JPSC Civil Services Syllabus And Exam Pattern 2026, Download PDF For Prelims & Mains Exam

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) conducts the JPSC Civil Services (Combined Competitive) Examination every year to recruit eligible candidates for top administrative posts in Jharkhand. The selection process includes three stages: Preliminary exam, Main exam, and Interview. Aspirants must know the detailed syllabus and exam pattern to prepare effectively for both Prelims and Mains.

JPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern

The JPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 syllabus is prescribed separately for the Prelims and Mains stages. The syllabus included History of Jharkhand, Jharkhand Andolan, Art, Literature, Culture & Traditions of Jharkhand, Land Laws in the state, important government schemes & policies, etc. A clear understanding of the JPSC syllabus is essential for effective and structured exam preparation.

JPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 syllabus & Exam Pattern

Organisation – Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)
Post – JPSC Civil Services (Combined Competitive)
Official website- www.jpsc.gov.in/

Category- syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
Stages- Prelims, Mains & Interview
Syllabus-History of Jharkhand, Jharkhand Andolan, Art, Literature, Culture & Traditions of Jharkhand, Land Laws in the state, important government schemes & policies,
Exam Pattern
- Prelims- Paper I(200), Paper II(200)
- Mains – Paper I (100 Marks), Paper II (150 Marks), Paper III (200 Marks), Paper IV (200 Marks), Paper V (200 Marks), Paper VI (200 Marks)

JPSC Civil Services Detailed Syllabus 2026

The JPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 detailed syllabus covers a wide range of subjects to test candidates’ knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities. The syllabus is divided into Preliminary Examination and Main Examination, and each stage has its own specific subjects and topics. Candidates preparing for the exam should study all topics mentioned in the official syllabus to avoid missing any important areas.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)

The Prelims consist of two compulsory papers, each worth 200 marks, with no negative marking.

Prelims Syllabus Paper I and Paper II

General Studies Paper I (100 Questions)

The History of India
Ancient, Medieval, modern
Geography of India
Indian Polity & Governance
Economic & Sustainable Development
Science & Technology
Jharkhand-specific general awareness
Current Events
Miscellaneous topics like human rights, environment, and disaster management.

General Studies Paper II (100 Questions)

History of Jharkhand
Munda Administrative System
Nagvanshi Administrative System
Padha Panchayat Administrative System
Manjhi Pargana Administrative System
Munda Manki Administrative System
Dhoklo-Sohor Administrative System
Caste-based Panchayat Administrative System
Jharkhand Movement
Sadan of Jharkhand
Tribals of Jharkhand
Freedom Fighters of Jharkhand
Eminent Personalities of Jharkhand
Jharkhand Movement & State Formation
Distinct Identity of Jharkhand
Social Status of Jharkhand
Cultural Status of Jharkhand
Political Status of Jharkhand
Economic Status of Jharkhand
Religious Uniqueness & Identity of Jharkhand
Folk Literature, Dance, Music, Instruments, Tourist Places & Tribal Culture of Jharkhand
Traditional Art & Folk Dance
Folk Music & Instruments
Tourist Places: Natural, Archaeological, Historical, Religious & Modern
Tribes: Types & Characteristics
Jharkhandi Literature & Writers
Educational Institutes in Jharkhand
Sports in Jharkhand
Land Laws in Jharkhand
Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (C.N.T.)
Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (S.P.T.)
Other State Acts
History of economic development in the state since 1947.
Geography of Jharkhand – forests, rivers, hills, mines, minerals etc
Industrial policy of Jharkhand, displacement and rehabilitation policy and other policies
Name and location of major industries of Jharkhand and industrial development
Major schemes and sub-schemes of Jharkhand
Facts related to the environment of Jharkhand state, the environmental changes taking place and the issues related to its mitigation and adaptation
Disaster management in Jharkhand
Various facts and contemporary events related to Jharkhand

Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive)

The Mains examination includes six compulsory papers and has no optional subjects.

Paper I (100 Marks): General Hindi and General English (Qualifying paper, requires 30%).
Paper II (150 Marks): Language and Literature (Candidates choose one from 15 options).
Paper III (200 Marks): Social Sciences (History and Geography).
Paper IV (200 Marks): Indian Constitution, Polity, Public Administration, and Good Governance.
Paper V (200 Marks): Indian Economy, Globalization, and Sustainable Development.
Paper VI (200 Marks): General Science, Environment, and Technology Development.

