Breakdown into UPSC Syllabus 2024, IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus

The UPSC syllabus is a comprehensive framework designed to evaluate candidates’ intellectual capabilities, knowledge base, and personality traits required for a career in public administration. The examination process is divided into three stages: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (also known as the CSAT or Civil Services Aptitude Test). These papers cover a wide range of subjects, including History, Geography, Economics, Polity, Environment, Science, and Current Affairs.

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

The Prelims is a qualifying stage designed to filter candidates for the Mains. It has two objective-type papers, each carrying 200 marks.

Paper I: General Studies (GS-I)

This paper assesses general awareness and knowledge on diverse subjects:

• Current Affairs: Events of national and international importance.
• History:
  • Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history.
  • The Indian National Movement and its key events and personalities.
• Geography:
  • Physical geography of India and the world.
  • Economic and social geography.
  • Geographical phenomena such as earthquakes, cyclones, and more.
• Indian Polity and Governance:
  • Constitution of India.
  • Political system and Panchayati Raj.
  • Public policy and rights-based governance.
• Economy:
  • Basics of economic and social development.
  • Issues related to poverty, inclusion, and sustainable development.
• Environment:
  • General concepts of ecology and biodiversity.
  • Climate change and environmental challenges.
• General Science:
  • Basic concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology.

Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

Aptitude and reasoning skills are tested in this paper, which is qualifying in nature (minimum score: 33%).

• Key Areas:
  • Comprehension.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
  • Decision-making and problem-solving.
  • General mental ability.
  • Basic numeracy and data interpretation (up to Class X level).

Main Examination (Mains)

The Mains examination is subjective and consists of nine papers. Seven are considered for merit, while two are qualifying papers.

Here is the table format for the UPSC examination papers and marks distribution:

Qualifying Papers:

1. Paper A: Indian Language (chosen from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution).
2. Paper B: English.
   • Focus on reading comprehension, precise writing, and basic grammar.

Papers Evaluated for Merit:

1. Essay (Paper I):
   • Two essays from topics requiring analysis of arguments, ideas, and social/political scenarios.
2. General Studies (GS) Papers II to V:
   • Paper II (GS-I):
     • Indian Heritage and Culture.
     • World and Indian History.
     • Geography, including physical, social, and economic aspects.
   • Paper III (GS-II):
     • Governance and Constitution.
     • Social justice, international relations, and welfare programs.
   • Paper IV (GS-III):
     • Economic development, agriculture, and science and technology.
     • Environmental conservation and security.
   • Paper V (GS-IV):
     • Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
     • Application of ethical principles in administration.
3. Optional Subject (Papers VI and VII):
   • Two papers from one optional subject, chosen from a list that includes:
     • Literature (English, Tamil, Hindi, etc.).
     • Sciences like Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering.
     • Social Sciences such as History, Geography, and Sociology.

Personality Test (Interview)

• Purpose:
  • To assess a candidate’s personality, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Structure:
  • A face-to-face interview with UPSC members.
  • Focus on general awareness, intellectual curiosity, and ethical integrity.
• Marks: 275 are added to the Mains scores for the final rank.

Marks Breakdown

• Prelims: Qualifying in nature.
• Mains: 1750 marks.
• Interview: 275 marks.
• Total: 2025 marks.

Resources for Preparation

To succeed in UPSC, candidates should follow a structured study plan:

• Basic Books: NCERT textbooks for foundational knowledge.
• Current Affairs: Daily newspapers 
• Mock Tests: Regular practice through prelims and mains test series.
• Optional Subjects: Deep focus on the chosen subject’s syllabus.