Indian Polity and International Relations are core components of the UPSC syllabus, essential for both Prelims and Mains.

Indian Polity covers a detailed study of the historical evolution and features of the Indian Constitution, the structure and functions of various governmental bodies, and the intricate relationships between the Union, states, and local governments. Key topics include the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), and the roles of the President, Prime Minister, Parliament, and Judiciary. This section also covers significant constitutional principles such as separation of powers, federalism, and judicial review, along with the functioning of constitutional and non-constitutional bodies. 

International Relations covers India's foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral relations, and global geopolitical dynamics. This subject goes into the evolution of India's foreign policy, the principles guiding it, and the strategic partnerships with neighboring countries and major global powers. It explores key bilateral relations with countries like the USA, China, Russia, and regional neighbors, as well as India's role in international organizations such as the UN, WTO, and IMF. Topics include security challenges in the Indian Ocean, India's participation in multilateral forums like BRICS and SAARC, and the impact of global issues like nuclear security and economic crises.

 

Historical Evolution & Features

• Importance of Constitution
• Historical evolution of the Constitution
• Constituent Assembly
• Objectives of the Constitution
• Salient features of Indian Constitution
  • Unitary features
  • Federal features
  • Parliamentary form of government
  • Presidential form of government
  • Parliamentary vs. Presidential system of government

Preamble

• Basic features
• Value premises of constitution
• Terminologies: Democratic, Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Republic, Justice, Equality, Liberty, Fraternity, Integrity
• Amenability of the Preamble

Citizenship

• Fundamental aspects of citizenship as per the constitution
• Procedures and methods for acquiring citizenship
• Various ways in which Indian citizenship can be lost
• Concept of dual citizenship and its implications
• Specific provisions regarding citizenship in Jammu and Kashmir
• Privileges and special rights enjoyed by Indian citizens
• Distinctions between Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)

Fundamental Rights

• Significance of Fundamental Rights
• Definition of State
• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies
• Fundamental Rights and Armed Forces
• Martial Law & Fundamental Rights
• Difference between procedure established by law and due process of law
• Writs and their uses
• Restrictive limitations on fundamental rights
• Rights outside Part III of the Constitution
• Dynamic Nature of Article 32
• Need for revitalizing the Indian reservation system

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• Basic features
• Economic and Social DPSP
• Gandhian DPSP
• Administrative DPSP
• DPSP related to International Peace
• Implementation of DPSP
• Fundamental Rights and DPSP controversy
• Directives outside Part IV of the Constitution
• Application of Uniform Civil Code in India

Fundamental Duties

• Features
• Link between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Other Principles

• Process of law making in India
• Role of constitutional and extra-constitutional bodies in law making
• Basic structure: Evolution and different types of majorities required in the Indian Constitution
• DPSP vs. Fundamental Rights

Doctrines & Terminologies

• Separation of Powers
  • Features in American and UK Constitution
  • Checks and balances provisions in Indian Constitution
• Judicial Review
• Concept of Separation of Powers
• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with other countries (USA, UK, India, and neighbors)

Union & States

• State Reorganization Commission
• Components of Indian territory
• Process of formation of new states
• Zonal Councils
• Union territories
• Special provisions for states
• Scheduled and Tribal Areas
• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
  • Regulating functions
  • Development functions
  • Service-providing functions
• Problems in implementation
• Recommendations for improvement
• Interrelationship between union, state, and local government
• Constitutional provisions related to financial devolution
• Issues of financial devolution
• Federal structure challenges
• Administrative, legislative, and financial relations
• Emergency provisions and misuse of Article 356
• Inter-State relations
• Issues related to Union, State, and Concurrent Lists
• Appointment of Governor
• State formation issues
• Poor devolution of finances
• Reserving bill for Presidential approval
• Central-sponsored schemes and issues
• Special package for different states
• Centre and State relations post-1990 reforms
• Foreign Policy and Centre-State Relations
• Inter-State border disputes

The President

• Significance of the President's role
• Qualifications for the President
• Election procedure
• Single transferable form of voting advantages and disadvantages
• Term of office and emoluments
• President's executive, legislative, emergency, financial, miscellaneous, and judicial powers
• Impeachment process
• Nominal head of the country
• Authority in making ordinances and passage of bills
• Potential misuse of emergency provisions
• Power to grant pardons
• Coalition government dynamics

The Vice President

• Office and functions
• Comparison with the American Vice President

Prime Minister

• Appointment process and functions
• Role with respect to the Council of Ministers, President, Lok Sabha, political party, and coalition government

Council of Ministers

• Division and roles
• Functions of the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet
• Responsibilities of individual ministers

