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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Comprehensive Guide to UPSC Subject List: Prelims and Mains
The UPSC exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, is one of India's most prestigious and challenging examinations. It aims to recruit candidates for various civil services positions in the government. This blog post provides a comprehensive UPSC subject list for both the Prelims and Mains stages, covering all UPSC optional and compulsory subjects to help aspirants effectively prepare for the exam.
Understanding the list of UPSC subjects is crucial for aspirants to create a focused and strategic study plan. In this post, we will explore the UPSC exam subjects, offering insights and preparation tips to enhance your chances of success.
What is the UPSC Exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is a national-level examination for recruiting candidates into various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). The exam is conducted in three stages:
1.
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
2.
Main Examination (Mains)
3.
Personality Test (Interview)
Each stage of the exam assesses different skills and knowledge areas, making it imperative for aspirants to be thoroughly prepared.
Compulsory Subjects for UPSC Prelims Exam
The UPSC Prelims exam serves as a screening test and consists of two compulsory papers:
General Studies Paper I
This paper tests candidates' knowledge and decision-making abilities across various topics:
Current Affairs: National and international issues relevant to the present-day context.
History of India and Indian National Movement: Comprehensive coverage of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, including significant events and personalities in the freedom struggle.
Indian and World Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world, encompassing various geographical features, resources, and environmental issues.
Indian Polity and Governance: Detailed understanding of the Indian Constitution, political system, public policy, Panchayati Raj, and rights issues.
Economic and Social Development: Concepts of sustainable development, poverty, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change: Fundamental ecological principles and current environmental issues.
General Science and Technology: Basic scientific concepts and technological developments.
General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
The CSAT paper assesses candidates' aptitude and skills in:
Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting written passages.
Interpersonal Skills Including Communication Skills: Effective communication and interaction abilities.
Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Ability to analyze and deduce conclusions from given information.
Decision Making and Problem-Solving: Problem-solving skills and making informed decisions.
General Mental Ability: Overall cognitive abilities.
Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation: Numerical problems up to the level of Class X and interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables.
English Language Comprehension Skills: Proficiency in English language comprehension.
Facts about the IAS Prelims Exam
Both papers are multiple-choice questions.
Negative marking for incorrect answers.
Each paper is 200 marks and 2 hours in duration.
GS Paper I has 100 questions; CSAT has 80 questions.
Minimum 33% qualifying marks required in CSAT.
Both papers must be attempted to avoid disqualification.
Compulsory Subjects for UPSC Mains Exam
The UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers, including compulsory and optional subjects. Here is an overview of the compulsory subjects:
General Studies Papers
Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security, and Disaster Management
Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
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Topics include Indian culture, modern Indian history, world history, and societal issues.
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Covers the Indian Constitution, governance, social justice issues, and international relations.
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Focuses on economic growth, technological advancements, biodiversity, and disaster management.
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Tests candidates' ethical and moral principles, integrity, and attitude towards public service.
Essay Paper
Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics, demonstrating their ability to articulate and present ideas clearly and coherently.
Tips for Essay Paper:
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Practice writing essays on diverse topics.
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Focus on structuring essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Use relevant examples and case studies to support arguments.
Language Papers
Compulsory Indian Language Paper: Candidates can choose any one Indian language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Compulsory Hindi Paper: Tests proficiency in the Hindi language.
IAS Subjects List for UPSC Mains
Governance
Geography
Security
Disaster Management
Society
Biodiversity
Social Justice
Economic Development
Ethics
Aptitude
International Relations
History
Environment
Science and Technology
Integrity
Polity
Art and Culture
Preparation Tips for UPSC Exam
Reading Newspapers and Magazines: Stay updated with current affairs by regularly reading newspapers and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and The Hindu. Focus on editorials and important articles that are relevant to the UPSC syllabus.
Analyzing Previous Year Question Papers: Go through previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and types of questions asked. This helps in identifying important topics and improving your answering techniques.
Making Handwritten Notes: Create personalized notes from textbooks, newspapers, and online resources. Handwritten notes aid in better retention and quick revision of key points.
Referring to NCERT Books: Start your preparation with NCERT books, which provide a clear understanding of basic concepts. Focus on subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economics for a strong foundation.
Taking Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation level and improve time management skills. Consider enrolling in reputable online coaching platforms that offer UPSC-specific mock tests.
Essay Writing Practice: Develop your essay writing skills by practicing regularly. Focus on writing well-structured essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Time Management: Work on time management strategies to ensure you can complete the exam within the given timeframe. Practice solving UPSC Mains question papers under timed conditions.
Engaging and Impactful Answers
Make your answers engaging by using examples, illustrations, and relevant case studies. Present your ideas in a coherent and convincing manner.
Make your answers engaging by using examples, illustrations, and relevant case studies. Present your ideas in a coherent and convincing manner.
Utilizing Advanced UPSC Books: After covering the basics, refer to advanced-level books for a more in-depth understanding of topics. Use books that are specifically designed for UPSC preparation.
