Curriculum: International Relations

Module 1: Introduction to International Relations

• Nature, Scope, and Evolution of International Relations as a discipline

• Significance of studying IR in the contemporary world

• Key Concepts: Nation, State, Sovereignty, Power, National Interest, Balance of Power, Diplomacy

• The Evolution of the International System: From Westphalian State System to Globalization

Activities:

• Interactive lecture: “Why study International Relations today?”

• Concept mapping: State, Nation, and Sovereignty

Module 2: Theories and Approaches to International Relations

• Classical and Modern Realism

• Liberalism and Idealism

• Marxist and Neo-Marxist Approaches

• Constructivism, Feminism, and Postcolonialism

• Systems Theory and Game Theory in IR

Activities:

• Group debate: Realism vs. Liberalism — which explains international politics better?

• Short reflection: “Can idealism survive in a realist world?”

Module 3: Instruments and Processes in International Relations

• Foreign Policy — Meaning, Determinants, and Decision-Making

• Diplomacy and its Techniques

• Propaganda, Economic Statecraft, and Cultural Diplomacy

• Role of International Law and Morality in International Politics

Activities:

• Simulation: Negotiating a peace treaty or trade deal

• Class discussion: “Is morality relevant in foreign policy?”

Module 4: The Inter-War and Cold War Orders

• Causes and Consequences of the First and Second World Wars

• League of Nations and its Failure

• The Cold War: Origin, Phases, and Impact

• Bipolarity and Balance of Power

• End of the Cold War and Emergence of Unipolarity

Activities:

• Timeline creation: Key events of the 20th century world order

• Documentary review: The Cold War — A Brief History

Module 5: International and Regional Organizations

• Evolution, Structure, and Functions of the United Nations (UN)

• Major UN Organs and Specialized Agencies

• Role of IMF, World Bank, and WTO in Global Governance

• Regional Organizations: EU, ASEAN, SAARC, AU, SCO

• India’s Engagement with International Institutions

Activities:

• Mock UN simulation on a global issue

• Chart-making: Comparison of regional organizations

Module 6: Globalization and Contemporary World Politics

• Globalization: Meaning, Dimensions, and Impact

• Global North–South Divide and Emerging Powers

• Transnational Actors: MNCs, NGOs, and Media

• Global Governance and Changing World Order

• Role of Technology and Communication in International Relations

Activities:

• Group presentation: “Impact of Globalization on Developing Countries”

• Case study: Rise of emerging powers (India, China, Brazil)

Module 7: Peace, Security, and Conflict Studies

• Theories of War and Peace

• Collective Security and Peacekeeping

• Nuclear Politics and Disarmament

• Human Security and Environmental Security

• Terrorism, Migration, and Cybersecurity

Activities:

• Class debate: “Can there ever be a world without war?”

• Review of UN peacekeeping missions and their success

Module 8: International Political Economy

• Relationship between Politics and Economics in Global Affairs

• Liberal and Marxist Perspectives on IPE

• Global Trade and Finance Systems

• Debt, Development, and Inequality in the Global South

• Role of WTO and Global Financial Institutions

Activities:

• Case study: India and WTO negotiations

• Mini research project: Global financial crises and their political impact

Module 9: Emerging Issues in International Relations

• Climate Change and Global Environmental Politics

• Human Rights and Humanitarian Interventions

• Migration, Refugees, and Global Health Governance

• Rise of Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics

• Shifts in Global Power: Multipolarity and New Alignments

Activities:

• Seminar: “The Future of Liberal International Order”

• Policy brief: India’s position on global climate negotiations

Module 10: India and the World

• Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy

• India and Major Powers: USA, Russia, China, Japan, EU

• India and its Neighbours: SAARC, BIMSTEC, Indo-Pacific Region

• India’s Role in the UN and Global South

• Challenges and Opportunities in Contemporary Indian Diplomacy

Activities:

• Panel discussion: India’s foreign policy in the 21st century

• Map activity: India’s global engagements

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

• Understand key concepts, theories, and processes in International Relations.

• Analyze global political and economic trends in historical and contemporary contexts.

• Evaluate the role of India in international and regional politics.

• Develop skills for critical analysis, debate, and comparative study of international issues.

