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UPSC CSE Syllabus

 

UPSC CSE Syllabus Overview

1. Preliminary Examination

The Prelims consist of two papers, both of which are objective type (multiple-choice questions):

Paper I: General Studies (GS)

  • Current events: 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.
  • Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change: General issues, not subject-specific.
  • General Science.

Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

  • Comprehension.
  • Interpersonal skills: Communication skills.
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
  • Decision-making and problem-solving.
  • General mental ability.
  • Basic numeracy: (Class X level) numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.
  • Data interpretation: (Class X level) charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.

Note: Paper II is qualifying in nature and candidates need to score a minimum of 33%.

2. Mains Examination

The Mains consist of nine papers, of which seven are counted for ranking. The other two are qualifying papers.

Qualifying Papers

  • Paper A: One of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (300 marks).
  • Paper B: English (300 marks).

Papers to be Counted for Merit

  • Paper I: Essay (250 marks)

    • Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics.

  • Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks)

    • Indian Heritage and Culture.
    • History: Modern Indian history, world history.
    • Geography of the World and Society: Physical geography, social geography.

  • Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks)

    • Governance, Constitution, Polity.
    • Social Justice and International Relations.

  • Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks)

    • Technology, Economic Development.
    • Bio-diversity, Environment.
    • Security and Disaster Management.

  • Paper V: General Studies IV (250 marks)

    • Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.
    • Case studies and ethical dilemmas in real-life situations.

  • Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper I (250 marks)

    • Candidates choose one subject from the list of optional subjects.

  • Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper II (250 marks)

    • Continuation of the chosen optional subject.

3. Personality Test (Interview)

  • Personality Test: This stage assesses the candidate's mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion, and leadership skills.

Detailed Syllabus

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

Paper I: General Studies

  • Current Affairs: Events of national and international importance.
  • History: Ancient, medieval, and modern history of India; Indian National Movement.
  • Geography: Indian and World Geography, physical, social, and economic geography.
  • Polity: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues.
  • Economics: Economic and social development, sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics.
  • Environmental Science: Ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and environmental issues.
  • General Science: Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, biology.

Paper II: CSAT

  • Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting written passages.
  • Communication Skills: Effective communication abilities.
  • Reasoning: Logical and analytical reasoning.
  • Decision-Making: Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Numeracy: Basic mathematical skills.
  • Data Interpretation: Analysis of data presented in various forms.

Mains Examination Syllabus

Paper I: Essay

  • Candidates must write essays on multiple topics, focusing on clarity, coherence, and logical flow.

Paper II: General Studies I

  • Culture: Indian heritage, culture, and significant historical events.
  • History: Modern Indian history, world history.
  • Geography: Physical features, social and economic aspects of geography.

Paper III: General Studies II

  • Polity: Indian Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy.
  • Governance: Role of civil services in democracy.
  • International Relations: India's foreign policy and relations with neighbors.

Paper IV: General Studies III

  • Economy: Indian economy, planning, development.
  • Technology: Science and technology developments and applications.
  • Environment: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.
  • Security: Internal and external security issues.
  • Disaster Management: Types of disasters and mitigation strategies.

Paper V: General Studies IV

  • Ethics: Ethics and human interface, attitude, emotional intelligence.
  • Integrity: Public/Civil service values and integrity.
  • Aptitude: Aptitude for and foundational values for civil service.

Optional Subjects:

  • Candidates can choose from a wide range of subjects like Agriculture, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, and various literature subjects like Hindi, English, etc.

Personality Test (Interview)

  • The interview assesses the candidate’s personal suitability for a career in public service. It is an evaluation of intellectual qualities, social traits, and interest in current affairs.

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