradhanush
" Genetically engineered hormone " New TB Drug Regimen
" E-Cigarettes
and vaccines " Digital Biopiracy
" Animal organs for human patients " Kendrapara Sheep
" Genetically modified insects " DNA Tagging of Convicts
" U.K. Grants Gene Editing Licence
6. Food and beverage biotechnology " Genetically Modified Mosquito
" Designer Babies’ OR Three Parents Babies
" Food and beverage fermentations " U.K. Grants Gene Editing Licence
" Microorganisms as food " National Biotechnology Development
" Enzymes and food processing
" Amino acids, vitamins and sweeteners Strategy 2015-2020
" Organic acids and polysaccharides
" Public acceptance and safety of

new biotechnology foods

SPACE

" Types of orbits " GLONASS GS SCORE
" Launch Vehicle " IRNSS
" Satellite communication in India " GAGAN
" INSAT Satellite application " Chandrayaan – I & II
" Remote sensing applications " Mars Orbitor Mission
" Cryogenic rockets " Space Organisations
" Global Positioning System " Space race/Space junk
" Galileo " Recent updates

42 www.iasscore.in

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" South Asia Satellite: Significance " RESOURCESAT- 2A
" Neutrino Observatory " ASTROSAT
" Solar Mission- ADITYA " Sunspot
" Gravitational Waves " Magnetars
" FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture " Neutron stars
" Air-breathing propulsion system
Spherical radio Telescope) " Space Junk
" Graveyard Orbit
" Spitzer Space Telescope " India, NASA join hands for
" Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
" Chandra X-ray Observatory Astrobiology Mission
" James Webb Space Telescope " Neutrino Observatory
" ARIES/Devasthal Telescope " Indian Space Vision-2025
" Multi Application Solar Telescope
" Thirty Metre Telescope DEFENCE

" Missile system and classification Dhanush
" On the basis of type Astra
" On the basis of launch vehicle Prahaar
" On the basis of Range " BrahMos Missile System
" On the basis of propulsion system " Indian Submarines and Naval Ships
" India’s Missile System " Light Combat Aircraft
" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Agni " Stealth technology
Prithvi " Chemical Weapon
Trishul " Biological Weapon
Nag

NUCLEAR ENERGY

" Types of nuclear reactions " Impact of Radiation
" Nuclear Power Reactor " Issue of Radioactive Waste
" N-Power Policy of India " Institutions involved in Nuclear
" Advantages of Nuclear Energy
" Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy energy Development, AERB
" Non-energy applications of Nuclear energy " Safety standards in Nuclear Power plants
" Nuclear & Radiological Disasters

IT, ELECTRONICS & TELECOM

" Computers " Cathode ray 43
" Generation of computers " LCD
" Computer terminologies " LED
" Supercomputer and its applications " Plasma Monitors
" Information technology " OLED
" Components of IT " Telecommunications
" IT enabled services " Mobile generations
" Application of IT " Smartfone
" Display technologies " Important conceps

GS SCORE www.iasscore.in

UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

" Government initiatives " Bharat QR
" Digital India Initiative " Contemporary debates
" MeghRaj " Net Nuetrality
" Code Free for India " Internet of Things
" E-Kranti " Big Data Initiative and Privacy
" Bharat Net project " Cyber crime and security

NANO-SCIENCE & NANO TECHNOLOGIES

" What is Nanoscience and Nanotechnology? " Sustainable energy
" Origination of Nanoscience and Technology " Environment
" Basics of Nanoscience " Transport
" Nanomaterials " Space
" Applications of nanotechnology " Agriculture
" Nano medicine " Adverse Health and Environmental
" Semiconductors and computing
" Food Impacts of Nanotechnology
" Textiles
" Social and Ethical Impacts:
" Nano-science and nano-technology in India

ROBOTICS

" What is Robotics? " Advantages and Disadvantages of Robot
" Machine vs Computer vs Robots " Applications of Robotics
" Parts of a Robot " Industrial Sector
" Controller " Aerospace
" Manipulator " Healthcare Delivery
" End Effector " Outer Space
" Sensor " Exploration
" Classification of Robots " Military Robots
" Rolling Robots " Disaster Areas
" Walking Robots " Entertainment
" Autonomous Robots " Agriculture
" Artificial Intelligence " Domestic work

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

" ‘Tobacco behind more than a quarter " Hydroxychloroquine-now a schedule
of India’s cancer cases’ H1 drug

" Herd Immunity " First-ever digital geological map of moon

" ‘H9N2’ " NASA’s Artemis mission, and the
Indian American in its new astronaut cohort
" ‘World’s Neglected Tropical Disease Day’
" ‘Polycrack Technology’
" ‘India’s population is expected to
be more feminine in 2036’ " ARCI develops Low-cost Super-capacitor

" The contact tracing technology " Starship spacecraft’

" ‘Desalination Plants’ " Huntingtin Disease

" ‘IRNSS now part of World Wide " ‘Abhyas High-speed Expendable
Radio Navigation System’ Aerial Target (HEAT)’

" Discovery of Li-rich giant stars

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" ‘Supersonic Missile Assisted Release UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21
of Torpedo (SMART) system’
" “Genome India Project”
" NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope " “GISAT-1 mission”
" Mars Insight Mission " ‘Ariel Space Mission’
" “Voyager 2” " “Scientists discover animal that
" ‘India test-fires new version of
doesn’t breathe oxygen”
nuclear capable Shaurya missile’ " National Space Promotion and

" ‘Omega Centauri globular cluster’ Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)
" NEON: The Virtual Human " National Science Technology

Remarks and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020)

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UPSC SYLLABUS 2020-21

ECOLOGY
& ENVIRONMENT

ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY

1. Ecology Food Chain
Types & Significance of Food Chain
" Types of Ecology Food Web
" Ecological Hierarchy Models for Energy Flow
" Scope of Ecology Ecological Productivity
" Habitat & Ecological Niche Ecological Pyramid
" Deep vs Shallow Ecology " Biomagnifications
" Ecological Principles " Biological Control
" Ecological Community " Organic Farming

Structure and Characteristics 3. Biogeochemical Cycles
of a Community
" Parts of a Bio Geochemical Cycle
Stratification " Types of Biogeochemical Cycle
Ecotones
Ecological Dominance Carbon Cycle
Seasonal and Diurnal Fluctuation Nitrogen Cycle
Periodicity Phosphorus Cycle
Turnover Sulphur Cycle
Interdependence
" Ecological Succession 4. Biomes: Forest, Grassland,
Types and Process of Succession Mountain, and Desert Ecosystems
Climax Community
" Range of Tolerance , Maximum Range " Biome
" Difference between Ecology , " Grasslands
Environment and Ecosystem " Tundra
" Deserts
2. Ecosystem and its dynamics " Thar desert
" Mountain biome
" Ecosystem Definitions
" Functions and Properties of Ecosystem 5. Aquatic Life Zones: Ocean, Rivers,
" The Structure/Components of Ecosystem Lakes, and Wetlands

Abiotic Components " Aquatic ecosystems
Biotic Components " Basic facts about the ocean
" Ecosystem Dynamics " Importance of the ocean
Flow of Energy in Ecosystem " Zones of the ocean
Trophic Levels

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