HCS Mains Syllabus
The nature and standard questions in these papers will be such that a welleducated
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.
Part-I:
History of Modern India and Indian Culture:
The History of Modern India, will cover history of the country from
about the middle of the 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.
Geography of India: In this part, questions will be on the physical,
economic and social geography of India.
Indian Polity: This part will include questions on the Constitution of India,
Political system and related matters.
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 present-day India, such as the following :
Demography and Human Resources and related issues.
Behavioural and social issues and 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.
Part-II:
India and the World: This part is intended to test candidate‘s awareness of India‘s relationship with the world in various spheres, such as the following:-
Foreign Affairs External Security and related matters. Nuclear Policy. Indian abroad.
Indian Economy: In this part, questions will be on the planning and economic development in India, economic and trade issues foreign trade, the role and functions of I.M.F. World Bank, W.T.O. etc.
International Affairs and Institutions: This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.
Developments in the field of science and technology, communications and space: In this part, questions will test the candidate‘s awareness of the developments in the field of science and technology, communications and space and also basic ideas about computers.
Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams: This part will include exercises to test the candidate‘s ability to draw common sense conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatic form and to point out deficiencies, limitations or inconsistencies therein.
(Compulsory Subject):
English:
Precis Writing
Comprehension of given passages Essay
Usage and Vocabulary General Grammar/Composition
Essay:
Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective, and exact expression.
The nature and standard questions in these papers 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.
Part-I:
History of Modern India and Indian Culture:
The History of Modern India, will cover history of the country from about the middle of the 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.
Geography of India: In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India.
Indian Polity: This part will include questions on the Constitution of India, Political system and related matters.
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 present-day India, such as the following :
Demography and Human Resources and related issues.
Behavioural and social issues and 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.
Part-II:
India and the World: This part is intended to test candidate‘s awareness of India‘s relationship with the world in various spheres, such as the following:-
Foreign Affairs External Security and related matters. Nuclear Policy. Indian abroad.
Indian Economy: In this part, questions will be on the planning and economic development in India, economic and trade issues foreign trade, the role and functions of I.M.F. World Bank, W.T.O. etc.
International Affairs and Institutions: This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.
Developments in the field of science and technology, communications and space: In this part, questions will test the candidate‘s awareness of the developments in the field of science and technology, communications and space and also basic ideas about computers.
Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams: This part will include exercises to test the candidate‘s ability to draw common sense conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatic form and to point out deficiencies, limitations or inconsistencies therein.
(Hindi and Hindi Essay in Devnagri script):
Translation of an English passage into Hindi. Letter/Precis writing.
Explanation of Hindi passages (prose and poetry) in the same language. Composition (idioms, correction etc.).
Essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given.
One optional subject has to be chosen by the candidate from the list given in notification.
The detailed syllabus of optional subject is given in the notification. List of 23 Optional Subjects for Main Examination are:
Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Botany
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Commerce and Accountancy Economics
Electrical Engineering English Literature Geography
Hindi Literature (in Devanagari Script) Indian History
Law Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering Physics
Political Science and International Relations Psychology
Public Administration Punjabi Literature
Sociology
Sanskrit Literature Zoology
HAS Prlims Syllabus
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision making and problem solving General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, order of magnitude, etc.-Class X
level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, date sufficiency etc. – Class X- level).
General Science: Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of science including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be expected of a well-educated person who has not made a special study of any particular scientific discipline.
Current events of national and international importance: In current events, knowledge of significant national and international events will be tested.
History of India and Indian National Movement: In History of India, emphasis will be on broad general understanding of the subject in its social, economic and political aspects.
Questions on the Indian National Movement will relate to the nature and character of the nineteenth century resurgence, growth of nationalism and attainment of Independence.
Indian and World Geography: In Geography, emphasis will be on Geography of India.
Questions on the Geography of India will relate to physical, social and
economic Geography of the country, including the main features of Indian agricultural and natural resources.
Indian Polity: Questions on Indian Polity and Economy will test knowledge on the country‘s political system and Constitution of India.
