Mains Syllabus of BIS Exam 2024
Paper 1: General Studies
1. Economic and Social Development
- Indian Economy:
- Structure of the Indian economy: Agriculture, Industry, Services
- Economic reforms since 1991: Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization
- Issues of poverty, inequality, unemployment, and inflation
- Government policies and programs for inclusive growth
- Role of institutions in economic development: Reserve Bank of India, Planning Commission, Finance Commission
- India’s foreign trade and balance of payments
- International economic organizations: World Bank, IMF, WTO
- Social Development:
- Social structure and social change in India
- Issues of caste, religion, gender, and tribal communities
- Education, health, and nutrition
- Population growth and its implications
- Social movements and their impact
- Government policies and programs for social welfare
- Sustainable development and environmental issues
2. Governance, Constitution, and Polity
- Indian Constitution:
- Salient features of the Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
- Parliamentary system of government
- Federalism and Centre-State relations
- Judiciary and its role in the Indian polity
- Independent institutions: Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, Central Vigilance Commission
- Governance:
- Good governance and its principles
- E-governance and its impact
- Public policy formulation and implementation
- Corruption and its impact on governance
- Civil services and their role in governance
- Citizen participation in governance
- Polity:
- Political parties and their role in the Indian polity
- Election process and electoral reforms
- Pressure groups and their influence
- Public opinion and its impact on policymaking
- Challenges to Indian democracy
3. History and Culture
- Ancient India:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic Period
- Buddhism and Jainism
- Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Art, architecture, and literature of ancient India
- Medieval India:
- Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Empire
- Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms
- Bhakti and Sufi movements
- Art, architecture, and literature of medieval India
- Modern India:
- British colonialism and the Indian nationalist movement
- Independence and partition of India
- Post-independence India: Economic development, social reforms, and political challenges
- Art, architecture, and literature of modern India
- Indian Culture:
- Unity in diversity
- Major religions and their impact on Indian society
- Indian philosophy and thought
- Indian art, music, dance, and literature
- Festivals and traditions
4. Science and Technology
- Science:
- Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology
- Recent advancements in science and technology
- Impact of science and technology on society
- Science and technology policy in India
- Technology:
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Space technology
- Defense technology
- Role of technology in economic development and social transformation
5. Current Affairs
- National:
- Major national events and issues
- Government policies and programs
- Economic and social development
- Political developments
- Law and order situation
- International:
- Major international events and issues
- International relations of India
- Global economic and political developments
- International organizations and their role
- Contemporary issues of global concern
Paper 2: General Studies (Specific to BIS)
1. Standards and Quality Management
- Fundamentals of Standardization:
- Concept of standardization and its importance
- Types of standards: National, International, Industry
- Standards development process: Proposal, drafting, approval, implementation
- Role of standards in trade, safety, and quality
- Benefits of standardization
- Quality Management Systems:
- Concept of quality and quality management
- Quality management principles and tools
- Quality management systems (QMS): ISO 9001, other relevant standards
- Implementation and maintenance of QMS
- Auditing and certification of QMS
- Product Conformity Assessment:
- Concept of product conformity assessment
- Methods of conformity assessment: Testing, inspection, certification
- Accreditation of conformity assessment bodies
- Role of conformity assessment in ensuring product quality
- Metrology and Calibration:
- Concept of metrology and its importance
- Units of measurement and their traceability
- Calibration of measuring instruments
- Role of metrology in quality control
- Legal Metrology:
- Legal metrology laws and regulations in India
- Verification and stamping of measuring instruments
- Enforcement of legal metrology regulations
- Role of legal metrology in consumer protection
2. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- History and Evolution of BIS:
- Establishment and evolution of BIS
- Role of BIS in national development
- BIS Act, 1986 and its amendments
- Structure and organization of BIS
- Functions and Activities of BIS:
- Standards development and promotion
- Product certification and marking
- Testing and calibration services
- Training and awareness programs
- International cooperation in standardization
- BIS Certification Schemes:
- Types of BIS certification schemes
- Procedure for obtaining BIS certification
- Benefits of BIS certification
- Enforcement of BIS certification
- Role of BIS in Trade and Industry:
- Impact of BIS standards on Indian industry
- BIS standards and international trade
- Role of BIS in promoting exports
- BIS and consumer protection
3. International Standardization and Trade
- International Standardization Organizations:
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- Other relevant international standardization bodies
- Role of international standardization in global trade
- Trade Agreements and Standards:
- Impact of trade agreements on standards
- Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
- Role of standards in facilitating trade
- Harmonization of Standards:
- Concept of standards harmonization
- Benefits of standards harmonization
- Challenges in standards harmonization
- International Trade Regulations:
- World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements on standards
