General Studies Paper 2 (GS-II) is arguably the most dynamic paper in the UPSC Mains. While the foundation remains the Constitution, the scoring potential lies in how well you link static concepts with contemporary developments.
Note for PSIR Students: You have a natural advantage here. Use your PSIR Paper 1B and Paper 2B knowledge, but avoid getting too "theoretical." In GS, the examiner is looking for an administrator's solution, not a scholar’s critique.
PSIR ONLINE RECOMMENDATION
We strongly recommend students to read the BOOKS AND NOTES PUBLISHED BY PSIR ONLINE for a better understanding of the subject and a targeted approach.
OTHER STANDARD TEXTS & REFERENCES
1. Indian Polity
Focus: Constitutional provisions, Parliament, Judiciary, and Federalism.
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth: The "Bible" for this section. Since you are already using this for PSIR, stick to it. Focus specifically on the chapters regarding the Executive, Legislature, and Local Governance.
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu: Use this selectively for "Analytical" topics like Constitutional Morality, Judicial Activism, and Basic Structure. It helps in writing the "heavy" introductions that GS 2 demands.
- Our Parliament by Subhash Kashyap: Excellent for understanding the "spirit" and functioning of the house beyond just the rules.
- PRS Legislative Research (Website): Essential for summaries of new Bills and Acts. In GS 2, quoting a specific clause of a recent Bill can fetch you an extra mark.
- Current Affairs (PSIR ONLINE): For Indian polity, we have an exclusive current affairs section. The students are advised to read that section regularly.
2. Governance
Focus: Transparency, Accountability, E-Governance, and the Role of Civil Services.
Governance is a "New Area" compared to traditional Polity. Toppers suggest moving beyond standard textbooks to government reports.
- Governance in India by M. Laxmikanth: A separate volume from his Polity book. It covers the specific GS 2 syllabus topics like RTI, Citizen’s Charters, and E-Governance.
- 2nd ARC Reports (Summaries): This is the most "Topper-Recommended" source. Specifically read:
- 4th Report: Ethics in Governance
- 11th Report: Promoting E-Governance
- 12th Report: Citizen-Centric Administration
- NITI Aayog Strategy for New India @ 75: Read the chapters on "Governance" for official suggestions and futuristic goals.
- Current Affairs (PSIR ONLINE): For governance, we have an exclusive current affairs section. The students are advised to read that section regularly.
3. Social Justice
Focus: Welfare schemes, Health, Education, and Vulnerable Sections.
This section is almost 100% current affairs and data-driven. Books are only for the framework.
- Social Problems in India by Ram Ahuja: Use this only to understand the "Static" part of issues like poverty, caste, and women's issues.
- NITI Aayog Reports: Specifically the "Social Sector" chapters.
- Annual Reports of Ministries: (Ministry of Women & Child Dev, Ministry of Social Justice). Just skim through the "Schemes" and "Major Initiatives" sections.
- Current Affairs (PSIR ONLINE): For Social Justice, we have an exclusive current affairs section. The students are advised to read that section regularly.
4. International Relations (IR)
Focus: India and its Neighborhood, Bilateral ties, and Global Institutions.
For you, this is "India and the World" from PSIR. The content remains the same, but the presentation in GS 2 should be more about "Strategic Interests" and less about "Schools of IR."
- India’s Foreign Policy – VN Khanna (Vikas) The best book to understand the basic of India’s foreign policy
- India’s Foreign Policy – Harsh V Pant (Orient Black Swan): Great for building a narrative and "flow" in your answers.
- MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Website: Specifically the "Briefs" on bilateral relations. They are the most authentic source for India’s official stand.
- The Hindu / Indian Express (Editorials): Read C. Raja Mohan or Suhasini Haidar. In IR, the most recent meeting or summit (G20, QUAD, SCO) is usually what appears in the exam.
- Current Affairs (PSIR ONLINE): For International relations of GS 2, we have two exclusive current affairs sections, titled ‘foreign policy spotlight’ and ‘international relations bulletin’. The students are advised to read that sections regularly.
