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UPSC: Exam Pattern, Prelims Syllabus, and Main Syllabus
What is UPSC?
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts Civil services Examination (CSE) every year. It is a national level competitive exam in India. It is conducted for the recruitment of various civil services. It recruits various government civil services like IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), IFS (Indian Forest Service), IRS (Indian Revenue Service) etc.
IAS is also known as Imperial Civil Service (ICS) is one of the toughest exams in India. It is conducted for the recruitment of officers for All Indian Administrative Civil Service.
We have written the detailed article about UPSC Preparation right from Exam syllabus to pattern, books to read etc. Please go through this page for all the articles –
- Beginners Guide to UPSC Preparation : Start Here
- UPSC 2018 Prelims Exam Notification Out – Get to Know More About it
Also read: How to prepare for UPSC?
CSE Exam Pattern
The pattern of CSE has been designed to test the expertise of a candidate. It also tests the systematic ability of the candidate. The overall pattern of the exam will test the intellectual thinking of a candidate. It also tests writing skills, mental ability etc.
Preliminary Exam Pattern
Total Marks: 400
This is the first level of the test also known as CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). It is a common test for all the candidates who are appearing in the exam.
The prelims consist of 2 papers of 200 marks each.
It is an objective type or multiple choice question paper. It has a total duration of 2 hours each.
The question will be provided in both mediums Hindi as well as English.
Extra 20 minutes will be given to the blind candidates.
Must see: Which will be the best optional subject for UPSC?
Main Examination Pattern
Total Marks: 2025
All the candidates who are qualified the preliminary exam will be allowed to sit in the main examination.
On the basis of the marks secured in Main Exam, candidates will be called for an Interview session.
The final result will be depended upon the sum of marks obtained in Main Examination as well as in Interview.
Also read: Journey of Athul Janardhanan: UPSC IAS Topper.
The written exam will have the following papers:
Paper I
Total Marks: 300
You can choose one of the Indian languages from the languages included in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution.
Paper II
Total Marks: 300
This paper mainly focuses on English which includes vocabulary, comprehension, passage reading etc.
Paper III
Total Marks: 200
This paper is divided into two sections:
Section 1: Essay: It includes the essay writing on a specific topic. It is of 200 marks.
Section 2: English Comprehension and English Precis. It has a total of 100 marks.
Paper IV
Total Marks: 250
This section is also called General Studies-1.
It includes Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Paper V
Total Marks: 250
This section is also called General Studies-2.
It includes Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Paper VI
Total Marks: 250
This section is also called General Studies-3.
It includes Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
Paper VII
Total Marks: 250
This section is also called General Studies-4.
It includes Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
Also read: Strategies used by UPSC toppers for preparation.
Paper VIII
Total marks: 250
This paper is of optional subjects. You can choose any of the optional subjects from the below list:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Literature of any one of the non-English languages listed above
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
Paper IX
Total marks: 250
This paper is of optional subjects. You can choose any of the optional subjects from the above-mentioned subjects.
Personality Test
Total Marks: 275
This is the last stage of the exam. You will be called for your interview.
Must read: The Successful journey of Anmol Sher Singh Bedi: IAS Topper.
Syllabus
Syllabus for Prelims
The Preliminary Examination of Civil Services Examination is also called CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). CSAT was introduced in 2011, its basic purpose is the screening of students. The marks obtained in prelims act as a qualification for Main Examination.
Syllabus for Paper I:
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 200
Current events of national and international importance.
History of 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, Right Issues
Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc
General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization General Science
Syllabus for Paper II:
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 200
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level).
Must read: Inspirational story of Anand Vardhan: UPSC IAS Topper.
Syllabus for Mains
The Main examination focuses on the ability of the candidates to perform in a consistent manner. On the basis of your performance in the Main exam, you will get your post or designation.
Paper I – Modern Indian language
Total Marks: 300
Comprehension of given passages
Precise Writing
Usage and Vocabulary
Short Essay
Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa
Paper II – English
Total Marks: 300
Comprehension of given passages
Precise Writing
Usage and Vocabulary
Short Essay
Paper III – Essay
Total Marks: 250
To be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice
Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic
The choice of subjects will be given
They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and exact expression
Also see: Daily current affairs for UPSC preparation.
Paper IV – General Studies I
Total Marks: 250
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Effects of globalization on Indian society
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
Salient features of world’s physical geography
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Paper V – General Studies II
Total Marks: 250
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues, and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Separation of powers between various organs disputes redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and
Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Issues relating to poverty and hunger
Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
Role of civil services in a democracy
India and its neighborhood- relations
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies, and fora, their structure, mandate.
Also read: Story of Shweta Chauhan: IAS Topper AIR 8.
Paper VI – General Studies III
Total Marks: 250
Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment models.
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster and disaster management.
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention
Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Must read: The Inspirational journey of Suman Sourav: IAS AIR 9.
Paper VII – General Studies IV
Total Marks: 250
This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; the role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s
Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
Case Studies on above issues.
Paper VIII – Optional Subject – Paper I
Total Marks: 250
Candidates may choose any ONE optional subject from amongst the list of subjects given to you.
Paper IX – Optional Subject – Paper II
Total Marks: 250
Candidates may choose any ONE optional subject from amongst the list of subjects given to you.
Interview/Personality Test
Total Marks: 275
Also read: How to prepare for UPSC while working?
So the total marks of UPSC exam are 2025.
Notification for UPSC Civil Services 2018
The official notification for UPSC 2018 exam is out. All the candidates who are preparing and willing to give the exam can now register online from UPSC Civil services.
Now you can start your preparation towards your success.
If you have any doubt or need guidance you can comment below, our team will try to answer it.
Read Other Basic Preparation Articles Preparation Guide – How to Prepare
- Eligibility criteria, Basic Exam Details : Details of UPSC Exam: Eligibility Criteria, Stages, Qualification and Roles of IAS Officer
- Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Both Prelims and Mains : UPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- UPSC Prelims Guide : UPSC Prelims Strategy: Pattern, Books, Syllabus and Preparation Tips
- How to Prepare while Working : How To Prepare for UPSC -CSE ( IAS) While Working – Hear from Toppers
- Which Optional to Choose ? Which is Best Optional Subject for UPSC Mains