Syllabus For ASSISTANT {Kerala Administrative Tribunal}

Kerala Public Service Commission
Total Marks: 100

Distribution of Marks

Part	Subject	Marks
I	General Knowledge – History	2
	General Knowledge – Geography	2
	General Knowledge – Economics	2
	General Knowledge – Life Science and Public Health	2
	General Knowledge – Physics	2
	General Knowledge – Chemistry	2
II	Current Affairs	8
III	Simple Arithmetic, Mental Ability and Reasoning	5
IV	General English	5
V	Regional Language (Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil)	10
VI	Law	60

Detailed Syllabus

I. General Knowledge

(i) History (2 Marks)

KERALA – Arrival of Europeans – Contributions of Europeans – History of Travancore from Marthanda Varma to Sree Chithirathirunnal – Social and Religious Reform movement – National movement in Kerala – Literary Sources of Kerala History – United Kerala Movement – Political and Social History of Kerala after 1956.
INDIA – Political History – Establishment of the British – First War of Independence – Formation of INC – Swadeshi Movement – Social Reform movement – Newspapers – Literature and Arts during the freedom struggle – Independence Movement & Mahatma Gandhi – India’s independent – Post independent period – State reorganization – Development in Science, Education, and Technology – Foreign policy.
WORLD – Great Revolution in England – American War of Independence – French Revolution – Russian Revolution – Chinese Revolution – Political History after Second World War – UNO and other International Organizations

(ii) Geography (2 Marks)

Basics of Geography – Earth Structure – Atmosphere, Rocks, Landforms, Pressure Belt and Winds, Temperature and Seasons, Global Issues – Global Warming – Various forms of Pollution, Maps – Topographic Maps and Signs, Remote Sensing – Geographic Information System, Oceans and its various movements – Continents – Nations and their specific features.

INDIA – Physiography – States and its features, Northern Mountain Region, Rivers, Northern Great Plain, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plain, Climate – Natural Vegetation – Agriculture – Minerals and Industries – Energy Sources, Transport system – Road – Water – Railways – Air.

KERALA – Physiography – Districts and its features – Rivers – Climate – Natural Vegetation – Wild life – Agriculture and research centers – Minerals and Industries – Energy Sources – Transport system – Road – Water – Railway – Air

(iii) Economics (2 Marks)

India: Economy, Five Year Plans, New Economic Reforms, Planning Commission and Niti Aayog, Financial Institutions, Agriculture – Major Crops, Green Revolution, Minerals. Direct and indirect taxes in India, GST in India – rationale and structure of GST, benefits of GST.

(iv) Life Science and Public Health (2 Marks)

Basic facts of Human Body
Vitamins and Minerals and their Deficiency Diseases
Communicable Diseases and Causative Organisms, Preventive and Remedial Measures
Kerala – Welfare activities in Health Sector
Lifestyle Diseases
Basic Health Facts
Environment and Environmental Hazards

(v) Physics (2 Marks)

Branches of Physics – Matter – Units, Measurements – Physical Quantities.
Motion – Newton’s Laws of Motion – Third law – Momentum – Projectile Motion – Uses of Third Law – Achievements in space missions in India – ISRO.
Light – Lens, Mirrors – Problems based on r = 2f – Different phenomena of Light – Rainbow – Colours of different materials – Electromagnetic Spectrum – IR rays – UV rays – X rays – Photoelectric Effect.
Sound – Different types of Waves – Velocity of Sound in different media – Resonance – Reverberation.
Force – Different types of Forces – Friction – Advantages and disadvantages of Friction – Liquid Pressure – Buoyant Force – Archimedes Principle – Pascal’s law – Density – Relative density – Adhesive Cohesive forces – Capillarity – Viscous force – Surface tension.
Gravitation – Centripetal Force – Centrifugal Force – Escape Velocity, Satellites – Escape Velocity – Weight Mass – value of ‘g’ – ‘g’ in different places.
Heat – Temperature – Different types of thermometers – Humidity – Relative Humidity.
Work – Energy – Power – Simple problems relating to Work, Energy, Power, Levers – Different types of Levers.

(vi) Chemistry (2 Marks)

Atom – Molecule – States of Matter – Allotropy – Gas laws – Aqua regia.
Elements – Periodic Table – Metals & Non metals – Chemical Physical changes – Chemical reactions – Solutions, Mixtures, Compounds.
Metals – Non metals – Alloys – Acids, Bases – pH value – Alkaloids.

