Punjab PCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025, Download PDF
The Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination is one of those reputed examinations for getting civil services jobs in the Punjab state of India. PPSC has released the Punjab PCS Notification 2025 on the official website of https://ppsc.gov.in/ for the 322 posts. This is the time for the aspirants who want to get jobs in the administrative sector. The candidates should first look at the current Punjab PCS syllabus and the exam structure carefully. Here, we are providing the Punjab public civil services syllabus and exam pattern.
Punjab PCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025
This syllabus of Punjab PCS 2025 provides useful information to help candidates create a strong preparation strategy for the exam. The selection process for Punjab PCS consists of three stages: preliminary, mains, and interview. The preliminary examination will be composed of two 200-mark papers with objective (multiple-choice) questions.
Punjab PCS Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern
Organization Name
Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
Exam Name
Punjab Civil Service Combined Competitive Exam-2025 (Punjab PCS)
The Punjab PCS selection process consists of mainly three stages: preliminary exam, main exam, and personal interview round. The preliminary exam is the first stage, which is a screening test and includes multiple-type objective questions. The marks from the preliminary exam are not considered for the final merit list. Candidates who clear the first stage will be called to appear in the main exam and then the personal interview round. The final merit list will based on the marks obtained by the candidates in the mains and interview round.
Preliminary Competitive Examination; and
Main Competitive Examination (written and Interview)
Punjab PCS Prelims Syllabus 2025
Before starting your preparation, get familiar with the Punjab PCS exam pattern 2025, which includes the subjects, total number of questions, marking scheme, and total marks and duration of the exam.
Punjab PCS Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Punjab PCS preliminary examination 2025 consists of two papers of 200 marks each and will comprise of objective-type (multiple-choice) questions. The question paper will be in both English and Punjabi (Gurmukhi script), except for language proficiency questions.
Both papers will be of objective-type multiple-choice questions
There will be no negative marking in the written preliminary examination test
CSAT Exam will be qualifying in nature and without negative marking with the minimum cutoff of 40% marks
The merit of the Preliminary Examination will be based on Paper -I (General Studies)
The duration of each paper for the preliminary examination will be two hours. However, Persons with disability candidates will be given an additional 40 minutes for each paper
Paper
Subject
Total Questions
Marking Scheme
Total Marks
Time Duration
Paper 1
General Studies
100
2 marks for each correct answer
200
2 hours
Paper 2
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
80
2.5 marks for each correct answer
200
2 hours
Syllabus for Punjab PCS Prelims Exam 2025
Punjab PCS prelims exam consists of two papers, paper I (General Studies) and paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test). Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test) is qualifying in nature while marks obtained in the Paper I (General Studies) will be considered for selection in next stage which is mains exam.
Punjab PCS General Studies-I Syllabus
Punjab PCS Prelims Paper I which is General Studies-I is consists of topics like Everyday Science, Environmental studies, Political theory & international order, Indian polity, History of India, Indian Economy and Geography, etc.
Punjab PCS General Studies-I
Subjects
Topics
Everyday Science
States of matter, structure of atoms, versatile nature of carbon
Acids, bases, salts, corrosion in metals, 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, HIV-AIDS, TB, polio
Force-laws of motion & gravitation, Archimedes principle
Energy kinetics & potential
Light—reflection & refraction—concepts and applications. Sound: propagation & reflection—concepts and applications. Electric current: concepts and applications
Computers and telecommunications: concepts and applications
Environmental studies
Composition and structure of the atmosphere. Solar system: heat balance & temperature
Atmospheric circulation & weather system, water cycle
Water: oceans, rivers, glaciers, lakes, groundwater, etc. Biodiversity & conservation
Soil: types, crops, food chain, etc. Pollution and toxicity
Political Theory & International order
Basic concepts 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 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 Maury and Gupta periods
The advent of Islam and 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 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 1776
The French Revolution, 1789
The Russian Revolution 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
Geographical perspective on selected issues and problems
Punjab-related
Geography: Geographical and Agro-climatic regions, rivers, water resources, sharing of waters, demographics, human development indices
People, Society, and Cultur3: Major personalities in history of Punjab, religious movements, major religions & spiritual personalities, Punjabi literature, folk or performing arts, fine arts and crafts
History:
Sufis, saints and gurus, Lodhis and Mughals, Sikh rulers, the British period, nationalist movement in Punjab, Punjab in independent India
Economy: Agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial & service sectors, major occupations, development & economic growth, public finance (including central-state fiscal issues), public sector institutions, cooperatives, etc.