Panchayati Raj, social systems and economic developments in India. On general mental ability, the candidates will be tested on reasoning and analytical abilities.
Indian Economy: Haryana-Economy and people.
Indian Culture: Social, economic and cultural institutions and language of Haryana.
Optional Subjects
Paper – I Administrative Theory
I. Meaning, Scope and Significance of Public Administration. Evolution of Pubic Administration and its present status. Public Administration as an Art, Science or Craft. Approaches to the study of Public Administration i.e. Behavioural, Structural Functional Mechanical, Historical, Legal and Post Behavioural. Comparative Public Administration: Meaning, nature and scope.
II. Theories of Organization:- Scientific management (F. W. Taylorand the Scientific Management Movement). Classical Theory (Henry Fayol, Urwick & Gullick), Bureaucratic Theory (Max Weber) Human Relations Theory (Elton Mayo and others).
III. Principles of Organization: Hierarchy, Unity of Command span of control, Authority and Responsibility, Coordination, Supervision, Centralization and Decentralization, Delegation.
IV. Structure of Public Organizations: Chief Executive, Topologies of Chief Executive and their functions. Forms of Public ‘Organizations: Ministries and Departments, Corporations, Companies, Boards and commission. Line, Staff and Auxiliary Agencies.
V. Administrative Behaviour: Decision Making with special reference to Herbert Simon. Theories of Leadership. Communication, Morale, Motivation (Maslow and Herzberg). Behavioural Approach (Chester Bernard).
VI. Public Policy:- Relevance of Public Policy Making in Public Administration. Process of Policy making and its implementation. Models of Policy making.
VII. Accountability and control: Concepts of accountability and control. Legislative, Executive and judicial control over Administration. Citizen and Administration. People participation. Administrative corruption, Redressal of citizens grievance, Lokpal & Lokyakutas.
VIII. Administrative Law: Meaning, Significance and growth of administrative law. Delegated legislation, Rule of Law, Liability of Administration in Contracts and Torts. Administrative Discretion and judicial control. Principles of Natural Justice, Judicial review of Administrative action.
IX. Personnel Administrative: Objectives of personnel administration. Importance of Human Resource Development. Recruitment, training and career development, Performance Appraisal, Promotions. Discipline, Employer-employee relations. Integrity and code of conduct. Grievance redressal mechanism. Neutrality and Anonymity.
XI. Administrative Reforms: Meaning, process and obstacles. Techniques of administrative improvement: O & M, work study, work measurement. Role of Information Technology in administrative improvement E-Governance.
XII. Comparative and Development Administration: Meaning nature and scope of Comparative public administration. Models of Comparative Public Administration: Bureaucratic and Ecological (contribution of Fred Riggs). The concept, scope and significance of development Administration, Political, Socio-cultural context development administration. Concept of sustainable development and concept of Good Governance.
Paper – II Indian Administration
I. Evolution of Indian Administration:- Kautilya, Mugal Period, British and Modern Periods.
II. Constitutional frame work:- Parliamentary Democracy, Federalism, Socialism, Secularism. Human Rights and National Human Rights Commission.
III. Structure of Union Government and Administration:- President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Cabinet Committees. Cabinet Secretariat, Prime Ministers Office, Central Secretariat, Ministries and Departments Boards and Commissions, Field Organizations.
IV. Centre-State Relations:- Legislative, Administrative and Financial Relations.
V. Law and Order administration:- Role of Central and State agencies in Maintenance of Law and order.
VI. Public Enterprises:- Types of Public Enterprises, Contribution of Public Sector to the Indian economy. Management of Public enterprises in India:- Composition, powers, functions and types of Board of Public Enterprises. Accountability and control of public enterprises:- Parliamentary, Ministerial and Audit Controls. Changing role of the public sector in the context of liberalization.
VII. Control of Public Expenditure:- Parliamentary Control Role of Finance Ministry, Comptroller and Auditor General.
VIII. Public Services: All India Services, constitutional position. Role and Functions of all India services. Union Public Services Commission. State services and the state public service commissions. Training of All India services. Constitutional protection available to civil services.