- Other relevant international trade regulations
- Impact of international trade regulations on standards
4. Emerging Trends in Standardization
- Digitalization and Standardization:
- Impact of digitalization on standardization
- Standards for digital technologies
- Role of standards in digital transformation
- Sustainability and Standardization:
- Standards for sustainable development
- Role of standards in promoting environmental protection
- Standards for circular economy
- Innovation and Standardization:
- Role of standards in promoting innovation
- Standards for emerging technologies
- Standards for open innovation
- Globalization and Standardization:
- Impact of globalization on standardization
- Role of standards in global supply chains
- Standards for international collaboration
5. Current Issues in Standardization
- Emerging Technologies and Standards:
- Standards for artificial intelligence (AI)
- Standards for blockchain technology
- Standards for 5G and other wireless technologies
- Consumer Protection and Standards:
- Role of standards in consumer protection
- Standards for product safety and quality
- Standards for food safety
- Environmental Protection and Standards:
- Standards for air and water quality
- Standards for waste management
- Standards for renewable energy
- Social Responsibility and Standards:
- Standards for ethical business practices
- Standards for labor rights
- Standards for diversity and inclusion
Table 1: Key International Standardization Organizations
| Organization | Acronym | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| International Organization for Standardization | ISO | Develops and publishes international standards |
| International Electrotechnical Commission | IEC | Develops and publishes international standards for electrical and electronic technologies |
| International Telecommunication Union | ITU | Develops and publishes international standards for telecommunications |
| International Bureau of Weights and Measures | BIPM | Maintains the International System of Units (SI) |
| Codex Alimentarius Commission | CAC | Develops and publishes international food standards |
Table 2: Key BIS Certification Schemes
| Scheme | Product Category | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ISI Mark | Consumer products, industrial goods | Ensure quality and safety |
| Hallmarking | Gold and silver jewelry | Ensure purity and authenticity |
| Star Rating | Energy-efficient appliances | Promote energy conservation |
| Agmark | Agricultural products | Ensure quality and safety |
| FPO | Fruit and vegetable products | Ensure quality and safety |
This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics that will be covered in the BIS Exam 2024. Candidates are advised to study these topics thoroughly and to stay updated on current issues in standardization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for BIS Exam 2024
1. What is the importance of standardization?
Standardization ensures product quality, safety, and compatibility, facilitating trade, promoting innovation, and protecting consumers.
2. What are the different types of standards?
Standards can be national, international, or industry-specific, each serving different purposes and scopes.
3. How does the standards development process work?
It involves proposal submission, drafting, expert review, approval by a consensus-based committee, and final publication.
4. What is the role of conformity assessment in quality management?
It ensures products meet specified standards through testing, inspection, and certification, guaranteeing their quality and safety.
5. What are the key principles of quality management systems?
Customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management.
6. What is the significance of metrology and calibration?
Metrology ensures accurate measurements, while calibration ensures measuring instruments are accurate and traceable to national standards.
7. What is the purpose of legal metrology?
It regulates measuring instruments used in trade to protect consumers from unfair practices and ensure fair trade.
8. What is the history and evolution of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?
Established in 1986, BIS has evolved to become a leading national standards body, promoting quality and safety across various sectors.
9. What are the key functions and activities of BIS?
BIS develops and promotes standards, certifies products, provides testing and calibration services, conducts training programs, and collaborates internationally.
10. What are the benefits of BIS certification?
It enhances product credibility, facilitates market access, promotes consumer confidence, and ensures compliance with national standards.
11. What is the role of BIS in trade and industry?
BIS standards influence Indian industry, facilitate exports, and promote consumer protection, contributing to economic growth.
12. What are the key international standardization organizations?
ISO, IEC, ITU, BIPM, and CAC are prominent organizations setting global standards for various sectors.
13. How do trade agreements impact standards?
Trade agreements often include provisions on standards, aiming to harmonize them and reduce technical barriers to trade.
14. What are the benefits of standards harmonization?
It reduces costs, simplifies trade, promotes innovation, and ensures global compatibility of products and services.
15. What are the emerging trends in standardization?
Digitalization, sustainability, innovation, and globalization are driving new trends in standards development and implementation.
16. What are the challenges in standardization?
Balancing innovation with standardization, ensuring inclusivity, addressing ethical concerns, and adapting to rapid technological advancements are key challenges.
17. What are the current issues in standardization?
Standards for emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and 5G, consumer protection, environmental protection, and social responsibility are crucial areas of focus.
These FAQs provide a glimpse into the key concepts and issues related to the BIS Exam 2024 syllabus. Candidates are encouraged to explore these topics in depth and stay updated on current developments in standardization.