KPSC Women Civil Excise Officer Syllabus 2023: Topics, Pattern & Books

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) has released the detailed syllabus for the Women Civil Excise Officer (Trainee) recruitment, Category No. 502/2023, under the Excise Department. This comprehensive syllabus outlines the subjects and topics candidates need to master for the examination, which will be conducted for a total of 100 marks. Aspirants should thoroughly review each section to formulate an effective study plan and enhance their chances of selection.

Syllabus Overview

Detailed Syllabus

I. General Knowledge (പൊതുവിജ്ഞാനം) – 50 Marks

1. History (ചരിത്രം) – 5 Marks

• Kerala: Arrival of Europeans, their contributions, History of Travancore from Marthanda Varma to Sree Chithira Thirunal, Social, Religious, and Renaissance movements, National Movement in Kerala, Literary sources of Kerala History, Aikya Kerala movement, Socio-political history of Kerala after 1956.
• India: Political history, British dominance, First War of Independence, formation of Indian National Congress, Swadeshi Movement, Social Reform Movements, Newspapers, Literature and Art during the freedom struggle, Freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi, Post-independence era of India, Reorganization of states, Progress in Science, Education and Technology, Foreign policy.
• World: Great Revolution in England, American War of Independence, French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Chinese Revolution, Post-World War II political history, United Nations Organization, other International Organizations.

2. Geography (ഭൂമിശാസ്ത്രം) – 5 Marks

• Basic Principles of Geography: Earth’s structure, atmosphere, rocks, earth’s surface, atmospheric pressure and winds, temperature, seasons, global issues (global warming, pollution types), maps (topographic maps, symbols), remote sensing, geographical information systems, oceans, ocean movements, continents, world countries and their features.
• India: Physiography, states and their features, northern mountain region, rivers, northern plains, peninsular plateau, coastal region, climate, natural vegetation, agriculture, minerals and industries, energy sources, road, water, rail, and air transport systems.
• Kerala: Physiography, districts, features, natural vegetation, wildlife, rivers, climate, agriculture and research institutions, minerals and industries, energy sources, road, water, rail, and air transport systems.

3. Economics (ധനതത്വശാസ്ത്രം) – 5 Marks

• India: Economic sector, Five Year Plans, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, New economic reforms, Financial institutions, Agricultural crops, Minerals, Green Revolution.

4. Indian Constitution (ഇന്ത്യൻ ഭരണഘടന) – 8 Marks

• Constituent Assembly, Preamble, Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, Components of Government, Important Constitutional Amendments (42, 44, 52, 73, 74, 86, 91), Panchayati Raj, Constitutional bodies and their responsibilities, Union List, State List, Concurrent List.

5. Kerala – Governance and Administration (കേരളം – ഭരണവും ഭരണസംവിധാനങ്ങളും) – 3 Marks

• Kerala State Civil Service, Constitutional bodies, various commissions, socio-economic and commercial planning basic information, Disaster Management Authority, wetland conservation, employment and jobs, national rural employment schemes, land reforms, protection of women, children, elderly, social welfare, social security.

6. Biology and Public Health (ജീവശാസ്ത്രവും പൊതുജനാരോഗ്യവും) – 4 Marks

• General knowledge about human body.
• Vitamins and Minerals and their deficiency diseases.
• Communicable diseases and pathogens.
• Health welfare activities in Kerala.
• Lifestyle diseases.
• Basic health knowledge.
• Environment and environmental issues.

7. Physics (ഭൗതികശാസ്ത്രം) – 3 Marks

• Branches of Physics, Matter – Unit, Measurements, Quantities.
• Motion – Newton’s Laws of Motion, Third Law of Motion – Momentum – Projectile motion – Applications of Third Law of Motion, ISRO’s space achievements.
• Light – Lens, Mirror, Mathematical problems using r=2f equation, various phenomena of light – Rainbow – Different colors of objects, Electromagnetic Spectrum – IR Rays – UV Rays – X-Rays – Photoelectric effect.
• Sound – Different types of waves – Speed of light in different media, Resonance, Reflection.
• Force – Different types of forces – Friction, uses and disadvantages of friction, fluid pressure – Buoyancy – Archimedes’ Principle – Pascal’s Law – Density – Relative Density – Adhesion and Cohesion forces – Capillary rise – Viscosity – Surface tension.
• Gravity – Centripetal force, Centrifugal force, Satellites – Escape velocity, Mass and Weight – Value of ‘g’ – Value of ‘g’ at different places on Earth.
• Heat – Temperature – Different types of thermometers, Humidity – Relative humidity.
• Work – Energy – Power – Mathematical problems, Levers, different types of levers.

