APPSC GROUP -1 SYLLABUS-00

Group – 1 Prelimination Examination Syllabus

Paper – I  Degree Standard) General Studies – Marks: 120 No. of Questions: 120 Time: 120 Minutes

History & Culture

APPSC GROUP -1 SYLLABUS

• Indus Valley Civilization: Features, Sites, Society, Cultural History, Art, and Religion.
• Vedic Age: Mahajanapadas, Religions (Jainism and Buddhism)
• The Mauryan Empire, Foreign Invasions, Kushans, Satavahanas, Sangam Age, Sungas, Gupta Empire
• South Indian Dynasties: Badami Chalukyas, Eastern Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Cholas, Hoyasalas, Yedavas, Kakatiyas, Reddis
• Delhi Sultanate, Vijaynagar Empire, Mughal Empire, Bhakti Movement, Sufism
• European Trading Companies in India, Governor-Generals, Viceroys
• Indian War of Independence of 1857, Social and Religious Reform Movements, India’s Freedom Movement, Revolutionaries
• Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subash Chandrabose, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, India after Independence, Reorganization of States

Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

• Indian Constitution: Evolution, Features, Fundamental Rights, Duties, Directive Principles, Amendments
• Functions and Responsibilities of Union and State Governments, Parliament, State Legislatures
• Constitutional Authorities, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Governance
• Impact of Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization on Governance, Statutory Bodies
• Rights Issues (Human rights, Women rights, SC/ST rights, Child rights)
• India’s Foreign Policy, International Relations, Important Institutions, Policies, Programmes

Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning

• Characteristics of Indian Economy, Economic Development, Planning, NITI Ayog, Human Development Index, Environmental Policy
• National Income, Demographic issues, Poverty, Rural and Urban Development
• Indian Agriculture, Industry, Industrial Policy, Energy Policies, Economic Reforms, Trade, Balance of Payments
• Financial Institutions, RBI, Banking Reforms, Financial Markets, Tax System, GST, Fiscal Policy
• Characteristics of Andhra Pradesh Economy post-bifurcation, Economic Issues, Reorganisation Act of 2014, Central Assistance

Geography

• General Geography: Earth in Solar system, Climate, Oceans
• Physical Geography: Major landforms, Earthquakes, Natural drainage, Climatic changes, Vegetation, Soil, Rocks, Minerals
• Social Geography: Distribution, Density, Growth, Literacy, Occupational Structure, Urbanization, Migration
• Economic Geography: Major sectors of economy, Industries, Transport, Trade

Paper – II: General Aptitude Marks: 120 No. of Questions: 120 Time: 120 Minutes

General Mental and Psychological Abilities

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Number Series, Coding-Decoding
• Problems Related to Relations
• Shapes and their Sub-sections, Venn Diagram
• Problems based on Clocks, Calendar, and Age
• Number System and Order of Magnitude
• Ratio, Proportion, and Variation
• Central Tendencies: Mean, Median, Mode (including Weighted Mean)
• Power and Exponent, Square, Square Root, Cube Root, H.C.F., and L.C.M.
• Percentage, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss
• Time and Work, Time and Distance, Speed and Distance
• Area and Perimeter of Simple Geometrical Shapes, Volume and Surface Area of Sphere, Cone, Cylinder, Cubes, and Cuboids
• Lines, Angles, and Common Geometrical Figures: Properties of Transverse and Parallel Lines, Properties of Triangles, Quadrilateral, Rectangle, Parallelogram, and Rhombus
• Introduction to Algebra: BODMAS, Simplification of Weird Symbols
• Data Interpretation, Data Analysis, Data Sufficiency, and Concepts of Probability
• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and Analyzing Emotions, Coping with Emotions, Empathy, and Coping with Stress
• Social Intelligence, Interpersonal Skills, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Assessment of Personality