Current Events of national and international importance
Punjab PCS Prelims Paper II Syllabus
This section includes subjects like Punjabi and English language and topic such as reading comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning basic numerical skills; numbers, magnitudes, percentages, numerical relation appreciation, data analysis: graphic presentations, charts, etc.
Paper
Topics
Civil Services Aptitude Test
Reading comprehension; Punjabi and English language comprehension, antonyms and synonyms, grammar, and sentence formation
Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
Data analysis: graphic presentations, charts, tables, and spreadsheets
Punjab PCS Mains Syllabus 2025
The Punjab PCS Mains exam consists of seven papers. Out of seven papers two papers Punjabi (in Gurumukhi Script) and English are Compulsory in nature and based on 12 standard. The other papers consist of Essay and General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III and General Studies IV. Here we have shared the details of each paper.
Punjab PCS Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Punjab PCS mains exam includes seven papers Punjabi, English, Essay, General Studies Paper-I, General Studies Paper-II, General Studies Paper-III, General Studies Paper-IV.
Out of seven papers two papers Punjabi and English are compulsory in nature and both comprises of 100 marks.
General Studies Paper I, II, III, IV comprise of 250 marks each while Essay Paper consists of 150 marks.
Candidates selected in the main exam will be called for the interview round which comprises of 150 marks.
S. No.
Name of Paper
Maximum Marks
1
Punjabi (in Gurumukhi Script) Compulsory (of 12 Standard)
100
2
English Compulsory (of 12 standard)
100
3
Essay
150
4
General Studies Paper-I (History, Geography and Society)
250
5
General Studies Paper-II (Indian Constitution & Polity, Governance and International Relations)
250
6
General Studies Paper-III (Economy, Statistics and Security issues)
250
7
General Studies Paper-IV (Science & Technology, Environment, Problem Solving and Decision Making)
250
8
Interview
150
Total Marks
1500
Syllabus for Punjab PCS Mains Exam 2025
The syllabus for each subject included in Punjab PCS Mains Exam has been discussed in the below section.
English Language Paper
The Punjab PCS English Language paper consists of 100 marks and two sections. Section A includes topics like Precis writing, Essay writing, Translation, Grammar, Letter writing, and Comprehension while section B includes English Grammar. The marks distribution for each section is given in the table below.
Section
Topics
Total Marks
Section-A
Comprehension (Unseen Passage) (An unseen passage followed by Questions to be answered)
10 Marks
Precis writing (Passage to be summarized to 1/3rd)
10 Marks
Letter writing (200 words)
10 Marks
Essay writing (Any general topic 300 words)
10 Marks
Translation
10 Marks
Section-B
Grammar
50 Marks
Total
100 Marks
Punjabi Language Paper
The Punjabi Language Paper for the Punjab PCS examination consists of 100 marks, which includes topics and subtopics like Unseen Paragraphs, Synopsis, Application, Essay Composition, Translation and Grammar. Candidates will be required to write three short essays in English or Punjabi on specified topics. The choice of subjects will be given. Each topic consists of 10 marks while grammar consists of 50 marks.
S. No.
ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨ (Topics)
ਅੰਕ (Marks)
1
Comprehension Passage (Read the passage and answer the questions) [ਅਨੁਤਿਨਾ ਪੋਠਾ (ਪੇਪਰ ਨੂੰ ਪੜ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਉੱਤਰ ਦਿਓ)]
10 marks
2
Summary Writing (Write a summary using the given title within the prescribed word limit) [ਸੰਖੇਪ ਰਚਨਾ (ਪੇਪਰ ਦਾ ਭੁੱਖਵਾਂ ਸ਼ਿਰਲੇਖ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਹਾਈ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੰਖੇਪ ਰਚਨਾ)]
10 marks
3
Application or Letter in 200 Words [ਅਰਜੀ ਜਾਂ ਪੱਤਰ 200 ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ]
Paper I for Punjab PCS is consists of subjects like history, geography and society.
