The UPSC syllabus is quite extensive, covering various subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. It comprises three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
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prelims syllabus
Sure, the UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II.
- General Studies Paper I covers diverse topics like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs.
- CSAT Paper II focuses on testing a candidate’s aptitude, comprehension, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
The General Studies Paper I is crucial and carries the weightage for moving to the Mains examination. It’s a multiple-choice test with 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks. The CSAT Paper II is also multiple-choice, comprising 80 questions worth 2.5 marks each.
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Both papers are held on the same day, and the marks scored in Paper II (CSAT) are only qualifying in nature (33% needed). The marks obtained in General Studies Paper I determine a candidate’s selection for the Mains examination.
Mains syllabus
The UPSC Mains examination consists of written papers covering a wide array of subjects. There are a total of 9 papers in the Mains stage:
- Essay Paper: Candidates have to write two essays, each around 1000-1200 words, chosen from a set of given topics.
- General Studies Papers (I to IV):
- Paper I: Covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
- Paper II: Deals with Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
- Paper III: Focuses on Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
- Paper IV: Examines Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
- Optional Subject Papers (Paper V and VI): Candidates choose one optional subject from a list provided by the UPSC and write two papers on that subject.
- Language Papers (Paper A and B): These are qualifying papers where candidates have to choose one Indian language and one English language paper.
Download Genral studies-1 syllabus English Hindi
Download Genral studies-2 syllabus English Hindi
Download Genral studies-3 syllabus English Hindi
Download Genral studies-4 syllabus English Hindi
The Mains exam is designed to assess a candidate’s in-depth knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities across a wide range of subjects. Each paper has specific instructions and time limits. Successful performance in the Mains examination is crucial for the final selection for the interview round.
Interview syllabus
The UPSC interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It aims to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, decision-making abilities, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services.
Some key aspects of the interview process:
- Duration: The interview usually lasts around 30-40 minutes, during which candidates are interviewed by a board of experts.
- Panel Composition: The interview panel typically consists of 5 members, including a chairperson.
- Questioning: Questions asked during the interview can cover a wide range of topics, including the candidate’s background, current affairs, hobbies, opinion on various socio-economic issues, and their understanding of administrative and governance-related matters.
- Assessment: The board evaluates the candidate based on their approach to various questions, depth of knowledge, clarity of thought, presence of mind, and overall personality traits.
The interview marks are added to the Mains examination scores to determine the final ranking of candidates. Preparation for the interview involves staying updated on current affairs, having a clear understanding of one’s DAF (Detailed Application Form), and practicing mock interviews to enhance communication and presentation skills. Confidence, honesty, and a balanced approach to answering questions play a significant role in performing well in the interview round.