GPSC
GPSC Syllabus (2025)
What Is Gujarat Public Service Commission?
Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) is an exam conducting body of the Govt. of Gujarat which conducts the prestigious Gujarat Administrative Service, Class- 1 and Gujarat Civil Service, Class 1 & 2 examination across the state. The exam is divided into three parts – Preliminary, Mains Examinations and Personality Test. After passing through all the stages, the candidate is allotted a particular service vis-a-vis Dy. Collector, Dy. Superintendent of Police, Mamlatdar, Taluka Development Officer, Section Officer etc. according to his/her rank. All the candidates who qualify for the Gujarat Administrative Service, Class- 1 and Gujarat Civil Service, Class 1 & 2 examination are gazzeted officers to the Govt. of Gujarat.
For a candidate to appear for the examination, he/she should be at least 20 years of age on the last date of online application and not be more than 35 years of age on the last date of online application. Upper age limit shall be relaxed as per government notification. He/She should at least be in the final semester/year of graduation but the candidate has to qualify and submit the required qualification as advertised before the last date of submitting application for Mains examination.
GPSC- Gujarat Administrative Services Class I and Gujarat Civil Services (Class-I & Class-II) EXAM PAPER PATTERN
Exam | Marks |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | 200 |
| Mains Examination | 1250 |
| Interview | 150 |
GPSC Syllabus - Preliminary Examination
| Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Studies | 200 |
NOTE
- Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice papers).
- The question papers will be set in both Gujarati and English.
- It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the papers of examination for the purpose of evaluation.
- Total 200 questions, one mark for each questions.
Syllabus of Preliminary Examination for Gujarat Administrative Services, Class-1, Gujarat Civil Service, Class-1 and Class-2 and Gujarat Municipal Chief Officer Service, Class-2
1. History and Culture
- Indus valley civilisation, Vedic age, Jainism and Buddhism.
- Contact with Central Asia and its consequences.
- Major Dynasties of Ancient, Medieval and Modern India and Gujarat – Their rulers, Administration, Social, Religious and Economic conditions, etc.
- The Bhakti Movement and Sufism.
- The arrival of Europeans in India and their struggle for supremacy, Company rule in India, Establishment and expansion of British rule in India, Indian war of Independence – 1857 in India and Gujarat, Religious and social reform movements in India and Gujarat in the 19th century, India’s freedom movement, Indian Revolutionaries in India and abroad.
- National leaders and their contributions in various fields.
- Post-Independence India and Gujarat.
- Cultural heritage of India and Gujarat: Art forms, Literature, Sculpture, Architecture, Music, Dances, etc.
- The Saintly tradition of India and Gujarat and its influence on psyche of people.
- Life traditions of India and Gujarat, Fairs, Festivals, Food and Costumes, etc.
- Museums of Gujarat, Library activities, Cultural-Religious and Literary importance, Gujarati Theatre: Plays, Songs and various Theatre groups, etc.
- Life of Adivasi (Tribes): Festivals, Fairs, Costumes, Rituals, etc.
- Gujarati Literature: Modes, Streams, Litterateurs, Literary work and Literary Organizations, Gujarati language and dialects, etc.
- Pilgrimage and Tourist Places of Gujarat.
2. Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations
- Indian Constitution: Origin and Evolution, Features, Important provisions of the Constitution, Important Constitutional Amendments, Basic Structure, Matters related to the Federal Structure, etc.
- Constitutional Authorities: Powers, Functions and Responsibilities. Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies.
- Local self-government institutions.
- Judiciary in India – Structure and functions, judicial review, Public Interest Litigation, Landmark Judgments, etc.
- India’s Foreign Policy – International Relations – Important Institutions, Agencies, Various Organizations, their Structure and Functioning, etc.
- Important Policies and Programmes of Central and State Government.
3.Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numerical Ability
- Data Interpretation: Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency
4. Economy of India and Gujarat
- Basic concepts and notions of Economics.
