UPSC Civil Services Exam Notification 2024: Application Form, Exam Dates
Registration Date
- 14th February 2024
Salary
- INR. 56,100 - INR. 2,50,000
Vacancies
- 1056
Eligibility
- Graduation
Official Notification
Registration Link
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Understanding the UPSC CSE Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India, leading to careers in various sectors of the government. A deep understanding of the UPSC CSE syllabus is crucial for aspirants aiming to clear the exam successfully. This article provides a detailed exploration of the syllabus for each stage of the UPSC CSE, along with preparation tips and resources.
Overview of the UPSC CSE Examination Structure
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), a key gateway for aspirants aiming for prestigious positions in the Indian administrative framework. The UPSC CSE is structured into three distinct stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of the candidates' abilities and readiness for a career in civil services. For detailed information, you can download the Official UPSC 2024 Notification.
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Prelims stage is the initial screening phase of the UPSC CSE. It comprises two compulsory papers, both of objective type with multiple-choice questions:
General Studies Paper I: This paper tests candidates on a broad range of topics including current events, Indian history, Indian and world geography, Indian polity, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science. The aim is to assess the aspirant’s awareness and understanding of these subjects in a broader societal context.
CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II: The CSAT is designed to evaluate the analytical skills, reasoning ability, problem-solving skills, and communication skills of the aspirants. Although this paper is qualifying in nature, it requires a minimum of 33% to pass.
The marks obtained in General Studies Paper I alone are considered for advancing to the Mains stage provided the candidate scores above the cutoff in CSAT.
Main Examination (Mains)
The UPSC Mains is more rigorous and tests the candidates' in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects. It consists of nine papers, all of which are descriptive in nature:
Essay Paper:Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. It tests the ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing in a coherent manner.
Four General Studies Papers: Covering a wide range of areas including:
GS-I:Culture, Indian Heritage, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
GS-II:Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
GS-III:Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
GS-IV:Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
Two Optional Subject Papers: Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by UPSC. This choice can significantly impact the overall score.
Two Qualifying Language Papers:These papers test the candidates' comprehension, précis writing, and language skills.
The marks scored in these seven papers (excluding the qualifying language papers) are counted for the final ranking.
Personality Test (Interview)
The final stage of the UPSC CSE is the Interview or Personality Test, which carries 275 marks. This stage assesses the candidates' suitability for a career in public service. The board evaluates qualities like mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
Detailed Breakdown of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus
The preliminary examination, or Prelims, is the first hurdle in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. It is designed to test the breadth of the candidate’s knowledge across various subjects. The Prelims consist of two papers, both objective in nature, aimed at evaluating a range of abilities from memory to analytical skills. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each paper entails:
General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I)
This paper is often considered the backbone of the UPSC Prelims and is pivotal for progressing to the Mains examination. The paper covers a wide array of topics, and a well-rounded preparation is crucial. Here are the main subjects and their key focus areas:
| Subjects | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Current Events of National and International Importance | Awareness of significant national and global events and their implications. |
| History of India and Indian National Movement | Overview from ancient to modern times, including the freedom struggle and socio-political dynamics. |
| Indian and World Geography | Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world; geography’s impact on socio-economic conditions. |
| 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, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change | Environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general issues that do not require subject specialization. |
| General Science | Physics, chemistry, biology, and advancements in technology. |
| Preparation Strategy | Dynamic preparation integrating static topics with current affairs; reading from standard textbooks, following news sources, solving practice questions. |
Preparation for this paper should be dynamic, integrating static topics with current affairs, and employing a mix of reading from standard textbooks, following relevant news sources, and solving multiple practice questions.