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper I Syllabus
Subjects
Topics
History
History of the world: Events from 18th century; industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism
Indian culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian history from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities and issues
Socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Punjab
The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country with special reference to Punjab
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
History of Punjab: Ranjit Singh’s rise to power, civil and military administration and relations with the British, Annexation of Punjab with special reference to the causes and consequences of the Anglo-Sikh wars
Geography
Physical Geography: Salient features of the world’s physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
Geography of Punjab: Physiographic details of Punjab; Geomorphic features of Punjab, Punjab’s strategic location with reference to International Border
Crops of Punjab; Modern concepts of Farming; Problems faced by Agriculturists/ Issues in Agriculture: Depletion of groundwater
Society
Salient Features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Effects of globalization on Indian society
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
Ethics and Society: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships
Human Values – Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values; lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders and reformers- Gautam Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Guru Nanak; Swami Vivekananda, Jyotibha Phule, Ishwar Chandra Vidya Sagar and Mahatma Gandhi
Vulnerable sections of the population - Welfare schemes by the Centre and State of Punjab and their performance; Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for their protection and betterment
Issues relating to the development and management of the Social Sector- Health, Education, and Human Resources; Issues relating to Poverty and Malnutrition
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper II Syllabus
This paper includes subjects like the Indian Constitution & Polity, Governance and International Relations.
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper II Syllabus
Subjects
Topics
Indian Constitution & Polity
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments significant provisions and basic structure
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Separation of powers between various organs; Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
District Administration - Evolution of District Administration; Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies
Governance
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Development processes and the development organizations- the role of NGOs, SHGs, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholder
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures; Role of civil services in a democracy; Changing trends in Governance
Values and Ethics in Governance- Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding
Probity in Governance: Concept of Governance; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; corporate governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
International Relations
India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora
Important International institutions, agencies and forum- their structure and mandate.
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper III Syllabus
The paper 3 includes subjects like Indian economy, Issues related to Security and economy of Punjab. Subjects includes like Issues relating to planning, major crops, cropping pattern Land reforms in India, Trends of Employment in India, Skill development and demographic dividend, Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper III Syllabus
Subjects
Topics
Indian Economy
Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; sustainable development; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it; Government Budgeting.
Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce- issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers; Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Technology missions; economics of animal rearing
Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
Land reforms in India; Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
Human Resource Development: Importance of Human capital in economic development, Nature, types and problems of unemployment in India, Trends of Employment in India, Skill Development and demographic dividend
Punjab Economy: Planning Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams
This part will test the candidate’s ability to draw conclusions from information presented in the statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret the same.
Issues related to Security
Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external, State and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
Basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention; Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper IV Syllabus
This paper contains subjects like science & technology, environment, and problem solving & decision making. In Science and Technology subtopics like Issues relating to intellectual property rights, Introduction to and Applications of Genetic Engineering & Stem Cell Research will be asked.
Punjab PCS Mains General Studies Paper IV Syllabus
Subjects
Topics
Science and Technology
Developments and applications of science and technology and their effects on everyday life
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology
Recent developments in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, etc
Issues relating to intellectual property rights
Modern Trends in Life Sciences
Progress of Agricultural Science and its impact– Introduction to Biotechnology and its applications; Veterinary and Animal Sciences- latest developments
Introduction to and Applications of Genetic Engineering & Stem Cell Research
Human Diseases and Microbial infections; Common infections and preventive measures; preventive measures during out breaks; Immunity and vaccination
Environment
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Issues related to Climate change; environmental impact assessment
Water management- Issues in India; Present scenario, Methods and importance of water conservation
Definition, nature, types and classification of disasters
Situations in Civil Service -Problem Solving and Decision Making
Tackling situations of Natural disasters, Major Accidents and Law and order, Controlling riots, Handling public protests, Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation, Designing Projects
Implementation of National Flagship Schemes and Programmes, Public Private Partnership in effective service delivery, Managing and financing Municipal services e.g. Solid waste management, Conservation of natural resources- water, forests
Pollution control, Reviving a loss-making PSU, Planning and target achievement, Gender sensitization and women empowerment Empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society
Improving Education and Enhancing Skill development, Urban settlement-Slums and Housing issues
Managing Issues related to Urban/ Rural drinking water supply and sanitation
Punjab PCS Syllabus PDF Download
For an ease, the official syllabus pdf for all subjects is also attached below which has been released along with Punjab PCS Notifcation 2025. Click on the below link and download Punjab PCS Syllabus PDF to prepare efficiently.
The candidates have to get minimum 40% marks in the Punjab PCS CSAT Paper.
The Punjab PCS syllabus is discussed in this article.
There will be no negative marking in the Punjab PCS written preliminary examination 2025.
The selection process for the Punjab PCS examination 2025 is consists of Prelims, Mains, Interview.
The total attempts for General Category are Six, while Nine attempts for Backward Classes, four for Ex-Servicemen and Unlimited for the Scheduled Castes in Punjab PCS exam 2025.