Mains Paper-wise Details
Paper I	Hindi	निबंध व्याकरण वाक्य विन्यास संक्षेपण
Paper I	English	Essay Grammar Comprehension Precis
Paper II	Language & Litrature	Oriya Language and Literature Bengali Language and Literature Urdu Language and Literature Sanskrit Language and Literature English Language and Literature Hindi Language and Literature Santhali Language and Literature Panchpargania Language and Literature Nagpuri Language and Literature Mundari Language and Literature Kurux Language and Literature Kurmali Language and Literature Khortha Language and Literature Khadia Language and Literature Ho Language and Literature
Paper III	History	Ancient Period Indus Valley Civilization Origin and antiquity Geographical extent Authorship and sources Main features of civilization Vedic Period Origin of the Aryans Antiquity and stratification of Vedic literature Society, economy, and religion during the Early (Rig Vedic) period Republics and Early States The Lichchavis and their republican constitution Rise of the Magadha Empire Mauryan Empire Extent of the empire Kalinga War and its impact Ashoka’s Dhamma Foreign policy Development of art and polity Architecture during the Mauryan period Post-Mauryan Period: The Kushanas (Kanishka) i.e, Extent of empire, Religious policy & Development of art, architecture, and literature Gupta Periode Extent of empire Development of language and literature Art and architecture during the Gupta period Harsha Vardhana Harsha as the last great Hindu ruler of Northern India Cultural achievements during his reign South Indian Kingdoms The Cholas: Maritime activities in South-East Asia, Chola administration & Art and architecture The Pallavas: Cultural achievements Medieval Period Early Invasions Arab invasion of India Ghaznavid invasion of India Mongol invasion of India Delhi Sultanate Market and military reforms of Alauddin Khilji Utopian policies of Muhammad bin Tughlaq Religious Movements Sufism Bhakti Movement Cultural Developments Dawn of a new Indo-Islamic culture Indo-Islamic architecture Development of Urdu and Hindi languages Mughal Empire First Battle of Panipat Achievements of Sher Shah Suri Consolidation of the Mughal Empire Jagirdari and Mansabdari systems under Akbar Akbar’s religious and Rajput policies Aurangzeb’s religious and Rajput policies Mughal architecture and painting Economic conditions during the Mughal period Marathas Rise of the Marathas Achievements of Shivaji Northward expansion of the Marathas Downfall of the Marathas Modern Period The advent of Europeans Beginning of European settlements in India Formation and growth of the East India Company Consolidation of British power in India British Expansion Battles of Plassey and Buxar British control over Mysore Subsidiary Alliance Doctrine of Lapse Doctrine of Escheat Resistance to Colonial Rule Peasant movements Tribal movements Cultural renaissance Revolt of 1857 Social Reform Movements: Hindu reform movements: Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Prarthana Samaj, Theosophical Society of India, Muslim reform movements, Wahabi Movement & Aligarh Movement Women’s Upliftment Abolition of the Sati system Widow Remarriage Act Age of Consent Bill Emphasis on female education Land Revenue Systems Permanent Settlement Ryotwari System Mahalwari System National Movement Rise of nationalism in the 19th century Formation of the Indian National Congress Moderates and Extremists Swadeshi Movement Home Rule League Movement Khilafat Movement Gandhian Era Non-Cooperation Movement Civil Disobedience Movement Quit India Movement Post-Independence Partition of India and its consequences Integration of princely states Linguistic reorganization of states Non-Aligned Policy under Nehru and Indira Gandhi Liberation of Bangladesh History of Jharkhand Religious and Cultural Traditions Adi-Dharma Sarna cult of Jharkhand tribals Language and Identity Concept of Sadan Emergence of the Nagpuria language Tribal and National Movements Tribal revolts in Jharkhand Birsa Movement Tana Bhagat Movement Freedom movement in Jharkhand
	Geography	Physical Geography (General Principles) Origin and evolution of the Earth Origin and evolution of Earth Interior of earth Wegener’s Continental Drift Theory Plate tectonics Volcanoes Earthquakes Tsunamis Rocks and Landforms Major types of rocks Evolution and characteristics of landforms Geomorphic Processes Geomorphic Processes Weathering Mass wasting Erosion and deposition Soil formation Landscape cycles Ideas of Davis and Penck Atmosphere Composition, structure, and stratification of the atmosphere Insolation Heat budget of the Earth Horizontal and vertical distribution of temperature Inversion of temperature Weather and Climate Air masses and fronts Tropical and temperate cyclones Evaporation and condensation Types of rainfall Climate Classification and Change Classification of climates Greenhouse effect Global warming and climatic changes Oceanography Hydrological cycle Distribution of temperature and salinity in oceans and seas Waves Tides Currents Ocean floor relief features Physical and Human Geography of India Physiography Structure and relief Physiographic divisions Drainage systems Climate: Indian monsoon, Types of Climate Agriculture and Environment Green Revolution and its impact on major crops of India Food scarcity Distribution Wildlife conservation Biosphere reserves Soils Major types of