JKPSC KAS Mains (GS-I 2018-2024)
| Syllabus | 2018 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Total |
|---|
| 01. Indian Culture-Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. | 2 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 27 |
| 02. Modern Indian History-Mid-18th century - Present (significant events, personalities, issues); | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 11 |
| 03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| 04. Post-Independence-consolidation and reorganisation within country | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| 05. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, etc. | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 08. Urbanisation: problems and remedies | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 09. Globalisation and its effects on Indian society | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 10. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 11. Salient Features of World Physical Geography | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
| 12. Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 10 |
| 13. Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| 14. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 15. Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features... and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Grand Total | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 100 |
Art and Culture
01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Architecture | Write a note on Nagara style of temple architecture in India. | 2021 | 10 |
| Discuss the salient features of stupa architecture. | 2022 | 10 |
| Hampi is appropriately know as “the city etched in stone”. Explain this site’s architectural and historical significance. | 2022 | 15 |
| Write salient features of Indo-Islamic architecture. | 2022 | 15 |
| Distinguish, with illustrations, between the arcuate and trabeate system of Indian architecture. | 2023 | 10 |
| Write a short note on Shankaracharya Temple of Kashmir. | 2023 | 15 |
| To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| Sculpture & Art Forms | Gandhara Sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. | 2018 | 10 |
| Write a note on pre-historic paintings with special reference to Bhimbetka rock shelters. | 2021 | 10 |
| How do the paintings of Ajanta and the folk art of Kalighat reflect people's emotions, beliefs and social life? | 2024 | 10 |
| Literature & Texts | Elaborate on the literary contributions of the Gupta dynasty. | 2021 | 10 |
| Write a short essay on Purusarthas. | 2023 | 10 |
| Write a short essay on the Nilamata Purana. | 2023 | 10 |
| Vedangas are last treatises of Vedic literature. Elaborate. | 2023 | 10 |
| Write a short note on Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra. | 2024 | 10 |
| Heritage & Conservation | Which monument of India is the latest inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list? Write down the significance of that monument. | 2021 | 10 |
| What is intangible cultural heritage? Discuss it with special reference to recent inclusion of ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. | 2021 | 15 |
| Write a note on collective memory as India’s valuable intangible heritage. | 2022 | 10 |
| Write a note on the significance of Dholavira, the World Heritage Site. | 2023 | 10 |
| Kingdoms & Highlights | Write a note on the local self government under the Cholas. | 2022 | 10 |
| Aryan invasion is a myth or reality? Justify your answer. | 2022 | 10 |
| Write a note on the Mansabdari System under the Mughal rulers. | 2022 | 15 |
| Discuss Ashoka’s policy of dhamma as gleaned from his edicts. | 2022 | 15 |
| Why is Samudragupta called ‘Napoleon of India’? | 2023 | 15 |
| Religion & Philosophy | Discuss the relevance of Guru Nanak’s teachings in 21st century. | 2022 | 10 |
| Write an essay on Kashmir’s Sufi traditions with special reference to Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani. | 2023 | 15 |
| Discuss Sufism in Kashmir with special reference to Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. | 2024 | 15 |
Modern History
02. Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century - Present (significant events, personalities, issues);
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Colonial Rule & Impact | Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. | 2018 | 10 |
| Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. | 2018 | 15 |
| Explain the impacts of Anglo-Sikh wars on Jammu and Kashmir. | 2023 | 15 |
| What were the impacts of British de-industrialization of India on traditional artisanal industry and rural economy of India? | 2024 | 15 |
| Personalities | Discuss the relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts in the 21st Century. | 2021 | 15 |
| Discuss the role of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the socio-religious awakening of 19th century India. | 2022 | 10 |
| Highlight the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore in making of modern India. | 2024 | 10 |
| 'He was the first Indian Muslim who felt the need of a fresh orientation of Islam and worked for it'. Evaluate the contributions of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in the light of this statement. | 2024 | 15 |
| Socio-Religious Reform | The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? | 2018 | 15 |
| Examine the statement ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for All’ in the context of socio-religious reform movements in late 19th Century. | 2023 | 15 |
| Movements | Discuss in brief the growth of trade union movement in India from 1920 to 1930. | 2024 | 15 |
Modern History
03. Freedom Struggle- Various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Gandhi & Leaders | How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. | 2018 | 10 |
| Acts & Features | It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| Strategies & Stages | Indian freedom movement was not a conglomeration of different struggles or certain principles, but had a long term strategic perspective. Elaborate. | 2021 | 15 |
| Write briefly on the strengths and shortcomings of moderates in the freedom movement. | 2024 | 10 |
| Contributors | Highlight the contributions of Aruna Asaf Ali during and after India’s struggle for independence. | 2023 | 10 |
Post Independence
04. Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Reorganisation | Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. | 2018 | 15 |
| Evaluate the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the merger of the princely states of India. | 2022 | 15 |
| Consolidation & Policies | Write a short note on the achievements of Women's Self Defense Corps (WSDC) in Kashmir with special reference to Kanta Wazir. | 2024 | 10 |
| To what extent did land reforms and the adoption of democratic institutions contribute to socio-political stability in post-independence India? | 2024 | 15 |