Relying on Credible Sources: Ensure that you use reliable and authentic sources for your preparation. Government reports, reputable journals, and verified online platforms should be your go-to resources.
By following these preparation tips and maintaining a disciplined study routine, you can significantly enhance your chances of success in the UPSC exam. Stay focused and determined on your path to becoming a civil servant.
Essential Books for UPSC Preparation
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a strong foundation, which can be effectively built using NCERT books along with advanced reference books. Here’s a subject-wise breakdown of essential books that will help you prepare thoroughly for the UPSC Prelims and Mains exams.
History
NCERT Books:
Class VI: Our Past – Provides an introduction to ancient Indian history.
Class VII: Our Past-I – Covers the medieval period of Indian history.
Class VIII: Our Past II and III – Offers a detailed view of modern Indian history.
Class IX: India and the Contemporary World-I – Focuses on significant world events and their impacts on India.
Class X: India and the Contemporary World-II – Delves deeper into contemporary world history with a focus on India's freedom struggle.
Class XI: Themes in World History – Provides a comprehensive view of world history, from ancient to modern times.
Class XII: Themes in Indian History-I,Themes in Indian History-II,Themes in Indian History-III – These books cover various themes in Indian history, crucial for understanding the complex historical narrative of India.
Reference Books:
History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra – A detailed account of India's struggle for independence and the socio-economic conditions of the time.
Ancient History by R.S. Sharma – Provides insights into the early history of India, covering the Vedic period, Mauryan Empire, and other ancient civilizations.
Polity
NCERT Books:
Class IX: Political Science: Democratic Politics Part-I – Introduces the basics of political science, focusing on democracy and its principles.
Class X: Political Science: Democratic Politics Part-II – Continues the exploration of democracy with a deeper analysis of the Indian political system.
Class XI: Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work – A detailed study of the Indian Constitution, its structure, and functioning.
Class XI: Political Science: Political Theory – Discusses various political theories and ideologies that shape governance.
Class XII: Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics – Covers global political events and their implications for India.
Class XII: Political Science II: Politics in India Since Independence – Focuses on the evolution of politics in India post-independence.
Reference Books:
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth – A comprehensive guide to the Indian political system, covering all aspects of the Constitution, governance, and polity.
Geography
NCERT Books:
Class VI: The Earth Our Habitat – Introduces basic concepts of physical geography.
Class VII: Our Environment – Explores environmental geography and the interrelationships between human activities and the environment.
Class VIII: Resource and Development – Focuses on the distribution and management of resources.
Class IX: Contemporary India-I – Covers various aspects of physical and political geography of India.
Class X: Contemporary India-II – Continues the study of India’s geography with a focus on economic and social geography.
Class XI: Fundamentals of Physical Geography – Provides an in-depth understanding of physical geography.
Class XI: India-Physical Environment – Discusses the physical geography of India in detail.
Class XII: Fundamentals of Human Geography – Explores human geography and its various components.
Class XII: India-People and Economy – Analyzes the relationship between India’s population and its economic activities.
Reference Books:
PMF IAS Physical Geography – Offers a detailed understanding of physical geography concepts.
PMF IAS Indian Physical Geography – Focuses on the physical geography of India, a key area in the UPSC syllabus.
Economics
NCERT Books:
Class IX: Economics – Introduces basic economic concepts and issues related to development.
Class X: Understanding Economic Development – Discusses India's economic development post-independence.
Class XI: Indian Economic Development – Offers insights into the various facets of the Indian economy.
Class XII: Introductory Microeconomics – Covers the principles of microeconomics.
Class XII: Introductory Macroeconomics – Provides an understanding of macroeconomic concepts.
Reference Books:
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh – A detailed analysis of the Indian economy, covering all aspects from planning to contemporary issues.
Environment and Science
NCERT Books:
Science from Class VI to X – Provides basic knowledge of science and environmental issues.
Class XI: Chemistry: Unit 14 & Biology: Units 4 & 5 – Focuses on environmental chemistry and the ecology of biological systems.
Class XII: Chemistry: Unit 16 & Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10 – Discusses environmental issues, biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation.
Reference Books:
Environment by PMF IAS – An essential book for understanding environmental issues and challenges, tailored for UPSC aspirants.
Art and Culture
Reference Books:
Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania – A comprehensive book covering the vast landscape of Indian art, culture, and heritage, essential for the General Studies Paper I in the Mains exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and preparing for the comprehensive UPSC subject list is crucial for success in the exam. By focusing on the UPSC exam subjects and following strategic preparation tips, aspirants can enhance their chances of clearing the exam. Stay dedicated, stay focused, and best of luck in your UPSC journey!
FAQs
Is Maths Compulsory for the IAS Exam?
What are the 5 Compulsory Subjects in UPSC?
How Many Subjects are there in the UPSC Exam?
What is the Qualifying Marks for CSAT in UPSC Prelims?
Can I Choose any Language for the Compulsory Indian Language Paper in UPSC Mains?
Important Resources