IX. Administrative Reforms:- Reforms since independence since independence. Reports of Administrative Reforms Commissions Problems of Implementation
X. Machinery for Planning:- Role, composition and review of functions of the planning commission. Role of National Development Council. Process of plan formulation at Union and state levels. Decentralized planning.
XI. Welfare Administration:- Administration for the welfare of weaker sections with special reference to SC’s STs Women and children.
XII. Major issues in Indian Administration:- Relationship between political and permanent executives, integrity in administration. Values in public service and administrative culture. Development and environmental issues. Right to information.
XIII. Local Government:- Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Government. Structure, functions and Finances of Local bodies. Main features of 73rd & 74th constitutional Amendments. Major rural and urban development programmes and their management.
XIV. District Administration:- Role and importance of district administration. Changing Role of District Collector/Deputy Commissioner. Land and Revenue Administration. Relationship of District administration with functional departments at district level. District rural development agency.
XV. State Government and Administration:- Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers. Chief Secretary, State Secretariat. Directorates.
Paper – I
I. Economic choice, consumer behaviour, producer behaviour and market forms.
II. Full employment and says law, under-employment equilibrium, Keynes theory of employment and income determination, critique of Keynesian theory.
III. Functions of money, measurement of price level changes, money and real balances, monetary standards, Quantity Theory of Money. The money multiplier. Theories of determination of interest rate. Theories of inflation and methods to control inflation. Goals and instruments of monetary management in closed and open economies.
IV. Role of public finance in the developing economies. Fiscal economics: an overview of allocation, distribution and stabilization functions. Market failure, public goods and externalities. Principles of taxation, theories and measures of tax incidence, burden of public debt, management of public debt. Pure theory of public expenditure. Types of budget deficit.
V. International trade: tariffs, forms of protection, the rate of exchange, balance of payments. Aid versus trade controversy. WTO regime: structure, rationale, objectives, strategies, policies and global pattern of MNC’s activities. Critical assessment of the stabilization programmes of the international institutions i.e. IMF, IBRD and the World Bank. International trade and environmental issues.
VI. Economics growth, development and sustainable economy. Welfare indicators and measures of growth. Human development indices, the Basic Needs Approach. Poverty-development and environment nexus. Structural change and economic development. Trade off between equity and growth.
VII. Planning and market mechanism. Relation between state planning and growth, changing roles of market and plans in growth and economic policy. State intervention and privatization debate. Decentralized planning and peoples participation.
Paper – II
I. Indian economy in the post independent era: pattern, trend and factors determining national and per capita income in India, absolute and relative poverty in India. Factors determining employment in India. Relation between income-poverty and employment. Poverty eradication and social welfare programmes and their performance. Impact of economic reforms on poverty and employment in the Indian economy.
II. Agriculture in India : Agriculture Policy, size of agricultural holdings and efficiency, Green Revolution and technological changes, agricultural prices and terms of trade, agricultural prices and production, land reforms, current problems and issues of Indian agriculture. WTO agreement on agriculture (AOA) and its implications for India. Relationship between agriculture and industry.
III. Industry: process, rationale, objectives strategies and policies in the Indian context. Employment implications of industrialization, Appropriate industrial technology for India. Phases of industrial growth and changes in industrial structure in India. Public sector performance in India. The concept of joint sector. Foreign collaborations and multinationals in India. Debate on disinvestment of public sector undertakings. Large versus small scale industry debate in India. Impact of New Industrial Policy on Indian industry.
IV. Money and Banking: the monetary institutions of India, factors determining demand for and supply of money, techniques of money supply regulation under open economy.Functioning of money market in India. Indian capital market. Financial sector reforms and its impact.
V. Foreign trade of India: growth, pattern and direction. Import substitution versus export promotion policies. India’s external borrowings: the debt problem, impact of external debt on Indian economy. Balance of payment situation in India. Integration of Indian economy with the world economy. Implications of Trade related Intellectual Property Right (TRIPS) and Trade related investment measures (TRIMS) for India. External sector reforms in the Indian economy, challenges prospects and opportunities.
