UPSC-IAS Syllabus 2020 – Group “A” & Group “B”

UPSC syllabus has been released as per the exam date. The date will be revised due to the pandemic, the IAS syllabus can be found at UPSC official website – https://upsc.gov.in/. There is also a common UPSC exam syllabus pattern for services such as Indian Police Services, Indian Administrative Services to name a few. However, different stages of the exam have a different syllabus. It consists of three stages Prelims, Mains & Interview. Prelims syllabus focuses on mainly the general and social awareness which is been tested by objective – type questions (MCQ). Mains focus on a much more comprehensive type, which consists of nine theory papers.

UPSC-IAS examination is the most popular examination in INDIA. The examination is conducted for the recruitment of IAS/IPS/IFS/IRS and other central government Group A and B Officers.

The recruitment process consists of three stages-

• Preliminary exam.
• Mains exam.
• Interview

The preliminary exam for civil services examination is also called CSAT. The marks obtained in UPSC prelims examination amount to a qualification to take the UPSC Main examination and will not be counted for determining a candidate’s final order of merit.

The preliminary exam is objective type consists of two papers General Studies Paper and CSAT. General studies paper counted for screening to the Mains exam stage while CSAT is minimum qualifying in nature.

Mains exam consists of 9 papers including optional (2 papers) which is Descriptive in nature. English language paper and regional language paper are qualifying in nature. Essay paper, four General Study papers and 2 optional papers are considered for merit along with interview marks.

 

UPSC-IAS Syllabus 2018 (Preliminary Exam) –

UPSC-IAS Syllabus 2018: Paper I (200 marks) Duration – 2 hours

Current events of national and international importance History of India and 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, Rights Issues, etc 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.

UPSC-IAS Syllabus 2018: Paper II-(200 marks) Duration: 2 hours

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).

UPSC-IAS Syllabus 2018 (Mains) –

The written examination consists of the following papers-

Paper I

Modern Indian language – 300 Marks Qualifying nature: Marks not counted, Passing mandatory Comprehension of given passages Precis Writing Usage and Vocabulary Short Essay Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa.

Paper II

English – 300 marks qualifying nature: Marks not counted, passing mandatory. The aim of the paper is to test the candidates’ ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and to express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned. The pattern of questions would be broad as follows- Comprehension of given passages. Precise Writing Usage and Vocabulary Short Essay.

Paper III

Essay – 250 Marks 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.

Paper IV

General Studies – I250 Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society) 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 countryHistory of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redraw 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 – 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) 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.

Paper VI

General Studies III – 250 Marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) 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, the 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.

Paper VII

General Studies IV – 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) 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 utilise 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; 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 for 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 – 250 Marks Candidates may choose any ONE optional subject from amongst the list of subjects given below.

Paper IX

Optional Subject, you can choose from the list given below

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS-

• Agriculture
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Anthropology
• Arabic
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Commerce & Accountancy
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• Law
• Management
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Sociology Syllabus Statistics
• Zoology

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UPSC IAS Syllabus and Exam Pattern Latest Download PDF 

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an employment advertisement seeking applications from the young and talented contenders of the country for IAS Civil Services Examination.  Every year, UPSC conducts Civil Services exams very prestigiously to recruit merit candidates for various posts in the department.  The civil services include Indian Administrative Services, Indian Forest Services, Indian Foreign Services, and Indian Police Services etc.  The official notification is available for download in the official website of UPSC.  The official website of UPSC is www.upsc.gov.in.

UPSC will conduct prelims and main exam along with some other rounds to shortlist the candidates for the job.  Candidates who wish to work with the UPSC can make use of this wonderful opportunity and apply for the job on or before the last date of application submission.  The timetable for the UPSC IAS prelims and mains exam is also available on the official web portal of UPSC for download.  Candidates can visit the official website and download the timetable.  Other than the exam dates, candidates also need to know about the exam pattern and syllabus.  It is mandatory for the applicants of the exam to have basic knowledge about the syllabus and exam pattern.  So, we have covered the syllabus and exam pattern.

Eligibility Criteria to apply for UPSC IAS Exam

Applicants of UPSC IAS exam should have graduation degree from any discipline.  The age limit of the applicants should be between 21 years and 32 years.  The selection processed is purely based on the performance of the candidates in prelims exam, mains exam followed by personality test and interview.

Tips to Prepare for Civil Services Preliminary Exams

UPSC IAS Syllabus Download

Without having proper knowledge about the syllabus of the IAS prelims and mains exam, candidates cannot make a single move towards effective preparation.  The first step to start an effective preparation is to know the syllabus.  After getting perfectly aware of the syllabus, candidates can plan what next.  It is not that easy to clear the exam in the first attempt itself as there will heavy competition.  So, contenders need to make sure to study very hard.  Candidates need to do smart work to make the good score in the exam.