Attorney General of India

• Qualifications required
• Functions and powers with respect to Parliament

Parliament

• Composition of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha
• Qualifications and disqualifications of MPs and MLAs
• Rules for vacation of seats
• Parliament sessions and lawmaking procedure
• Roles of officers in Parliament and State Legislature
• Proceedings, motions, and resolutions
• Powers and privileges of Parliament
• Financial proceedings
• Comparison between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha
• Women's reservation and associated issues
• Impact of lowering parliamentary powers
• Working of parliamentary committees
• Relationship between judicial activism and Parliament
• Delegated legislation and concerns

The Judiciary

• Integrated judicial system
• Supreme Court
  • Composition
  • Independence
  • Jurisdiction
  • Judicial Review
• High Court
  • Composition
  • Terms and removal
  • Jurisdiction
  • Other powers
• Lower judiciary
  • Appointment
  • Powers
• Tribunal & Subordinate Courts
• Role of the Supreme Court as guardian of the Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights
• Judicial Review, PIL, Judicial Activism
• Judiciary appointment: Collegium System, NJAC Controversy
• National Court of Appeal
• Judicial Accountability
• Issues of corruption
• Role of women in judiciary
• Need for virtual courts

Government

• Functioning of Ministries
• Central Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary, Field organizations
• Needed reforms
• International methodology

Local Government

• Provisions of 73rd AA and 74th AA
• Role and functions of different tiers: Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats
• Steps towards women’s empowerment
• Role of State Election Commission
• Role of State Finance Commission
• Smart City Mission & Municipal Governance
• Model Panchayat Citizens Charter Framework

Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions

• What are dispute redressal mechanisms?
• Need for dispute redressal mechanisms
• Administrative tribunal issues
• Fast Track Courts issues
• Gram Nyayalayas issues
• Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats issues
• Family Courts issues
• Lok Adalat issues
• NALSA issues
• Dispute redressal for weaker sections
• Arbitration Mechanism
• International Arbitrary Centre
• Commercial Court

Comptroller and Auditor-General of India

• Appointment, functions, role in good governance

The Governor

• Appointment, term of office, qualifications
• Powers: Discretionary, ordinance-making, pardoning

Chief Minister

• Appointment
• Powers and responsibilities
• Relationship with the Governor

The Advocate-General for the State

• Appointment
• Functions

State Legislature

• Composition of Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad
• Qualifications of Members
• Powers and functions
• Relationship between both Houses
• Officers of State Legislature
• Powers, privileges, and immunities
• Legislative procedure
• Governor’s assent to bills
• Procedure in financial matters

Constitutional Bodies

• Election Commission
• Union Public Service Commission
• State Public Service Commission
• Finance Commission
• GST Council
• National Commission for SCs and STs
• Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities

Non-Constitutional Bodies

• NITI Aayog
• National and State Human Rights Commission
• Central and State Information Commission
• Central Vigilance Commission
• Central Bureau of Investigation
• Lokpal and Lokayukta

Various Constitutional Dimensions

• Co-operative Societies
• Official Languages under the Indian Constitution

Political Dynamics

• Provisions related to Political Parties
• Rise of Regional Parties in India
• Election Laws and Electoral Reforms
• Importance of NRI votes
• Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

 

GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Governance

• Need and importance of Government Policies
  • Growth and development
  • Human development and human capital formation
  • Equality (interpersonal and interregional) and social justice
  • Unity and integrity
  • Trust between state and citizens
• Governance: Meaning and Scope
• Good Governance
• Contemporary debate around Governance and Good Governance

Government Intervention

• Role of institutions, bureaucrats, and other stakeholders in promoting good governance
• Emphasizing transparency and accountability
• Efficient resource utilization: preventing leaks, curbing wasteful expenditure, leveraging knowledge, research, and innovation
• Monitoring and evaluating outcomes: budgeting, zero-base budgeting, input-output analysis, cost-benefit analysis
• Establishing institutions and regulatory norms: task forces, steering committees, review committees
• Interventions in emerging areas: social media, data, privacy, social sector

Self Help Groups (SHGs)

• Meaning, importance, objectives, institutional structure, and organization
• Funding
• SHGs and Women, Poverty, Rural Development

Micro Finance

• Meaning, importance, objectives, structure, organization, advantages
• Micro Finance in India

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

• What are NGOs?
• Difference between NGOs and International NGOs (INGOs)
• NGOs and development projects, community development, relief and rehabilitation, disaster management, advocacy

