UPSC Syllabus Decoded: Expert Insights by Utsav Bhatt
TheUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is a gateway to prestigious positions in Indian Civil Services. It requires a strategic approach, starting with mastering the syllabus. This blog, curated by Utsav Bhatt, founder of one of the Best UPSC Coaching platforms, provides a detailed breakdown of the UPSC syllabus to help aspirants streamline their preparation.
UPSC Exam Structure: An Overview
The UPSC examination consists of three stages:
Prelims (Preliminary Examination) – Objective type.
Mains (Main Examination) – Descriptive type.
Interview (Personality Test) – Interactive and analytical.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus
The Prelims stage comprises two papers, each carrying 200 marks
General Studies Paper I
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and the Indian National Movement.
- Indian and Global Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Aspects of Geography.
- Indian Political Framework and Governance – Constitution, Political Structure, Panchayati Raj System, Public Policy, Rights Concerns, etc.
- Economic and Social Progress – Sustainable Development, Poverty Alleviation, Inclusion, Demographic Trends, Social Sector Programs, etc.
- General Topics on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change.
- General Science.
CSAT (General Studies Paper II):
- Comprehension.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision-making and problem-solving.
- General mental ability.
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level).
UPSC Mains Syllabus
The Mains examination is the crux of the UPSC journey. It includes nine papers, seven of which are counted for merit.
Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A: A Single Indian Language (300 marks).
- Paper B: English (300 marks).
Merit-Based Papers:
- Essay (250 marks): Focuses on social, political, and philosophical issues.
- General Studies Papers:
- GS I: Indian Heritage, History, Geography, and Society.
- GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
- GS III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.GS IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
- Optional Subject (Two Papers, 250 marks each): Chosen from the UPSC-approved list.
- Optional Subject (Two Papers, 250 marks each): Chosen from the UPSC-approved list.
UPSC Interview (Personality Test)
The final stage evaluates:
- Communication and interpersonal skills.
- Decision-making and ethical judgment.
- Awareness of national and global issues.
How to Decode the UPSC Syllabus Effectively
Tips by Utsav Bhatt for Civil Services
- Understand the Syllabus: Break it down and create topic-wise study plans.
- Choose the Right Resources: Use NCERT books and coaching material from the Best UPSC Coaching.
- Prioritize and Revise: Identify high-priority topics and revisit them frequently.
- Practice Answer Writing: Develop structured answers for Mains.
- Simulate Exams: Regularly take mock tests for Prelims and Mains.