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II
The CSAT is designed to assess the analytical skills, reasoning ability, and problem-solving approach of an aspirant. It is a qualifying paper with a minimum qualifying mark fixed at 33%. The areas covered include:
| Subjects | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | Ability to comprehend information and apply logic to answer questions. |
| Interpersonal Skills Including Communication Skills | Ability to interact effectively. |
| Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability | Evaluation of logical reasoning and analytical skills. |
| Decision-Making and Problem-Solving | Decision-making ability and problem-solving skills, without negative marking for these questions. |
| General Mental Ability | Basic numeracy (numbers, relations, magnitude), data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency). |
| Preparation Strategy | Regular practice through sample questions and previous years' papers, focusing on speed, accuracy, and quick elimination of incorrect answers. |
For CSAT, regular practice through sample questions and previous years' question papers can be immensely helpful. The focus should be on improving speed and accuracy, as well as developing the ability to eliminate incorrect answers quickly.
Preparing for the UPSC Prelims
Preparation for both papers should be integrated, with a substantial emphasis on revising and practising regularly. Aspirants should:
Stay updated with current affairs: Regularly reading newspapers and following relevant news channels and magazines is crucial.
Revise regularly: Regular revision of all topics ensures retention of information and a better understanding of interlinked topics.
Practice mock tests: Regular mock tests help in time management and understanding the pattern of questions better, thus improving speed and efficiency.
UPSC Mains Syllabus
The Main Examination is designed to assess the in-depth knowledge and understanding of the candidate in various subjects. It includes both qualifying and merit-ranking papers.
Qualifying Papers
These papers are intended to test the basic linguistic skills of the candidates in English and one of the Indian languages. These papers are of matriculation level and the marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for merit. However, candidates need to secure a minimum standard to qualify.
| Paper | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-A | Language: One of the Indian languages to be selected by the candidate from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. | 300 Marks |
| Paper-B | English: The paper tests the candidate's ability to read, understand, and write in English. | 300 Marks |
Papers to be Counted for Merit
The following papers are designed to evaluate the candidate's understanding and application of knowledge in various disciplines. The marks obtained in these papers will contribute to the final ranking.
| Paper | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Essay: Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. This paper tests the ability to organize and express ideas clearly and coherently. | 250 Marks |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I: Topics: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society. | 250 Marks |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II: Topics: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. | 250 Marks |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III: Topics: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. | 250 Marks |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV: Topics: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. This paper includes questions to test the candidate's attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and problem-solving skills. | 250 Marks |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1: Candidates can choose one subject from the list of optional subjects provided by UPSC. This paper tests the candidate's in-depth knowledge in the chosen subject. | 250 Marks |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2: This is the second paper for the chosen optional subject, continuing the detailed assessment of the candidate's expertise in that subject. | 250 Marks |
Total Marks for Written Examination: 1750 Marks
Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for a Personality Test, also known as the Interview.
Personality Test: The interview panel assesses the candidate’s personality, including their intellectual capability, social traits, and interest in current affairs. It also gauges their mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, and leadership qualities.
Marks: 275 Marks
Grand Total (Written Examination + Personality Test): 2025 Marks
Optional Subjects for the Main Examination
Candidates have the freedom to choose one optional subject from a list of various disciplines provided by UPSC. The optional subject consists of two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. The list of optional subjects is as follows:
| Optional Subject | Description/Applicability | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Focuses on agricultural practices, agronomy, and rural economy. | Useful for candidates with a background in agricultural sciences or interest in rural development. |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Covers animal care, veterinary sciences, and livestock management. | Relevant for those with a veterinary science or zoology background. |
| Anthropology | Study of human societies, cultures, and biological evolution. | Popular due to concise syllabus and application in sociology and governance. |
| Botany | Deals with plant biology, physiology, and taxonomy. | Ideal for students with a background in biological sciences. |