8. Chemistry (രസതന്ത്രം) – 3 Marks

• Atom – Molecule – Different states of matter – Transformation – Gas laws – Aqua regia.
• Elements – Periodic Table – Metals and Non-metals – Chemical and Physical changes – Chemical reactions – Solutions, Mixtures, Compounds.
• Metals – Non-metals – Alloys, Acids and Alkalis – pH value – Alkaloids.

9. Art, Sports, Literature, Culture (കല, കായികം, സാഹിത്യം, സംസ്കാരം) – 4 Marks

• Art: Origin, spread, and training of major visual and performing arts in Kerala.
• Sports: Major sports personalities in Kerala, India, and the world who have made a mark in sports, their sports, achievements, awards received. Major trophies and related competitions/sports. Major sports and number of players participating. Important terms related to sports. Olympics (basic info, venues/countries, famous victories/athletes, India’s performance, Winter Olympics, Para Olympics). Asian Games, Afro-Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, SAF Games (venues, countries, India’s performance, other facts). National Games. Sports events – competitions, athletes, achievements. National sports/pastimes of each country.
• Literature: Major literary movements in Malayalam – first works, authors. Major works and their authors in each movement. Writers – pen names, pseudonyms. Characters – works. Famous lines – works – authors. Beginning of Malayalam journalism, pioneers, periodicals. Major awards/honors – awarded writers, works. Malayalees who won Jnanpith – related facts. Origin, growth, milestones of Malayalam cinema, major contributors, Malayalam cinema and National Awards.
• Culture: Major festivals in Kerala, places related to festivals, famous festivals. Cultural centers in Kerala, places of worship, cultural leaders, their contributions.

II. Current Affairs (ആനുകാലിക വിഷയങ്ങൾ) – 10 Marks

• Current events of national and international importance, sports, awards, science and technology, and other relevant topics.

III. Simple Arithmetic, Mental Ability & Observational Skills – 10 Marks

1. Simple Arithmetic (ലഘു ഗണിതം) – 5 Marks

• Numbers and Basic Operations.
• Fractions and Decimal Numbers.
• Percentage.
• Profit and Loss.
• Simple and Compound Interest.
• Ratio and Proportion.
• Time and Distance.
• Time and Work.
• Average.
• Laws of Exponents.
• Mensuration (Perimeter, Area, Volume of geometric shapes).
• Progressions.

2. Mental Ability & Observational Skills (മാനസിക ശേഷിയും നിരീക്ഷണപാടവ പരിശോധനയും) – 5 Marks

• Series (Number Series, Alphabet Series).
• Problems on Mathematics Signs.
• Position Ranking Test.
• Analogy (Word Analogy, Alphabet Analogy, Number Analogy).
• Odd man out.
• Number puzzles.
• Coding and De Coding.
• Family Relations.
• Sense of Direction.
• Time and Angles in a clock.
• Time in a clock and its reflection.
• Date and Calendar.
• Clerical Ability questions.

IV. General English – 10 Marks

i. English Grammar (5 Marks)

• Types of Sentences and Interchange of Sentences.
• Different Parts of Speech.
• Agreement of Subject and Verb.
• Articles – Definite and Indefinite Articles.
• Uses of Primary and Modal Auxiliary Verbs.
• Question Tags.
• Infinitive and Gerunds.
• Tenses.
• Tenses in Conditional Sentences.
• Prepositions.
• The Use of Correlatives.
• Direct and Indirect Speech.
• Active and Passive voice.
• Correction of Sentences.
• Degrees of comparison.

ii. Vocabulary (5 Marks)

• Singular & Plural, Change of Gender, Collective Nouns.
• Word formation from other words and use of prefix or suffix.
• Compound words.
• Synonyms.
• Antonyms.
• Phrasal Verbs.
• Foreign Words and Phrases.
• One Word Substitutes.
• Words often confused.
• Spelling Test.
• Idioms and their Meanings.
• Expansion and meaning of Common abbreviations.

