Mains Syllabus of ukpsc lower pcs Exam 2024

Mains Syllabus of UKPSC Lower PCS Exam 2024

General Studies (Paper-I)

1. History of Uttarakhand

• Ancient Period:
  • Pre-historic and Proto-historic cultures in Uttarakhand.
  • The rise and fall of ancient kingdoms like Katyuri, Kunindas, and Garhwal.
  • The influence of Buddhism and Hinduism in Uttarakhand.
• Medieval Period:
  • The rule of the Chand and Panwar dynasties in Garhwal and Kumaon respectively.
  • The impact of Mughal and British rule on Uttarakhand.
  • The rise of the Gorkha kingdom and its influence on Uttarakhand.
• Modern Period:
  • The struggle for independence in Uttarakhand.
  • The formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state in 2000.
  • The socio-economic and cultural development of Uttarakhand after statehood.

2. Geography of Uttarakhand

• Physical Features:
  • The Himalayan ranges, including the Greater Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Siwalik Hills.
  • The major rivers of Uttarakhand, including the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries.
  • The diverse topography of Uttarakhand, including valleys, hills, and glaciers.
• Climate and Vegetation:
  • The varied climatic zones of Uttarakhand, from temperate to alpine.
  • The different types of vegetation found in Uttarakhand, including forests, grasslands, and alpine meadows.
  • The impact of climate change on Uttarakhand.
• Natural Resources:
  • The rich mineral resources of Uttarakhand, including limestone, dolomite, and copper.
  • The forests of Uttarakhand and their importance for biodiversity and ecological balance.
  • The water resources of Uttarakhand and their potential for hydropower generation.

3. Economy of Uttarakhand

• Agriculture:
  • The major crops grown in Uttarakhand, including wheat, rice, and pulses.
  • The challenges faced by agriculture in Uttarakhand, including land fragmentation and soil erosion.
  • The role of government schemes and initiatives in promoting agriculture in Uttarakhand.
• Industry:
  • The major industries in Uttarakhand, including tourism, hydropower, and pharmaceuticals.
  • The challenges faced by industries in Uttarakhand, including lack of infrastructure and skilled labor.
  • The government’s efforts to promote industrial development in Uttarakhand.
• Tourism:
  • The importance of tourism to the economy of Uttarakhand.
  • The major tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, including the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the Valley of Flowers, and Jim Corbett National Park.
  • The challenges faced by the tourism industry in Uttarakhand, including environmental degradation and infrastructure bottlenecks.

4. Culture and Heritage of Uttarakhand

• Folklore and Traditions:
  • The rich folklore and traditions of Uttarakhand, including folk songs, dances, and festivals.
  • The role of mythology and religion in shaping the culture of Uttarakhand.
  • The impact of globalization on the traditional culture of Uttarakhand.
• Art and Literature:
  • The traditional art forms of Uttarakhand, including painting, sculpture, and handicrafts.
  • The prominent literary figures of Uttarakhand and their contributions to Hindi and Garhwali literature.
  • The role of art and literature in preserving the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
• Social Structure:
  • The diverse social groups in Uttarakhand, including the Brahmins, Rajputs, and Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
  • The impact of social reforms and movements on the social structure of Uttarakhand.
  • The challenges faced by marginalized communities in Uttarakhand.

5. Current Affairs

• National and International Issues:
  • Major national and international events and their impact on Uttarakhand.
  • The role of Uttarakhand in national and international affairs.
  • The challenges and opportunities faced by Uttarakhand in the globalized world.
• State-Specific Issues:
  • The major issues facing Uttarakhand, including environmental degradation, unemployment, and poverty.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to address these issues.
  • The role of civil society organizations in addressing these issues.

6. Disaster Management

• Natural Disasters:
  • The major natural disasters that affect Uttarakhand, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
  • The causes and consequences of these disasters.
  • The government’s preparedness and response mechanisms for disaster management.
• Disaster Mitigation:
  • The measures taken to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in Uttarakhand.
  • The role of community participation in disaster mitigation.
  • The importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
• Disaster Relief:
  • The government’s efforts to provide relief and rehabilitation to disaster-affected people in Uttarakhand.
  • The role of NGOs and other organizations in disaster relief.
  • The challenges faced in providing disaster relief in Uttarakhand.

