Punjab Public Service Commission Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Exam, 2020 Syllabus
The Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Exam, conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), is a competitive exam for recruitment to various civil services positions in Punjab. The exam generally includes three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview. Here’s a comprehensive syllabus for the 2020 PPSC Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Exam:
1. Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination typically consists of two papers:
Paper I: General Studies
Current Affairs
- National and international events
- Important personalities, awards, and honors
- Significant changes in government policies and schemes
Indian History
- Ancient India (Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Mauryan Empire)
- Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Regional States)
- Modern India (British Expansion, Freedom Struggle, Independence Movement)
Geography
- Physical Geography (Landforms, Climate, Natural Resources)
- Human Geography (Population, Settlements, Economic Activities)
- Indian Geography (Physical and Political Geography)
Indian Polity
- Indian Constitution (Features, Amendments, Fundamental Rights and Duties)
- Structure and Functions of Government (Central and State Governments)
- Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities
- Governance and Administrative System
Economy
- Basic Economic Concepts (Supply and Demand, Inflation, Unemployment)
- Indian Economy (Planning, Agriculture, Industry, Trade)
- Economic Development and Reforms
Science and Technology
- Basic Concepts in Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Technology and Innovations
- Environment and Ecology
General Mental Ability
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Quantitative Aptitude
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Passage Interpretation
Interpersonal Skills
- Communication Skills
- Emotional Intelligence
Logical Reasoning
- Analogies
- Pattern Recognition
- Series and Sequences
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
- Situational Judgments
- Problem-Solving Scenarios
Basic Numeracy
- Arithmetic (Basic Operations, Fractions, Ratios)
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs)
English Language Skills
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Structure
2. Main Examination
The Main Examination includes several papers, including compulsory and optional subjects.
Compulsory Papers:
Paper I: General Studies I
Indian History
- Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History
- Major Events and Figures
Geography
- Physical Geography (Landforms, Climate)
- Human Geography (Population, Urbanization)
- Indian Geography (Physical and Political Geography)
Paper II: General Studies II
Indian Polity
- Constitution of India (Features, Amendments, Fundamental Rights and Duties)
- Governance (Central and State Government Structures)
- Local Government (Panchayati Raj, Municipalities)
International Relations
- India’s Foreign Policy
- Bilateral and Multilateral Relations
- Global Organizations (UN, WTO, IMF, etc.)
Social Justice
- Social Issues (Poverty, Education, Health)
- Welfare Programs and Schemes
Paper III: General Studies III
Economic Development
- Economic Planning and Reforms
- Agriculture, Industry, Trade
- Economic Challenges and Policies
Science and Technology
- Technological Developments
- Environmental Issues and Management
- Disaster Management
Paper IV: General Studies IV
Ethics
- Ethics and Integrity in Public Administration
- Attitude and Aptitude
- Public/Civil Service Values
Accountability and Governance
- Transparency
- Accountability Mechanisms
- Administrative Reforms
Optional Papers:
- Candidates choose one optional subject from a list provided by PPSC. The syllabus for the optional subject includes:
- Core Topics: Detailed syllabus specific to the chosen discipline
- Theoretical Concepts
- Applications and Practical Knowledge
Note:
Optional subjects available can range from subjects like History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, and Literature.
3. Interview
Interview/Personality Test
Personality Assessment
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Qualities
- Decision-Making Abilities
Knowledge of Current Affairs
- Awareness of recent developments and issues
- Understanding of local and national issues
Situational Responses
- Handling hypothetical scenarios
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills
Key Points to Note:
Preparation:
- Study from standard textbooks, review previous years’ question papers, and stay updated on current affairs.
Optional Subject:
- Choose an optional subject that aligns with your strengths and interests. Review its syllabus thoroughly.
Updates:
- Check the official PPSC website or notifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the syllabus, exam pattern, and other requirements.