Curriculum: Environment for Civil Services Examination

Module 1: Fundamentals of Environment and Ecology

• Meaning, Scope, and Components of the Environment

• Ecosystem: Structure, Functions, and Energy Flow

• Ecological Pyramids, Food Chains, and Nutrient Cycles

• Biomes and Major Ecosystems of the World (Forest, Grassland, Desert, Aquatic)

• Human–Environment Interaction and Sustainable Development

Activities:

• Diagram-based learning: ecosystem models and food chains

• Case study: “Human interference and ecological imbalance”

Module 2: Biodiversity and Conservation

• Concepts and Levels of Biodiversity (Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem Diversity)

• Importance and Threats to Biodiversity

• Endangered Species and IUCN Categories

• Biodiversity Hotspots, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves in India

• Conservation Strategies: In-situ and Ex-situ Methods

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Ramsar, CITES

Activities:

• Map work: locating biodiversity hotspots and protected areas in India

• Quiz on wildlife conservation acts and endangered species

Module 3: Environmental Pollution and Degradation

• Types of Pollution: Air, Water, Soil, Noise, Radioactive, and Marine

• Causes, Effects, and Control Measures

• Waste Management: Solid Waste, E-waste, Biomedical Waste

• Urbanization and Environmental Challenges

• Case Studies: Ganga Action Plan, Air Quality in Delhi

Activities:

• Project: Local pollution survey and mitigation suggestions

• Discussion: “Is development without degradation possible?”

Module 4: Climate Change and Global Environmental Issues

• Earth’s Climate System and Greenhouse Effect

• Global Warming and Climate Change — Causes and Consequences

• IPCC Reports and Global Climate Agreements (UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement)

• Ozone Depletion, Desertification, Acid Rain, and Ocean Acidification

• India’s Climate Policies and National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Activities:

• Chart-making: Key global environmental conventions

• Group presentation: India’s climate commitments and COP outcomes

Module 5: Environmental Governance and Legislation

• Institutional Framework: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), CPCB, SPCB

• Major Environmental Laws in India:

  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

  • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

  • Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Ecological Audit

• National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Judicial Activism

Activities:

• Mock NGT case simulation on a development–environment conflict

• Policy brief writing: “The role of NGT in environmental justice”

Module 6: Sustainable Development and Environmental Ethics

• Concept and Evolution of Sustainable Development

• Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Environmental Movements in India: Chipko, Silent Valley, Narmada Bachao Andolan

• Role of NGOs, Civil Society, and Local Communities

• Environmental Ethics and Corporate Responsibility

Activities:

• Essay: “The idea of sustainability in Gandhian thought”

• Group discussion: “Local movements, global impact”

Module 7: Disaster Management and Environmental Challenges

• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, Floods, Cyclones, Droughts, Landslides

• Disaster Management Framework in India (NDMA, NDRF)

• Linkages between Climate Change and Disasters

• Case Studies: Kerala Floods, Odisha Cyclone, Himalayan Glacial Lake Bursts

• Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Resilience Strategies

Activities:

• Simulation: “Community disaster management planning”

• Visual analysis: disaster impact mapping using case data

Module 8: Environment and Current Affairs

• Major Environmental Reports and Indices (State of Environment Report, Forest Survey of India, etc.)

• Important International Days and Conventions (World Environment Day, Earth Hour, etc.)

• Environmental Issues in News — Linking Static Concepts with Current Affairs

• Practice of UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Activities:

• Weekly current affairs review and discussion

• Mock Test and Feedback Session

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Understand the fundamentals of ecology, biodiversity, and environmental governance.

• Analyze global and national environmental challenges in a policy-oriented framework.

• Correlate static topics with current events for the Civil Services Examination.

• Build conceptual clarity for Prelims, Mains (GS Paper III), and Essay Paper.

Curriculum: Modern Indian History

Module 1: Introduction to Modern Indian History

• Meaning, Scope, and Significance of Modern Indian History

• Sources: Archival Records, Writings of Officials, Nationalist Historians, and Subaltern Perspectives

• Approaches to Modern Indian History — Colonial, Nationalist, Marxist, and Revisionist Schools

• Transition from Medieval to Modern India

Activities:

• Orientation lecture on historical methods and perspectives

• Group discussion: “Whose history is modern Indian history?”

Module 2: The Advent of European Powers and the Rise of British Rule

• Arrival of Europeans — Portuguese, Dutch, French, and English

• Establishment and Expansion of the British East India Company

• Battle of Plassey and Buxar — Foundation of British Political Control

• Administration under Warren Hastings, Cornwallis, and Wellesley

• Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse

Activities:

• Map activity: European trading centers in India

• Timeline exercise: Expansion of British territorial control

Module 3: Economic and Social Impact of British Rule

• Land Revenue Systems — Permanent, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari

• Deindustrialization and Economic Drain Theory

• Social and Cultural Changes — Missionary Activity, Western Education, and Social Reform Movements

• Role of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Jyotiba Phule, and Dayananda Saraswati

Activities:

• Debate: “Was British rule a curse or a catalyst for change?”

