Table of Contents
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) will release the official notification soon for the Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination on its official website. This recruitment encompasses various positions in the state of Punjab.
The selection process involves three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. To succeed in these exams, candidates must thoroughly study all the subjects outlined in the exam pattern and Punjab PCS Syllabus 2024, as provided in our article for aspiring Punjab PCS applicants.
Punjab PCS Syllabus 2024 Highlights
The Punjab PCS syllabus is important for any exam. Whatever topics are covered in the syllabus, it provides a clear outline of the topics and concepts. The syllabus provides a clear understanding of all the topics that are covered in the exam. It helps students avoid wasting time on unnecessary subjects and focus their preparation on important areas.
| Punjab PCS Syllabus 2024 Highlights | |
| Organization |
Punjab Public Service Commission
|
| Post Name |
Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination
|
| Category | Syllabus |
| Job Location | Punjab |
| Official website | https://ppsc.gov.in/ |
Punjab PCS Prelims Exam Syllabus 2024
Any candidate who wants to get brief information about the topics asked in the Punjab PCS exam can get an idea. They can get all the information about the Preliminary Exam Syllabus mentioned in the table below.
| Paper – I General Studies | |
| Subject | Topics |
| Science |
States of matter, the structure of the atom, versatile nature of carbon.
Acids, bases, salts, corrosion in metals, and the action of soaps. Life on Earth – evolution, marine & terrestrial life. The human body and life processes, disease – its causes & prevention, infectious diseases.
Public health initiatives, mother and child health, immunization & vaccination, HIV-AIDS, TB, polio, etc. Force-laws of motion & gravitation, Archimedes principle. Light – reflection & refraction – concepts and applications. Electric current – concepts, and applications. Computers and telecommunication – concepts, and applications. |
|
Political Theory & International Order
|
The basic concept of freedom, equality, social justice, rights & duties, citizenship, nationalism, secularism, etc.
United Nations and its organs/agencies, other international organizations like the World Bank, IMF, WTO, EU, G20, BRICS, etc., and their role in World peace, trade & development. |
|
Environmental Studies
|
Composition and structure of the atmosphere.
Solar system – heat balance & temperature. Atmospheric circulation & weather system, water cycle. Climate change – fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, renewable energy, clean development mechanism, carbon credits. Water – oceans, rivers, glaciers, lakes, groundwater, etc. Biodiversity & conservation. Soil – types, crops, food chain, etc. Pollution and toxicity etc |
| Indian Polity |
Basic features, provisions, and schedules of the Indian Constitution, key amendments.
Panchayati Raj. Elections – People’s Representation Act, electoral reforms. Rise of regionalism and coalition politics. Armed challenges to the Indian state since independence. |
| History Of India |
The Indus Valley civilization.
The Aryan and the Vedic age. Jainism and Buddhism. The Maurya Gupta period. The advent of Islam and the Sultanate period (political, social & cultural). The Bhakti Movement. The Mughals (political, social & cultural till Aurangzeb). The coming of the European Powers and the advent of British rule. The British Rule and the Indian National Movement (1857-1947) World History: The Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution in Europe. The French Revolution 1789. The Russian Revolution 1917. World Wars I & II. |
| Indian Economy |
Indian economic development (1950-1991) – key economic policies, public sector dominance, bank nationalization, etc.
Five-year plans – key goals and main achievements. Liberalization, privatization, and globalization era since 1991 – key policies, decisions, and results. Performance of Indian economy since 1991 – Growth, fiscal & revenue deficits, trade, commerce & balance of payments, inflation, and growth of the service sector. Key challenges and responses – agriculture and food security, industrialization, poverty alleviation & employment, rural & urban infrastructure, social sector – health, education, etc |
| Geography |
Population – distribution, density, growth, and comparison.
Migration – types, causes, and consequences. Human development. Human settlements. Land resources and agriculture. Water resources. Mineral and energy resources. Manufacturing industries. Planning and sustainable development in India. Transport and communication. International trade. A geographical perspective on selected issues and problems |
| Punjab |
a) Geography: Geographical and agro-climatic regions, rivers, water resources, sharing of waters, demographics, human development indices
b) People, Society, and Culture: Major personalities in the history of Punjab, religious movements, major religions & spiritual personalities, Punjabi literature, folklore, performing arts, fine arts and crafts c) History: Sufis, saints and gurus, Lodhis and Mughals, Sikh rulers, the British period, nationalist movement in Punjab, Punjab independent India. d) Economy: Agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial & service sectors, major occupations, development & economic growth, public finance (including central-state fiscal issues), public sector institutions, cooperatives, etc. |
Punjab PCS Mains Exam Syllabus 2024
The Punjab Civil Service Subject Syllabus will depend on the particular field of laboratory science for which the examination is being conducted. However, generally, the PPSC PCS Syllabus Mains Exam subject syllabus will cover the following topics.
| GENERAL STUDIES – I | ||
| HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, AND SOCIETY | ||
| Section- 1: HISTORY |
History of the world: Events from the 18th century, industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, etc. their forms and effect on society.