7. Environment and Ecology

• Biodiversity:
  • The rich biodiversity of Uttarakhand, including its forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.
  • The threats to biodiversity in Uttarakhand, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
  • The government’s efforts to conserve biodiversity in Uttarakhand.
• Environmental Issues:
  • The major environmental issues facing Uttarakhand, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
  • The causes and consequences of these issues.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to address these issues.
• Sustainable Development:
  • The concept of sustainable development and its relevance to Uttarakhand.
  • The challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Uttarakhand.
  • The role of technology and innovation in promoting sustainable development in Uttarakhand.

8. Science and Technology

• Basic Concepts of Science:
  • Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • The applications of science and technology in everyday life.
  • The impact of science and technology on society.
• Information Technology:
  • The role of information technology in development.
  • The impact of information technology on Uttarakhand.
  • The challenges and opportunities of information technology in Uttarakhand.
• Space Technology:
  • The applications of space technology in various fields, including agriculture, disaster management, and communication.
  • The role of space technology in the development of Uttarakhand.
  • The challenges and opportunities of space technology in Uttarakhand.

9. Indian Polity and Governance

• Constitution of India:
  • The fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution.
  • The structure and functions of the Indian government.
  • The rights and duties of citizens under the Indian Constitution.
• Political System:
  • The Indian political system, including the role of political parties, elections, and the judiciary.
  • The challenges faced by the Indian political system.
  • The role of civil society in Indian democracy.
• Governance:
  • The principles of good governance.
  • The challenges of governance in India.
  • The role of technology in improving governance.

10. Indian Economy

• Economic Development:
  • The major economic indicators of India.
  • The challenges and opportunities of economic development in India.
  • The role of government policies in economic development.
• Financial System:
  • The structure and functions of the Indian financial system.
  • The role of the Reserve Bank of India in the Indian economy.
  • The challenges faced by the Indian financial system.
• Social Sector:
  • The major social sector issues in India, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to address these issues.
  • The role of civil society organizations in the social sector.

General Studies (Paper-II)

1. Indian History

• Ancient India:
  • The Indus Valley Civilization.
  • The Vedic Period.
  • The rise and fall of the Mauryan and Gupta empires.
  • The influence of Buddhism and Hinduism in ancient India.
• Medieval India:
  • The Delhi Sultanate.
  • The Mughal Empire.
  • The rise of regional kingdoms.
  • The impact of foreign trade and cultural exchange on medieval India.
• Modern India:
  • The British Raj.
  • The Indian National Movement.
  • The partition of India.
  • The post-independence era.

2. Indian Geography

• Physical Features:
  • The major physiographic regions of India, including the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and the Deccan Plateau.
  • The major rivers of India, including the Ganga, Yamuna, and Indus.
  • The diverse topography of India, including mountains, plains, and deserts.
• Climate and Vegetation:
  • The different climatic zones of India, from tropical to temperate.
  • The different types of vegetation found in India, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
  • The impact of climate change on India.
• Natural Resources:
  • The rich mineral resources of India, including iron ore, coal, and petroleum.
  • The forests of India and their importance for biodiversity and ecological balance.
  • The water resources of India and their potential for hydropower generation.

3. Indian Polity and Governance

• Constitution of India:
  • The fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution.
  • The structure and functions of the Indian government.
  • The rights and duties of citizens under the Indian Constitution.
• Political System:
  • The Indian political system, including the role of political parties, elections, and the judiciary.
  • The challenges faced by the Indian political system.
  • The role of civil society in Indian democracy.
• Governance:
  • The principles of good governance.
  • The challenges of governance in India.
  • The role of technology in improving governance.

4. Indian Economy

• Economic Development:
  • The major economic indicators of India.
  • The challenges and opportunities of economic development in India.
  • The role of government policies in economic development.
• Financial System:
  • The structure and functions of the Indian financial system.
  • The role of the Reserve Bank of India in the Indian economy.
  • The challenges faced by the Indian financial system.
• Social Sector:
  • The major social sector issues in India, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to address these issues.
  • The role of civil society organizations in the social sector.