V. Regional Languages (പ്രാദേശിക ഭാഷകൾ) – 10 Marks

Malayalam (മലയാളം)

• Word Purity (പദശുദ്ധി)
• Sentence Purity (വാക്യശുദ്ധി)
• Translation (പരിഭാഷ)
• Single Word (ഒറ്റപ്പദം)
• Synonyms (പര്യായം)
• Antonyms (വിപരീത പദം)
• Idioms and Proverbs (ശൈലികൾ പഴഞ്ചൊല്ലുകൾ)
• Similar Word (സമാനപദം)
• Joining Words (ചേർത്തെഴുതുക)
• Feminine Gender, Masculine Gender (സ്ത്രീലിംഗം പുല്ലിംഗം)
• Number (വചനം)
• Splitting Words (പിരിച്ചെഴുതൽ)
• Component Word (ഘടക പദം) (Joining sentences)

Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ)

• Word Purity / Correct Word
• Correct Sentence
• Translation
• One Word / Single Word / One Word Substitution
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Idioms and Proverbs
• Equivalent Word
• Join the Word
• Feminine Gender, Masculine Gender
• Number
• Sort and Write

Tamil (தமிழ்)

• Correct Word
• Correct Structure of Sentence
• Translation
• Single Word
• Synonyms
• Antonyms / Opposite
• Phrases and Proverbs
• Equal Word
• Join the Word
• Gender Classification – Feminine, Masculine
• Singular, Plural
• Separate
• Adding Phrases

VI. Special Topics (തസ്തികയുടെ ജോലി സ്വഭാവവുമയി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട വിഷയങ്ങൾ) – 20 Marks

Module – 1: The Abkari Act 1 of 1077 (4 Marks)

• Jurisdiction
• All aspects of liquor – import, export, transit & transport of liquor
• Authority empowered to sale liquor
• What is Liquor? Classification – Types of Liquor
• Definitions – Technical and Legal terms
• Dry days?
• Sections of common Crimes – 8(1) & (2), 13, 15 (A,B,C), 55(g), 55(g), 55(i), 55(H), 55(I), 56, 58
• Manufacture, possession & sale of liquor
• Possession limits of different liquor
• Age for possession & consumption of liquor
• What is Abkari Revenue
• Responsibilities of Officers and Public in Abkari cases

Module – 2: The NDPS Act (2 Marks)

• Need for enactment – Jurisdiction
• Definition
• Drugs present scenario in India
• Use and abuse of drugs
• Three types of drugs – Natural, Semi-synthetic-with common examples
• Classification and Types of Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic substances
• Sections 20, 21, 22, 50
• Quantity specification of ganja, and common drugs (means that are usually seized in Kerala and read through daily)
• Punishment, Rehabilitation, Deaddiction provisions in the act

Module 3: Distillery & Warehouse Rules 1968 (3 Marks)

• Definition:- Blending, Compounding, Reducing, Fortification, ENA, RS, Absolute alcohol, Gauging, proving
• Chemical formula of Ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol
• Denatured spirit
• Strength of alcohol – units-% v/v and proof – relation.
• Molasses, Neutral Spirit (ENA), Rectified Spirit, Ethyl alcohol, Absolute alcohol, Distillation, Fermentation, Attenuation, Proof spirit, Proof litre, Bulk litre, Blending, Compounding, Rectification, Bottling, Wastage, Warehouse, Ticket lock – Potable and non-potable alcohols – Differentiation between Ethyl alcohol and Methyl alcohol – Tragedies due to consumption of poisonous liquor.

