Social Justice is a significant subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), primarily covered in the General Studies Paper II (GS-II) of the Mains examination. It encompasses various aspects related to equality, social welfare, and justice in the Indian context. Here is an overview of the Social Justice syllabus for UPSC CSE:

Main Examination (General Studies Paper II):

• Social Justice as a Concept: Understanding the concept of social justice and its significance in a democratic and diverse society like India.

• Constitutional Provisions: Familiarity with constitutional provisions related to social justice, including Articles 15, 16, 46, and the directive principles of state policy.

• Reservation Policy: Knowledge of the reservation policy in India, including reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Understanding the rationale behind reservation policies and their impact.

• Affirmative Action: Awareness of affirmative action measures and policies aimed at providing equal opportunities and social justice to marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

• Rights of Vulnerable Sections: Understanding the rights and welfare measures for vulnerable sections of society, such as women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals.

• Welfare Schemes: Knowledge of government welfare schemes and programs aimed at promoting social justice and inclusive development, including schemes related to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

• Social Inclusion and Exclusion: Understanding the dynamics of social inclusion and exclusion, discrimination, and disparities in Indian society.

• Issues of Social Justice: Familiarity with contemporary issues related to social justice, including gender inequality, caste-based discrimination, communalism, and regional disparities.

• Role of Civil Society and NGOs: Knowledge of the role played by civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting social justice and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

• Ethics and Social Justice: Awareness of ethical issues related to social justice, human rights, and the moral responsibilities of individuals and the state.

• Laws and Regulations: Understanding of laws and regulations related to social justice, including anti-discrimination laws, laws against atrocities, and child protection laws.

• Social Movements: Knowledge of significant social movements and campaigns that have contributed to social justice in India, such as the Dalit movement, women’s rights movement, and environmental justice movement.

Preparation for Social Justice in UPSC CSE:

To prepare for the Social Justice portion of the UPSC CSE, candidates should consider the following:

• NCERT Books: Start with NCERT books on Political Science and Social Science, which provide a foundational understanding of social justice concepts.

• Standard Reference Books: Refer to standard reference books on Indian Polity and Social Justice to delve deeper into specific topics.

• Government Reports and Publications: Read government reports, policy documents, and publications related to social justice and welfare programs.

• Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs related to social justice issues, government initiatives, and developments in this field.

• Practice Questions: Solve previous year’s UPSC questions and practice mock tests to test your knowledge and improve your answer writing skills.

Social justice is a crucial aspect of governance and policymaking in India, and a good understanding of this subject is essential for success in the UPSC CSE. It reflects the commitment of the state to ensure that all sections of society, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged, have access to opportunities and resources for their well-being and development.