UPSC Prelims Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide
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Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC exam has specific eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to be eligible to apply. These criteria include:
- Age Limit: The minimum age limit is 21 years, and the maximum age limit varies based on the category. For General candidates, it is 32 years, for OBC it is 35 years, and for SC/ST it is 37 years.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university to be eligible.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Number of Attempts: The number of attempts allowed varies based on the category. General candidates can attempt up to 6 times, while OBC/PwBD candidates can attempt up to 9 times, and SC/ST candidates can attempt an unlimited number of times.
Exam Structure
The UPSC exam consists of three stages
An Overview of the Prelims Syllabus
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus is an essential guide for candidates aspiring to crack the Civil Services Examination. Clearing this phase of the exam is the first step in achieving your goal. The Examination consists of two papers ie the General Studies – Paper I and the CSAT – Paper II. Both papers are of 200 marks each and carry a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks allotted to each question. This article provides a detailed overview of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus, including the subjects covered, the exam pattern, and the importance of preparation.
The UPSC has categorized the syllabus for the General Studies Prelims Paper 1 and Paper 2 into specific broad categories and they are :
General Studies - Paper I ( 200 Marks )
Current events of national and international importance.
History of India and Indian National Movement.
Indian and World Geography
Indian Polity and Governance
Economic and Social Development
General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
General Science
Civil Service Aptitude Test- Paper II ( 200 Marks )
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem-solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (Class X level)
Data interpretation
Lets Dive into each topic in detail
-
Current Affairs
-
History of India and Indian National Movement
-
Indian and World Geography
-
Indian Polity and Governance
-
Indian Economy
The Number of dynamic questions that are asked in recent prelim exams is very high. Hence this category becomes the most important part of the exam.
What is expected for an aspirant to go through in this topic?
As the topic says we need to know the current events for a certain amount of period. Generally, an aspirant reads current affairs for one year. But UPSC can always ask before that period.
For an aspirant to know about current events around the country, it’s better to follow some standard newspaper along with a trusted website. Standard newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express etc are good options.
Why a trusted website?
Newspapers as you know are for general reading. A trusted website guides the aspirants on what articles to read and what topics it is related to. News analysis done by our website is a good option to begin with.
Is UPSC expecting the aspirants to read more than 1 year of current affairs?
No, the prelims exam is just a phase that an aspirant needs to clear so that he/she can qualify for mains. The marks of prelims are never counted for the final selection process. Going through the previous year questions from current affairs have given us a general trend on the periods which UPSC has covered.
- 70% of questions from current affairs were asked from the previous 1 year.
- 20% of questions were asked from the previous 2 years.
- 10% of questions were asked from the previous 2.5 years.
A smart aspirant understands the demand of UPSC to clear the first phase. As we have mentioned before, the marks from prelims are not carried forward. So it’s better to go through just a years current affairs.
This category of the syllabus is static. The broad outlines of what topics are covered under this category are mostly known. The following are the broad topics and subtopics:
Ancient History of India
- Prehistoric cultures in India
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Pastoral and farming society
- Vedic society
- Mahajanapadas to the Nandas
- Buddhism and Jainism
- The Mauryan Empire
- Post-Mauryan India
- The Satavahanas
- Sangam Age
- Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushans, Kanishka
- Different Religions- Bhagavatism, Shaivism etc
- Gupta Age
- Literature Science, Arts, Economy, and Society
Medieval Indian History
- Early medieval India. The Arabs in Sind and the Ghaznavids.
- Cultural trends – 750-1200.
- Arab Invasions.
- Delhi Sultanate.
- Vijayanagara Empire.
- Mughal Empire.
- Monotheistic movements: Kabir; Guru Nanak and Sikhism; Bhakti.
- The decline of the Mughal Empire.
- Maratha Power.
Modern India -Indian National Movement
- Coming of the Europeans.
- British extension and British Raj.
