General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Chhattisgarh and India Current Affairs)
General Studies in CGPSC ACF/FRO is a broad screening domain: it tests Indian history, geography, polity, economy and science & technology, plus Chhattisgarh-specific history, geography, schemes and current affairs. Questions are factual and often ask you to compare state data with national policy.
Core rules and concepts
- Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000 under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000; Raipur is the capital.
- State symbols: tree - Sal (Shorea robusta); animal - wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee); bird - hill myna (Gracula religiosa).
- Ancient Chhattisgarh formed part of Dakshina Kosala; the Kalachuri/Haihaya dynasty ruled the Ratanpur–Tumman region. The British-era Central Provinces consolidated the area.
- Polity: Article 244(1) and the Fifth Schedule govern Scheduled Areas; PESA, 1996 extends Panchayat provisions to Scheduled Areas.
- Economy: paddy-dominant agrarian economy; Godhan Nyay Yojana procures cow dung, and Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana supports paddy farmers.
- Current affairs: track the state budget, India State of Forest Report data, tribal welfare schemes and national missions.
Worked example
Question: Which constitutional provision governs Scheduled Areas in Chhattisgarh? Reasoning: Scheduled Areas are declared under Article 244(1) and administered under the Fifth Schedule; the Sixth Schedule applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Answer: Fifth Schedule.
Traps
- Mixing the state animal (wild buffalo) with tiger or gaur.
- Assuming the whole state is a Scheduled Area; only notified areas are.
- Quoting an outdated district count; verify the latest gazette notification.
- Confusing Central Provinces history with post-2000 statehood.