Science and Technology

• Nature and Scope of Science & Technology; Relevance to Day-to-Day Life; National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation; Institutes and Organizations promoting integration of Science, Technology, and Innovation; Contribution of Prominent Indian Scientists
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Scope, Usage in Daily Life, Industry and Governance; Government Schemes promoting ICT, E-Governance Programs and Services; Netiquettes; Cyber Security Concerns and Policies
• Technology in Space & Defence: Evolution of Indian Space Programme; ISRO Activities and Achievements; Satellite Programmes; Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) – Vision, Mission, and Activities
• Energy Requirement and Efficiency: India’s Energy Needs and Deficit; Energy Resources and Dependence; Government Policies and Programs; Solar, Wind, and Nuclear Energy
• Environmental Science: Issues and Concerns; Legal Aspects, Policies, and Treaties for Environmental Protection; Biodiversity; Climate Change; Forest and Wildlife Conservation; Environmental Hazards and Pollution; National Action Plans on Climate Change and Disaster Management; Biotechnology and Nanotechnology; Ethical, Social, and Legal Issues; Health & Environment

Current Events :

• Regional
• National
• International Importance

Group – 1 Prelimination Examination Syllabus

English (S.S.C Standard) Marks: 150 Medium: English Time: 180 Minutes

• Essay (A minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 250 words):

Choose any one topic from a list of five. (Descriptive/analytical/philosophical/based on Current Affairs)

• Letter Writing (in about 100 words): 10 marks

A formal letter expressing one’s opinion about an issue. The issues can deal with daily office matters/a problem that has occurred in the office/an opinion in response to one sought by a ranked officer, etc.

• Press Release/Appeal (in about 100 words): 10 marks

The PR or appeal should be on an issue pertaining to a recent concern/problem/disaster/rumours, etc.

• Report Writing (in about 150 words): 15 marks

A report on an official function/event/field trip/survey, etc.

• Writing on Visual Information (in about 150 words):

A report on a graph/image/flow chart/table of comparison/simple statistical data, etc.

• Formal Speech (in about 150 words): 15 marks

A speech (in a formal style) that is to be read out in a formal function. This could be an inauguration speech, an educational seminar/conference, a formal ceremony of importance, etc.

• Precis Writing: 15 marks

A precis in about 100 words for a 300-word passage.

• Reading Comprehension: 15 marks

A reading passage of about 250 words to be given followed by short-answer type questions.

• English Grammar: 20 marks
• Multiple-choice questions set from the following list:
• Tenses
• Voice
• Narration (Direct-Indirect)
• Transformation of sentences
• Use of Articles and Determiners
• Use of Prepositions
• Use of Phrasal verbs
• Use of idiomatic expressions
• Administrative Glossary
• Synonyms/Antonyms
• One-word substitution
• Cohesive devices/Connectives/Linkers
• Affixes
• Words that cause confusion like homonyms/homophones.
• Translation: 15 marks

Translation of a short passage (of about 150 words) from Regional Language to English.

Total: 150 marks

Group-I Mains Examination Syllabus

Telugu (S.S.C Standard)Marks: 150 Medium: Telugu Time: 180 Minutes

• Essay (A minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 250 words): 20 marks

Choose any one topic from a list of five.

• (Descriptive/analytical/Philosophical/based on Current Affairs)

To elaborate the thought of poetic or verse (any two of the three): 10 marks (about 100 words

• Precis Writing: 1/3rd summary of the given passage in your words: 10 marks
• Comprehension: A reading passage of about 250 words to be given followed by short-answer type questions: 10 marks
• Formal Speech (Welcome, Farewell, Inauguration etc.) / Speech for the press conference (energy, farm credit, pollution, health-related policy or problem) (in about 150 words): 10 marks
• To prepare the statements for publicity media (in about 100 words): 10 marks
• Letter Writing (in about 100 words): (Congratulation/Best wishes/Request/Complaint etc.): 10 marks
• Debate Writing (in about 150 words) (Newspaper issues/current issues/editorial presenting individual opinion): 10 marks
• Application Writing (in about 150 words): 10 marks
• Report Writing (in about 150 words): 10 marks
• Dialogue Writing or Dialogue Skills: Dialogues between two people (in about 150 words) (Group discussion, work of the meeting, water, agriculture, health, sanitation, education-related problems etc.): 10 marks
• Translation: Translation from English to Telugu Language: 10 marks
• Grammar of Telugu: 20 marks

Total: 150 marks 

PAPER-I – GENERAL ESSAY (DEGREE STANDARD) Marks: 150 Medium: English/Telugu Time: 180 Minutes

Objective:

This paper aims to evaluate candidates’ (i) knowledge/awareness of various subjects and (ii) their ability to compose a sustained piece of writing in the form of an essay.