Module 4: Foreign Liquor Rules (3 Marks)

• Names of different licenses – FL-1, FL-3, FL-11
• Strength of liquor sold in state
• Strength of beer, wine (lower limit also)
• Distance rule
• IMFL and FMFL – Strength of different types of Foreign Liquor-
• Possession/transportation limits of FL. Import, warehousing, transport & export of Foreign Liquor
• Working hours
• Dry days
• Meaning and need of different types of permits

Module 5: COTPA (3 Marks)

• Sections relating to :-
  • Public smoking
  • Banned tobacco products
  • Sale within 90 yards of education institutions
  • Without warning advertisement

Module 6: Campaign against Alcoholism (3 Marks)

• Constitutional Provision of Liquor Prohibition
• Liquor Consumption present scenario
• Need for regulation
• Campaign against Alcoholism and drug addiction
• Vimukthi Programme – Functionaries under the Vimukthi Programme

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT (2 Marks)

• Section 43: Penalty and Compensation for damage to computer, computer system, etc.
• Section 43A: Compensation for failure to protect data.
• Section 65: Tampering with computer source documents.
• Section 66: Computer related offences
• Section 66B: Punishment for dishonestly receiving stolen computer resource or communication device.
• Section 66C: Punishment for identity theft.
• Section 66D: Punishment for cheating by personation by using computer resources.
• Section 66E: Punishment for violation of privacy.
• Section 66F: Punishment for cyber terrorism.
• Section 67: Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
• Section 67A: Punishment for publishing or transmitting material containing sexually explicit act, etc in electronic form
• Section 67B: Punishment for publishing or transmitting material depicting children in sexually explicit act, etc in electronic form
• Section 72: Penalty for breach of confidentiality and privacy.
• Section 77B: Offences with 3 years imprisonment to be bailable.
• Section 78: Power to investigate offences.

Note: As per the official notification, questions from other topics prescribed for the educational qualification of the post may also appear in the question paper, and there is no undertaking that all the topics above may be covered.

Exam Pattern

The examination for the KPSC Women Civil Excise Officer (Trainee) will be conducted for a total of 100 marks. The marks distribution across various sections is as follows:

Details regarding the number of questions, exam duration, and negative marking are not explicitly mentioned in this syllabus document. Candidates are advised to refer to the official exam notification or admit card for these particulars.

Recommended Books

Based on this comprehensive syllabus, here are highly recommended books and study materials for KPSC Women Civil Excise Officer (Trainee) preparation:

Note: Always refer to the latest editions of these books and supplement your study with official government documents for the ‘Special Topics’ section.

Preparation Strategy

To excel in the KPSC Women Civil Excise Officer (Trainee) exam, a well-structured and disciplined preparation strategy is crucial. Given the diverse syllabus, a balanced approach is key.

3-Month Study Plan (Illustrative)

• Month 1: Foundation Building
  • Focus on completing the core theory for General Knowledge (History, Geography, Economics, Constitution), Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • Dedicate 1-2 hours daily to Simple Arithmetic and Mental Ability, practicing basic concepts.
  • Start with General English grammar rules and basic vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms).
  • Begin reading daily newspapers and current affairs magazines.
• Month 2: Deep Dive & Practice
  • Revise GK topics and start practicing objective questions from previous year papers.
  • Intensify practice for Maths and Reasoning, focusing on speed and accuracy.
  • Expand English vocabulary and attempt grammar exercises.
  • Begin studying the ‘Special Topics’ modules in detail, making concise notes.
  • Dedicate time to Regional Languages, focusing on grammar and translation.
• Month 3: Revision & Mock Tests
  • Thoroughly revise all subjects, especially your weak areas.
  • Attempt full-length mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions and manage time effectively.
  • Analyze mock test results to identify recurring mistakes and improve strategy.
  • Focus on last 6-8 months’ current affairs revision.
  • Practice writing short notes on important acts and rules under ‘Special Topics’.

Daily Study Routine

Dedicate 6-8 hours daily with short breaks. Allocate morning hours for complex or weak subjects when your mind is fresh. Ensure consistent revision of previously studied topics. Combine theory with ample practice questions.

