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GS Paper II — Q.4
88%
Introduction9.2/10
Content & Analysis8.7/10
Conclusion8.5/10
Structure & Flow9/10
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Tip: Cite a recent SC judgement in the introduction to strengthen your opening.
JKPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus | AnswerWriting
JKPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The JKPSC conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), commonly referred to as the JKAS exam. Its syllabus closely mirrors that of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which is why many UPSC aspirants also fare well in this exam. The selection process unfolds in three stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
This stage has two objective-type (MCQ) papers, each carrying 200 marks, set in English. The second paper (CSAT) is only qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum score of 33%. Passing this stage is a prerequisite for appearing in the Mains.
Stage 2 – Main Examination
The Mains consists of eight descriptive (essay-type) papers. Of these, seven papers contribute to the final merit, while the English paper is purely qualifying, requiring at least 25% (75 out of 300 marks). The remaining papers and their marks are as follows:
Paper
Subject
Marks
Paper I
Essay
250
Paper II
GS I – Culture, History & Geography
250
Paper III
GS II – Polity, Governance & IR
250
Paper IV
GS III – Economy, Environment & Technology
250
Paper V
GS IV – Ethics & Aptitude
250
Paper VI
Optional Paper 1
250
Paper VII
Optional Paper 2
250
Written Total
1750
Stage 3 – Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear the written stage are called for an interview carrying 250 marks (no minimum required). The number of interviewees is capped at three times the available vacancies. The final merit is based on combined written and interview scores, making the grand total 2000 marks.
Eligibility
Candidates must be domiciles of the Union Territory of J&K and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian or equivalent foreign university.
Age Limits
General/Open Merit: up to 32 years
Reserved categories & in-service candidates: up to 34 years
Physically challenged candidates: up to 35 years
Number of Attempts
General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts. Candidates from RBA, OBC, and ALC/IB categories get 9 attempts, while SC/ST candidates face no attempt limit. Physically challenged candidates from the general category are also entitled to 9 attempts. Notably, simply appearing in even one paper of the Preliminary Exam counts as one attempt.
JKAS Preliminary Examination – Syllabus
Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)
This paper covers the following topics:
Current events of national and international significance
Indian history and the freedom movement
Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world
Indian polity and governance, including the Constitution, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights-related issues
Economic and social development, covering areas like poverty, sustainability, demographics, and social sector programs
Environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change (no subject specialization required)
General Science
Note: Questions specific to Jammu & Kashmir may also appear in this paper.
Paper II – CSAT (200 Marks) | Qualifying (Minimum 33%)
This paper tests the following aptitude areas:
Reading comprehension
Interpersonal and communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem-solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
Appearing in both papers is compulsory. Absence from either paper will result in disqualification.
Trend Analysis – General Studies Paper I (2018–2023)
Subject
2023
2022
2021
2018
Ancient Indian History
6
7
3
6
Medieval Indian History
10
4
4
6
Modern Indian History
6
5
9
7
Indian Polity
19
17
11
11
World Geography
16
13
9
11
Indian Geography
6
4
7
10
Environment & Ecology
8
7
17
4
Indian Economy
10
17
17
16
Science & Technology
16
17
12
7
Jammu & Kashmir Special
–
–
2
5
Current Affairs
3
9
9
17
Total
100
100
100
100
Trend Analysis – General Studies Paper II / CSAT (2018–2023)
Subject
2023
2022
2021
2018*
Comprehension
40
50
45
8
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
–
–
15
–
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
32
28
28
40
Decision Making & Problem Solving
–
–
2
1
General Mental Ability
7
5
5
18
Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation
7
5
5
18
Total
100
100
100
80
JKAS Main Examination – Syllabus
Qualifying Paper – English (300 Marks | Minimum 25% / 75 Marks)
This paper assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend serious prose and express ideas clearly. It covers reading comprehension, précis writing, vocabulary and usage, and short essay writing. It is set at matriculation level and is qualifying in nature – marks do not count toward the final ranking.
Paper I – Essay (250 Marks)
Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. They are expected to stay focused on the subject, organize their thoughts logically, and write concisely. Credit is awarded for clarity and precision of expression.
Paper II – General Studies I (250 Marks)Indian Heritage, Culture, History & Geography
Salient aspects of Indian art, literature, and architecture across all periods
Modern Indian history from the mid-18th century onward and key events, personalities, and issues
The freedom struggle and its phases and contributions from across the country
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization of India
World history from the 18th century and Industrial Revolution, World Wars, colonization, decolonization, and political ideologies like communism, capitalism, and socialism
Key features of Indian society and its diversity
Women’s issues, population, poverty, urbanization, and effects of globalization on Indian society
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism
Physical geography of the world
Distribution of natural resources globally; factors influencing industrial location
Major geophysical events like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions; changes in geographical features and their impact
Paper III – General Studies II (250 Marks)Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations
Indian Constitution and its evolution, features, amendments, and basic structure
Union-State relations, federalism, devolution of power and finances to local bodies
Separation of powers and dispute resolution mechanisms
Comparison of India’s constitutional framework with other countries
Parliament and state legislatures – structure, functioning, and privileges
Executive and judiciary and their organization and functioning; role of pressure groups
Representation of the People’s Act
Constitutional bodies, statutory and regulatory bodies, and quasi-judicial institutions
Government policies and their implementation across sectors
Role of NGOs, SHGs, and other stakeholders in development
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; laws and institutions protecting them
Governance issues in health, education, and human resources
Poverty and hunger-related concerns
Transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizens’ charters, and the role of civil services
India’s relations with its neighbors; bilateral, regional, and global groupings
Impact of foreign policies on India; Indian diaspora
Major international institutions and their mandates
Paper IV – General Studies III (250 Marks)Technology, Economy, Environment, Security & Disaster Management
Indian economy and planning, resource mobilization, growth, employment, and development
Inclusive growth and related challenges
Government budgeting
Agriculture and cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, transport, marketing, and use of technology
Farm subsidies, MSP, public distribution system, food security, and animal husbandry economics
Food processing industry and scope, supply chain, and related requirements
Land reforms in India
Liberalization, industrial policy changes, and their economic effects
Infrastructure and energy, ports, roads, airports, and railways
Investment models
Science and technology developments and their everyday applications
Indian achievements in science and technology; indigenous technology development
IT, space, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights
Environmental conservation, pollution, degradation, and impact assessment
Organized crime, terrorism, and security forces and their mandates
Paper V – General Studies IV (250 Marks)Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
This paper tests candidates’ attitudes toward integrity, public service ethics, and problem-solving through case studies. Topics include:
Ethics and human behavior and its dimensions and role in public and private life; human values shaped by great leaders, family, and educational institutions
Attitudes and their structure, influence on behavior, and social persuasion
Foundational civil service values and integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, and compassion
Emotional intelligence and its application in governance
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world
Ethics in public administration dilemmas, accountability, corporate governance, and ethical guidance
Probity in governance – transparency, RTI, codes of conduct, work culture, and anti-corruption measures
Case studies on the above themes
Optional Subjects (Choose Any One)
Candidates may choose from 25 subjects including Agriculture, History, Geography, Economics, Law, Mathematics, Public Administration, Sociology, and others. Alternatively, candidates may opt for literature in one of nine languages: Arabic, Dogri, English, Hindi, Kashmiri, Persian, Punjabi, Sanskrit, or Urdu.
