Prelims Syllabus of the Indian Economic Service (IES) Exam 2024
General Studies (Paper – I)
1. Current Events of National and International Importance
This section covers recent developments in India and around the world, including:
- Political: Major political events, elections, government policies, international relations, and diplomatic initiatives.
- Economic: Economic growth, inflation, unemployment, trade, fiscal and monetary policies, global economic trends, and financial markets.
- Social: Social issues like poverty, inequality, education, healthcare, gender, and environment.
- Science and Technology: Major scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and their impact on society.
- Culture: Art, literature, music, and cultural events of national and international significance.
2. History of India
- Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, and other major dynasties.
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, and regional kingdoms.
- Modern India: British rule, Indian National Movement, Independence, and post-independence India.
- Indian Culture: Art, literature, architecture, religion, and philosophy.
3. Indian Polity and Governance
- Constitution of India: Features, principles, amendments, and landmark judgments.
- Political System: Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, and Panchayati Raj.
- Public Policy: Policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
- Governance: Administrative reforms, e-governance, and citizen engagement.
- Rights and Liberties: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and other legal provisions.
4. Economic and Social Development
- Indian Economy: Structure, growth, challenges, and policies.
- Planning and Development: Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog, and other development initiatives.
- Poverty, Inequality, and Social Exclusion: Causes, measures, and government programs.
- Infrastructure: Transportation, energy, communication, and other key sectors.
- Agriculture and Rural Development: Agricultural policies, rural infrastructure, and poverty alleviation programs.
5. General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Disaster Management
- Environmental Issues: Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
- Environmental Protection: Laws, policies, and international agreements.
- Disaster Management: Natural disasters, preparedness, and response mechanisms.
- Sustainable Development: Principles, goals, and challenges.
6. General Science
- Physics: Basic concepts of motion, energy, heat, light, and sound.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of matter, atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.
- Biology: Basic concepts of life, cells, plants, animals, and human body.
- Space Science: Solar system, planets, stars, and galaxies.
7. Role and Impact of Science and Technology in India’s Development
- Science and Technology Policy: Government initiatives and research institutions.
- Technological Advancements: Impact on various sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and industry.
- Space Technology: ISRO’s achievements and applications.
- Information Technology: Role in economic growth and social development.
8. Geography of India
- Physical Features: Mountains, rivers, plains, and plateaus.
- Climate: Monsoon, seasons, and climate change.
- Natural Resources: Minerals, forests, water, and soil.
- Population: Distribution, density, and growth.
- Agriculture: Major crops, irrigation, and agricultural practices.
9. Indian Society
- Social Structure: Caste, class, gender, and religion.
- Social Movements: Dalit movements, women’s movements, and other social reform movements.
- Cultural Diversity: Languages, religions, and traditions.
- Social Issues: Poverty, inequality, illiteracy, and health.
10. Ethics and Human Interface
- Ethics: Values, morals, and ethical principles.
- Human Interface: Interpersonal skills, communication, and leadership.
- Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness, empathy, and social skills.
- Attitude: Positive attitude, work ethic, and integrity.
General Studies (Paper – II)
1. Comprehension and Composition
- Comprehension: Reading and understanding passages from various sources.
- Composition: Writing essays, précis, and reports.
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary.
2. Data Interpretation
- Data Analysis: Interpreting data presented in various formats like tables, charts, and graphs.
- Logical Reasoning: Applying logical reasoning to solve problems and draw inferences.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Basic mathematical concepts and calculations.
3. General Mental Ability
- Reasoning Ability: Logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and spatial reasoning.
- Decision Making: Evaluating options and making informed decisions.
- Problem-Solving: Identifying problems and finding solutions.
4. Indian Economy
- Economic Growth and Development: Trends, challenges, and policies.
- Inflation and Monetary Policy: Causes, effects, and policy responses.
- Fiscal Policy: Government revenue and expenditure, budget, and public debt.
- External Sector: Trade, foreign investment, and exchange rate.
- Financial Sector: Banking, insurance, and capital markets.
5. Social Justice and Inclusive Growth
- Poverty and Inequality: Causes, measures, and government programs.
- Social Exclusion: Discrimination based on caste, class, gender, and religion.
- Human Development: Education, health, and well-being.
- Sustainable Development: Environmental sustainability and social equity.
6. Role of Technology in Development
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Impact on various sectors.
- E-governance: Use of technology in public administration.
- Digital India: Government initiatives for digital transformation.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Potential and challenges.
7. International Relations
- India’s Foreign Policy: Objectives, principles, and challenges.
- Regional Organizations: SAARC, ASEAN, and BRICS.
- Global Issues: Climate change, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.
- International Institutions: UN, WTO, and IMF.
8. Contemporary Issues
- Social and Cultural Issues: Gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious harmony.
- Political Issues: Electoral reforms, political parties, and governance.
- Economic Issues: Unemployment, inflation, and inequality.
- Environmental Issues: Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.