- Social and Economic Impact of the British Raj.
- Cultural encounters and social changes.
- Confrontation to British rule.
- Indian Freedom struggle in the first stage.
- Gandhian thoughts and mass mobilisation.
- Separatist movements in Indian politics.
- The post-1945 developments.
This category of the syllabus is both static and dynamic. But mostly it can be covered through standard textbooks or websites.
Indian Geography
- The basic idea about India
- Physical features of India
- River systems
- Climate in India
- Mineral and industries
- Agriculture and Allied-characteristics and Problems
- Natural vegetation and fauna
- Economic infrastructure
- Human Geography
World Geography & Physical Geography
- Universe
- The basic idea about Earth
- Geomorphology
- Interior of the earth
- Mass Movements of landforms, erosion and deposits
- Climatology
- The hydrosphere
- Biosphere
- Economic geography
- Map work
- Places in News
Indian Polity has a lot of static and dynamic elements. The following are the broad topics and subtopics :
- Preamble
- Schedules
- Constitution of India
- Union and its Territory
- Citizenship
- Fundamental Rights (FR)
- Fundamental Duties(FD)
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
- Union
- Judiciary
- State Government- State Executive
- Administration of Special Areas
- Emergency Provisions
- State- centre and interstate relations
- Panchayati Raj and municipalities
- Reservation
- Constitution Bodies
- Non-Constitutional Bodies
- Tribunals
- Special Provisions for SCs, STs, Backward Classes, Minorities and Anglo-Indians
- Current affairs- like Bills, Laws, Schemes etc.
Indian Economy has been a very dynamic topic in recent years. The weightage for the Indian economy has been increasing for prelims.
How do you think we should approach this category?
Indian economy should be read with standard books and current events simultaneously for better understanding. First, go through a certain static topic and know the related current events happening under that topic.
The following are the broad outlines under Indian Economy :
- Growth and Development
- Planning and Issues related to that
- Inflation
- Monetary Policy in India
- Banking and Financial Markets
- Indian Agriculture
- Poverty, Inequality and Unemployment
- Government Budgeting
- Taxation in India
- External Sector
- International Economic Organizations
- Sectors of Economy – Food Processing, Industries, Infrastructure etc
- Investment Models
Make Your Name Shine on the UPSC list and Live your Dream!
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UPSC Prelims Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide
An Overview of the Prelims Syllabus
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus is an essential guide for candidates aspiring to crack the Civil Services Examination. Clearing this phase of the exam is the first step in achieving your goal. The Examination consists of two papers ie the General Studies – Paper I and the CSAT – Paper II. Both papers are of 200 marks each and carry a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks allotted to each question. This article provides a detailed overview of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus, including the subjects covered, the exam pattern, and the importance of preparation.
The UPSC has categorized the syllabus for the General Studies Prelims Paper 1 and Paper 2 into specific broad categories and they are :
General Studies - Paper I ( 200 Marks )
Current events of national and international importance.
History of India and Indian National Movement.
Indian and World Geography
Indian Polity and Governance
Economic and Social Development
General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
General Science
Civil Service Aptitude Test- Paper II ( 200 Marks )
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem-solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (Class X level)
Data interpretation
Lets Dive into each topic in detail
-
Current Affairs
-
History of India and Indian National Movement
-
Indian and World Geography
-
Indian Polity and Governance
-
Indian Economy
The Number of dynamic questions that are asked in recent prelim exams is very high. Hence this category becomes the most important part of the exam.
What is expected for an aspirant to go through in this topic?
As the topic says we need to know the current events for a certain amount of period. Generally, an aspirant reads current affairs for one year. But UPSC can always ask before that period.
For an aspirant to know about current events around the country, it’s better to follow some standard newspaper along with a trusted website. Standard newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express etc are good options.
Why a trusted website?
Newspapers as you know are for general reading. A trusted website guides the aspirants on what articles to read and what topics it is related to. News analysis done by our website is a good option to begin with.