VI. Public Finance: Nature and extent of deficits in the central and state budgets. Policy measures to correct fiscal imbalances in India. Growth of public debt in India. Issues relating to growth and structure of public expenditure in India. Savings and inflationary finance. Federal Finance in India. Fiscal reforms and it’s budgetary implications.
VII. Economic planning in India: Objectives, strategy, experience and problems. Savings and investment rates, trends and problems. Growth and structure of the economy of Himachal Pradesh-Problems and Constraints.
Paper – I
I. Biology and diversity of lower plants or Cryptogams [(Algae, Fungi, Lichens, Bryophytes and Pteridophytes], Microbes/Microbiology, Plant Pathology and Palaeobotany: Algae and Fungi: Classification, Distribution in West Himalayas and India, Economic importance, Structure and Reproduction of algae and fungi. Life histories of Nostoc, Chlamydomonas, Volvox, Oedogonium, Spirogyra, Chara, Vaucheria, Dictyota, Batrachospermum, Synchytrium, Pythium, Phytophthora, Albugo, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Penicillum, Morchella, Ustilago, Puccinia, Agaricus and Alternaria. Comparison between algae and fungi. Lichens: General account of lichens and their economic importance. Microbes/Microbiology: Structure, Classification, Reproduction, Physiology and Mode of infection of Viruses and Bacteria. Role of microbes in agriculture, industry, medicine and pollution control. Plant Pathology: Symptoms, mode of infection and control of important fungal, bacterial and viral diseases with special reference to diseases common in Himachal Pradesh. Molecular basis of infection and disease resistance. Physiology of parasitism and control measures. Fungal toxins. Bryophytes and Pteridophytes: Classification, Distribution in West Himalayas and India, Economic importance, Structure and Reproduction of bryophytes and pteridophytes. Evolution of gametophyte and sporophyte in Bryophytes. Evolution of stelar system, Apogamy, Apospory, Heterospory and Seed habit in Pteridophytes. Life histories of Riccia, Marchantia, Pellia, Porella, Anthoceros, Sphagnum, Funaria, Polytrichum, Psilotum, Selaginella, Equisetum, Adiantum and Marsilea. Comparison among Archegoniatae. Palaeobotany: Introduction to palaeobotany, some basic principles and techniques. Short account of fossil algae, Naiadita, Rhynia, Asteroxylon, Lyginopteris and Pentoxylon.
II. Biology and diversity of Phanerogams or Spermatophytes (Gymnosperms and Angiosperms): Comparison among Tracheophytes. Distribution of Gymnosperms and Angiosperms in West Himalayas and India. Life histories of Cycas, Pinus and Gnetum. Morphology and Anatomy: Tissues and Tissue systems. Meristems. Morphology and anatomy of root, stem and leaf. Structure of Vascular Cambium and its role in wood and bark formation. Normal and anomalous secondary growth (Dracaena, Tinospora, Boerrhavia and Nyctanthes). Structure of wood and bark. Embryology: Structure of anther and ovule. Development of male and female gametophytes. Pollination. Fertilization and Development of Seed. Development and function of Endosperm. Patterns of Embryo development. Polyembryony. Apomixis. Applications of Palynology in angiosperms. Taxonomy: Principles of nomenclature, classification and identification. Modern Trends in Taxonomy. Classification of Gymnosperms. Comparative account of various systems of Angiosperm classification. Salient features of the following families Cycadaceae, Pinaceae, Ginkgoaceae, Ephedraceae, Gnetaceae, Ranunculaceae, Brassicaceae (Cruciferae), Rosaceae, Fabaceae (Leguminosae), Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae, Malvaceae, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), Asclepiadaceae, Solanaceae, Lamiaceae (Labiatae), Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae (Compositae), Liliaceae, Orchidaceae and Poaceae (Graminae).