- Indian Economy on the eve of Independence, Planning exercise in India; models and shift in focus over a period of time etc. New Economic Reforms, NITI Aayog, etc.
- Agriculture sector: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation etc., Institutional Structure – Land Reforms in India; Technological change in agriculture, Pricing of agricultural inputs and outputs; Terms of trade between agriculture and industry; Agricultural Finance Policy; Marketing and Warehousing; Issues in Food Security and Public Distribution System, Green Revolution, Policies for Sustainable agriculture and Organic farming, etc.
- Industrial policy; Public sector enterprises; Privatization and disinvestments; Growth and pattern of industrialization; Small-scale sector; Productivity in industrial sector; Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and industrialization, Foreign investment and competition policy, etc.
- Infrastructure in Indian Economy: Infrastructure facilities; Water supply and Sanitation, Energy and Power, Science and Technology, Rural and Urban infrastructure facilities, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, Telecommunication, Social Impact Assessment, etc.
- Trends and patterns in structure of population over a period of time – Growth rate, Gender, Rural- Urban migration, Literacy, Regional; Structure and trends of Poverty and Inequality; Unemployment – trends, structure and National Rural Employment Policies. Various indicators of development, etc.
- Indian Public finance system: Indian tax system, Public expenditure, Public debt, Deficit and subsidies in the Indian economy, Centre-State financial relation, Recent fiscal and monetary policy issues and their impact, Goods and Service Tax (GST), etc.
- Trend, composition, structure and direction of India’s foreign trade. India’s Balance of payments Situation in post reforms period, etc.
- Economy of Gujarat: Social sector in Gujarat; Education, Health, and Nutrition. Gujarat’s economy in recent decades, major problems of agriculture in relation to India and major states, forests, water resources, mining, industry and service sector. Policies for the development of economic and social infrastructure, etc.
5. Geography
- General Geography: Earth in Solar system, Motion of the Earth, Concept of time, Season, Internal Structure of the Earth, Major landforms and their features. Atmosphere – structure and composition, Elements and factors of climate, Airmasses and Fronts, Atmospheric disturbances, Climate change. Oceans: Physical, Chemical and Biological characteristics, Hydrological Disasters, Marine and Continental resources, etc.
- Physical Geography in relation to World, India and Gujarat: Major physical divisions, Earthquakes, landslides, Natural drainage, Seasonal Climate Regions, Atmospheric disturbance, Cyclone, Natural Vegetation: Parks and Sanctuaries. Major Soil types, Rocks and Minerals, etc.
- Social Geography in relation to World, India and Gujarat : Distribution, Density, Growth, Sex-ratio, Literacy, Occupational Structure, SC and ST Population, Ethnic group, Linguistic group, Rural-Urban components, Urbanization and Migration, Metropolitan regions, etc.
- Economic Geography: Major sectors of economy, Agriculture, Industry and Services-their salient features. Basic Industries-Agro, Mineral, Forest, Fuel and Manpower based Industries, Transport and Trade, etc.
- Geography in the context of current trends.
6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Science and Technology: Nature and Scope of Science & Technology, Relevance of Science & Technology to the day to day life, National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation; Various institutions involved in science, technology and innovation in India; their activities and contribution; Contribution of prominent Indian Scientists, etc.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Nature and Scope of ICT, ICT in day to day life, ICT and Industry, ICT and Governance, Various government schemes promoting the use of ICT, Netiquettes, Cyber Security, National Cyber Crime Policy, etc.
- Technology in Space & Defence: Evolution & development of Indian Space Programme, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and other organisations, their activities and achievements; Various Satellite Programmes. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian missile program,
- Energy Requirement and Efficiency: India’s existing energy needs and deficit, India’s energy resources and dependence, Energy policy of India- Government Policies and Programmes, etc.
