Punjab Civil Services Exam 2025: Detailed Syllabus

The Punjab Civil Services (PCS) Exam is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in the state, offering prestigious positions in the Punjab Government. To succeed in this exam, understanding the detailed syllabus is crucial. The PCS Exam 2025 is divided into three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and the Interview. Below is the detailed syllabus for each stage.

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1. Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers:

Paper I: General Studies (GS)

• Current Events: National and international importance.
• History: Indian history, focusing on the Indian National Movement.
• Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.
• Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policies, and rights issues.
• Economic and Social Development: Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
• Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity: General issues on environmental ecology, climate change, and biodiversity (no subject specialization required).
• General Science: Basic science concepts and their applications.

Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal Skills
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
• General Mental Ability
• Numerical Ability: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
• English Language Comprehension

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2. Mains Examination

The Mains Examination is descriptive and comprises the following papers:

Paper I: Punjabi (Compulsory)

• Essay writing in Punjabi.
• Translation from English to Punjabi.
• Grammar and language usage.

Paper II: English (Compulsory)

• Essay writing in English.
• Translation from Punjabi to English.
• Grammar and language usage.

Paper III: General Essay

Candidates must write essays on multiple topics from various fields, including current affairs, socio-economic issues, and culture.

Paper IV-VI: General Studies

• GS Paper I: History, Geography, and Society
  • Modern Indian history.
  • Punjab’s history and culture.
  • World history (industrial revolution, world wars, etc.).
  • Geography of India and Punjab.
  • Social issues, including caste, gender, and communalism.
• GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, and International Relations
  • Indian Constitution and political system.
  • Governance and public administration.
  • International relations and organizations.
  • Punjab’s governance structure and policies.
• GS Paper III: Economy, Science, and Environment
  • Indian economy and planning.
  • Punjab’s economic issues and agriculture.
  • Science and technology developments.
  • Environmental conservation and climate change.

Paper VII: Optional Subject

Candidates must choose one optional subject from the list provided by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). Popular options include Public Administration, History, Geography, Sociology, and Political Science.

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3. Interview

The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and general awareness. The panel may ask questions on:

• General knowledge and current affairs.
• Punjab’s socio-economic and cultural issues.
• Practical and ethical decision-making.

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Preparation Tips

• Understand the Syllabus: Break down each section and prioritize based on strengths and weaknesses.
• Current Affairs: Read newspapers and follow credible news sources daily.
• Practice Writing: Regularly practice essay and answer writing for the Mains.
• Mock Tests: Attempt mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
• Focus on Punjab: Pay special attention to Punjab-specific topics.

The PCS Exam 2025 is your gateway to a fulfilling career in public service. With a clear understanding of the syllabus and a disciplined preparation strategy, you can achieve success.