9. Disaster Management
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, droughts, and cyclones.
- Disaster Preparedness: Early warning systems, evacuation plans, and relief measures.
- Disaster Response: Rescue operations, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
10. Ethics and Human Interface
- Ethics in Public Service: Values, integrity, and accountability.
- Human Interface: Interpersonal skills, communication, and leadership.
- Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness, empathy, and social skills.
- Attitude: Positive attitude, work ethic, and integrity.
Sample Tables
Table 1: Major Economic Indicators of India
| Indicator | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP Growth (%) | -7.3 | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| Inflation (CPI) (%) | 6.2 | 5.5 | 6.7 |
| Fiscal Deficit (%) | 9.5 | 6.7 | 6.4 |
| Current Account Deficit (%) | -1.9 | -1.3 | -1.5 |
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 7.6 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
Table 2: Major Social Indicators of India
| Indicator | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literacy Rate (%) | 77.7 | 78.1 | 78.5 |
| Infant Mortality Rate (per 1000 live births) | 34 | 33 | 32 |
| Maternal Mortality Rate (per 100,000 live births) | 113 | 110 | 107 |
| Sex Ratio (females per 1000 males) | 943 | 945 | 947 |
Note: These tables are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the latest data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the IES Prelims Exam 2024
General Studies (Paper – I)
1. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: The Indian Constitution is a federal, parliamentary, and quasi-federal document. Key features include:
* Sovereignty: The people are the ultimate source of power.
* Federalism: Division of powers between the Union and States.
* Parliamentary System: Executive accountable to the legislature.
* Fundamental Rights: Guarantees basic freedoms to citizens.
* Directive Principles: Guidelines for the state to achieve social justice.
2. What are the major challenges facing the Indian economy?
Answer: The Indian economy faces challenges like:
* High unemployment: Especially among youth and skilled labor.
* Rising inequality: Growing gap between rich and poor.
* Inflation: Rising prices of essential goods and services.
* Fiscal deficit: Government spending exceeding revenue.
* External sector vulnerabilities: Trade imbalances and foreign debt.
3. What are the key environmental issues in India?
Answer: India faces significant environmental challenges:
* Climate change: Rising temperatures, extreme weather events.
* Air pollution: High levels of particulate matter and other pollutants.
* Water pollution: Contamination of rivers and groundwater.
* Deforestation: Loss of forest cover due to urbanization and agriculture.
* Biodiversity loss: Decline in species and ecosystems.
4. What are the major scientific discoveries and technological advancements in India?
Answer: India has made significant strides in science and technology:
* Space exploration: ISRO’s successful space missions.
* Information technology: Growth of IT industry and digitalization.
* Biotechnology: Advances in medical research and agriculture.
* Nuclear energy: Development of nuclear power plants.
* Renewable energy: Investments in solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
5. What are the key features of Indian society?
Answer: Indian society is characterized by:
* Diversity: Multiple languages, religions, and cultures.
* Social stratification: Caste system and class divisions.
* Patriarchal system: Dominance of men in society.
* Rural-urban divide: Differences in living standards and opportunities.
* Social issues: Poverty, inequality, illiteracy, and health disparities.
General Studies (Paper – II)
1. What are the different types of data interpretation questions?
Answer: Data interpretation questions can involve:
* Tables: Analyzing data presented in tabular format.
* Charts: Interpreting information from bar charts, pie charts, line graphs.
* Graphs: Analyzing trends and patterns in data visualized in graphs.
2. What are the key principles of logical reasoning?
Answer: Logical reasoning involves:
* Deductive reasoning: Drawing conclusions from general principles.
* Inductive reasoning: Forming generalizations from specific observations.
* Analogical reasoning: Identifying similarities between different situations.
* Critical thinking: Evaluating arguments and evidence.
3. What are the major components of the Indian economy?
Answer: The Indian economy consists of:
* Agriculture: A significant contributor to GDP and employment.
* Industry: Manufacturing, mining, and construction.
* Services: Trade, finance, tourism, and IT.
* Public sector: Government-owned enterprises.
* Private sector: Businesses owned and operated by individuals.
4. What are the key challenges to social justice and inclusive growth in India?
Answer: Challenges to social justice and inclusive growth include:
* Poverty and inequality: Wide disparities in income and wealth.
* Social exclusion: Discrimination based on caste, class, gender, and religion.
* Lack of access to education and healthcare: Unequal opportunities for different groups.
* Environmental degradation: Impact on marginalized communities.
5. What are the major international relations issues facing India?
Answer: India’s foreign policy is shaped by:
* Regional security: Relations with neighboring countries.
* Global power dynamics: Competing interests with major powers.
* Economic diplomacy: Promoting trade and investment.
* Multilateralism: Engagement with international organizations.
* Non-alignment: Maintaining a balanced approach to global alliances.
Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The actual questions in the IES Prelims exam may vary. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the entire syllabus and to practice answering different types of questions.