5. International Relations

• India’s Foreign Policy:
  • The major principles of India’s foreign policy.
  • India’s relations with its neighboring countries.
  • India’s role in international organizations.
• Global Issues:
  • The major global issues facing the world today, including climate change, terrorism, and poverty.
  • India’s role in addressing these issues.
  • The challenges and opportunities of globalization for India.
• Regional Organizations:
  • The major regional organizations in the world, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
  • India’s role in these organizations.
  • The importance of regional cooperation for India.

6. Science and Technology

• Basic Concepts of Science:
  • Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • The applications of science and technology in everyday life.
  • The impact of science and technology on society.
• Information Technology:
  • The role of information technology in development.
  • The impact of information technology on India.
  • The challenges and opportunities of information technology in India.
• Space Technology:
  • The applications of space technology in various fields, including agriculture, disaster management, and communication.
  • The role of space technology in the development of India.
  • The challenges and opportunities of space technology in India.

7. Environment and Ecology

• Biodiversity:
  • The rich biodiversity of India, including its forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.
  • The threats to biodiversity in India, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
  • The government’s efforts to conserve biodiversity in India.
• Environmental Issues:
  • The major environmental issues facing India, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
  • The causes and consequences of these issues.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to address these issues.
• Sustainable Development:
  • The concept of sustainable development and its relevance to India.
  • The challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in India.
  • The role of technology and innovation in promoting sustainable development in India.

8. Disaster Management

• Natural Disasters:
  • The major natural disasters that affect India, including earthquakes, floods, and cyclones.
  • The causes and consequences of these disasters.
  • The government’s preparedness and response mechanisms for disaster management.
• Disaster Mitigation:
  • The measures taken to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in India.
  • The role of community participation in disaster mitigation.
  • The importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
• Disaster Relief:
  • The government’s efforts to provide relief and rehabilitation to disaster-affected people in India.
  • The role of NGOs and other organizations in disaster relief.
  • The challenges faced in providing disaster relief in India.

9. Social Issues

• Poverty and Inequality:
  • The causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in India.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to address these issues.
  • The role of civil society organizations in addressing these issues.
• Education and Health:
  • The challenges faced by the education and health sectors in India.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to improve education and health outcomes.
  • The role of private sector participation in education and health.
• Gender Issues:
  • The challenges faced by women in India, including gender discrimination, violence, and lack of access to education and employment.
  • The government’s policies and initiatives to promote gender equality.
  • The role of civil society organizations in promoting women’s rights.

10. Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

• Ethics and Values:
  • The principles of ethics and values in public service.
  • The importance of integrity and accountability in public life.
  • The role of ethics in decision-making.
• Aptitude:
  • Problem-solving skills.
  • Decision-making skills.
  • Communication skills.
  • Leadership skills.
• Attitude:
  • The importance of a positive attitude in public service.
  • The role of empathy and compassion in public life.
  • The importance of teamwork and collaboration.

Table 1: Major Tourist Destinations in Uttarakhand

Destination	Type	Description
Char Dham	Pilgrimage	The four holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Valley of Flowers	National Park	A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Jim Corbett National Park	Wildlife Sanctuary	Home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
Nainital	Hill Station	A popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and lakes.
Mussoorie	Hill Station	A popular hill station known for its colonial architecture and scenic views.
Rishikesh	Religious Center	A major center for yoga and meditation.
Haridwar	Religious Center	A holy city on the banks of the Ganga River.

Table 2: Major Industries in Uttarakhand

Industry	Description
Tourism	A major contributor to the economy of Uttarakhand, with a wide range of attractions, including pilgrimage sites, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Hydropower	Uttarakhand has abundant water resources, which are harnessed to generate hydropower.
Pharmaceuticals	Uttarakhand has a thriving pharmaceutical industry, with several major pharmaceutical companies located in the state.
Agriculture	Agriculture is a major source of livelihood for the people of Uttarakhand, with a wide range of crops grown in the state.
Handicrafts	Uttarakhand is known for its traditional handicrafts, including wood carving, metalwork, and textiles.

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the UKPSC Lower PCS Mains Exam 2024. Candidates are advised to study these topics thoroughly and prepare well for the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for UKPSC Lower PCS Mains Exam 2024

History of Uttarakhand:

• Q: What were the major kingdoms that ruled Uttarakhand in the ancient period?
  • A: The Katyuri, Kunindas, and Garhwal kingdoms were prominent in ancient Uttarakhand.
• Q: What was the impact of the Gorkha rule on Uttarakhand?
  • A: The Gorkhas conquered large parts of Uttarakhand in the 18th century, leading to cultural and political changes.
• Q: What were the key events in the struggle for independence in Uttarakhand?
  • A: The formation of the Uttarakhand Pradeshik Congress and the participation of Uttarakhandis in the Indian National Movement were crucial.