- Nuclear Policy of India and its commitment to the world: India’s Nuclear power programme, India’s nuclear cooperation with other countries, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and India, Nuclear weapons policy of India, Various treaties,
conferences and summits on the non-proliferation and prohibition of nuclear weapons, etc. - Environmental Science: Issues and concerns related to environment and its legal aspects, Policies and treaties for the protection of environment at the national and the international level, Biodiversity, Climate change, International initiatives (Policies, Protocols) and India’s commitment, Forest and Wildlife; Legal
framework for Forest and Wildlife Conservation in India. Environmental
Hazards, Pollution and related issues, Carbon emission, Global warming. National Action plans on Climate Change and Disaster management. Health & Environment, etc. - Nature, scope and use/application of Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and other Emerging Technologies; Ethical, Social and Legal issues. Government policies and their impact on human life, etc.
- Various organizations related to science and technology, their functions, and contributions, etc.
General knowledge and Current Events of Regional, National and International Importance.
GPSC MAIN EXAMINATION STRUCTURE (Class 1 & 2 Services)
Purpose of the Mains Exam:
To test the thinking ability, depth of understanding, and analytical skills of candidates.
Questions are framed to be answerable by a well-educated generalist, without the need for specialized study.
Emphasis is on relevant, logical, and meaningful responses that show awareness, clarity, and judgment.
Paper-Wise Exam Scheme
| Paper No. | Nature of Exam | Subject | Duration | Marks | Type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Descriptive | Gujarati Language | 3 Hours | 300 | Qualifying | Minimum 25% required to qualify |
| II | Descriptive | English Language | 3 Hours | 300 | Qualifying | Minimum 25% required to qualify |
| III | Descriptive | Essay | 3 Hours | 250 | Merit-based | 2 essays (1000–1200 words each) |
| IV | Descriptive | General Studies – I | 3 Hours | 250 | Merit-based | History, Culture, Geography |
| V | Descriptive | General Studies – II | 3 Hours | 250 | Merit-based | Polity, Governance, Society |
| VI | Descriptive | General Studies – III | 3 Hours | 250 | Merit-based | Economy, Environment, Sci-Tech |
| VII | Descriptive | General Studies – IV | 3 Hours | 250 | Merit-based | Ethics, Integrity, Case Studies |
Total Marks Distribution
Written Exam (Merit Papers Only: Paper III to VII): 1250 Marks
Personality Test (Interview): 150 Marks
Final Total for Ranking/Selection: 1400 Marks
Medium of Examination:
Gujarati & English
Paper I (Gujarati) and Paper II (English) must be written in their respective languages.
Papers III to VII can be answered in either English or Gujarati as per candidate’s choice.
In case of ambiguity, the English version of the syllabus will be considered final.
પ્રશ્નપત્ર – ૧ : ગુજરાતી (વર્ણનાત્મક)
અંક: 300
માધ્યમ: ગુજરાતી
સમય: 3 કલાક
પ્રકાર: વર્ણનાત્મક + MCQ (OMR આધારિત)
વિભાગવાર અભ્યાસક્રમ:
| ક્રમ | વિષય | શબ્દ મર્યાદા | ફાળવાયેલા ગુણ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | નિબંધ (5માંથી 1) | 250–300 શબ્દો | 40 |
| 2 | વિચાર વિસ્તાર (કાવ્ય/ગદ્ય પરથી, 3માંથી 2) | 100–150 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 3 | સંક્ષેપીકરણ (ગદ્યના 1/3 ભાગમાં) | – | 25 |
| 4 | ગદ્ય સમીક્ષા (છેલ્લા પ્રશ્નોના ઉત્તર) | – | 25 |
| 5 | ઔપચારિક ઉદબોધન | આશરે 150 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 6 | પ્રચાર માધ્યમો માટે નિવેદન | આશરે 100 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 7 | પત્ર લેખન | આશરે 150 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 8 | ચર્ચાપત્ર | આશરે 150 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 9 | અહેવાલ લેખન | આશરે 150 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 10 | સંવાદ લેખન | આશરે 150 શબ્દો | 20 |
| 11 | ભાષાંતર (અંગ્રેજીથી ગુજરાતી) | – | 20 |
| 12 | ગુજરાતી વ્યાકરણ (MCQ) | – | 50 |
વ્યાકરણ વિભાગ (OMR આધારીત MCQ):
કુલ 25 Multiple Choice Questions
દરેક ખોટા જવાબ માટે 0.6 ગુણ નીકાળાશે
એક પ્રશ્ન માટે અનેક જવાબો આપવા પર દંડ લાગશે
કોઈ જવાબ ન આપવા પર પણ દંડ લાગશે
ટિપ્પણી:
OMR શીટમાં સાચો વિકલ્પ સાચી રીતે એનકોડ કરવાનો છે, નહીં તો નેગેટિવ માર્કિંગ લાગુ પડશે.