II. Current Affairs (8 Marks)

III. Simple Arithmetic, Mental Ability and Reasoning (5 Marks)

(i) Simple Arithmetic

Numbers and Basic Operations
Fraction 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
Progressions

(ii) Mental Ability & Reasoning

Series
Problems on Mathematical Signs
Verifying Positions
Analogy – Word Analogy, Alphabet Analogy, Number Analogy
Odd man out
Numerical Ability
Coding and Decoding
Family Relations
Sense of Direction
Time and Angles
Time in a clock and its reflection
Date and Calendar
Clerical Ability

IV. General English (5 Marks)

(i) English Grammar

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

(ii) Vocabulary

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

V. Regional Language (10 Marks)

Malayalam

പദശുദ്ധി
വാക്യശുദ്ധി
പരിഭാഷ
ഒറ്റപ്പദം
പര്യായം
വിപരീത പദം
ശൈലികൾ പഴഞ്ചൊല്ലുകൾ
സമാനപദം
ചേർത്തെഴുതുക
സ്ത്രീലിംഗം പുല്ലിംഗം
വചനം
പിരിച്ചെഴുതൽ
ഘടക പദം (വാക്യം ചേർത്തെഴുതുക)

Tamil

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

Kannada

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

VI. Law (60 Marks)

Module I: Jurisprudence, Legal Theory, Principles of Legislation, Legislative Drafting and Interpretation (6 Marks)

Different schools of thought
Nature of law
Theories of law
Theories of justice
Relationship between law and morality
Sources of law including legislation, custom, precedent, personal laws, international conventions and treaties
Doctrine of stare decisis and its exceptions
Ratio decidendi
Obiter dicta
Overruling, prospective overruling
Elements of law including legal right, duty, liability, property, ownership, possession and title; and their classifications
Jural postulates
Utilitarian theory of legislation and its criticisms
General principles of interpretation
Construction of statutes
Grammatical rule
Logical rule
Golden rule
Mischief rule
Ejusdem generis rule
Specific principles of interpretation
Contextual interpretation
Historical interpretation
Contemporaneous exposition
In pari materia
In bonam partem
Strict interpretation
Beneficial interpretation
Interpretation of penal statutes and fiscal statutes
Interpretation of Constitution
Different kinds of statutes
Contents of a statute
Non-obstante clause
Proviso
General Clauses Act, 1897
Judicial process and creativity
Judicial self-restraint
Judicial legislation

Module II: Constitutional Law and Administrative Law (6 Marks)

Constitutional Law

Constituent Assembly
Preamble
Citizenship
Concept of State and law
Fundamental rights
Directive principles
Fundamental duties
Structure, power and functions of Governments
Union Executive, Parliament and Judiciary
State Executive, Legislature and Judiciary
Privileges of President, Governors, Parliament and State legislatures
Independence of judiciary
Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs)
Co-operative societies
Important Constitutional amendments
Constitutional authorities and their functions – Comptroller and Auditor General, Attorney General, Advocate General, Election Commission of India, State Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission, State Public Service Commission
Finance Commission
State Finance Commission
GST Council
Distribution of legislative and administrative powers
Union List
State List
Concurrent List
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission for Backward Classes
Official language
Special directives relating to languages
Writ jurisdiction
Public Interest Litigation
Judicial review
Basic structure theory
Constitutional morality
Transformative constitutionalism
Legislative process
Law and public opinion

Administrative Law

Delegated legislation and its controls
Constitutional law remedies against administrative arbitrariness
Doctrine of ultra vires
Administrative discretion and its controls
Administrative adjudication
Principles of natural justice
Post decisional hearing
Exception to the principles of natural justice
Statutory remedies
Contractual and tortious liability of the administration
Privileges and immunities of administration in suits and to withhold documents
Rule of law
Legitimate expectation
Proportionality
Maladministration and remedies
Statutory provisions relating to Lokpal, Lokayukta, CVC and prevention of corruption
Right to information under the Right to Information Act, 2005
Exemptions
Powers and functions of Information Commission
Constitutional protection of civil servants
Services under the Union and the States
Administrative Tribunals under Administrative Tribunal Act, 1985
Right to public services
The Kerala State Right to Service Act, 2012

Module III: Major Substantive and Procedural Laws (Civil) (6 Marks)