Contents:

• Current affairs
• Socio-political issues
• Socio-economic issues
• Socio-environmental issues
• Cultural and historical aspects
• Issues related to civic awareness
• Reflective topics

Areas of Testing:

This paper would assess the following:

• Ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing
• Ability to express coherently and sequentially
• Awareness of the chosen subject

Evaluation/Marking:

Credit will be given for the following:

• Observing established rules and format for essay writing
• Grammatical correctness of expression
• Originality of thought and expression.

Candidates are required to attempt three essays, one from each of the three sections, in about 800 words each.

PAPER-II: HISTORY, CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA AND ANDHRA PRADESH (DEGREE STANDARD) Marks: 150 Medium: English / Telugu Time: 180 Minutes

1. History and Culture of India:

• Pre-Historic Cultures in India- Indus Valley Civilization- Vedic Culture- Mahajanapadas-Emergence of New Religions-Jainism, Buddhism- Rise of the Magadha and Age of the Mauryas- Ashoka Dharma- Foreign Invasions on India- The Kushans.
• The Satavahanas, the Sangam Age in South India- the Sungas- the Guptas- the Kanauj and their Contributions- Historical Accounts of Foreign travelers- Early Educational Institutions.
• The Pallavas, the Badami Chalukyas, the Eastern Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Kalyani Chalukyas and the Cholas- Socio Cultural Contributions, Language, Literature Art and Architecture- Delhi Sultanates- Advent of Islam and its Impact- Religious Movements like Bhakti and Sufi and Its Influence.
• Growth of Vernacular Languages, Scripts, Literature, Fine Arts- Socio Cultural Conditions of the Kakatiyas, the Vijayanagaras, the Bahmanis, the Qutubsahis and their contemporary South Indian kingdoms.
• The Mughals Administration, Socio-Religious life and Cultural developments- Shivaji and Rise of Maratha Empire- Advent of Europeans in India.
• Trade practices- Rise of East India Company its Hegemony- Changes in Administration, Social and Cultural spheres- Role of Christian Missionaries.
• Rise of British rule in India from 1757 to 1856- Land Revenue Settlement, Permanent Settlement, Ryothvari and Mahalvari-1857 Revolt and its Impact-Education, Press, Cultural changes- Rise of National Consciousness and Changes- Socio-Religious Reform Movements in 19th century- Rajaram Mohan Roy, Dayananda Saraswathi, Swamy Vivekananda, Annie Besant, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and others.
• Rise of Indian Nationalism- Activities of Indian National Congress- Vandemataram, Home Rule Movements- Self Respect Movement- Jyothiba Phule, Narayana Guru, Periyar Ramaswamy Naicker- Role of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vallabai Patel-Satyagraha- Quit India Movement- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his Contributions.
• Indian Nationalism in three phases- Freedom Struggle 1885-1905, 1905-1920 and Gandhi Phase 1920-1947- Peasant, Women, Tribal and Workers Movements- Role of Different parties in Freedom Struggle- Local and Regional Movements- Inter Religious Unity and Communalism.
• Independence and Partition of India- India after Independence- Rehabilitation after partition- Linguistic Re-organization of States- Integration of the Indian States- Indian Constitution- Economic policies- Foreign Policy Initiatives.