soils (ICAR classification) Distribution Soil degradation and conservation Natural Hazards Floods Droughts Cyclones Landslides Population Geography Population Characteristics Population growth Distribution Density Age Sex ratio Rural–urban composition Population Environment and Development Settlements Types of settlements Urban morphology Functional classification of urban settlements Problems of human settlement in India Natural Resources of India Land Resources General land use Agricultural land use Geographical conditions and distribution of major crops Water Resources Availability and utilization for industrial and other purposes Irrigation Scarcity of water Methods of conservation Minerals and Energy Resources Metallic minerals Non-metallic and conventional minerals Hydroelectricity Non-conventional sources of energy Energy sources Industries Development of Industries Types of industries Factors of industrial location Distribution and changing pattern of selected industries: Iron and steel, Cotton textile, Sugar, Petrochemicals. Weber’s theory of industrial location and its relevance in the modern world Transport, Communication, and International Trade Transport Roads Railways Waterways International Trade Bases of international trade Changing pattern of India’s foreign trade Geography of Jharkhand Physical Features Geological history Landforms Drainage Climate Soil types Forests Agriculture and Irrigation Agriculture and irrigation Damodar Valley Project Subarnarekha Valley Project Mineral Resources Mineral resources of Jharkhand Extraction and utilization Population Population growth Distribution Density Tribal population and their distribution Problems of tribes and tribal development Culture: Customs, Rituals & Festivals. Development and Environment Industrial and urban development Major industries: Iron and steel, Cement, Cottage industries. Pattern of urban settlement Pollution problems
Paper IV	Indian Constitution and Polity, Public Administration, and Good Governance	Indian Constitution and Polity Preamble, salient features of the Indian constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy Union Government (Executive and Legislature) Judiciary State Government (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Panchayats and Municipalities) Centre-state relations Special provisions relating to the administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribal Areas. Emergency provisions of the constitution Election Commission of India Political parties and pressure groups Public Administration and Good Governance Public Administration: Meaning, scope and significance Public and private administration Union Administration: Central Secretariat, Cabinet Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, Planning Commission, Finance Commission State Administration- State Secretariat, Chief Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office District Administration: Origin and development of the office of District Magistrate and Collector, changing role of the District Collector, the impact of the separation of the judiciary on district administration. Personnel Administration: Recruitment of civil services, Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commission, training of civil servants, leadership and its qualities, employees morale and productivity. Delegation, Centralization and decentralization of authority Bureaucracy: its merits and demerits, the role of bureaucracy in policy formulation and its implementation; nexus between bureaucracy and political executive; generalist versus specialist. Development administration Disaster Management- causes, mitigation, classification of disasters, immediate and long term measures. Good governance: Lokpal, Lokayukta, Central Vigilance Commissioner, grievance redressal, right to service act, right to information act, right to education act, consumer protection act, Domestic Violence Against Women (prevention) act Human Rights: concept, meaning, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission, terrorism, social issues.
Paper V	Indian Economy, Globalization, and Sustainable development	Basic features of the Indian Economy National Income: elementary concepts of national income, and methods of its calculation, example: GDP, GNP, NDP, NNP, GSDP, NSDP, DDP at constant and current prices, at factor cost etc Inflation: Concept, control of inflation, monetary, fiscal and direct measures. Demographic features Agriculture and Rural economy: green revolution, white revolution, rainbow revolution, WTO Industrial economy: policy initiative and changes Public finance: the scope of public finance, principles of public finance, taxation Public expenditure Budget Fiscal policy- centre and state fiscal relationship, the role of the finance commission Structure of Indian monetary and banking system in India. Indian Trade, Balance of Payment Sustainable Development, Economic Issues, and Indian Development Strategy Meaning and measurement of Economic development; characteristics of underdevelopment, indicators of development: HDI, GDI, India’s HDI progress. Role of Foreign capital and technology in the growth of the economy Sustainable development: concept and indicators of sustainable development, economic, social and environmental sustainability, the concept of GDP Development status and issues pertaining to socially and economically marginalised