Important Aspects of Governance

• Citizen-centric governance
• Features of good governance
• Legislative accountability, Administrative accountability, Judicial accountability
• Ombudsman
• Whistleblowers concept
• Anti-corruption machinery
• Role of citizens and media
• Social audit
• Systematic reforms
• Social Media and Accountability/Transparency/Governance
• Delegation vs decentralization
• Bottom-up governance

E-Governance

• Introduction, applications, models, successes, limitations, future prospects
• Dashboards and Portals of E-governance and E-government: Uses/Impact/Analysis
• Democracy and E-governance
• E-governance and Judiciary, Legislatures

Citizens Charters

• Introduction, models, features, implementation issues, needed reforms
• Sevottam Framework

Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

• Concept, need, different roles
  • Law making, policy formulation, implementation, evaluation
• Civil services as protector of democracy
  • Protecting minorities, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth
• Democracy dynamics, emerging challenges, needed reforms
• Lateral Entry, Capacity building, Autonomy, Frequent transfers, security of tenure
• Cadre Policy
• Performance Appraisal and HR policies
• Civil Services Board

Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations

• What are pressure groups?
• Types, significance, differentiation from political parties
• Role in governance, pros, cons, challenges

Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts

• Powers, functions, responsibilities
  • Appointment and composition: CAG, ECI, UPSC, Finance Commission
• Evaluation of each body: History, Evolution, Pros, Cons, Issues, Challenges, Way Forward

Statutory, Regulatory, and Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

• SEBI, CVC, CBI, Planning Commission, NDC, PMO, Zonal Council, TRAI, NCLAT, IRDA, NHRC, SHRC, CIC, SIC, NCDRC, Tribunal, MCI, PFRDA, Biodiversity Authority, Press Council of India

Elections in India

• Salient features of the Representation of People Act, 1950
• Electoral reforms, criminalization of politics, state funding, electoral bonds

Political Parties in India

• Party reforms, problems, casteism, strengthening anti-defection measures
• Coalition governments dynamics

Role of Pressure Groups

• Types, role in developing countries, functions, methods, criticism

Local Government and Governance

• Issues of funds, functions, and functionaries
• Local Government and Vulnerable Sections (SC/ST/OBC/Women/Transgenders/Migrants/Children/Disabled etc.)
• Emerging issues (Disaster Management, Technology)

Vulnerable Sections

• Issues, challenges, solutions, laws, interventions
  • SC, ST, OBC, Migrants, Women, Disabled, Children, Refugees, Transgenders, Manual Scavengers, People with Special Needs

Poverty, Hunger, and Health

• Poverty, hunger, health, malnutrition, unemployment, distress migration
• Schemes: MGNREGA, PM POSHAN, Ayushman Bharat
• Policies: NHP, NEP

Social Justice

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections by Centre and States
  • Constitutional arrangements, women welfare, gender technology gap, women in politics, marriageable age for women, child welfare, SC/ST/OBC welfare, caste census, gender reservation in ULB, minorities welfare, old age welfare, legislations issues, and needed reforms

Services Relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

• Education structure in India: Primary, secondary, higher education
  • Government initiatives, needed reforms, future prospects, skill development
• Private and Public health structure, NITI Aayog Report
• Economic and human development, SDGs and India

Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger

• Definition by different committees, data, causes, poverty and unemployment, social conflict, impact of LPG, rural and urban poverty, feminization of poverty, alleviation measures, problems in implementation

The Scheduled and Tribal Areas

• 5th Schedule Areas, 6th Schedule Areas
  • Composition, role, and functions of councils, role of Governor with respect to tribal areas, tribal sub plan

Start-up and Skill Development

• Social Security Schemes: Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana

Minorities

• Schemes: Nai Roshni, USTAAD, Nai Manzil

Women and Child Development

• Schemes: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Ujjawala Scheme, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram

SC/ST

• Scheme: Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

Health

• Schemes: National Health Mission, National Ayush Mission, Swasthya Rakshan Program, Jan Aushadhi Scheme, Mission Indradhanush, NFHS-5 survey

Education

• Schemes: Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat, Mid Day Meal Scheme, GIAN, Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, SWAYAM

Rural & Urban Development

• Schemes: Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban, Housing for All by 2022, Smart Cities Mission, Hriday

Miscellaneous Schemes

• Jeevan Praman, Digilocker, Bharatnet Project, INSPIRE, Digital India, Namami Gange Project, Khelo India, One Rank One Pension Scheme, PRAGATI, Indian Community Welfare Fund

Inclusive Growth

• Measurement criteria, government initiatives

Sustainable Development

• Rural development and poverty alleviation
• Review of existing programs
• Development administration

Panchayati Raj

• Agriculture and rural development

 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Evolution and Key Principles of Indian Foreign Policy