Civil Procedure Code (CPC) and Related Laws

CPC – Suits of civil nature
Stay of suits
Res judicata
Place of suing
General rules regarding pleadings
Plaint
Written statement
Set off counter claim
Parties to suits: joinder of parties, misjoinder of parties, non-joinder of parties
Framing of issues
Summons
Modes of service of summons
Appearance and non-appearance of parties and its consequences
Examination of parties by the court
Discovery and inspection
Adjournment
Amendment of pleadings
Judgment, order and decree
Execution
Modes of execution
Precept
Garnishee order
Caveat
Appeal
Second appeal
Reference
Review
Revision
Inherent powers
Arrest and attachment before judgment
Injunction
Receiver
Commission
Special proceedings such as suits in particular cases
Suit against government
Interpleader suit
Suing in forma pauperis
Suit by or against minors
Representative suits
The Limitation Act, 1963
Specific Relief Act, 1963
Commercial disputes and the provisions of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 – relating to the constitution of Commercial Courts, Commercial Appellate Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division in High Courts
Jurisdiction, powers, authority and procedure of Gram Nyayalayas under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008

Tort, Contract and Allied Laws

Tort – definition and development of the law of torts through case law
Tortious liability
Strict liability
Absolute liability
Vicarious liability
Liability relating to animals
Negligence
Remoteness of damage
Contributory negligence
General defences
Foreign tort
Indian Contract Act, 1872
Interpretation clause
Formation of Contract
Consideration
Necessity
Classification
Privity
Discharge of Contracts, Doctrine of accord and satisfaction
Essentials of Contract
Free consent
Capacity of parties
Voidable contracts and void agreements
Contingent contracts
Quasi contracts
Quantum meruit
Performance of contracts
Modes of discharge
Consequences of breach of contract
Elements vitiating consent
Contracts of Indemnity and Guarantee
Contract of Bailment and Pledge
Agency
Sale of Goods Act, 1930
Partnership under the Partnership Act, 1932
Limited liability partnership under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
Standard form contracts
Online contracts
Click wrap agreements
Browse wrap agreements
Shrink wrap agreements
Statutory provisions relating to online contracts under the Information Technology Act, 2000

Module IV: Law of Evidence, Information Technology (6 Marks)

Law of Evidence

Relevancy of facts as provided under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Types of evidence
Facts which need not be proved
Admissions and confessions
Dying declaration
Opinion evidence
Character evidence
Hearsay evidence
Similar facts
Oral and documentary evidence
Doctrine of estoppel
Burden of proof
Competency of witnesses
Privileged communications
Examination of witnesses
Presumptions
Accomplice
Approver
Admissibility of electronic evidence

The Information Technology Act, 2000

Fundamentals of cyberspace
Definitions
Digital signature and electronic signature
E-governance
Attribution, acknowledgement and despatch of electronic records
Certifying authorities
Controller
Subscribers
Intermediaries
Penalties, compensation and adjudication
Appellate tribunal
Offences

Module V: Major Substantive and Procedural Laws (Criminal) (6 Marks)

Substantive Criminal Law

Concept of crime
Actus Reus & Mens Rea
General principles of criminal liability
Absolute liability, vicarious liability and constructive liability
Extent and operation
Punishments under BNS, 2023
General exceptions
Abetment
Criminal conspiracy
Attempt
Joint liability
Common intention
Common object
Vicarious liability
Offences against human body
Offences against women and children
Offences against the State and public order
Obstruction of public servants, false evidence, public nuisance, rash driving, obscenity
Offences against religion
Offences against property

Procedural Criminal Law

Classification of offences under the BNSS, 2023
Functionaries under BNSS and their powers and functions
Arrest
Detention
Investigation
Inquiry
Inquest
Search and seizure
Classification and powers of criminal courts
Executive magistrates and their powers
Public prosecutors
Cognizance of offence and commencement of judicial proceedings
Processes to compel the attendance of persons and production of documents
Bail
Anticipatory bail
Fair trial
Conditions requisite for initiation of proceedings
Cognizance of offence by Magistrate
Cognizance of offences by Court of Sessions
Prosecution of Judges and Public Servants
Prosecution of cases against marriage
Prosecution for defamation
Complaints to Magistrates
Charge
Contents of charge
Separate charge for distinct offences
Trial for more than one offence
Discharge
Acquittal
Trial of summons case, warrant case and sessions case, summary trial
Compoundable offence
Plea bargaining
Judgment
Appeal
Reference
Revision
Inherent powers
Execution of sentence
Remission
Commutation and other connected matters
Maintenance of wives, children and parents
Victim compensation
Special provisions for unsound accused
Limitation for taking cognizance
Irregular proceedings

