The Punjab PCS-2020 exam is being conducted by the PPSC for the recruitment of Executive officers in Punjab. Essential steps involved in the selection process are:
- i) Preliminary Competitive Examination; and
- ii) Main Competitive Examination (written and Interview).
The syllabus is the soul of every examination. In-depth understanding of Punjab PCS Prelims Syllabus is a critical part of the Preparation
In this article, we will share detailed Syllabus for Punjab PCS Prelims Exam
Syllabus for Paper –I (General Studies) of Punjab PCS Prelims
Everyday Science :
- States of matter, the structure of atom, versatile nature of carbon.
- Acids, bases, salts, corrosion in metals, the action of soaps.
- Life on Earth – evolution, marine & terrestrial life. Human body and life
processes, nutrition, disease – its causes & prevention, infectious diseases, lifestyle diseases.
- Public health initiatives, mother and child health, immunization & vaccination, HIVAIDS, TB, polio, etc.
- Force-laws of motion & gravitation, Archimedes principle.
- Energy- kinetic & potential.
- Light – reflection & refraction – concepts and applications.
- Sound – propagation & reflection- concepts and applications.
- Electric current – concepts and applications.
- Computers and telecommunication – concepts and applications.
Environmental studies:
- Composition and structure of the atmosphere. Solar system –
heat balance & temperature.
- Atmospheric circulation & weather system, water cycle.
- Climate change – fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, renewable energy, clean
development mechanism, carbon credits.
- Water – oceans, rivers, glaciers, lakes, groundwater, etc. Biodiversity &
conservation.
- Soil – types, crops, food chains, etc.
- Pollution and toxicity etc.
Political theory & international order:
- The basic concept of freedom, equality, social justice, rights & duties, citizenship,
nationalism, secularism, etc.
- United Nations and its organs/agencies, other international organizations like the World Bank, IMF, WTO, EU, G20, BRICS, etc. and their role in the World peace, trade & development.
Indian polity:
- Basic features, provisions, schedules of the Indian Constitution, key amendments.
- Panchayati Raj. Elections – People’s Representation Act, electoral reforms. Rise of regionalism and coalition politics.
- Armed challenges to the Indian state since independence.
History of India:
- The Indus valley civilization.
- The Aryan and the Vedic age.
- Jainism and Buddhism.
- The Maurya Gupta periods.
- The advent of Islam and the Sultanate period (political, social & cultural).
- The Bhakti Movement.
- The Mughals (political, social & cultural till Aurangzeb).
- The coming of the European Powers and the advent of the British rule.
- The Mutiny of 1857.
- The British rule and the Indian National Movement (1857-1947)
World History:
- The Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution in Europe. The American
- Revolution of 1776.
- The French Revolution of 1789.
- The Russian Revolution of 1917.
- World Wars I & II.
Indian Economy:
- Indian economic development (1950-1991) – key economic policies,
public sector dominance, bank nationalization, etc.
- Five-year plans – key goals and main achievements.
- Liberalization, privatization and globalization era since 1991 – key
policies, decisions, and results.
- Performance of Indian economy since 1991 – Growth, fiscal & revenue
deficits, trade, commerce & balance of payments, inflation, growth of
service sector.
- Key challenges and responses – agriculture and food security, industrialization, poverty alleviation & employment, rural & urban infrastructure, social sector –health, education, etc.
Geography:
- Population – distribution, density, growth, and comparison. Migration types, causes, and consequences.
- Human development. Human settlements. Land resources and agriculture.
- Water resources.
- Mineral and energy resources.
- Manufacturing industries.
- Planning and sustainable development in India. Transport and communication.
- International trade.
- A geographical perspective on selected issues and problems.
Current events of national and international importance.
Punjab
a) Geography:
Geographical and agro-climatic regions, rivers, water resources, sharing of waters,
demographics, human development indices
b) People, Society, and Culture:
Major personalities in the history of Punjab, religious movements, major
religions & spiritual personalities, Punjabi literature, folklore, performing
arts, fine arts and crafts
c) History:
Sufis, saints and gurus, Lodhis and Mughals, Sikh rulers, the British
period, nationalist movement in Punjab, Punjab in independent India.
d) Economy:
Agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial & service sectors, major
occupations, development & economic growth, public finance (including
central-state fiscal issues), public sector institutions, cooperatives, etc.

Syllabus for Paper-II (Civil Services Aptitude Test) of Punjab PCS Prelims
- Reading comprehension; Punjabi and English language comprehension,
antonyms and synonyms, grammar, and sentence formation.
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning, analytical and mental ability
- Basic numerical skills; numbers, magnitudes, percentages, numerical relation
appreciation
- Data analysis; Graphic presentations, charts, tables, spreadsheets.
Note: The topics listed in the syllabus are only indicative for the general guidance of the candidates and cannot be deemed as an exhaustive list