1. History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh:

• Ancient: The Satavahanas, the Ikshvakus, the Salankayanas, the Pallavas and the Vishnukundins- -Social and Economic Conditions- Religion, Language (Telugu), Literature, Art and Architecture- Jainism and Buddhism in Andhra.
• The Eastern Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Renati Cholas and others- Socio-Cultural life, Religion- Telugu Script and Language, Literature, Art and Architecture.
• Medieval: Socio- Cultural and Religious Conditions in Andhradesa 1000 to 1565 A.D.- Antiquity, Origin and Growth Telugu Language and Literature (KavitrayaAsthadiggajas)- Fine Arts, Art& Architecture during the reign of Kakatiyas, Reddis, Gajapatis and Vijayanagaras and their feudatories.
• Historical Monuments-Significance, Contribution of Qutubshahis to Andhra History and Culture-Regional Literature- Praja Kavi -Vemana and others.
• Modern: European Trade Establishments in Andhra- Andhra Under the Company Rule- Role of Christian Missionaries- Socio-Cultural, Literary Awakening- C.P. Brown, Thamos Munro, Mackenzie-Zamindary, Polegary System- Native States and Little Kings.
• Role of Social Reformers- Gurajada Apparao, Kandukuri Veeresalingam, Raghupati Venkataratnam Naidu, Gidugu Ramamurthy, Annie Besant and others- Library Movement in Andhra Pradesh- Role of News Paper- Folk and Tribal Culture, Oral Traditions, Subaltern Culture, Role of women.
• Nationalist Movement: Role of Andhra leaders- Justice Party, Non-Brahmin Movement-Nationalist and Revolutionary Literature- Gurram Jashva, Boyi Bheemanna, Sri Sri, Garimella Satyanarayana, Rayaprolu Subbarao, Unnava Lakshminarayana, Tripuraneni Ramaswamy Choudhary and others, Andhra Mahasabhas, Andhra Movement-prominent leaders- Alluri Sitaramraju, Duggirala Gopalakrishnaiah, Konda Venkatappayya,Pattabhi Seetaramaiah, Ponaka Kanakamma, Dokka Sitamma-Grandhlaya Movement- Ayyanka Venkataratnam, Gadicherla Harisarvothamarao, Kasinanathuni Nagesvara Rao- Potti Sreeramulu Formation of Andhra State,1953-Emergence of Andhra Pradesh,1956- Andhra Pradesh 1956 to 2014- Causes for Bifurcation, 2nd June 2014 Impact.
• Andhra Pradesh: Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and its impact on Administrative, Economic, Social, Political, Cultural and Legal Implications- Loss of Capital City, Building of New Capital and its financial Implications- Division of Employees and their Native Issues- Effect of Bifurcation on Trade& Commerce, Industry – Implication of Financial Resources of State Government.
• Developmental Opportunities- Socio-Economic, Cultural

Paper III – Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law, and Ethic (Degree Standard) Total Marks: 150 Medium: English / Telugu Duration: 180 Minutes

Indian Polity and Constitution:

• Understanding the Indian Constitution: Key Features and Principles
• Challenges to Federalism: Role of Governors, Power Distribution between Union and States
• Local Governance: 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
• Legislative Bodies: Structure, Functioning, and Powers
• Judiciary: Structure, Functions, Judicial Review, and Public Interest Litigation

Public Administration and Governance:

• Evolution of Public Administration in India: Historical Perspectives
• Government Policies for Development: Implementation Challenges
• Role of Civil Society and NGOs in Development Processes
• Statutory and Regulatory Authorities: Civil Services in Democracy
• Good Governance and E-Governance: Transparency, Accountability, Citizen’s Charter, RTI, Public Service Act, Social Audit

Ethics in Public Service and Knowledge of Law

• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants, Consequences
• Human Values: Harmony in Relationships, Gender Equity, Role of Institutions, Lessons from Leaders
• Attitude: Functions, Influence, Moral and Political Attitudes, Emotional Intelligence
• Concept of Public Service: Governance Ethics, Professionalism, Leadership, Work Culture, Ethical Issues
• Basic Knowledge of Laws: Constitution, Civil and Criminal Laws, Labour Laws, Cyber Laws, Tax Laws

Paper IV – Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh (Degree Standard) Total Marks: 150 Medium: English/Telugu Duration: 180 Minutes

• Challenges of Indian Economy:

• Inconsistent Growth
• Low Agricultural and Manufacturing Growth
• Inflation, Oil Prices, Current Account Deficit
• Falling Rupee Value, NPAs, Capital Infusion
• Money Laundering, Black Money
• Insufficient Financial Resources, Capital Deficiency
• Lack of Inclusive and Sustainable Development