1.2 Indian culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 1.3 Modern Indian history from the middle of the eighteenth century and the present personalities and issues. 1.4 Socio-reform movements with special reference to Punjab. 1.5 The Freedom Struggle- Various Stages and Important Contributors Contributions from different parts of the country with reference to Punjab. 1.6 Post-independence reorganization and consolidation within the country. 1.7 Ranjit Singh’s Rise to Power, military and civil administration and Relations with the British 1.8. Annexation of Punjab with special reference to the causes and consequences of the Anglo-Sikh Wars |
|
| Section-2: GEOGRAPHY |
Geography of Punjab: Physiographic details of Punjab; Geomorphic features of Punjab, Punjab’s strategic location with reference to the International Border, Crops of Punjab, Modern Concepts of Farming, Problems Faced by agriculturists/ Issues in Agriculture, Depletion of groundwater, etc
Physical Geography: Salient features of the world’s physical geography. Important Geophysical such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and Volcanic activity. geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
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| Section-3: SOCIETY |
3.2 Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.
3.3 Effects of Globalization on Indian Society 3.4 Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism 3.5 Ethics and Society: Essence, dimensions of Ethics, determinants, and Consequences of Ethics in human actions, ethics in Private and public relationships. |
|
| GENERAL STUDIES– II | ||
| INDIAN CONSTITUTION& POLITY, GOVERNANCE, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | ||
| Section-1: INDIAN CONSTITUTION& POLITY |
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
1.2 Functions and Responsibilities of the States and Union issues devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. 1.3 Separation of powers between various organs. 1.4 Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries 1.5 Parliament and State Legislatures – functioning, structure, the powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these. 1.6 Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary, Ministries, and Departments of the Government, pressure groups, and formal associations and their role in the Polity. 1.7 Salient Features of the Representation of People Act. 1.8 Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies 1.9 District Administration – Evolution of District Administration; Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. |
|
| Section-2 GOVERNANCE |
2.1 Statutory, quasi-judicial, and regulatory bodies
2.2 Government Policies and Interventions for Development arising out of their design and implementation, Development processes, and the development organizations- the role of NGOs, SHGs, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. 2.3 Important aspects of Governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations and potential, citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures, Changing trends in Governance 2.4 Values and Ethics in Governance- Ethical Concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions, strengthening ethical and moral values in governance, laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance, and ethical issues in international relations, and funding. 2.5 Probity in Governance: Concept of Governance, Philosophical basis of governance and probity, corporate governance, Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. |