III. Plant Resources Utilization, Economic and Ethno Botany, Plant Breeding and Biostatistics: Plants as sources of Food, Fibers, Wood/Timber, Drugs, Oils, Latex/Rubber, Paper, Starch, Beverages, Spices and Condiments, Gums and Resins, Tannins and Dyes, Insecticides. Ornamental plants. Biomass as a source of energy. Energy plantations. Importance of Ethno-botany in Indian context. Underexploited/Underutilized Plants [Winged or Goa Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus); Jojoba or Hohoba (Simmondisa chinensis), Guayule or Wuyule (Parthenium argentatum), Leucaena or Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) and Triticale (Triticosecale)]. A general account of Edible Wild Plants. Origin of cultivated plants. Centers of origin. Methods and Modes of reproduction in relation to breeding self pollinated, cross pollinated, vegetatively propagated and apomictic plants. Introduction, Selection and Hybridization (pedigree, backcross, mass selection, bulk method). Male sterility and heterosis breeding. A general account of Inbreeding depression and Heterosis; Exploitation of Hybrid Vigour; Production of Hybrids, Composites and Synthetics. Uses of genetic engineering, polyploidy, mutations and apomixes in plant breeding and crop improvement. Role of cell and tissue culture in propagation and enrichment of genetic diversity. Plant breeding techniques in wheat, rice, sugarcane and cotton only. Biostatistics: Mean, Median, Standard deviation and Coefficient of variation.
Paper – II
I. Environmental Biology (Plant Ecology, Plant geography, Principles of Biodiversity and Conservation): Scope of Ecology. Biotic and abiotic components. Plant Communities. Plant Succession. Ecological adaptations. Biogeochemical cycles. Vegetation and Forest Types of India with particular reference to Himachal Pradesh. Deforestation, Aforestation and Social forestry. Soil erosion, wastelands and reclamation. Environmental pollution and its control including phytoremediation. Bioindicators. Global warming. Concepts of Biosphere, Ecosystems, Biodiversity, in situ and ex situ Conservation, Endemism and Hot spots. Plant genetic resources and their importance. Factors contributing to the loss of forest biodiversity. IUCN categories of Threat and Red Data Books. Role of Botanical gardens and Herbaria. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Sovereign rights and Intellectual Property Rights.
II. lant Physiology and Biochemistry: Absorption and Conduction of Water. Mineral Absorption. Role of elements and mineral deficiencies. Transpiration. Mechanisms of stomatal movements. Respiration. Photorespiration. Photosynthesis. Anatomy of C3 and C4 plants. Nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Enzymes and coenzymes. Plant Growth and Movements. Photoperiodism and Vernalization. Plant Hormones. Dormancy and germination of seeds. Photomorphogenesis. Stress physiology with respect to temperature, water and salinity stress. Physiology of flowering. Fruit ripening. Chemical foundations of biology: Physico-chemical properties of water, pH, acids, bases, buffers, types of bonds and their importance, free energy, resonance and isomerisation. Structure and functions of Carbohydrates, Lipids/Fats, Amino acids, Peptides, Proteins and Nucleic acids.
III. Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Techniques of cell biology, Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Cell theory. Cell as a unit of structure and function, ultra-structure of cell and its various organelles (chloroplasts, mitochondria, endoplasmic, reticulum, ribosomes, endosomes, vacuoles, lysosomes, peroxysomes). Extracellular matrix or ECM. Cell wall and plasma membrane. Nucleus, Nucleolus, Nuclear pore complex (NPC), Chromatin and Nucleosome. Nucleic acids − their structure, reproduction and role in protein biosynthesis. DNA polymorphism. The physical and chemical structure of chromosomes. Mitosis and Meiosis. Molecular control involving check points in cell division cycle. Structural and Numerical changes in chromosomes. Structure, behaviour and significance of polytene, lampbrush and B-chromosomes. Pre and Post Mendelian concept of Genetics. Laws of inheritance. Chromosome theory of inheritance. Gene and Allele concepts. Linkage, Crossing over and Gene mapping. Genetic Code. Regulation of gene expression. Sex chromosomes and sex-linked inheritance. Sex determination. Biochemical and molecular basis of Mutations. Extra chromosomal / Cytoplasmic inheritance. Evidences, Mechanisms and Theories of organic evolution. Micropropagation. Cell, tissue, organ and protoplast culture. Genetic engineering. Methods of gene transfer and transgenic crops. Development and use of molecular markers. Fermentation technology. Biofertilizers.