I have been getting queries regarding how to cover governance and related portions of Mains GS-2. This post explains same in depth.

Let me first draw your attention to GS-2 syllabus. It has 3 categories:

1. Polity portion that is mostly static. It needs to be covered from Laxmikant. Make notes of Laxmikant and wherever possible, add in your notes the news/issues from current related to static topic.
2. Next is IR. Click on this link for IR strategies, detailed analysis etc.
3. How to Read Laxmikant?

Third portion includes:

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act: Prepare sections of RPA which are in news generally and during mains. Example section 10, 126, 49-O etc.

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies: Prepare from current only. No point reading huge chunk of static coaching material for this topic as cost benefit is very low.

Appointment to Constitutional posts, powers, functions & responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies: Prepare static from Laxmikant and also from current. For example, PAC is a constitutional body. You have to prepare it from Laxmikant as well as current if in news.

1) Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

2) Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

3) Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

4) Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

5) Role of civil services in a democracy.

For these 5 topics do following:

• Prepare aspects like What, Why, How, Challenges, Solutions You Think And Steps Taken By Govt for each topic and make 2-3 page notes. Example, what is e-gov, why e-gov, its challenges and solutions.
• What and Why: You have to prepare static base for these topics. Example, when did NGOs start in India, Govt’s historical policies with respect to education, poverty, hunger, charter. For this, you can search google or read coaching material. But ensure that coaching material isn’t too heavy.
• Challenges and Solutions: Read editorials to garner views like pros, cons and solutions. Editorials are most effective way of preparing these 5 topics.
• Go to The Hindu Website. Type in search box (example poverty). Apply filters like editorial and date. Read 6-7 editorials and make point wise notes.
• Once you do this, keep updating notes from current affairs.

Join Decode Civils Telegram Group For Free UPSC CSE Guidance From Mudit Jain, IRS CSE 2017 (Ex-IPS CSE 2014 & 2015).

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• Decode Ethics 2nd Edition Sample Chapter
• UPSC 2019 Ethics Paper Detailed Question Sources And Answer Content
• UPPSC 2018 Mains Ethics Solutions

Decode Ethics Link

Decode History: World History Edition Link

Completely Current:

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• Current Affairs Preparation

GS-2 Important Links:

• GS-2 Strategy A2Z
• International Relations Detailed Analysis
• 3 PAGE ARC SUMMARY

ATB