• Analysis of reform movements through primary sources

Module 4: The Revolt of 1857

• Causes, Course, and Consequences of the Revolt

• Nature of the Revolt — First War of Independence or Sepoy Mutiny?

• Impact on British Policies and Indian Society

• Aftermath and the End of Company Rule

Activities:

• Documentary viewing and discussion on 1857

• Role-play: Key figures of the Revolt

Module 5: Growth of Indian Nationalism (1858–1905)

• Political Associations before the Congress

• Formation and Early Phase of the Indian National Congress

• Moderate and Extremist Ideologies — Gokhale, Tilak, Lajpat Rai

• Partition of Bengal (1905) and Swadeshi Movement

Activities:

• Seminar: “Ideological debates within early Indian nationalism”

• Quiz: Major sessions and resolutions of the Indian National Congress

Module 6: The Gandhian Era (1915–1947)

• Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy and Methods — Satyagraha, Non-violence, Swaraj

• Major Movements: Champaran, Kheda, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India

• Role of Women, Peasants, and Workers in National Struggle

• Emergence of Left-wing and Revolutionary Movements

• The Communal Question and Partition of India

Activities:

• Group presentation: “Mass Movements under Gandhi”

• Film screening: Gandhi (1982) and reflective essay

Module 7: Constitutional and Political Developments

• Indian Councils Acts, Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, and Government of India Act (1935)

• Simon Commission, Round Table Conferences, and Cripps Mission

• Transfer of Power and Mountbatten Plan

• Role of Constituent Assembly and Framing of the Constitution

Activities:

• Chart: Evolution of constitutional reforms (1861–1947)

• Class discussion: “Negotiated freedom or people’s struggle?”

Module 8: Post-Independence Developments (1947–1964)

• Partition and Refugee Crisis

• Integration of Princely States

• Economic Planning and Nehruvian Vision of Modern India

• Linguistic Reorganization and Nation-building Challenges

• Legacy of the National Movement in Independent India

Activities:

• Case study: Integration of Hyderabad / Kashmir

• Student-led seminar: “Continuities from colonial rule in independent India”

Module 9: Themes in Modern Indian History

• Rise of Modern Education and Print Culture

• Women’s Movements and Social Reform

• Caste and Peasant Movements

• Legacy of Colonialism and the Shaping of Modern India

Activities:

• Research project: Local histories of reform or resistance

• Thematic quiz and revision workshop

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of India’s transition from pre-colonial to modern times.

• Analyze the political, economic, and social impact of British rule.

• Understand the growth and diversity of Indian nationalism.

• Appreciate the continuities between colonial and post-colonial India.

• Develop historical reasoning and interpretation skills through sources and debates.

Curriculum: Indian Political Thought

Module 1: Introduction to Indian Political Thought

• Nature, Scope, and Importance of Indian Political Thought

• Sources: Vedas, Epics, Smritis, Buddhist and Jain texts, Arthashastra

• Distinctive Features of Indian Political Traditions

• Comparative Perspective: Indian vs. Western Political Thought

Activities:

• Interactive lecture on “Why study Indian Political Thought?”

• Student reflection on values in ancient Indian polity

Module 2: Ancient Indian Political Thought

• Kautilya (Chanakya) – Arthashastra: Statecraft, Diplomacy, and Economic Administration

• Manu – Manusmriti: Law, Social Order, and Duties

• Buddhist Political Ideas – Dhamma, Morality, and the Ideal Ruler

• Shantiparva (Mahabharata) – Rajadharma and Ethical Governance

Activities:

• Text reading and discussion: Selected excerpts from Arthashastra

• Debate: Ethics versus Power in Kautilyan Politics

Module 3: Medieval Indian Political Thought

• Islamic Political Thought: Al-Biruni and Ziauddin Barani on Kingship and Justice

• Bhakti Movement Thinkers: Kabir, Nanak, and Basavanna — Social Equality and Moral Politics

• Sufi Thought: Spiritual Humanism and Tolerance

• Political Ethics and Statecraft in Medieval India

Activities:

• Group discussion: Bhakti-Sufi contributions to political harmony

• Short essay: “Moral authority versus political authority in medieval India”

Module 4: Early Modern and Reformist Thinkers

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy – Liberalism, Reform, and Modern Indian Renaissance

• Swami Dayananda Saraswati – Religious Reform and Social Purification

• Swami Vivekananda – Spiritual Nationalism and Empowerment

• Jyotirao Phule – Social Justice and Anti-Caste Movement

Activities:

• Presentation: Social reform and political awakening in 19th-century India

• Reading review: Selected letters or speeches of reformist thinkers

Module 5: Nationalist and Anti-Colonial Thought

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Assertive Nationalism and Swaraj

• Gopal Krishna Gokhale – Constitutionalism and Moderate Liberalism

• Mahatma Gandhi – Satyagraha, Swaraj, Trusteeship, Non-violence

• Jawaharlal Nehru – Democratic Socialism and Secular Nationalism

• Subhas Chandra Bose – Radical Nationalism and Revolutionary Idealism

Activities:

• Seminar: The many faces of Indian Nationalism

• Comparative analysis: Gandhi vs. Nehru on democracy and development

Module 6: Post-Independence Thinkers and Contemporary Thought

• B.R. Ambedkar – Social Democracy, Constitutionalism, and Equality

• M.N. Roy – Radical Humanism and Modern Rationalism

• Ram Manohar Lohia – Socialist Humanism and Caste-Class Dynamics

• Jayaprakash Narayan – Total Revolution and Participatory Democracy

• Feminist, Subaltern, and Dalit perspectives in recent Indian thought

Activities:

• Panel discussion: Ambedkar’s vision of equality in today’s India

• Essay: Relevance of socialist ideas in contemporary Indian politics

Module 7: Themes and Continuities in Indian Political Thought

• Concepts of Dharma, Justice, State, and Sovereignty

• Religion, Ethics, and Morality in Political Life

• Nationalism, Democracy, and Secularism in Indian Perspective

• Contemporary Relevance of Indian Political Thought

Activities:

• Thematic workshop: “Can Indian political ideas guide 21st-century governance?”

• Comparative essay: “Indian and Western traditions of justice and statecraft”

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

• Understand the evolution of political ideas in India from ancient to modern times.

• Appreciate the diversity of traditions that shape Indian political thinking.

• Critically analyze how thinkers addressed social, moral, and political questions.

• Develop an ability to interpret classical ideas in contemporary contexts.

Curriculum: International Relations for Civil Services Examination

Module 1: Foundations of International Relations

• Meaning, Nature, and Scope of International Relations

• Approaches and Theories: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism, Feminism

• Key Concepts: Power, National Interest, Balance of Power, Collective Security, Globalization

• Evolution of the International System — From Westphalia to Post-Cold War Order

Activities:

• Timeline exercise on major global events (1648–2020)

• Class debate: Realism vs. Liberalism — which explains world politics better?

Module 2: India’s Foreign Policy – Evolution and Foundations

• Historical Background: Nehruvian Legacy and Non-Alignment

• Determinants and Objectives of India’s Foreign Policy

• Constitutional and Institutional Framework of Foreign Policy-Making

• Continuity and Change in India’s External Engagement

Activities:

• Group discussion: “Relevance of Non-Alignment in the 21st Century”

• Policy review exercise on recent foreign policy speeches

Module 3: India and Major Powers

• India–United States Relations: Strategic Convergence and Areas of Friction

• India–Russia Relations: Defence, Energy, and Geopolitical Cooperation

• India–China Relations: Border Issues, Trade, and Strategic Rivalry

• India–EU, India–Japan, and India–UK Relations

Activities:

• Comparative chart on India’s relations with major powers

• Case study: “The Quad and its implications for India’s strategic autonomy”

Module 4: India and its Neighbourhood

• India’s Relations with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar

• India’s Policy in the Indian Ocean Region

• SAARC and BIMSTEC — Regional Cooperation and Challenges

• India’s Neighbourhood First Policy

Activities:

• Map-based learning session on India’s neighbourhood

• Simulation: “Negotiating water-sharing or border agreements”

Module 5: India and Multilateralism

• India in the United Nations System — Role, Contributions, and Reform Agenda

• India and Global Economic Institutions: IMF, World Bank, WTO

• India and Regional Groupings: ASEAN, G20, SCO, BRICS, IORA, QUAD

• India’s Climate Diplomacy and Global South Leadership

Activities:

• Mock UN session on India’s stance in a global issue

• Analytical writing: “India’s pursuit of a permanent UNSC seat — prospects and challenges”

Module 6: Contemporary Global Issues and India’s Response

• Globalization, Protectionism, and Trade Wars

• Terrorism, Cybersecurity, and Transnational Threats

• Global Health Governance (COVID-19 and Beyond)

• Migration, Refugees, and Human Rights Issues

• Sustainable Development and Climate Change Diplomacy

Activities:

• Group project: “Mapping India’s global responses post-2020”

