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UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus 2026: UPSC aspirants can check the Genral Studies Paper 2 Syllabus for UPSC Mains. UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus PDF has also provided in the given article.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 (GS Paper 2) 2026 focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. This paper evaluates a candidate’s understanding of the Indian political system, public administration, and key constitutional provisions, alongside the ability to analyze contemporary issues related to social justice, rights, and international affairs. GS Paper 2 emphasizes analytical skills, problem-solving, and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical governance scenarios. Aspirants must thoroughly cover the syllabus, stay updated with current events, and practice answer writing to excel in this crucial paper for securing a high rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
The UPSC GS 2 paper is a crucial part of the UPSC Mains Exam, which consists of nine papers in total. The UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 focuses on subjects like Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. Unlike General Studies Paper 1, where questions are more straightforward, UPSC GS 2 section demands critical thinking and the ability to connect different aspects to provide a well-rounded answer. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the GS Paper 2 Syllabus, offering detailed insights into the topics you need to cover to excel in the IAS Exam.
UPSC Aspirants can check the UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies in the given below table:
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2 delves into various subjects such as Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. In contrast to General Studies Paper 1, this paper doesn’t offer many straightforward, single-topic questions. Instead, it challenges candidates to think critically and make connections between different subjects since questions often touch on interconnected topics.
General Studies 2 involves a more holistic approach to answering questions, making it essential for UPSC aspirants to understand the intricate relationships between these subjects.
Aspirants preparing for UPSC Mains Genral Studies Paper 2 must focus on topics including Indian Constitution, its features, and amendments, as well as the roles of constitutional and non-constitutional bodies. Additionally, governance, government policies, transparency, and accountability are examined, along with the application of e-governance. Social justice, involving the management of social sector/services and issues related to poverty and hunger, is another critical aspect.
Lastly, international relations, including bilateral and regional/global groupings and agreements affecting India’s interests, demand thorough understanding. Proficiency in these subjects is essential for success in the GS Paper 2.”
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Focus Areas in GS Paper-II |
|
| Subject | Topics |
| Polity | Indian Constitution
Features of Indian Constitution Amendments in Indian Constitution Provisions Constitutional and non-constitutional bodies |
| Governance | Government policies and interventions
Governance Transparency Accountability E-governance applications |
| Social Justice | Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services
Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
| International Relations | Bilateral Groupings
Regional and global groupings Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
The UPSC General Studies II Mains paper holds several key characteristics:
Aspirants can check the detailed UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus in the given below table:
| UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
| Indian Constitution | Historical underpinnings of the constitution
Evolution of the Constitution Salient features Basic structure Amendments Significant provisions Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the states Issues and challenges related to the Federal Structure Devolution of powers and finances up to local government level Challenges in the devolution of power Separation of powers between various organs of the government Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions Comparison of India’s constitutional scheme with other countries Check Previous Years’ Constitution Questions from UPSC Mains GS 2 in the linked article. |
| Governance & Polity | Parliament and State Legislatures
Structure Functioning Conduct of Business Powers & Privileges Issues arising out of Powers & Privileges of legislative bodies Executive and Judiciary Structure Organization Functioning Ministries and departments of the government Pressure groups Formal & Informal associations and their role in the polity Salient features of the People’s Representation Act Candidates can get the relevant Polity Notes for UPSC from the linked article. |
| Governance | Appointment to various constitutional posts
Powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors Issues arising out of design and implementation of government intervention Development processes and the development of industry The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability e-governance applications models successes limitations and potential citizens charters transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy Check the compilation of old Governance Questions from UPSC Mains GS 2 in the linked article. |
| Social Justice | Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by centre and states
The performance of welfare schemes Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Issues related to poverty and hunger The Social Justice Questions in UPSC Mains GS 2 are mentioned in the linked article. |
| International Relations | India and its neighbourhood
Relations between India and neighbouring countries Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Indian diaspora Important International institutions, agencies and fora Structure Mandate |
The UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus PDF includes various topics related to governance, polity, social justice, international relations, and other current issues. The UPSC aspirants need to have a good understanding of these topics to score well in this paper. Aspirants can check the UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus PDF given below.
In GS Paper 2 of the UPSC exam, candidates tackle critical topics such as Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations, collectively worth 250 marks. The score in this paper significantly impacts the UPSC Marksheet and, by extension, the final results. To excel in this section, aspirants can refer to a range of essential GS 2 Books for UPSC, including NCERTs from Class XI and XII. Additionally, these recommended books provide valuable insights:
| UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Books | |
|---|---|
| Books | Author |
| NCERT for Class 11th and 12th | NCERT |
| ‘Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design’ | Devesh Kapur & Pratap Bhanu Mehta |
| ‘Introduction to the Constitution of India’ | Durga Das Basu |
| ‘India and the World: Through the Eyes of Indian Diplomats’ | Surendra Kumar |
| ‘Pax Indica’ | Shashi Tharoor |
| ‘Governance in India’ | M. Laxmikanth |
| ‘Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations’ | M. Laxmikanth |
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UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus comprises of Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
Laxmikant's book is crucial for UPSC Prelims and Mains basics but may not cover the extensive content of GS 2 papers, which require a broader approach encompassing Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
For UPSC Mains General Studies 2, candidates need to score score at least 33% or 66 marks in the exam.
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Udaan
Udaan 500+
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Prahaar Summary
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Budget & Economic Survey
NCERT Wallah
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Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
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Monthly Current Wallah
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News of The Day
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