PAPER 2: ENGLISH (Main Examination)
Total Marks: 300
Medium: English
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Descriptive + Objective
1. Essay Writing
Marks Allotted: 80
Details:
Write one essay from a given list of five topics.
Word Limit: Approx. 500 words
Topics may be related to current affairs, abstract ideas, governance, or social issues.
Assessed for: Structure, clarity, logical flow, originality, and relevance.
2. Precis Writing
Marks Allotted: 70
Details:
Given a passage, write a precis (summary) in about 1/3rd of its original length.
Assessed for: Comprehension, conciseness, coherence, grammar, and expression.
3. Reading Comprehension
Marks Allotted: 70
Details:
One passage will be given.
Candidates will answer short questions based on the passage.
Tests reading skills, inference, contextual understanding, and language interpretation.
4. Translation
Marks Allotted: 20
Details:
Translate a 150-word passage from Gujarati to English.
Assessed for accuracy, grammar, and retention of meaning.
5. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Usage (Objective Type)
Marks Allotted: 60
Details:
30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on:
Grammar rules
Synonyms & Antonyms
Sentence correction
Idioms & Phrases
Tenses, Prepositions, etc.
Negative Marking:
0.6 marks deducted for:
Wrong answers
Multiple answers for one question
No answer marked
PAPER 4: General Studies – 1 (Main Examination)
Total Marks: 250
Medium: English / Gujarati
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Descriptive
Question Paper Structure:
| Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Word Limit per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Answer Type | 10 | 15 | ~150 words | 150 |
| Long Answer Type | 5 | 20 | ~200 words | 100 |
| Total | – | – | – | 250 |
SYLLABUS TOPICS
A. History
Ancient India
Indus Valley Civilization
Vedic Age
Jainism & Buddhism
Development through the Ages
Administrative, Social, Religious, Economic developments from Ancient to Modern India (including Gujarat)
Cultural & Social Movements
Bhakti Movement
19th Century Social Reform Movements in India & Gujarat
Modern Indian History
From mid-18th century to Independence
Important events, personalities, and issues
Freedom Struggle
Phases, key contributors from various regions
Post-Independence Gujarat
Mahagujarat Andolan (State Reorganization Movement)
B. Cultural Heritage
Indian & Gujarati Cultural Heritage
Art, Literature, Architecture, Sculpture, Music, Dance, Theatre
From Ancient to Modern Times
Life Traditions of Gujarat
Fairs, Festivals, Food, Costumes, Customs
Tourism & Pilgrimage
Heritage Sites, Tourist Attractions in Gujarat
Gandhian Thought
Ideology & its Contemporary Relevance
Cultural Landscape of Gujarat
Coastal Communities
Tribal Culture
Other Regional Communities
C. Geography
Physical Geography
Major Landforms, Climate, Soil, Rivers, Vegetation of India and Gujarat
Resources & Industries
Distribution of Natural Resources (Land, Soil, Rocks, Water, Minerals, Vegetation)
Factors for location of industries – Primary, Secondary, Tertiary
Associated challenges & opportunities
Demography
Population structure & dynamics:
Density, Growth, Age-Sex Composition
Urban-Rural Ratio, Migration, Literacy, Language, Religion, SC/ST composition
Population Policies
Geophysical Phenomena
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Volcanoes