• Determinants of India’s Foreign Policy
• Factors determining India’s Foreign Policy
• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
• NAM 2.0
• Panchsheel
• India’s Nuclear Doctrine
• Evolution of Neighbourhood Policy
• Look East Policy, Act East Policy
• Look West Policy, Act West Policy
• Role played by Indian Diaspora

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Bilateral Relations

India & Neighbours

India and Nepal Relations

• Background of Relation
• Cooperation between India & Nepal
• Contentions in relations between India & Nepal
• The Issue of Water and Hydropower Cooperation
• Recommendations to Improve Relations
• External Influences

Indo-Afghan Bilateral Relations

• History of enduring and extensive bilateral ties
• Development partnership
• Strategic factors
• Evolving situation in Afghanistan post-NATO withdrawal
• Role of the Taliban

India-Bangladesh Relations

• Development partnership
• Alignment with 'Look East' policy
• Boundary agreements
• Teesta River dispute

India-Sri Lanka Relations

• Commercial relations
• Developmental cooperation efforts
• Issue of fishermen

India-Myanmar Relations

• Historical relationship
• Recent policy changes
• China's role

Indo-Pak Relations

• Cooperation and historical disputes
• Major crises
• Water disputes

Indian-Russia Relations

• Strategic cooperation in defense and energy
• Major concerns
• Impact of Russia-China relations

Indo-China Relations

• Economic relations
• Water-related issues
• "String of Pearls Strategy"
• Maritime Silk Route
• Militarization of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
• Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and border disputes

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Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region

• The Pivot to Asia – US Policy Shift
• South China Sea- Issues of Mistrust
• Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
• Neighbourhood Issues and Terrorism
• Energy Routes
• Fisheries and Livelihood Issues
• Environmental Security
• Declaration of Indian Ocean as Zone of Peace

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India and Asian Nations Relations

India–Iran

• Iran Nuclear Deal and India
• US-Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Consideration in Iran

India–Israel

• Israel and Palestine Conflict
• India–Israel Relations

India–Saudi Arabia

• Areas of Cooperation
• Challenges in relations

India-South East Asia

• Steps in Indo-ASEAN Relations
• India-ASEAN Security Cooperation

Indo-Japan Bilateral Relationship

• Economy Centric Relationship
• Contemporary Perspective

India–South Korea

• India–South Korea Relations
• Economic Partnership in Recent Years

India and Africa

• Historical Connections
• Gandhi’s Role, Nehru’s Role
• Strengthening of Ties, South-South Engagement
• Current Dynamics
• Economic Cooperation
• Human resources development and capacity building
• Energy Cooperation
• Military Security Cooperation
• Trade Policy
• Afro-Indian Trade
• Indian investment in Africa
• African investment in India
• Development cooperation and assistance

India–France

• Strategic Partnership
• Prime Minister’s Recent Visit to France

India–United Kingdom

• India & UK Relations
• India & BREXIT

India–USA

• Areas of Cooperation: Strategic Consultations, Counterterrorism and Internal Security
• Areas of Cooperation: Trade and Economic
• Areas of Cooperation: Energy and Climate Change
• Areas of Cooperation: Science & Technology (S&T) and Space
• Areas of Cooperation: Defence Cooperation
• Intellectual Property Issues

India and International Organisations

• Indo-Pacific Relations
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
• India and Generalised System of Preference (GSP)

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Multilateral Relations

The World Trade Organization (WTO)

• Representation of countries
• Decision-making process
• Functions and responsibilities of the Secretariat
• Membership requirements
• Assistance to developing and transition economies
• Role in global economic policy-making
• The Nairobi Package
• Stance on protectionism
• Intellectual property rights (IPR) issues
• Proposed reforms
• Relationship with India
• Concerns of developing nations, especially in agriculture
• Impact of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• IMF Reforms

Nuclear Security

• Nuclear Security Summit
• Threats of Nuclear Terrorism
• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
• NSG Membership for India
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

BRICS

• Economic Environment in BRICS Countries
• BRICS-BIMSTEC
• BRICS & India

SAARC

• Prospects for SAARC
• Indo-Pak Conflict
• Problem of Resource Development

Global Institutions

• United Nations & its Bodies
  • Structure
  • United Nations General Assembly
  • United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
    • India & UNSC
  • Economic and Social Council
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• UN Specialised Agencies
  • Food & Agriculture Organization
  • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
  • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
    • Question over its Credibility
  • World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  • WIPO
  • World Bank
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Important Key Concepts

• New World Order
• Dynamics of New World Order
• New Cold War?
• Personality as a factor in Indian Foreign Policy
• Economic Crises in Sri Lanka