Geography of Uttarakhand:

• Q: What are the major Himalayan ranges found in Uttarakhand?
  • A: The Greater Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and Siwalik Hills are the prominent ranges.
• Q: What are the major rivers of Uttarakhand?
  • A: The Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries, like the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and Mandakini, are significant.
• Q: What are the major mineral resources found in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Limestone, dolomite, copper, and marble are some of the important mineral resources.

Economy of Uttarakhand:

• Q: What are the major challenges faced by agriculture in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Land fragmentation, soil erosion, and lack of irrigation are significant challenges.
• Q: What are the key industries in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Tourism, hydropower, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture are major industries.
• Q: What are the challenges faced by the tourism industry in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Environmental degradation, infrastructure bottlenecks, and seasonality are major challenges.

Culture and Heritage of Uttarakhand:

• Q: What are some of the prominent folk songs and dances of Uttarakhand?
  • A: “Chholiya”, “Jhora”, and “Dhol” are popular folk dances, while “Chari” and “Bhotia” are known folk songs.
• Q: Who are some of the prominent literary figures of Uttarakhand?
  • A: Guman Singh Rawat, Sumitranandan Pant, and Sukhdev Singh are some notable figures.
• Q: What are the major social groups in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Brahmins, Rajputs, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes are some of the prominent social groups.

Current Affairs:

• Q: What are some of the major issues facing Uttarakhand currently?
  • A: Environmental degradation, unemployment, and poverty are some of the pressing issues.
• Q: What are the government’s initiatives to address these issues?
  • A: Various schemes and policies are implemented for environmental protection, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

Disaster Management:

• Q: What are the major natural disasters that affect Uttarakhand?
  • A: Earthquakes, floods, landslides, and forest fires are common natural disasters.
• Q: What are the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters?
  • A: Early warning systems, disaster preparedness drills, and infrastructure development are key measures.

Environment and Ecology:

• Q: What are the major threats to biodiversity in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Habitat loss, poaching, and climate change are significant threats.
• Q: What are the government’s efforts to conserve biodiversity?
  • A: Establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation programs are important initiatives.

Science and Technology:

• Q: What are the applications of information technology in Uttarakhand?
  • A: E-governance, education, healthcare, and tourism are some areas where IT is being used.
• Q: What are the challenges and opportunities of space technology in Uttarakhand?
  • A: Space technology can be used for disaster management, resource mapping, and communication, but requires investment and expertise.

Indian Polity and Governance:

• Q: What are the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution?
  • A: Democracy, secularism, socialism, and justice are some of the key principles.
• Q: What are the challenges faced by the Indian political system?
  • A: Corruption, lack of accountability, and political polarization are some of the challenges.

Indian Economy:

• Q: What are the major economic indicators of India?
  • A: GDP growth, inflation, unemployment rate, and foreign exchange reserves are some of the key indicators.
• Q: What are the challenges faced by the Indian financial system?
  • A: Non-performing assets, financial inclusion, and regulatory challenges are some of the issues.

International Relations:

• Q: What are the major principles of India’s foreign policy?
  • A: Non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and respect for sovereignty are some of the key principles.
• Q: What is India’s role in international organizations?
  • A: India is an active member of the United Nations, BRICS, and other international organizations.

Social Issues:

• Q: What are the causes of poverty and inequality in India?
  • A: Lack of education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are some of the major causes.
• Q: What are the challenges faced by the education sector in India?
  • A: Lack of quality teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal access to education are some of the challenges.

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:

• Q: What are the principles of ethics and values in public service?
  • A: Honesty, integrity, impartiality, and accountability are some of the key principles.
• Q: What are the importance of problem-solving and decision-making skills in public service?
  • A: These skills are essential for effective governance and addressing public issues.

These FAQs and short answers provide a starting point for your preparation. Remember to delve deeper into each topic and develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Good luck with your UKPSC Lower PCS Mains Exam 2024!