d) Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
II) Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
III) Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
IV) Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
V) Parliament and State Legislatures
a) structure, functioning
b) conduct of business
c) powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
VI) Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
VII) Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
VIII) Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
IX) Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
X) Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
XI) Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, Self Help Groups, various groups and associations, institutional and other stakeholders.
XII) Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and the States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
XIII) Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
XIV) Issues relating to poverty and hunger
XV) Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
XVI) Role of civil services in a democracy
XVII) International Relations
a) India and its neighbourhood – International relations
b) Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting the Indian interests
c) Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
d) Important International institutions, agencies, their structure and mandates