|
| Section-3: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS |
3.1 India and its Neighbourhood- relations.
3.2 Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests. 3.3 Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and developing countries on India’s Interests. 3.4 Important International institutions, agencies, and fora- their structure and mandate. |
|
| GENERAL STUDIES– III | ||
| ECONOMY, STATISTICS, AND SECURITY ISSUES | ||
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Section-1: Indian Economy
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1.1 Issues relating to planning, sustainable development, Inclusive growth, and issues arising from it Government Budgeting. 1.2 Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country, storage, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems, transport and marketing of agricultural produce- issues and related constraints, e-technology in the aid of farmers, Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices, Technology missions, the economics of animal rearing. 1.3 Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security, 1.4 Food processing and related industries in India- location, scope and significance, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management 1.5 Land Reforms In India: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, changes in industrial policy, and their effects on industrial growth. 1.6 Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc; Investment models 1.7 Human Resource Development 1.7.1 Importance of Human Capital in Economic Development 1.7.2 Nature, types, and Problems of Unemployment in India, Skill Development and Demographic Dividend. Trends of Employment in India, 1.8 Punjab Economy: Planning- various aspects of developmental planning, Infrastructure, and Industry. |
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Section 2: Statistical analysis, diagrams, and graphs
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This part will test the candidate’s ability to draw conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical, or diagrammatical form and interpret the same. |
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Section 3: Issues Related to Security
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3.1 Linkages between the Development and Spread of Extremism, 3.2 Role of External, State, and non-State Actors in Creating Challenges to internal security, Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges. 3.3 Basics of cyber security money laundering and prevention, 3.4 Security challenges and their management linkages of organized crime with terrorism. |
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| GENERAL STUDIES – IV | ||
| SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION MAKING | ||
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Section-1: Science and Technology
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1.1 Science and Technology 1.1.1 Developments and Applications of Science and Technology and Their Effects on Everyday Life 1.1.2 Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. 1.1.3 Recent developments in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, etc. 1.1.4 Issues Relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 1.2 Modern Trends in Life Sciences 1.2.1 Progress of Agricultural Science and its Impact– Introduction to Biotechnology and its applications; Veterinary and Animal Scienceslatest developments. 1.2.2 Introduction to and Applications of Genetic Engineering & Stem Cell Research 1.2.3 Human Diseases and Microbial Infections, Common Infections, and Preventive Measures; Preventive Measures during Outbreaks, Immunity and vaccination |
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Section-2: Environment
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2.1 Conservation, environmental pollution, and Degradation, Issues related to Climate change; environmental impact assessment 2.2 Water Management- Issues in India; Present Scenario, Methods, and Importance of Water Conservation 2.3 Definition, nature, types, and Classification of Disasters 2.4 Natural Hazards: Floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc., Risk reduction and mitigation measures |
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Section-3: Situations in Civil Service -Problem Solving and Decision Making
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3.1 Tackling situations of Natural disasters/ Major Accidents/ Law and order, Controlling riots, Handling public protests and dharnas, Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation, Designing Projects, Implementation of National Flagship Schemes/ Programmes, Public Private Partnership in effective service delivery, Managing and financing Municipal services. Conservation of natural resources- water, forests, etc, Pollution control, Planning, and target, Reviving a loss-making PSU achievement, Empowerment of vulnerable sections of society, Gender sensitization and women empowerment, Improving Education and Enhancing Skill development, Urban settlement Slums and Housing issues, Managing Issues related to Urban/ Rural drinking water supply and sanitation, etc. |
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Punjab PCS Exam Pattern 2024
Before starting preparation for the Punjab PCS Exam, it’s vital for aspirants to gather detailed information about the Punjab PCS Exam Pattern 2024, including topics and more. Having a clear understanding of the revised PPSC Exam pattern 2024, covered sections, and related details is crucial for candidates to excel in the examination. Achieving a strong score across all exam phases, including the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview round, is essential.
Punjab PCS Prelims Exam Pattern 2024
The Punjab PCS Preliminary exam consists of two objective-type papers, each offering four options. This exam serves as a screening test to assess candidates’ eligibility for the next stage of selection, the Main Examination.
| Subjects | No of Questions | Marks for each Question | Total Marks |
| General Studies | 100 | 2 marks | 200 marks |
| Civil Services Aptitude Test(CSAT) | 80 | 2.5 marks | 200 marks |
Punjab PCS Mains Exam Pattern
The Punjab PCS Mains Exam Pattern is divided into two sections: General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The General Studies section comprises 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, totaling 200 marks. CSAT consists of 80 questions, each worth 2.5 marks, resulting in a total of 200 marks.
| Papers | Subject Name | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Punjabi (in Gurumukhi Script) Compulsory | 100 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper II | English Compulsory | 100 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper III | Essay | 150 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Studies Paper 1 (History, Geography, and Society) | 250 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Studies Paper 2 (Indian Constitution & Polity, Governance and International Relations) | 250 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | General Studies Paper 3 (Economy, Statistics, and Security Issues) | 250 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper VII | General Studies Paper 4 (Science & Technology, Environment, Problem-solving & Decision-Making) | 250 marks | 3 hours |
| Total | 1500 marks |
Punjab PCS Interview 2024
The Punjab PCS interview round holds paramount importance in the selection process. Following the successful completion of the Preliminary and Main exams, candidates advance to the interview round. From the shortlisted candidates, only three per vacancy are chosen to participate in the interview.
This round holds substantial weightage, accounting for 150 marks, and requires candidates to showcase their knowledge, communication skills, and overall suitability for the position. Attaining a minimum of 45% marks in the interview is imperative for candidates to be deemed eligible for appointment.
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