sections, like ST, SC, religious minorities, schemes launched by Central/State Government. Poverty and Unemployment: Measurements and trends, identification of BPL families, Multidimensional poverty index. Food and nutritional security: trends in food production and consumption in India, the problem of food security, problems and issues of storage, procurement, distribution, import and export. Government policies, schemes, and programmes such as Public Distribution System, Mid-day meal schemes, government policies for food and nutritional security. Economic Reforms, Nature and Impact on Indian economy New economic reforms: Liberalization, Privatisation, Globalization, good understanding of International Finance Institutions like IMF, World Bank; World Trade Organisation Financial and Banking sector reforms, economic reforms, NABARD, RRB Globalization of Indian Economy: its positive and negative impacts on different sectors, issues of FDI and FII in India. Agriculture sector: Growth, Issues of subsidies and public investment in agriculture Industrial development and economic reforms in India: major changes in Industrial policy, its impact on industrial growth, the role of public sector enterprises in India’s industrialisation in post reforms period, disinvestment and privatisation of public enterprises. The Economy of Jharkhand: Features, Issues, Challenges & Strategies Economic growth and structure of Jharkhand’s economy, sectoral composition, growth in SDP, and per capita NSDP in the last decade, agricultural and industrial growth in Jharkhand. Demographic features of Jharkhand: population, growth, sex ratio, density, literacy, the composition of the workforce,rural-urban composition etc. Status of poverty, unemployment, food security, malnutrition, education, and health indicators in Jharkhand, major initiatives, issues of agricultural and rural development, major programmes and schemes, poverty alleviation programs, food security schemes. Land, forest and environmental issues in Jharkhand
Paper VI	General Sciences, Environment & Technology Development	Physical Science Basic knowledge on system of units like MKS, CGS, SI Topics on Speed, velocity, gravity, mass, weight, force, impact, work, power and energy Covers topics related to solar system Concepts concerning sound, wavelength frequency, infrasonic and ultrasonic sounds characteristics and applications. Life Science: Concepts on the living world, cell-structure, its functions, diversity of organism, biomolecules cell reproduction Medallion inheritance, theories of the evolution of life on earth, including human evolution. Agriculture Science A good understanding of the agro-climatic conditions of Jharkhand, rainfall pattern and abiotic stresses in each zone. Knowledge of Food and horticultural crops of Jharkhand, understanding the need behind the diversification of crops, nutritional security due to the onset of climate change, the role of rainwater harvesting in improving agricultural production, and fish farming. Candidates are required to have sound knowledge on Soil fertility, measures that are undertaken to improve soil health, concepts on organic farming, agroforestry, wastelands and government schemes to help the farmers of the state. Environmental Science Measures that were taken by the Government of India to preserve the environment include measures to tackle global environmental issues, air pollution, water pollution. Understanding of numerous environmental laws. Candidates’ knowledge on Biodiversity hotspots and threats to biodiversity hotspots. Science and Technology Development Indian Government policies concerning Nuclear technology, focus on global nuclear policies. Plans made by the Government to meet the energy demands of the country through various renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. A good understanding of the Indian Missile program, the space program. Knowledge of the latest developments in Information Technology challenges faced due to Cybercrimes.

JPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern 2026

The JPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is conducted in three stages – Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next level of the selection process. Understanding the exam pattern is important to plan preparation effectively and manage time during the exam.

Preliminary Examination Pattern

Total Marks: 400.
Papers: Two compulsory papers (General Studies I and GS II), 200 marks each.
Duration: 2 hours per paper.
Negative Marking: There is no negative marking.
Minimum Qualifying Marks: Generally 40% for General category, with relaxations for reserved categories.

Paper	Subject	Duration	Marks
Paper-1	General Studies -I	2 Hours	200
Paper-2	General Studies -II	2 Hours	200

Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive)

6 papers
Duration -3 hours

Paper	Subject	Duration	Marks
Paper I	General Hindi & General English	3 hours	150
Paper-II	Language and Literature	3 hours	150
Paper III	Social Sciences	3 hours	200
Paper IV	Indian Constitution & Polity	3 hours	200
Paper V	Indian Economy	3 hours	200
Paper VI	General Sciences	3 hours	200

Stage 3: Interview (Personality Test)

This stage is worth 100 marks. The final merit list is based on the combined scores from the Mains (950) and the Interview (100), for a total of 1050 marks. Some positions may also require a Physical Test.