| Chemistry | Covers physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry concepts. | Suited for science graduates and professionals in the chemical sector. |
| Civil Engineering | Focuses on structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering topics. | Suitable for engineering graduates specializing in civil engineering. |
| Commerce and Accountancy | Includes topics on financial management, accounting, and auditing. | Best for commerce graduates and CA aspirants. |
| Economics | Covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, and Indian economic policy. | Useful for candidates with an economics background or interest in policymaking. |
| Electrical Engineering | Deals with circuit theory, electronics, and electrical systems. | For engineering graduates with expertise in electrical or electronics domains. |
| Geography | Covers physical, human, and economic geography. | Popular due to its overlap with General Studies and map-based questions. |
| Geology | Includes mineralogy, paleontology, and Indian geology. | Suitable for candidates with a geology or Earth sciences background. |
| History | Covers ancient, medieval, and modern history, including Indian and world history. | Highly relevant for understanding culture, freedom movements, and policy evolution. |
| Law | Focuses on constitutional law, international law, and jurisprudence. | Best suited for law graduates or professionals. |
| Management | Covers organizational behaviour, financial management, and business strategy. | Ideal for MBA graduates or those with managerial experience. |
| Mathematics | Focuses on algebra, calculus, and applied mathematics. | Useful for candidates with a mathematics or engineering background. |
| Mechanical Engineering | Includes thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and manufacturing engineering. | Suitable for mechanical engineers and technical graduates. |
| Medical Science | Covers human anatomy, physiology, and health sciences. | Designed for medical graduates or professionals in healthcare. |
| Philosophy | Explores metaphysics, ethics, and Indian philosophy. | Known for its concise syllabus and applicability in ethics and essay writing. |
| Physics | Focuses on mechanics, thermodynamics, and quantum physics. | Ideal for science graduates with a physics or engineering background. |
| Political Science and International Relations | Covers political theories, Indian polity, and global relations. | Highly relevant due to overlap with General Studies Paper II and interest in governance. |
| Psychology | Includes human behavior, cognition, and psychological theories. | Preferred for its practical applications in governance and human resources. |
| Public Administration | Focuses on administrative theories, governance, and public policies. | Popular for its direct relevance to civil service roles. |
| Sociology | Explores social structures, institutions, and cultural dynamics. | Known for its concise syllabus and overlap with General Studies and essays. |
| Statistics | Deals with probability, statistical inference, and applied statistics. | Best for candidates with a mathematics or economics background. |
| Zoology | Covers animal biology, ecology, and physiology. | Suitable for candidates with a biology or veterinary science background. |
| Literature of Languages | Covers literary works, grammar, and cultural elements of the chosen language. | Allows candidates proficient in languages like Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, etc., to showcase expertise in their regional language. |
UPSC CSE Syllabus 2025 for IAS Interview
The Personality Test, commonly known as the UPSC Interview, is the final stage of the examination and carries 275 marks. While there is no predefined syllabus, the focus is on evaluating the candidate's overall personality and suitability for a career in civil services.
Key aspects assessed include:
Knowledge of Current Affairs and the ability to analyze them.
Mental alertness, clarity of thought, and logical exposition.
Leadership qualities, ethical grounding, and decision-making skills.
Depth of understanding of the subjects studied in Prelims and Mains.
Candidates are advised to prepare by focusing on:
Personal achievements and interests, as questions are often based on these.
Developing strong analytical and communication skills.
Practicing mock interviews to improve confidence and presentation.
General Instructions for the Main Examination
1.
Answer Writing: Candidates must write the papers in their own handwriting. In no circumstances will they be allowed to use the help of a scribe unless they fall under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category as defined by the RPwD Act, 2016.
2.
Language of Answer Writing: Candidates may write the examination in either English or any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. However, certain papers like the Literature of Language papers must be written in the specific language selected by the candidate.
3.
Medium of Examination: Candidates are allowed to choose the medium of examination for each paper, except for the qualifying language papers, which must be written in the selected language. The optional subject papers can be written in English even if the candidate chooses to write the general studies papers in another language.
4.
Syllabus Details: The detailed syllabus for each subject, including optional subjects, is provided in the UPSC notification, which should be carefully studied by the candidates.
5.
Negative Marking: While this applies more directly to the Preliminary Examination, candidates should be aware that wrong answers in objective-type questions may attract negative marking, which could affect their overall score.
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