World History
05. History of the world... industrial revolution, world wars... political philosophies...
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| World Wars | To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two world wars? Discuss critically. | 2018 | 10 |
| Contemporary Events | Assess the functionality of Israel’s Iron dome & how it works. (Note: Mapped to World History/Contemporary context) | 2021 | 15 |
| Write a brief note on Suez crisis of 1956. What were its consequences? | 2024 | 10 |
Society
06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Diversity | Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. | 2018 | 10 |
| Nation building depends on strengthening of pluralities in Indian Society. Comment. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| How far has linguistic diversity helped in strengthening Indian unity? [150 Words] | 2022 | 10 |
Society
07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Population & Migration | Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. | 2018 | 10 |
| “India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged”. Justify this statement and critically analyse. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| Women & Associated Issues | How can you explore the changing landscape of the ‘third gender’ movement in contemporary India? (150 words) | 2021 | 10 |
| The state needs to take the first step towards examining women’s actual experiences in the contexts of unequal pay, allocation of inferior work and denial of rights over their minds and bodies. Discuss. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| Urbanization and migration are causing feminisation of agriculture sector in India. In the light of the statement, discuss the socio-economic impact of feminisation of agriculture sector? [250 words] | 2022 | 15 |
Society
08. Urbanisation: problems and remedies
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Problems & Management | Major cities are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. | 2018 | 15 |
| Planning & Reforms | Time has come to revisit, rethink and reshape Indian Cities. Discuss. | 2021 | 10 |
| India’s rapid urbanisation calls for sustainable and effective urban planning reforms to improve the process of urban planning in India. Discuss. | 2023 | 15 |
Society
09. Globalisation and its effects on Indian society
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Impact on Sections | Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. | 2018 | 10 |
| Social Divide | How has globalization impacted the rural urban divide in Indian society? Discuss. | 2024 | 15 |
Society
10. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Empowerment | What are the two major legal initiatives by the state since independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs). | 2018 | 15 |
| Secularism | How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. | 2018 | 15 |
| Secularism in India is not just the result of Constitutional provisions but also of its syncretic heritage. Discuss. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
Geography
11. Salient Features of World Physical Geography
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Geomorphology | Explain the geological and paleontological evidences of continental drift theory? | 2021 | 10 |
| Our earth is a playfield of two opposite geomorphic processes. Discuss | 2022 | 10 |
| Aeolian landscape evolution is primarily concerned with the formation and extension of pediments. Comment. | 2023 | 10 |
| Climatology | Explain cloud seeding and its associated forms, structure and environmental concerns associated with it. | 2022 | 15 |
| Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. | 2023 | 10 |
| What is temperature inversion? Explain its impact on local weather conditions with suitable examples. | 2024 | 15 |
| Oceanography | What are the major factors responsible for the origin of oceanic currents across the globe? | 2021 | 10 |
| Spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ has serious consequences on marine ecosystems. Elaborate. | 2023 | 15 |
Geography
12. Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent)
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Water & Strategic Resources | The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. | 2018 | 15 |
| Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. | 2018 | 15 |
| Discuss the significance of Indian Ocean as a geo-economic boundary for India. (150 words) | 2021 | 10 |
| Why is Indian regional navigational satellite system needed? How does it work? [250 words] | 2022 | 15 |
| What is One Water Approach? Discuss its advantages in tackling water crisis in 21st century. (250 words) | 2023 | 15 |
| Mineral & Energy | Discuss the multidimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral resources in the world. [150 words] | 2022 | 10 |
| What are the significance and concerns regarding lithium discovery in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir? (150 words) | 2023 | 10 |
| Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage terms. Discuss. (250 words) | 2023 | 15 |
| India's renewable energy capacity has grown manifold in recent years. In this regard, discuss the key government initiatives that are accelerating the achievement of India's clean energy targets. (150 words) | 2024 | 10 |
| Evaluate the hydroelectric potential of India and examine the factors responsible for its uneven spatial distribution. (250 words) | 2024 | 15 |
Geography
13. Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Industrial Location & Corridors | What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. | 2018 | 15 |
| Discuss how recent policies on semiconductor manufacturing are influencing locational shifts in India's secondary sector industries. (250 words) | 2024 | 15 |
| Agro-Based & Primary | Explaining the problems faced by the sugar industry in India, account for the measures taken by the government to support it. [250 Words] | 2022 | 15 |
| What are the challenges in millet production and consumption in India? Suggest steps to enhance millet production in India apart from current initiatives in place. (250 words) | 2023 | 15 |
| Explain the geographical factors responsible for the predominance of vineyards in the Mediterranean region. (150 words) | 2024 | 10 |
| Tertiary & Transport | Evaluate the impact of improved road and rail connectivity on tourism and livelihoods in Jammu & Kashmir. (150 words) | 2024 | 10 |
| Developing India's maritime sector is key to supporting the country's trade, economic growth and geopolitical ambitions. Discuss in light of recent developments in the maritime sector. (250 words) | 2024 | 15 |
Geography
14. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Landslides | “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides”. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. | 2018 | 15 |
| Landslide Hazards are most prominent in the Himalayan region. Explain the geological factors of landslide hazard and its impact on the Himalayan ecosystem. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| Differentiate the causes of landslides between Himalayan region and Western Ghats. [150 words] | 2022 | 10 |
| Cyclones & Others | What is tropical cyclone? Why don’t tropical cyclones form within 5° of the equator. (150 words) | 2021 | 10 |
| What do you understand by seismic noise? Discuss its impact on the seismic activities on earth surface? [250 Words] | 2022 | 15 |
| What are heat waves? Discuss the impact of heat waves on the energy sector in India? (150 words) | 2023 | 10 |
Geography
15. Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features... and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
| Microthemes | JKPSC PYQs | Year | Marks |
|---|
| Environment & Changes | Explain the Bio-Physical significance of Eastern Ghats in India. Describe the steps that can be taken to conserve bio diversity in the region. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (150 words) | 2024 | 10 |
| (Note: "Dead Zones" from 2023 is placed under Oceanography in Section 11 as per standard convention, though it relates to environmental change) | | | |
