The nature and standard of questions in this paper will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidate's general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services.

(a) History of Modern India and Indian Culture The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the Freedom Movement and Social reforms. The part relating to Indian Culture will cover all aspects of Indian Culture from the ancient to modern times.

(b) Geogrphy of India In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India.

(c) Indian Polity This part will include questions on the Constitution of India, Political system and related matters.

(d) Current National issues and topics of social relevance This part is intended to test the Candidate's awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in the present-day India, such as the following.

• Demography & Human Resource & related issues. Behavioural & Social issues & Social Welfare problems, such as child labour, gender equality, adult literacy, rehabilitation of the handicapped and other deprived segments of the society, drug abuse, public health etc.
• Law enforcement issues, human rights, corruption in public life, communal harmony etc. Internal Security and related issues.
• Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.
• The role of national institutions, their relevance and need for change.