Cyclones
Related hazards and mitigation aspects
PAPER 5: General Studies – 2 (Main Examination)
Total Marks: 250
Medium: English / Gujarati
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Descriptive
Question Paper Structure:
| Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Word Limit per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Answer Type | 10 | 15 | ~150 words | 150 |
| Long Answer Type | 5 | 20 | ~200 words | 100 |
| Total | – | – | – | 250 |
SYLLABUS TOPICS
A. Indian Polity and Constitution
Indian Constitution
Salient Features
Basic Structure Doctrine
Important Amendments
Union & State Governments
Functions & Responsibilities
Constitutional Provisions
Federal Structure
Challenges & Issues
Centre-State Relations
Distribution of Powers
Union, State, and Concurrent Lists
Disputes and Judicial Interpretations
Local Self-Government
Panchayati Raj Institutions (73rd Amendment)
Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Constitutional Authorities
Election Commission, CAG, UPSC, Finance Commission, etc.
Powers, Functions & Accountability
Judiciary
Structure, Jurisdiction, Functions
Judicial Review, Judicial Activism
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Landmark Judgments (e.g., Kesavananda, Minerva Mills, etc.)
B. Governance and Social Justice
Role of Civil Services in Democracy
Accountability, Neutrality, Commitment to Constitution
Development Processes & Stakeholders
Role of NGOs, SHGs, Civil Society, Pressure Groups
Statutory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies
NHRC, NCW, NITI Aayog, Lokpal, Lokayukta
Good Governance & e-Governance
RTI Act, Public Service Delivery Act
Citizen’s Charter
Transparency, Accountability & Responsiveness
Challenges and Success Stories in Gujarat & India
Social Sector Management
Education, Health, Skill Development
Policy Reforms, Implementation Challenges
Poverty & Hunger
Definitions, Types, and Measurement (e.g., MPI)
Causes & Consequences
Government Strategies: PDS, MGNREGA, Food Security Act, etc.
C. Indian Society
Core Characteristics & Diversity
Regional, Linguistic, Religious, Social & Cultural Diversity
Unity in Diversity
Family Structures: Joint, Nuclear, Single Parent
Gender Roles, Elderly Care
Women & Society
Changing Role of Women
Gender in Policy & Decision-Making
Key Legislations: POCSO, MTP Act, SHW Act, etc.
Social Challenges
Upliftment of Marginalized Communities (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities)
Communalism, Regionalism, and Secularism: Causes & Policy Response
Globalization & Its Impact
On Culture, Economy, Values, and Social Structures
Consumerism, Westernization, Hybridization
Gujarati Diaspora
Migration Patterns & Historical Trends
Economic, Social, Cultural & Political Contributions Abroad
Community Networks & Global Presence
PAPER 6: General Studies – 3 (Main Examination)
Total Marks: 250
Medium: English / Gujarati
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Descriptive
Question Paper Structure:
| Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks/Question | Word Limit/Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Answer Type | 10 | 15 | ~150 words | 150 |
| Long Answer Type | 5 | 20 | ~200 words | 100 |
| Total | – | – | – | 250 |
SYLLABUS TOPICS
A. Science & Technology
S&T in Daily Life
Applications and importance in health, transport, communication, etc.