Syllabus for IAS Civil Services UPSC Prelims Exam

Paper I topics

Paper I covers General Studies.  The exam is held for 200 Marks.  The topics include:

1. Current Events of National & International Importance.
2. Geography of India as well as the World: Physical, Economic and Social Aspects.
3. Polity & Governance of India: Constitution and the Political aspects.
4. General Science.
5. The General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change, and Bio-Diversity.
6. Economic & Social Development:  Demography, Sustainable Development, Inclusion, Social Sector Initiatives, Poverty, etc..,
7. Indian History & Indian National Movement.

Paper II Topics

Paper II covers General Ability or Aptitude and the exam is held for 200 Marks.  The topics include:

1. Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability.
2. General Mental Ability.
3. Comprehension Skills English language ( 10th Standard Level).
4. Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills.
5. Decision Making & Problem-Solving.
6. Basic Numeracy (Orders of Magnitude, Numbers & their Relations, etc.., of 10th Standard Level), Data Interpretation such as Charts, Tables, Graphs, Data Sufficiency, etc.., (10th Standard Level).
7. Question-based on the English Language Comprehension Skills (10th Standard Level). (The Candidates will be tested through giving questions on the Passages without providing Hindi translation for those Questions).

Syllabus for IAS Civil Services UPSC Mains Exam

UPSC IAS Exam contains 9 papers in which 2 papers are in the nature of qualifying whereas other 7 papers are based on merit ranking of the candidates.

Paper I Topics

Paper I contains Indian languages.  The topics include:

1. Comprehensive Type of Questions related to the Given Passage.
2. Short Essay.
3. Vocabulary & Usage.
4. Precise Writing (in other words, making a summary).
5. Translation from English to the Selected Indian Language and Vice Versa.

Paper II Topics

Paper II covers English.  The topics include:

1. Comprehensive Type of Questions related to the Given Passage.
2. Short Essay.
3. Vocabulary & Usage.
4. Precise Writing (in other words, making a summary).

Paper III Topics

Paper III is about Essay writing.  Candidates have to write an effective essay on given topics.

Paper IV Topics

Paper IV contains General Studies I, II, III syllabus.  Please refer official notification for the GS syllabus in paper IV.

Paper V Topics

The topics in Paper V include:

Paper VI optional subject (paper I)

Candidates have to choose an optional subject.

Paper VI Optional subject (paper II)

Candidates have to choose the optional subject.

UPSC IAS Interview Syllabus 

Candidates shortlisted for prelims and mains exam will be asked to appear for the interview.  Candidates need to prepare well on the below topics to crack the interview.

• Mental Alertness.
• Clear & Logical Exposition.
• Knowledge & Interest of Current Affairs.
• Specificness & Depth of Interests.
• Leadership Skills.
• Critical Powers of Assimilation.
• Social Traits.
• Balance of Judgement.
• Ability of Social Cohesion.
• Intellectual & Moral Integrity.

UPSC IAS Exam Civil Services Exam Pattern

Prelims Exam Pattern

Exam pattern is also very important in making effective preparation for the exam.  UPSC Prelims exam will be held for 400 marks overall.  The exam will be held in two papers – paper I and paper II.  Paper, I is held for 200 marks.  The exam is held for two hours.  There will be 100 questions in the paper.  Paper II is held for 2 hours and contains 80 questions.  The exam is held for 200 marks.

S.No.	Name of the Paper.	Name of the Subject.	Questions will be asked in medium of.	No.of Questions to be asked.	Marks.	Duration of the Exam.
1.	Paper – I.	General Studies.	English & Hindi.	100 Questions.	200 Marks.	2 Hours.
2.	Paper – II.	General Ability or Aptitude.	English & Hindi.	80 Questions.	200 Marks.	2 Hours.
Total.				180 Questions.	400 Marks.	4 Hours.

Mains exam pattern

Candidates who got qualified in the prelims exam will be promoted for mains exam.  Mains exam is held for 2025 marks.  Below is the table explaining the exam pattern of UPSC IAS Mains exam.

S. No.	Name of the Paper.	Name of the Subject.	Nature of the Paper.	Duration of the Exam.	Medium in which Questions are asked	Marks.
1.	Paper – A.	Indian Language.	Qualifying Nature.	3 Hours.	Only in English.	300 Marks.
2.	Paper – B.	English Language.		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	300 Marks.
3.	Paper – I.	Essay.	Merit Ranking Nature.	3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
4.	Paper – II.	General Studies – I.		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
5.	Paper – III.	General Studies – II.		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
6.	Paper – IV.	General Studies – III.		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
7.	Paper – V.	General Studies – IV.		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
8.	Paper – VI.	Optional Subject (Paper – I).		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
9.	Paper – VII.	Optional Subject (Paper – II).		3 Hours.	Hindi & English.	250 Marks.
		Total.				1,750 Marks.
		Interview or Personality Test.				275 Marks.
Grand Total.						2,025 Marks.