• Resource Mobilization in Indian Economy:
• Sources of Financial Resources: Public and Private Sectors
• Budgetary Resources, Tax Revenue, Non-Tax Revenue
• Public Debt, Market Borrowings, External Debt
• Monetary and Fiscal Policies
• Financial Markets and Developmental Finance
• Investment in Industries and Infrastructure
• Energy Resources
• Resource Mobilization in Andhra Pradesh:
• Budgetary Resources and Constraints
• Fulfillment of A.P Bifurcation Act Conditions
• Central Assistance, Conflict Issues
• Public Debt, External Assistance Projects
• Mineral, Forest, and Water Resources
• Government Budgeting:
• Structure and Components of Government Budget
• Budgeting Process, Types of Budget, Deficits
• Union Budget Highlights, GST, Fiscal Federalism
• Finance Commission Recommendations
• State Budgeting, Central Assistance Issues
• Inclusive Growth:
• Causes of Exclusion, Strategies for Inclusion
• Poverty Alleviation, Employment, Health, Education
• Women Empowerment, Social Welfare Schemes
• Food Security, Public Distribution System
• Sustainable Agriculture, Financial Inclusion
• Agricultural Development:
• Role in Economic Development, Finance, Marketing
• Green Revolution, Focus on Dryland Farming, Organic Farming
• Minimum Support Prices, Swaminathan Commission
• Government Schemes for Agricultural Promotion
• Agricultural Development in Andhra Pradesh:
• Contribution to SGDP, Regional Disparities
• Horticulture, Fisheries, Dairying Promotion
• Government Schemes for Agricultural Development
• Industrial Development and Policy:
• Role in Economic Development, Industrial Policy Evolution
• Public Sector Contribution, Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization
• Problems, Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Policy
• Make-in India, Start-up Program, Industrial Corridors
• Industrial Policy of the AP Government:
• Incentives, Industrial Corridors, SEZs
• Bottlenecks, Power Projects
• Infrastructure in India:
• Transport, Communication, Energy, Urban Infrastructure
• Public-Private Partnership, Pricing Policies
• Environmental Impacts
• Infrastructure Development in Andhra Pradesh:
• Transport, Energy, ICT Infrastructure
• Government Policy, Ongoing Projects.

Paper V – Science and Technology (Degree Standard) Total Marks: 150 Medium: English/Telugu Duration: 180 Minutes

1) Integration of Science, Technology, and Innovation:

• Role in Human Life, Everyday Applications
• National Policies, India’s Contributions
• Concerns, Challenges, Role in Nation Building
• Major Scientific Institutes in AP and India
• Achievements of Indian Scientists

2) Information and Communication Technology (ICT):

• Importance, Advantages, Challenges
• E-Governance, Cyber Crime, Security Policies
• Government Policies, IT Development in AP and India

3) Indian Space Programme:

• Past, Present, and Future
• ISRO Activities, Achievements
• Satellite Programmes, Applications
• Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)

4) Indian Energy Needs and Resources:

• Clean Energy, Energy Policy
• Conventional and Non-Conventional Resources
• Nuclear Policy, International Stands

5) Development vs. Environment:

• Depletion of Natural Resources, Conservation Policies
• Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Development
• Climate Change, Natural Disasters, Environmental Legislation

6) Environmental Pollution and Solid Waste Management:

• Sources, Impacts, Control Measures
• Air, Water, Soil Pollution, Noise Pollution
• Solid Waste Management, Recycling, Global Environmental Issues

7) Biotechnology and Nanotechnology:

• Scope, Applications, Ethical Concerns
• Government Policies, Genetic Engineering
• Biodiversity, Fermentation, Immuno-Diagnosis Techniques

8) Human Diseases and Biotechnology:

• Common Infections, Preventive Measures
• Introduction to Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Applications
• Vaccines, Transgenic Animals

9) Intellectual Property Rights in Science and Technology:

• Issues, Promotion of Science in AP and India.