General Studies Paper – II broadly covers : Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. The detailed syllabus of the same is given below.
| S.No | Topics |
| 1 | Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Separation of powers between various organs dispute Redressal mechanisms and institutions. |
| 4 | Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. |
| 5 | Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. |
| 6 | Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. |
| 7 | Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies |
| 8 | Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries |
| 9 | Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
| 10 | Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation |
| 11 | Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders |
| 12 | 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 |
| 13 | Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
| 14 | Issues relating to poverty and hunger. |
| 15 | Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. |
| 16 | Role of civil services in a democracy. |
| 17 | India and its neighborhood- relations. |
| 18 | Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
| 19 | Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. |
| 20 | Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |