UPSC Indian Society Syllabus

A Comprehensive & Logical Index for Prelims & Mains Examination

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Navigate through the multifaceted dimensions of Indian Society crucial for your UPSC examination. This interactive index provides a structured, logical, and detailed breakdown of topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for both Prelims and Mains.

Key Focus: Understanding the basic sociological concepts, the historical evolution of Indian society, and its inherent diversity. Crucial for foundational understanding across all papers.
1.1: Introduction to Indian Society
  • 1.1.1: Core Concepts & Definitions
    • 1.1.1.1: Society, Community, Association, Institution, Culture, Social Structure, Social Function
    • 1.1.1.2: Understanding Indian Society: Unique characteristics, Historical context, Pluralism
  • 1.1.2: Historical Evolution of Indian Society
    • 1.1.2.1: Ancient Period: Varna System, Jati, Village Communities, Early Urbanization (Indus Valley)
    • 1.1.2.2: Medieval Period: Bhakti-Sufi movements, Syncretic traditions, Emergence of new social groups
    • 1.1.2.3: Colonial Period: Impact of British rule on social structures, land systems, education, modern institutions. Role of social reform movements.
1.2: Diversity of India: Dimensions & Significance
  • 1.2.1: Linguistic Diversity
    • 1.2.1.1: Major Language Families (Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burman) - distribution, features.
    • 1.2.1.2: Constitutional Provisions: Eighth Schedule (22 languages, amendments & additions), Official Languages Act 1963.
    • 1.2.1.3: Classical Language Status: Criteria, list of languages, significance, current debates.
    • 1.2.1.4: Endangered Languages: Causes of decline, government initiatives (SPPEL, CIIL), UNESCO's role (International Decade of Indigenous Languages).
    • 1.2.1.5: Language Politics & Regionalism: Anti-Hindi agitation, linguistic reorganization of states (historical context & implications), border disputes.
    • 1.2.1.6: Multilingualism: Advantages, challenges in education (Three-Language Formula, NEP 2020 focus on mother tongue), digital divide.
  • 1.2.2: Religious Diversity
    • 1.2.2.1: Major Religions of India: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Tribal Religions (Sarna, etc.) - historical origins, key tenets, distribution.
    • 1.2.2.2: Syncretic Traditions & Inter-faith Dialogue: Bhakti-Sufi movements, shared shrines, secularism as a value.
    • 1.2.2.3: Religious Minorities: Constitutional safeguards (Arts 25-30), challenges faced, Sachar Committee Report, PMMVY, Nai Roshni.
  • 1.2.3: Ethnic and Racial Diversity
    • 1.2.3.1: Major Racial Classifications: Caucasoid, Mongoloid, Negrito, Australoid (historical perspectives & modern critiques).
    • 1.2.3.2: Tribal Populations: Anthropological classifications, geographical distribution, unique cultural practices.
    • 1.2.3.3: Regional Variations in ethnicity & its socio-political implications (e.g., North-East).
  • 1.2.4: Cultural and Regional Diversity
    • 1.2.4.1: Diversities in Dress, Cuisine, Festivals, Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre), Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture), Craft traditions.
    • 1.2.4.2: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list from India, GI Tags for traditional products.
    • 1.2.4.3: Folk Traditions, Oral Histories, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
  • 1.2.5: Unity in Diversity: Mechanisms & Challenges
    • 1.2.5.1: Constitutional Framework: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles.
    • 1.2.5.2: Shared History, National Symbols, Pilgrimage circuits, All India Services.
    • 1.2.5.3: Challenges to Unity: Communalism, Regionalism, Casteism, Separatist movements, External forces.
    • 1.2.5.4: Role of Media, Education, and Civil Society in fostering unity.
Key Focus: Delving into the core structures of Indian society, particularly family, marriage, caste, and gender. These are vital for understanding social dynamics and policies.
2.1: Family & Kinship
  • 2.1.1: Family Structures
    • 2.1.1.1: Types of Family: Nuclear, Joint, Extended - definition, advantages, disadvantages.
    • 2.1.1.2: Residence Patterns: Patrilocal, Matrilocal, Neolocal.
    • 2.1.1.3: Authority Patterns: Patriarchal, Matriarchal (e.g., Khasi, Garo) - prevalence, challenges.
  • 2.1.2: Kinship Systems
    • 2.1.2.1: Rules of Descent: Patrilineal, Matrilineal, Bilateral.
    • 2.1.2.2: Kinship Terminology: Classificatory vs. Descriptive.
    • 2.1.2.3: Role of Kinship in social organization, marriage alliances, economic cooperation.
  • 2.1.3: Changing Family Dynamics
    • 2.1.3.1: Impact of Urbanization, Industrialization, Globalization, Migration on family structures (e.g., breakdown of joint family, rise of nuclear families, single-parent families, elderly neglect).
    • 2.1.3.2: Live-in Relationships: Legal status, societal acceptance, challenges.
    • 2.1.3.3: Role of Family in Socialization, economic support, and care for vulnerable members.
2.2: Marriage
  • 2.2.1: Traditional Forms & Practices
    • 2.2.1.1: Hindu Marriage: Samskara, types (e.g., Brahma, Gandharva), endogamy, exogamy rules (gotra, sapinda).
    • 2.2.1.2: Muslim Marriage: Nikah, Mahr, Talaq.
    • 2.2.1.3: Tribal Marriage Systems: Bride price, elopement, service marriage.
    • 2.2.1.4: Special Marriage Act, 1954: Provisions for inter-faith/inter-caste marriages, secular alternative.
  • 2.2.2: Changing Trends in Marriage
    • 2.2.2.1: Inter-caste and Inter-religious Marriages: Increasing acceptance, challenges (e.g., honour killings).
    • 2.2.2.2: Late Marriages, increasing age at marriage.
    • 2.2.2.3: Marital Breakdown: Rising divorce rates, causes, impact on children.
    • 2.2.2.4: Same-Sex Marriage: Legal debates, societal acceptance, international comparisons.
  • 2.2.3: Challenges in Marriage
    • 2.2.3.1: Dowry System: Causes, social implications, anti-dowry laws (Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, 498A IPC), implementation challenges.
    • 2.2.3.2: Child Marriage: Causes, impact on health & education, legal framework (Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006), government initiatives.
    • 2.2.3.3: Marital Rape: Legal debates, arguments for and against criminalization, societal implications.
2.3: Caste System
  • 2.3.1: Features & Origins
    • 2.3.1.1: Varna vs. Jati: Theoretical vs. operational aspects.
    • 2.3.1.2: Key Characteristics: Hierarchy, Endogamy, Hereditary occupation, Restrictions on food & social interaction.
    • 2.3.1.3: Debates on Origin: Religious, Racial, Occupational theories.
  • 2.3.2: Untouchability & Discrimination
    • 2.3.2.1: Historical Context: Practices, impact on social mobility & dignity.
    • 2.3.2.2: Constitutional Abolition: Article 17, Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.
    • 2.3.2.3: Persistence of Untouchability: Forms of discrimination (manual scavenging, social boycott), challenges in implementation of laws.
  • 2.3.3: Changes & Continuities in Caste
    • 2.3.3.1: Impact of Modernization: Urbanization, Industrialization, Education, Democracy, Mass Media.
    • 2.3.3.2: Concepts: Sanskritization, Westernization, Dominant Caste.
    • 2.3.3.3: Caste in Modern Politics: Caste-based mobilization, vote-bank politics, reservation policy debates.
    • 2.3.3.4: Role of Caste Associations, Dalit movements, and identity politics.
  • 2.3.4: Reservation Policy
    • 2.3.4.1: Constitutional Basis: Arts 15, 16, 330, 332, 335, 338, 340, 341, 342.
    • 2.3.4.2: Types of Reservation: SC, ST, OBC, EWS – criteria, percentage.
    • 2.3.4.3: Debates: Creamy Layer, Sub-categorization, Adequacy of representation, Impact on merit, Judicial pronouncements (Indra Sawhney).
    • 2.3.4.4: Reservation in Promotions, Private Sector reservation debates.
2.4: Gender Roles & Women's Issues
  • 2.4.1: Patriarchy & Gender Inequality
    • 2.4.1.1: Understanding Patriarchy: Social construction of gender, historical roots.
    • 2.4.1.2: Manifestations: Gender roles in family, education, economy, politics.
    • 2.4.1.3: Gender Stereotypes and their impact on opportunities & well-being.
  • 2.4.2: Status of Women in India
    • 2.4.2.1: Health: MMR, IMR, Anaemia, Reproductive health challenges, Nutrition.
    • 2.4.2.2: Education: Literacy rates, enrolment, dropout rates, STEM participation, gender disparity in higher education.
    • 2.4.2.3: Economic Participation: Workforce participation rates (rural/urban), Wage gap, Informal sector, unpaid work, Gig economy impact on women.
    • 2.4.2.4: Political Representation: Women in Parliament & State Assemblies, Local self-governance (73rd/74th Amendment), Women's Reservation Bill.
  • 2.4.3: Violence Against Women (VAW)
    • 2.4.3.1: Types: Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment (workplace & public spaces), Acid Attacks, Honour Killings, Female Foeticide/Infanticide, Dowry Deaths, Trafficking.
    • 2.4.3.2: Legal Frameworks: Domestic Violence Act 2005, POCSO Act, IPC amendments (Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013, Nirbhaya Act 2013).
    • 2.4.3.3: Challenges in reporting & prosecution, role of social stigma.
  • 2.4.4: Women's Empowerment & Government Initiatives
    • 2.4.4.1: Definition & Dimensions of Empowerment (Economic, Social, Political, Psychological).
    • 2.4.4.2: Schemes: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mahila Shakti Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, One Stop Centres.
    • 2.4.4.3: Role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) - successes and challenges (e.g., NRLM, Microfinance).
    • 2.4.4.4: National Commission for Women (NCW), Gender Budgeting.
  • 2.4.5: Gender Justice & Evolving Debates
    • 2.4.5.1: Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Arguments for and against, implications for gender equality, religious personal laws.
    • 2.4.5.2: Women in Armed Forces & Police: Challenges and opportunities.
    • 2.4.5.3: Intersectionality of gender with caste, class, religion, disability.
Key Focus: Examines the transformative forces shaping Indian society, including globalization, urbanization, and demographic shifts. Essential for contemporary issues analysis.
3.1: Globalization & Its Impact on Indian Society
  • 3.1.1: Understanding Globalization
    • 3.1.1.1: Definition, Dimensions (Economic, Political, Cultural, Technological).
    • 3.1.1.2: Drivers of Globalization (Technology, Trade liberalization, MNCs).
  • 3.1.2: Economic Impact
    • 3.1.2.1: LPG Reforms (1991): Impact on economic growth, employment, income inequality, informal sector.
    • 3.1.2.2: Rise of MNCs and FDI: Opportunities and challenges (e.g., labour issues, environmental impact).
    • 3.1.2.3: Consumerism: Changing consumption patterns, impact on savings, materialism.
    • 3.1.2.4: Impact on Agriculture (e.g., contract farming), Industry (e.g., deindustrialization), Service Sector (e.g., IT boom, BPO).
    • 3.1.2.5: Gig Economy & Platform Work: Opportunities, challenges (social security, labour rights).
  • 3.1.3: Cultural Impact
    • 3.1.3.1: Westernization, Modernization, Sanskritization (Revisited).
    • 3.1.3.2: Homogenization vs. Glocalization: Spread of global culture vs. local adaptation (e.g., fast food, entertainment).
    • 3.1.3.3: Impact on Family, Marriage, Youth Culture, Language (e.g., rise of English).
    • 3.1.3.4: Revival of Traditional Arts & Crafts (e.g., global market access for GI products).
    • 3.1.3.5: Influence of Social Media & Digital Culture.
  • 3.1.4: Social & Political Impact
    • 3.1.4.1: Impact on Social Institutions: Education (privatization, commercialization), Health (medical tourism), Religion (globalization of religious movements).
    • 3.1.4.2: Changing Values & Norms: Individualism, human rights awareness, environmental consciousness.
    • 3.1.4.3: Rise of New Social Movements: Environmental, Human Rights, LGBTQ+ rights, Anti-globalization.
    • 3.1.4.4: Impact on Governance: Transparency, accountability, e-governance, role of international NGOs.
3.2: Urbanization, its Problems & Remedies
  • 3.2.1: Trends & Causes of Urbanization in India
    • 3.2.1.1: Rate & Patterns of Urbanization: Demographic trends, growth of mega-cities, census definitions.
    • 3.2.1.2: Causes: Rural-urban migration (push & pull factors), industrialization, service sector growth.
  • 3.2.2: Problems of Urbanization
    • 3.2.2.1: Housing & Slums: Inadequate housing, growth of informal settlements, health & safety issues.
    • 3.2.2.2: Infrastructure Deficiencies: Water supply, sanitation, waste management, electricity, transport congestion.
    • 3.2.2.3: Environmental Pollution: Air, Water, Noise pollution, waste disposal challenges.
    • 3.2.2.4: Social Problems: Crime, homelessness, social isolation, mental health issues, challenges for vulnerable groups.
    • 3.2.2.5: Urban Governance Challenges: Multiplicity of agencies, lack of coordination, financial constraints.
  • 3.2.3: Urban Planning & Government Initiatives
    • 3.2.3.1: Smart Cities Mission: Objectives, components, progress, challenges.
    • 3.2.3.2: AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): Objectives, focus areas.
    • 3.2.3.3: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Sanitation, waste management.
    • 3.2.3.4: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U): Affordable housing.
    • 3.2.3.5: HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana).
    • 3.2.3.6: Urban Governance Reforms: Capacity building, citizen participation.
3.3: Demographics & Social Change
  • 3.3.1: Demographic Trends
    • 3.3.1.1: Population Growth (Rate, Causes, Implications).
    • 3.3.1.2: Age Structure: Youth bulge (Demographic Dividend), Ageing population (challenges & opportunities).
    • 3.3.1.3: Sex Ratio: Trends, causes of decline, government interventions (e.g., PCPNDT Act, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao).
    • 3.3.1.4: Fertility & Mortality Rates: TFR, IMR, MMR trends and their social impact.
    • 3.3.1.5: Migration (Internal & International): Causes, patterns, impact on sender and receiver regions.
  • 3.3.2: Demographic Dividend
    • 3.3.2.1: Definition & Prerequisites for reaping dividend (Education, Health, Skill Development, Employment).
    • 3.3.2.2: Challenges in realizing dividend: Skilling gap, job creation, health infrastructure.
  • 3.3.3: Ageing Population
    • 3.3.3.1: Trends and implications for social security, healthcare, intergenerational relationships.
    • 3.3.3.2: Policies and Schemes for Elderly: National Policy on Older Persons, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, Senior Citizen Welfare Fund.
Key Focus: Tackling pressing social challenges like poverty, unemployment, communalism, and regionalism. These are recurring themes in Mains GS1 and GS2.
4.1: Poverty & Development Issues
  • 4.1.1: Dimensions of Poverty
    • 4.1.1.1: Absolute vs. Relative Poverty.
    • 4.1.1.2: Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Components, India's performance.
    • 4.1.1.3: Poverty Lines & Estimation Debates (Tendulkar, Rangarajan Committees).
  • 4.1.2: Causes of Poverty in India
    • 4.1.2.1: Economic: Unemployment, Low productivity, Inflation, Debt, Lack of assets.
    • 4.1.2.2: Social: Caste, Gender, Disability, Illiteracy, Lack of access to basic services.
    • 4.1.2.3: Political/Governance: Corruption, Ineffective implementation of schemes, Exclusion.
  • 4.1.3: Government Poverty Alleviation Programs (Pre & Post LPG)
    • 4.1.3.1: Rural: MGNREGA, PM-KISAN, PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, PMGSY, NRLM (Aajeevika).
    • 4.1.3.2: Urban: NULM (DAY-NULM).
    • 4.1.3.3: Social Security: NSAP (Old age, Widow, Disability pensions), PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY.
    • 4.1.3.4: Food Security: National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA), PDS reforms.
    • 4.1.3.5: Skill Development: Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
  • 4.1.4: Inequality
    • 4.1.4.1: Income & Wealth Inequality: Trends, Gini coefficient, Oxfam reports.
    • 4.1.4.2: Inequality of Opportunity: Access to education, health, digital resources.
    • 4.1.4.3: Regional Disparities: Causes, implications, policy responses.
    • 4.1.4.4: Inclusive Growth: Concept, challenges, strategies.
4.2: Unemployment
  • 4.2.1: Types of Unemployment: Frictional, Structural, Cyclical, Disguised, Seasonal.
  • 4.2.2: Trends in Unemployment: NSSO/PLFS data, Youth Unemployment.
  • 4.2.3: Causes: Jobless growth, Skilling mismatch, Lack of investment, Automation.
  • 4.2.4: Government Initiatives: Make in India, Start-up India, MUDRA, PLI Schemes, National Career Service.
  • 4.2.5: Impact on society: Crime, Social unrest, Mental health issues.
4.3: Communalism
  • 4.3.1: Definition & Nature of Communalism in India
    • 4.3.1.1: Ideology vs. Practice, Historical roots, Stages of Communalism.
  • 4.3.2: Causes & Factors Fanning Communalism
    • 4.3.2.1: Socio-economic disparities, Political exploitation, Hate speech, Misinformation/Disinformation, Role of social media.
  • 4.3.3: Manifestations of Communalism
    • 4.3.3.1: Communal Riots (Causes, Consequences, Rehabilitation).
    • 4.3.3.2: Polarization, Discrimination, Challenges to secular fabric.
  • 4.3.4: Combating Communalism
    • 4.3.4.1: Legal & Administrative Measures: IPC provisions, Police reforms, Role of intelligence agencies.
    • 4.3.4.2: Role of Education, Media, Civil Society, Inter-faith dialogues.
    • 4.3.4.3: Concept of Secularism: Indian vs. Western models, debates on secularism.
4.4: Regionalism
  • 4.4.1: Definition & Causes of Regionalism
    • 4.4.1.1: Geographical, Historical, Linguistic, Economic, Political, Cultural factors.
  • 4.4.2: Manifestations of Regionalism
    • 4.4.2.1: Demands for Separate States (e.g., Gorkhaland, Vidarbha, Bundelkhand, Bodoland) - historical context, ongoing movements.
    • 4.4.2.2: Autonomy Movements (e.g., Kashmir, North-East).
    • 4.4.2.3: Sons of the Soil Doctrine: Implications for migration & employment.
    • 4.4.2.4: Inter-state Disputes (e.g., Water sharing, Border disputes).
  • 4.4.3: Impact of Regionalism
    • 4.4.3.1: Positive: Regional development, cultural preservation, decentralized governance.
    • 4.4.3.2: Negative: National disintegration, violence, economic disruption, administrative challenges.
  • 4.4.4: Addressing Regionalism
    • 4.4.4.1: Constitutional Provisions: Article 371 (special provisions for certain states), Zonal Councils.
    • 4.4.4.2: Development boards, equitable resource allocation, decentralization.
4.5: Social Vices & Crime
  • 4.5.1: Drug Abuse
    • 4.5.1.1: Trends & Causes: Youth vulnerability, cross-border trafficking, pharmaceutical drugs.
    • 4.5.1.2: Impact: Health (physical, mental), Family, Crime, National Security.
    • 4.5.1.3: Legal Framework: NDPS Act, Government Initiatives (Nash Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan), Rehabilitation and Prevention.
  • 4.5.2: Human Trafficking
    • 4.5.2.1: Causes & Forms (Labour, Sexual exploitation, Organ trade, Child trafficking).
    • 4.5.2.2: Legal Framework: Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, IPC provisions, Anti-Trafficking Units.
    • 4.5.2.3: Government Schemes (e.g., Ujjwala Scheme) & International cooperation.
  • 4.5.3: Cybercrime
    • 4.5.3.1: Types: Phishing, Cyberbullying, Online fraud, Dark Web, Ransomware.
    • 4.5.3.2: Social Impact: Privacy concerns, Digital literacy, Vulnerability of elderly & children.
    • 4.5.3.3: Legal Framework: IT Act 2000, National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, CERT-In.
  • 4.5.4: Juvenile Delinquency & Children in Conflict with Law
    • 4.5.4.1: Causes, Trends, Social Impact.
    • 4.5.4.2: Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, Child Protection Services.
Key Focus: Detailed examination of vulnerable sections, welfare schemes, and the role of institutions like NGOs in achieving social justice. Crucial for GS2.
5.1: Vulnerable Sections of Society
  • 5.1.1: Scheduled Castes (SCs)
    • 5.1.1.1: Historical Disadvantage & Discrimination.
    • 5.1.1.2: Constitutional & Legal Safeguards: Article 17, Protection of Civil Rights Act, SC/ST (PoA) Act.
    • 5.1.1.3: Welfare Schemes: Post-matric scholarships, special component plan, Self-Employment Scheme for Safai Karamcharis.
    • 5.1.1.4: National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
  • 5.1.2: Scheduled Tribes (STs)
    • 5.1.2.1: Definition & Distribution: PVTGs (criteria, challenges, specific schemes).
    • 5.1.2.2: Challenges: Displacement, Land alienation, Exploitation, Health, Education, Naxalism.
    • 5.1.2.3: Constitutional & Legal Safeguards: Fifth & Sixth Schedules, PESA Act 1996, Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006.
    • 5.1.2.4: Welfare Schemes: Tribal Sub-Plan, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, PM Van Dhan Yojana, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
    • 5.1.2.5: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
  • 5.1.3: Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
    • 5.1.3.1: Historical Context: Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar), Mandal Commission, Judicial pronouncements.
    • 5.1.3.2: Constitutional Provisions: Article 340, National Commission for Backward Classes (Constitutional status).
    • 5.1.3.3: Reservation Policy (detailed re-visit from 2.3.4 if needed, focusing on OBC specifics like creamy layer).
  • 5.1.4: Minorities (Religious & Linguistic)
    • 5.1.4.1: Constitutional Safeguards: Arts 29, 30, 350A, 350B.
    • 5.1.4.2: Challenges faced: Discrimination, identity issues, security.
    • 5.1.4.3: Sachar Committee Report & Ranganath Misra Commission Report recommendations.
    • 5.1.4.4: Welfare Schemes: Nai Roshni, Hamari Dharohar, Naya Savera (Free Coaching & Allied Scheme), Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).
    • 5.1.4.5: National Commission for Minorities, Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities.
  • 5.1.5: Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
    • 5.1.5.1: Definition & Categories of Disabilities.
    • 5.1.5.2: Challenges: Accessibility, Education, Employment, Social stigma, Healthcare.
    • 5.1.5.3: Legal Framework: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPWD Act), UNCRPD (UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
    • 5.1.5.4: Government Initiatives: Accessible India Campaign (AIC), Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), UDID Card, Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP).
  • 5.1.6: Children
    • 5.1.6.1: Rights of Children: Protection, Participation, Development.
    • 5.1.6.2: Challenges: Child labour, Child trafficking, Child abuse, Malnutrition, Education gaps, Child sexual abuse.
    • 5.1.6.3: Legal & Policy Framework: POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Prohibition of Child Labour Act, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), ICPS (Integrated Child Protection Scheme).
    • 5.1.6.4: Government Schemes: Poshan Abhiyaan, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Early Childhood Care and Education (NEP 2020).
  • 5.1.7: LGBTQ+ Community
    • 5.1.7.1: Historical Context & Social Stigma.
    • 5.1.7.2: Legal Milestones: NALSA judgment (transgender rights), Navtej Singh Johar judgment (decriminalization of Section 377), Marriage equality debate.
    • 5.1.7.3: Challenges: Discrimination, Violence, Mental health, Access to healthcare, Legal recognition of relationships.
    • 5.1.7.4: Government & Civil Society initiatives for inclusion.
5.2: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections (Cross-Cutting)
  • 5.2.1: Overview of major schemes for each vulnerable group (detailed earlier).
  • 5.2.2: Implementation Challenges
    • 5.2.2.1: Leakages, Corruption, Lack of awareness, Bureaucratic hurdles, Targeting issues, Last-mile delivery.
  • 5.2.3: Evaluation & Impact Assessment
    • 5.2.3.1: Effectiveness of schemes in achieving stated objectives.
    • 5.2.3.2: Role of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in reducing leakages.
  • 5.2.4: Institutional Framework for Social Welfare
    • 5.2.4.1: Role of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Minority Affairs.
    • 5.2.4.2: National Commissions (SC, ST, OBC, Women, Minorities, Child Rights, PWDs).
5.3: Role of NGOs, SHGs & Civil Society
  • 5.3.1: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
    • 5.3.1.1: Definition, Types, Role in governance, advocacy, service delivery (education, health, environment, human rights).
    • 5.5.1.2: Challenges: Funding, Transparency, Accountability, Regulatory environment (FCRA Act changes).
  • 5.3.2: Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
    • 5.3.2.1: Concept, Structure, Functioning, Linkage with banks (SHG-Bank Linkage Programme).
    • 5.3.2.2: Impact on Women's Empowerment, Poverty Alleviation, Financial Inclusion (e.g., NRLM's role).
    • 5.3.2.3: Challenges: Sustainability, Capacity building, Market linkages.
  • 5.3.3: Other Stakeholders
    • 5.3.3.1: Donors, Charities, Philanthropic organizations.
    • 5.3.3.2: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its impact.
    • 5.3.3.3: Role of Media, Academia, Think Tanks in shaping public discourse and policy.
5.4: Education
  • 5.4.1: Constitutional Provisions & Policy Evolution
    • 5.4.1.1: Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009: Salient features, challenges, achievements.
    • 5.4.1.2: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Key recommendations (curriculum reform, foundational literacy/numeracy, higher education, multilingualism, technology integration), implementation challenges.
  • 5.4.2: Challenges in Indian Education System
    • 5.4.2.1: Access, Equity, Quality (learning outcomes), Retention.
    • 5.4.2.2: Infrastructure gaps, Teacher shortages, Digital Divide in education.
    • 5.4.2.3: Vocational Education & Skill Gap.
  • 5.4.3: Government Initiatives & Programs
    • 5.4.3.1: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
    • 5.4.3.2: Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN).
    • 5.4.3.3: Digital Initiatives: SWAYAM, SWAYAM PRABHA, National Digital Library, DIKSHA.
    • 5.4.3.4: Higher Education Reforms: UGC, AICTE, HEIs.
    • 5.4.3.5: Skill India Mission (revisit 4.1.3.5).
5.5: Health
  • 5.5.1: Health Status in India
    • 5.5.1.1: Health Indicators: IMR, MMR, Life Expectancy, Disease Burden (Communicable & Non-communicable diseases, Malnutrition).
    • 5.5.1.2: Urban-Rural & Interstate Disparities in Health Outcomes.
  • 5.5.2: Challenges in Health Sector
    • 5.5.2.1: Access, Affordability, Quality of care.
    • 5.5.2.2: Infrastructure Deficiencies (Hospitals, PHCs, CHCs).
    • 5.5.2.3: Human Resources (Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics) shortage and maldistribution.
    • 5.5.2.4: Funding gaps, Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE).
    • 5.5.2.5: Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), new pandemics (e.g., COVID-19 & lessons learned).
  • 5.5.3: Government Health Programs & Policies
    • 5.5.3.1: National Health Mission (NHM) - Rural & Urban components.
    • 5.5.3.2: Ayushman Bharat: PMJAY (health insurance), Health & Wellness Centres.
    • 5.5.3.3: Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A).
    • 5.5.3.4: National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan).
    • 5.5.3.5: Public Health System vs. Private Healthcare: Regulation, role of private sector.
  • 5.5.4: Ayush & Traditional Medicine
    • 5.5.4.1: Role of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in healthcare.
    • 5.5.4.2: Integration with modern medicine.
Key Focus: Contemporary topics like technology's impact, social movements, and the evolving nature of work. Essential for current affairs and holistic understanding.
6.1: Role of Technology in Social Change & Development
  • 6.1.1: Digital India Initiative & its Social Impact
    • 6.1.1.1: Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for social welfare.
    • 6.1.1.2: Digital Literacy & Financial Inclusion.
    • 6.1.1.3: E-governance, Online public services (e.g., e-health, e-education, e-courts).
  • 6.1.2: Challenges of Digital Transformation
    • 6.1.2.1: Digital Divide (access, affordability, literacy) - rural-urban, gender, income disparities.
    • 6.1.2.2: Privacy Concerns, Data Security, Misinformation/Fake News.
    • 6.1.2.3: Cyberbullying, Online fraud, Social media addiction.
  • 6.1.3: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Society
    • 6.1.3.1: Impact on Employment (job displacement, creation of new jobs), Skill requirements.
    • 6.1.3.2: Ethical concerns (bias, fairness, accountability), Governance of AI.
    • 6.1.3.3: Potential for social good (healthcare diagnostics, disaster management, personalized education).
6.2: Social Movements in India
  • 6.2.1: Typology of Social Movements
    • 6.2.1.1: Peasant Movements (Historical & Contemporary: Farmers' protests).
    • 6.2.1.2: Labour Movements (Trade Unions, changing nature of work).
    • 6.2.1.3: Environmental Movements (Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Climate Action).
    • 6.2.1.4: Women's Movements (Phases, key demands, impact on legislation).
    • 6.2.1.5: Dalit Movements, Tribal Movements (Land rights, identity).
    • 6.2.1.6: Human Rights Movements, LGBTQ+ Rights movements.
  • 6.2.2: Role of Social Movements in Social Change
    • 6.2.2.1: Awareness creation, Policy advocacy, Challenging status quo, Empowering marginalized.
    • 6.2.2.2: Impact on Legislation & Public Discourse.
6.3: Changing Nature of Work & Labour
  • 6.3.1: Informal vs. Formal Sector: Size, characteristics, challenges for informal workers.
  • 6.3.2: Gig Economy: Definition, growth, labour rights, social security.
  • 6.3.3: Automation & Future of Work: Impact on job losses/creation, reskilling.
  • 6.3.4: Labour Codes: Rationalization of labour laws, impact on workers & industry.

Tips for Effective Study

Inter-disciplinary Approach

Connect topics across GS papers (e.g., social issues with governance, economy, security). Understand the multi-dimensional nature of problems.

Current Affairs Integration

Continuously update your knowledge with recent government initiatives, reports, and current events related to each syllabus point.

Answer Writing Practice

Practice structuring answers, incorporating facts, data, committee recommendations, and constitutional provisions. Focus on both analytical and critical thinking.