Important Tips:

• Understand the Weightage: Prioritize subjects based on their marks weightage (e.g., General Knowledge and Special Topics carry significant marks).
• Make Short Notes: Create concise notes for quick revision, especially for facts, dates, constitutional articles, and legal sections.
• Practice Previous Year Papers: This helps understand the exam pattern, question types, and important topics.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and follow online current affairs portals daily.
• Focus on Regional Languages: Since it carries 10 marks, dedicate specific time to Malayalam/Kannada/Tamil grammar and vocabulary.
• Health and Well-being: Maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, and incorporate light exercise to stay focused and stress-free.

Important Topics & Weightage Analysis

Based on the marks distribution, candidates should pay special attention to the following high-weightage sections:

• General Knowledge (50 Marks): This is the largest section. Within GK, Indian Constitution (8 Marks) and History, Geography, Economics (5 Marks each) are foundational. Kerala-specific GK is also crucial.
• Special Topics (20 Marks): This section is highly specific to the job role and can be a scoring area if prepared thoroughly. Focus on the Abkari Act, NDPS Act, Distillery & Warehouse Rules, Foreign Liquor Rules, COTPA, Campaign against Alcoholism, and the Information Technology Act. Understanding the legal definitions, sections, and practical aspects is vital.
• Current Affairs (10 Marks): A scoring section if regularly updated.
• General English (10 Marks): Essential for overall score, covering both grammar and vocabulary.
• Regional Languages (10 Marks): Another scoring area, particularly for those proficient in Malayalam, Kannada, or Tamil.
• Simple Arithmetic, Mental Ability & Observational Skills (10 Marks): Regular practice can significantly improve performance in this section.

By strategically allocating study time according to these weightages, candidates can optimize their preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there negative marking in the KPSC Women Civil Excise Officer exam?

A1: The official syllabus document does not explicitly mention negative marking. Candidates should refer to the detailed exam notification or instructions provided on the admit card for clarity on the marking scheme, including any negative marking for incorrect answers.

Q2: What is the total duration of the KPSC Women Civil Excise Officer exam?

A2: The syllabus document does not specify the total duration of the exam. This information is typically released with the detailed exam notification or admit card. Keep an eye on the KPSC official website for updates.

Q3: Can I choose my regional language for the exam?

A3: Yes, the syllabus clearly states ‘Regional Languages (Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil)’ with 10 marks weightage. You will likely have the option to choose one of these languages for that section of the exam, based on your preference and application details.

Q4: How important are the ‘Special Topics’ for this exam?

A4: The ‘Special Topics’ section carries a significant weightage of 20 marks, making it a very important part of the syllabus. These topics are directly related to the job profile of an Excise Officer. Thorough preparation in this section can significantly boost your overall score and improve your chances of selection.

Q5: Are SCERT/NCERT textbooks sufficient for General Knowledge?

A5: SCERT (Kerala Syllabus) and NCERT textbooks are highly recommended as foundational resources for General Knowledge, particularly for History, Geography, Science, and Indian Constitution. However, for KPSC exams, supplementing these with dedicated rank files and current affairs materials is advisable for comprehensive coverage.

Q6: How can I prepare for Current Affairs effectively?

A6: To prepare for Current Affairs, read a reputed daily newspaper regularly (e.g., The Hindu, Mathrubhumi, Malayala Manorama). Supplement this with monthly current affairs magazines or online portals. Focus on events from the last 6-8 months prior to the exam date, especially those related to Kerala, national politics, economy, sports, and science & technology.

Q7: Where can I find previous year’s question papers for this exam?

A7: Previous year’s question papers for similar KPSC exams (especially those with common syllabus sections like GK, Maths, English) can be found on the KPSC official website in the ‘Previous Question Papers’ section or through various educational portals and rank file publishers. Solving these will give you an idea of the exam’s difficulty and pattern.

Q8: Will there be an interview after the written exam?

A8: For most KPSC recruitment processes, a written examination is followed by document verification and sometimes an interview, especially for officer-level posts. The detailed recruitment notification will provide specific information on the selection stages for the Women Civil Excise Officer (Trainee) post.