General Awareness in Frontier Areas
IT, Space, Defence, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology
Cyber-physical systems, AI, Quantum tech, Gene editing
Issues related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
ICT & Cybersecurity
Role of ICT in Governance, Economy, Society
E-governance applications
Cybersecurity, Data privacy, Cybercrime, Emerging threats
Energy & Sustainability
India’s energy needs & sources (conventional + renewable)
Energy efficiency programs (Perform-Achieve-Trade, EC Act)
National Solar Mission, Wind & Bio-energy
India’s Nuclear Program & global commitments (e.g., Paris Agreement)
B. Environmental Science & Disaster Management
Environmental Issues
Air, water, soil pollution
Climate Change & Global Warming
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Global Initiatives & India’s Commitments
UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, CBD
Conservation of Biodiversity, Forest & Wildlife (India & Gujarat)
Disaster Management
Types: Natural (earthquake, flood, cyclone) & Manmade
India’s DM Framework: NDMA, SDMA, NDRF
Role of tech, Early Warning Systems, Community participation
Gujarat-specific disaster response case studies
Sustainable Development
SDGs, Green Economy, Ecological footprint
Integration of development & environmental protection
C. Economy of India and Gujarat
Economic Planning & Reforms
Evolution post-1947
Five-Year Plans & NITI Aayog
LPG Reforms (1991 onwards) & their impact
Industrial policies (e.g., Make in India)
Public Finance & Budgeting
Indian Taxation System (GST, Direct/Indirect)
Fiscal & Monetary Policy
Budgeting process, Public Debt, Deficit Financing
Inclusive Growth
Financial Inclusion (PMJDY, MUDRA)
Socio-economic inequality: Causes, strategies
Welfare schemes for rural/urban poor
Infrastructure & Economic Development
Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways
PPP Model, Smart Cities, Industrial Corridors
Social Impact Assessment
Agriculture & Rural Economy
Major crops, Cropping patterns, Irrigation methods
Land Reforms (Zamindari abolition, tenancy reform)
Food Security, PDS, MSP, Subsidies
Food Processing, E-NAM, Cold Chains
Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Farming
Role of Cooperatives (esp. in Gujarat: Amul model)
D. Current Affairs
Issues of Regional, National, and International Importance related to:
Economy, Environment, Science-Tech, Agriculture, Disaster Management, etc.
PAPER 7: General Studies – 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
Total Marks: 250
Medium: English / Gujarati
Duration: 3 Hours
Type: Descriptive
Question Paper Structure:
| Section | Nature of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks/Question | Word Limit | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Case Studies | 8 | 25 | 200 words | 200 |
| Part B | Theory/Conceptual | 5 | 10 | 150 words | 50 |
| Total | — | — | — | — | 250 |
Purpose and Testing Objectives:
This paper is designed to assess a candidate’s:
Development as a positive, responsible citizen with ethical awareness
Ability to resolve ethical and moral dilemmas in personal and professional life
Decision-making capacity in complex and conflicting situations
SYLLABUS TOPICS
1. Ethics in Public and Personal Life
Differentiating between right and wrong
Role of values in shaping personal and professional actions
Ethical decision-making in daily life
2. Honesty, Integrity, and Fairness
Truthfulness, transparency, impartiality
Avoiding bias and treating all fairly
Adhering to principles even in adversity
Leading ethically by example
3. Compassion and Empathy in Governance
Understanding citizens’ problems and social struggles
Sensitivity toward weaker and vulnerable sections
Justice, dignity, humility, and kindness in service delivery
4. Moral Courage and Taking the Right Stand
Speaking against wrongdoing and corruption
Withstanding unethical pressure
Making tough but just decisions
Balancing conscience and duty
5. Leadership and Responsibility in Public Service
Ethical leadership and trust-building
Taking ownership of decisions
Ensuring institutions serve the people ethically and efficiently
6. Transparency and Accountability
Open governance
Responsible use of public resources
Systems for accountability and redressal
7. Ethical Challenges in Administration
Rule vs. reality: applying ethics in practical governance
Managing conflicts of interest
Responsible use of power
Ensuring equity and justice
8. Case Studies on Above Topics
Real-life administrative, moral, and social dilemmas
Decision-making with justification of ethical principles
Assessing alternatives and consequences
Balancing personal values with public expectations
