The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is one of the most prominent and competitive in India. It aims to recruit candidates for various administrative positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services. A thorough understanding of the UPSC syllabus is essential for aspirants to plan their preparation strategy effectively. In three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview (Personality Test) – the exam is conducted. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the UPSC syllabus for each stage.
1. UPSC Prelims Syllabus
The Civil Services Examination begins with the UPSC Prelims exam. It consists of two objective-type papers:
(i) General Studies Paper I:
This paper evaluates the candidate’s general awareness of various topics including:
Current Events: National and international importance in the news.
History of India and Indian National Movement: Focus on both ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, along with an understanding of the freedom struggle.
Indian Polity and Governance: The Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, Rights issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development: Topics like sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change: General understanding of the environment, climate change challenges, conservation efforts, and related issues.
General Science: Basic understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and their relevance in everyday life.
Geography of India and the World: Physical, social, and economic geography, including the concepts of location, space, and place.
(ii) General Studies Paper II (CSAT):
This paper tests the candidate’s aptitude through questions on:
Comprehension: Reading passages and answering related questions.
Interpersonal Skills and Communication: Including decision-making and problem-solving.
Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Simple puzzles and analytical questions.
Basic Numeracy: Numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, data interpretation (graphs, charts, and tables).
English Language Skills: Basic understanding and grammar-related questions.
Note: Candidates must score at least 33% (66 out of 200 marks on the CSAT paper to qualify for further stages.
2. UPSC Mains Syllabus
Candidates who qualify for the Prelims are eligible for the Mains exam, which is more in-depth and descriptive. The Mains exam comprises nine papers, two of which are qualifying and seven are merit-based.
(i) Qualifying Papers:
Paper A (300 Marks) – One of the Indian languages (selected from the list provided by UPSC).
Paper B (300 Marks) – English.
(ii) Merit Papers:
Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)
Candidates must write essays on multiple topics, drawing from their understanding of current affairs, philosophy, and other interdisciplinary issues.
Paper II: General Studies I (250 Marks) – Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
Indian Culture: Ancient and medieval Indian history, prominent movements, art forms, and cultural heritage.
Modern Indian History: Significant events, personalities, and movements from the 18th century to the present.
World History: 18th-century occurrences including the industrial revolution, global conflicts, boundary redrawing, etc.
Indian Society: Features of Indian society, role of women, population issues, poverty, and developmental challenges.
Geography: Physical geography of India and the world, resources, and the impact of geographical factors on human life.
Paper III: General Studies II (250 Marks) – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
Indian Constitution: Features, amendments, significant provisions, comparison with other constitutions.
Governance: Role of civil services, Parliament, judiciary, and other bodies.
Social Justice: Welfare schemes, health, education, and issues related to poverty, hunger, and inequality.
International Relations: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings, India’s foreign policy, diaspora, and multilayer Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management are covered in General Studies III (250 Marks).
Indian Economy: Economic planning, growth, development, poverty alleviation, and government policies.
Technology: Information technology, space technology, robotics, and biotechnology.
3. Personality Test/Interview
The Personality Test is the final stage of the UPSC examination and carries 275 marks. It is not based on any specific syllabus but evaluates the candidate’s overall personality, including:
Communication Skills: Clarity, confidence, and logical presentation.
Leadership and Decision-Making Ability: How well a candidate can handle pressure situations and make balanced decisions.
Awareness of Social and Political Issues: Knowledge of current events and ability to provide insights.
Integrity and Ethical Behavior: Personal values, honesty, and dedication to public service.
Conclusion
The UPSC syllabus is vast, covering a wide array of topics from history, polity, and economy to ethics, international relations, and scientific advancements. Understanding the structure and depth of the syllabus helps aspirants prioritize and streamline their preparation. Given the comprehensive nature of the exam, a well-planned strategy, consistent study, and regular practice are essential for cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Read More: Preparation Tips for UPSC: Keys for Cracking the Exam
FAQs About the UPSC Syllabus
1. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): What is it?
The UPSC is India’s central recruiting agency responsible for conducting various examinations to recruit candidates for the Indian Civil Services and other central government posts. The Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the UPSC is one of its flagship exams, aimed at selecting candidates for prestigious roles such as IAS, IPS, and IFS.
2. What is the purpose of the Prelims exam?
The purpose of the Prelims exam is to screen applicants and create a shortlist for the Mains exam. It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I, which tests general awareness, and General Studies Paper II (CSAT), which evaluates analytical and comprehension skills.
3. Are the marks obtained in the Prelims counted for the final ranking?
The Prelims marks are not used for the final ranking. Instead, they serve solely to determine who qualifies for the Mains examination. The CSAT paper in the Prelims is qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to score at least 33%.
4. How should I choose my optional subject for the Mains exam?
Choosing an optional subject should be based on your academic background, interests, and understanding of the subject. It is advisable to select a subject you are familiar with or have a strong interest in, as this can make preparation more manageable and engaging.
5. How is the Personality Test conducted?
The Personality Test is a face-to-face interview with a board of experts. It assesses candidates’ communication skills, intellectual qualities, and suitability for a career in civil services. The candidate’s personality and overall demeanor are evaluated during the interview instead of assessing specific knowledge.