Module VI: Law of Property including Intellectual Property (6 Marks)

Concept of property
General principles of transfer under the Transfer of Property Act, 1882
Property that cannot be transferred
Effect of transfer
Rule against inalienability
Rule against perpetuity
Doctrine of election
Transfer to unborn
Covenants running with land
Doctrine of apportionment
Transfer by non-owners
Direction for accumulation
Conditional transfer
Part performance
Doctrine of lis pendens
Fraudulent transfer
Doctrine of acceleration
Sale of immovable property
Mortgage
Lease
Exchange
Gift
Charges
Actionable claims
Provisions relating to easements and licenses under the Indian Easements Act, 1882
Concept of incorporeal property
Intellectual Property – law relating to patent, copyright, design, trade mark, service mark, geographical indications, trade secrets, confidential information, plant varieties, farmers’ rights, semiconductor integrated circuits layout-design
Non-conventional trademarks

Module VII: Public International Law and Human Rights (6 Marks)

Public International Law

Nature, origin and sources
Subjects of international law
Relationship between international law and municipal law
The Indian practice and Constitutional provisions
States, non-state entities, international organizations and private individuals
State recognition – theory and practice
Modes of recognition
State succession
State intervention
Territorial sovereignty of State
Rights and duties of States
State responsibility
Formation of treaties
Binding nature of treaties
Extradition and asylum
Air space
Outer space
Water territory
Open sea
Deep sea bed
Common heritage of mankind
Diplomatic privileges and immunities
Jurisdiction of International Court of Justice
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Extradition Act, 1962
Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976

Human Rights

Philosophical foundation of the concept of human rights
Evolution of the concept of human rights
International Bill of Human Rights
UDHR, 1948
International Covenants of 1966
ILO Conventions
International instruments relating to women, children, third gender, indigenous persons, environment and refugees
International humanitarian law
Law of warfare and armed conflicts
International Criminal Court
Piracy
Genocide
Aircraft hijacking
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

Module VIII: Law relating to Land and Environment (6 Marks)

Environmental Law

Environmental protection
Control of air pollution, noise and water pollution
Wild life protection
Protection of rights of forest dwellers
Public liability insurance
Green Tribunal
Biological diversity
Protection of forests
Statutory authorities for the protection of environment, their composition, powers and functions
Constitutional and international law provisions for environmental protection
Contributions of judiciary to environmental jurisprudence
Polluter pays
Precautionary principle
Absolute liability
Sustainable development
Public trust doctrine
Public interest litigations
Functions and powers of the LSGIs relating to land, buildings and environment
Emerging concepts of green criminology and ecocide

Land Law

Acts and Rules relating to land acquisition for public purpose
Land reforms
Land ceiling
Land assignment
Revenue recovery
Paddy fields
Wetland
Land conservancy
Land development
Building lease and rent controls and mining

Module IX: Industrial and Labour Law (6 Marks)

Law relating to trade union
Registration of trade unions
Rights, privileges, immunities, duties and liabilities of registered trade union
Collective bargaining
Industry
Industrial dispute
Individual dispute
Illegal strike and illegal lock-out
Lay-off and retrenchment
Transfer and closure of undertakings
Reference and settlement of industrial dispute
Unfair labour practices
Machinery for the amicable settlement of industrial disputes
Standing orders
Employees’ compensation
Concept of wages
Deduction of wages
Minimum wages
Payment of bonus and gratuity
Employees State Insurance
Employees Provident Fund
Health, safety and welfare measures for workers in factories, plantations, shops and commercial establishments
Maternity benefit
Prohibition of sexual harassment
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Module X: Speedy Justice, Legal Aid and Protection of Vulnerable Sections (6 Marks)

Right to information under the Right to Information Act, 2005
Exemptions
Powers and functions of Information Commission
Concept of ADR
Arbitration
Conciliation
Mediation
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Legal services, legal aid and Lok Adalats
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
The Kerala State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act, 2007
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
National Commission for Women Act, 1990
Kerala Women’s Commission Act, 1990
National and State Commission for Women
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO)

Note: It may be noted that apart from the topics detailed above, questions from other topics prescribed for the educational qualification of the post may also appear in the question paper. There is no undertaking that all the topics above may be covered in the question paper.