Upsc Ias Syllabus

The UPSC civil services exam consists of three phases: 1) A preliminary exam with objective questions testing general studies and aptitude. 2) A main exam with subjective questions across 9 papers testing knowledge in general studies, an Indian language, English, and an optional subject. 3) An interview to assess social traits, current affairs knowledge, and personal suitability for public service. The exam is considered one of the most prestigious in India and tests a wide range of academic and practical abilities over the three phases.

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Upsc Ias Syllabus

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Syllabus and Contents of UPSC/ IAS Exams

IAS Examination -Indian Administrative Services Examination is one of the

civil services among others and is considered toughest and prestigious
examinations conducted in India. Hence to face this challenge that gives a
chance to get most eminent designation offered by Indian Government a
comprehensive look throughout the syllabus is essential, especially for those
candidates who are going to appear for UPSC exams or IAS for the first time.

UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in three phases:

 Phase 1: Preliminary Examination or CSAT (Objective Section)
 Phase 2: Main Examination (Subjective Section)
 Phase 3: Interview (Vocal Section)

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Section)–

IAS prelims exam consists of two papers of objective type, each of 200 marks
(total of 400 marks) and two hours of duration and candidates must take both
the papers.
The preliminary examination is meant for screening the candidate and the
marks obtained by a candidate in the prelims who qualifies to the mains exam
will not be taken in account to determine their final merit.

Paper Subjects Total Marks Duration

I General Studies 200 marks 120 Minutes
II Aptitude Skills 200 marks 120 Minutes
GS Syllabus:
● Current events of national and international importance.
● History of India and Indian National Movement.
● Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of
India and the World.
● Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati
Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
●Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty,
Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
● General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
– that do not require subject specialisation General Science

CSAT Syllabus:
CSAT or Civil Services Aptitude Test is the first phase of preliminary
examination of UPSC. This test is intended to assess the aptitude of examinees
in solving the ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions.
 Comprehension
 Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
 Logical reasoning and analytical ability
 Decision-making and problem solving
 General mental ability
 Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.)
(Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc.
– Class X level)
Phase 2: Mains Examination (Subjective Section)–
The phase 2 tests candidate’s academic talent in depth and his/her ability
to present understanding in a reasonable way. The IAS mains examination
is designed to analyse the comprehensive intellectual quality and the
understanding of candidates rather than just determining their
information and memory.
Total Marks- 1750
 Paper – I- Essay
Can be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice
Marks- 250

 Paper-II- General Studies- I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World
and Society
Marks- 250

 Paper-III - General Studies- II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International
relations
Marks- 250

 Paper-IV- General Studies- III

Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment,
Security and Disaster Management
Marks- 250

 Paper-V- General Studies- IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Marks- 250
 Paper-VI- Optional Subject – Paper 1 - Marks- 250*
 Paper-VII- Optional Subject – Paper 2 - Marks- 250*

 Paper-VIII- Any Indian Language (Qualifying Paper- Marks- 300)

 Paper-IX- English (Qualifying Paper- Marks- 300)
(Qualifying Papers just need to qualify which is compulsory and marks
obtained will not be considered or counted.)
*Candidates may choose any one of the ‘Optional Subjects’ from the list of
subjects given below:
 Agriculture  Management
 Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science  Mathematics
 Anthropology  Mechanical Engineering
 Botany  Medical Science
 Chemistry  Philosophy
 Civil Engineering  Physics
 Commerce and Accountancy  Political Science and International Relations
 Economics  Psychology
 Electrical Engineering  Public Administration
 Geography  Sociology
 Geology  Statistics
 History  Zoology
 Law

Candidates may choose any one of the ‘Indian Language’ from the list of
Languages given below:
 Assamese  Maithili
 Arabic  Malayalam
 Bengali  Manipuri
 Bodo  Marathi
 Dogri  Nepali
 French  Oriya
 German  Persian
 Gujarati  Punjabi
 Hindi  Russian
 Kannada  Sanskrit
 Kashmiri  Santhali
 Konkani  Sindhi

Candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written part of

the UPSC Main Examination as may be fixed by the Commission at their
discretion enters the next and final phase that is the ‘personality test’ or
‘Interview’ round.
Total Marks-275
Phase 3: Interview (Vocal Section)-
Candidates who qualify the UPSC Mains Exam will move to the next and final
phase called ‘Personality Test/Interview’ who will be interviewed by a Board
of competent and unbiased intended to assess social traits and his interest in
current affairs and analyze the personal aptness of the candidate for a career
in public service. Some of the qualities evaluated during the personality test
are mental alertness, clear and logical exposition, critical powers of
assimilation, variety and depth of interest, balance of judgement, intellectual
and moral integrity ability for social cohesion and leadership.
The interview is more of purposive conversation intended to divulge the
mental qualities of the candidate