• Essay discussion: “India’s role in shaping a multipolar world order”

Module 7: International and Regional Organizations

• Role and Relevance of the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies

• WTO, IMF, and World Bank — Structures and Criticisms

• Regional Organizations: ASEAN, AU, EU, SAARC, SCO, BRICS

• India’s Role and Engagement in Multilateral Forums

Activities:

• Chart preparation: Global vs. Regional Organizations

• Interactive quiz on international organizations and summits

Module 8: India’s Strategic and Security Environment

• Nuclear Policy, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation

• Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Strategy

• Border Management and Defence Cooperation

• Internal Security Dimensions with External Linkages

Activities:

• Policy brief writing: “India’s Indo-Pacific strategy”

• Group discussion: “Balancing strategic autonomy and alliance-building”

Module 9: Current Affairs and Exam Integration

• Analysis of recent global developments relevant to India’s foreign policy

• India’s participation in recent international summits and bilateral visits

• Linking IR theories and events to UPSC Mains answers

• Practice sessions with PYQs (Previous Year Questions)

Activities:

• Weekly current affairs review

• Mock Test and Feedback Session

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand key theories, institutions, and actors in international politics.

• Analyze India’s foreign policy in historical and contemporary contexts.

• Develop the ability to link static syllabus with current global events.

• Strengthen answer-writing and analytical skills for Civil Services Prelims and Mains.

Curriculum: Indian Polity for Civil Services Examination

Module 1: Introduction to Indian Polity

• Understanding the nature and scope of Political Science & Polity in Civil Services

• The making of the Indian Constitution — Constituent Assembly & Historical Background

• Salient features of the Constitution of India

• Preamble: Philosophy and significance

Activities:

• Constitution-making timeline activity

• Group discussion: “Relevance of the Preamble in contemporary India”

Module 2: Fundamental Framework of the Constitution

• Union and its Territory

• Citizenship

• Fundamental Rights — Evolution, Features, Landmark Judgments

• Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties

• Amendments to the Constitution

Activities:

• Case study discussions (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati, Maneka Gandhi)

• Debate: “Should Fundamental Duties be enforceable?”

Module 3: Union Government

• The Executive: President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers

• The Legislature: Parliament — Structure, Powers, and Procedures

• The Judiciary: Supreme Court — Structure, Powers, Judicial Review, Judicial Activism

Activities:

• Mock Parliament session

• Quiz: “Know your Articles”

Module 4: State Government

• Governor, Chief Minister, and Council of Ministers

• State Legislature — Structure and Powers

• High Courts and Subordinate Judiciary

• Relationship between Union and State Governments

Activities:

• Comparative analysis of Centre–State relations

• Assignment: “Role of Governors in Indian Federalism”

Module 5: Local Government and Decentralization

• Panchayati Raj Institutions — Evolution, 73rd Amendment

• Urban Local Bodies — 74th Amendment

• Finance Commission and Devolution of Powers

Activities:

• Field-based project or case study on local governance

• Group presentation: “Success stories of decentralization in India”

Module 6: Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies

• Constitutional Bodies: Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission, CAG, etc.

• Non-Constitutional Bodies: NITI Aayog, NHRC, CVC, Lokpal, etc.

Activities:

• Role-play: “Conducting a mock election commission review”

• Chart-making: Constitutional vs. Non-Constitutional bodies

Module 7: Political Dynamics in India

• Political Parties and Pressure Groups

• Elections, Electoral Reforms, and Representation of the People Act

• Regionalism, Secularism, Communalism

• Emerging Trends in Indian Politics

Activities:

• Essay writing: “Challenges to Indian Democracy”

• Discussion: “Role of youth in strengthening democracy”

Module 8: Governance and Public Policy

• Good Governance and E-Governance

• Citizen’s Charters, RTI Act, Social Accountability

• Role of Civil Services in Democracy

• Recent Policy Initiatives (NITI Aayog, Digital India, etc.)

Activities:

• Case study on RTI or Public Service Delivery

• Guest lecture or webinar by a Civil Servant

Module 9: Current Affairs and Revision

• Constitutional and Political Developments in News

• Analysis of recent Supreme Court Judgments

• Practice through MCQs, PYQs, and Test Series

Activities:

• Weekly Current Affairs Quiz

• Model Test and Feedback Session

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

• Develop conceptual clarity and analytical understanding of Indian Polity.

• Be able to link static concepts with dynamic current affairs.

• Build strong writing and articulation skills for Mains answers and interviews.

• Gain confidence to tackle Polity-related questions in both Prelims and Mains of the Civil Services Examination.