Is UPSC expecting the aspirants to read more than 1 year of current affairs?
No, the prelims exam is just a phase that an aspirant needs to clear so that he/she can qualify for mains. The marks of prelims are never counted for the final selection process. Going through the previous year questions from current affairs have given us a general trend on the periods which UPSC has covered.
- 70% of questions from current affairs were asked from the previous 1 year.
- 20% of questions were asked from the previous 2 years.
- 10% of questions were asked from the previous 2.5 years.
A smart aspirant understands the demand of UPSC to clear the first phase. As we have mentioned before, the marks from prelims are not carried forward. So it’s better to go through just a years current affairs.
Ancient History of India
- Prehistoric cultures in India
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Pastoral and farming society
- Vedic society
- Mahajanapadas to the Nandas
- Buddhism and Jainism
- The Mauryan Empire
- Post-Mauryan India
- The Satavahanas
- Sangam Age
- Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushans, Kanishka
- Different Religions- Bhagavatism, Shaivism etc
- Gupta Age
- Literature Science, Arts, Economy, and Society
Medieval Indian History
- Early medieval India. The Arabs in Sind and the Ghaznavids.
- Cultural trends – 750-1200.
- Arab Invasions.
- Delhi Sultanate.
- Vijayanagara Empire.
- Mughal Empire.
- Monotheistic movements: Kabir; Guru Nanak and Sikhism; Bhakti.
- The decline of the Mughal Empire.
- Maratha Power.
Modern India -Indian National Movement
- Coming of the Europeans.
- British extension and British Raj.
- Social and Economic Impact of the British Raj.
- Cultural encounters and social changes.
- Confrontation to British rule.
- Indian Freedom struggle in the first stage.
- Gandhian thoughts and mass mobilisation.
- Separatist movements in Indian politics.
- The post-1945 developments.
This category of the syllabus is both static and dynamic. But mostly it can be covered through standard textbooks or websites.
Indian Geography
- The basic idea about India
- Physical features of India
- River systems
- Climate in India
- Mineral and industries
- Agriculture and Allied-characteristics and Problems
- Natural vegetation and fauna
- Economic infrastructure
- Human Geography
World Geography & Physical Geography
- Universe
- The basic idea about Earth
- Geomorphology
- Interior of the earth
- Mass Movements of landforms, erosion and deposits
- Climatology
- The hydrosphere
- Biosphere
- Economic geography
- Map work
- Places in News
Indian Polity has a lot of static and dynamic elements. The following are the board topics and subtopics :
- Preamble
- Schedules
- Constitution of India
- Union and its Territory
- Citizenship
- Fundamental Rights (FR)
- Fundamental Duties(FD)
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
- Union
- Judiciary
- State Government- State Executive
- Administration of Special Areas
- Emergency Provisions
- State- centre and interstate relations
- Panchayati Raj and municipalities
- Reservation
- Constitution Bodies
- Non-Constitutional Bodies
- Tribunals
- Special Provisions for SCs, STs, Backward Classes, Minorities and Anglo-Indians
- Current affairs- like Bills, Laws, Schemes etc.
Indian Economy has been a very dynamic topic in recent years. The weightage for the Indian economy has been increasing for prelims.
How do you think we should approach this category?
Indian economy should be read with standard books and current events simultaneously for better understanding. First, go through a certain static topic and know the related current events happening under that topic.
The following are the board outlines under Indian Economy :
- Growth and Development
- Planning and Issues related to that
- Inflation
- Monetary Policy in India
- Banking and Financial Markets
- Indian Agriculture
- Poverty, Inequality and Unemployment
- Government Budgeting
- Taxation in India
- External Sector
- International Economic Organizations
- Sectors of Economy – Food Processing, Industries, Infrastructure etc
- Investment Models
Make Your Name Shine on the UPSC list and Live your Dream!
