The Civil service exam is conducted in three phases:

Phase 1: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective Type)

Phase 2: Civil Services (Mains) Examination (Descriptive Type)
Phase 3: Personal Interview (Personality Test)
Phase 1: Preliminary Examination:
The two papers you have to take in the IAS prelims are as follows:
1) General Studies Paper I
2) General Studies Paper II (more commonly known as Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT)
GS PAPER I

1. Current Affairs Analysis and Questions

2. History of India and Indian National Movement
3. Indian and World Geography
1. Physical Geography
2. Social and Economic Geography
3. Geography of the World

4. Indian Polity and Governance

1. Constitution
2. Public Policy
3. Political System
4. Rights Issues
5. Panchayati Raj

5. Economic and Social Development

1. Sustainable Development
2. Demographics
3. Poverty
4. Social Sector Initiatives
5. Inclusion

6. General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change

7. General Science and Technology

CSAT PAPER II

1. Comprehension
2. Interpersonal Skills Including Communication Skills
3. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
4. Decision Making and Problem Solving
5. General Mental Ability
6. Basic Numeracy
7. Data Interpretation
8. English Language Comprehension Skills

Few important sources for current affairs preparation are:

1. Yojana Magazine and Kurukshetra Magazine

2. Economic and Political Weekly
3. Press Information Bureau Releases (PIB)
4. The Hindu and The Indian Express
 UPSC Electrical Engineering Optional Syllabus
UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of Electrical Engineering as one of the Optional Subjects with 2
papers (paper I and paper II). Each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks. Find below the UPSC
Syllabus for Electrical Engineering Optional Subject.

PAPER – I
1. Circuit Theory:
Circuit components; network graphs; KCL, KVL; circuit analysis methods: nodal analysis, mesh analysis; basic
network theorems and applications; transient analysis: RL, RC and RLC circuits; sinusoidal steady state
analysis; resonant circuits; coupled circuits; balanced 3-phase circuits; Two-port networks.

2. Signals & Systems:

Representation of continuous–time and discrete-time signals & systems; LTI systems; convolution; impulse
response; time-domain analysis of LTI systems based on convolution and differential/difference equations.
Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z-transform, Transfer function. Sampling and recovery of signals DFT,
FFT Processing of analog signals through discrete-time systems.

3. E.M. Theory:
Maxwell’s equations, wave propagation in bounded media. Boundary conditions, reflection and refraction of
plane waves. Transmission line: travelling and standing waves, impedance matching, Smith chart.

4. Analog Electronics:
Characteristics and equivalent circuits (large and small-signal) of Diode, BJT, JFET and MOSFET. Diode
circuits: clipping, clamping, rectifier. Biasing and bias stability. FET amplifiers. Current mirror; Amplifiers: single
and multi-stage, differential, operational, feedback and power. Analysis of amplifiers; frequency-response of
amplifiers. OPAMP circuits. Filters; sinusoidal oscillators: criterion for oscillation; single-transistor and OPAMP
configurations. Function generators and wave-shaping circuits. Linear and switching power supplies.

5. Digital Electronics:
Boolean algebra; minimization of Boolean functions; logic gates; digital IC families (DTL, TTL, ECL, MOS,
CMOS). Combinational circuits: arithmetic circuits, code converters, multiplexers and decoders. Sequential
circuits: latches and flip-flops, counters and shift-registers. Comparators, timers, multi-vibrators. Sample and
hold circuits, ADCs and DACs. Semiconductor memories. Logic implementation using programmable devices
(ROM, PLA, FPGA).

6. Energy Conversion:
Principles of electromechanical energy conversion: Torque and emf in rotating machines. DC machines:
characteristics and performance analysis; starting and speed control of motors; Transformers: principles of
operation and analysis; regulation, efficiency; 3-phase transformers. 3-phase induction machines and
synchronous machines: characteristics and performance analysis; speed control.

7. Power Electronics and Electric Drives:

Semiconductor power devices: diode, transistor, thyristor, triac, GTO and MOSFET–static characteristics and
principles of operation; triggering circuits; phase control rectifiers; bridge converters: fully-controlled and half-
controlled; principles of thyristor choppers and inverters; DC-DC converters; Switch mode inverter; basic
concepts of speed control of DC and AC Motor drives applications of variable-speed drives.
8. Analog Communication:
Random variables: continuous, discrete; probability, probability functions. Statistical averages; probability
models; Random signals and noise: white noise, noise equivalent bandwidth; signal transmission with noise;
signal to noise ratio. Linear CW modulation: Amplitude modulation: DSB, DSB-SC and SSB. Modulators and
Demodulators; Phase and Frequency modulation: PM & FM signals; narrowband FM; generation & detection of
FM and PM, Deemphasis, Preemphasis. CW modulation system: Superhetrodyne receivers, AM receivers,
communication receivers, FM receivers, phase locked loop, SSB receiver Signal to noise ratio calculation for AM
and FM receivers.

PAPER – II
1. Control Systems:
Elements of control systems; block-diagram representation; open-loop & closed-loop systems; principles and
applications of feed-back. Control system components. LTI systems: time-domain and transform-domain
analysis. Stability: Routh Hurwitz criterion, root-loci, Bodeplots and polar plots, Nyquist’s criterion; Design of
lead-lad compensators. Proportional, PI, PID controllers. State-variable representation and analysis of control
systems.

2. Microprocessors and Microcomputers:

PC organisation; CPU, instruction set, register set, timing diagram, programming, interrupts, memory interfacing,
I/O interfacing, programmable peripheral devices.

3. Measurement and Instrumentation:

Error analysis; measurement of current, voltage, power, energy, power-factor, resistance, inductance,
capacitance and frequency; bridge measurement. Signal conditioning circuit; Electronic measuring instruments:
multimeter, CRO, digital voltmeter, frequency counter, Q-meter, spectrum- analyzer, distortion-meter.
Transducers: thermocouple, thermistor, LVDT, strain-gauge, piezo-electric crystal.

4. Power Systems: Analysis and Control:

Steady-state performance of overhead transmission lines and cables; principles of active and reactive power
transfer and distribution; per-unit quantities; bus admittance and impedance matrices; load flow; voltage control
and power factor correction; economic operation; symmetrical components, analysis of symmetrical and
unsymmetrical faults. Concept of system stability: swing curves and equal area criterion. Static VAR system.
Basic concepts of HVDC transmission.

5. Power System Protection:

Principles of overcurrent, differential and distance protection. Concept of solid state relays. Circuit breakers.
Computer aided protection: Introduction; line bus, generator, transformer protection; numeric relays and
application of DSP to protection.

6. Digital Communication:
Pulse code modulation (PCM), differential pulse code modulation (DPCM), delta modulation (DM), Digital
modulation and demodulation schemes: amplitude, phase and frequency keying schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK).
Error control coding: error detection and correction, linear block codes, convolution codes. Information measure
and source coding. Data networks, 7-layer architecture.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus – History of India and Indian National
Movement
Ancient History of India

1. Prehistoric cultures in India

2. Indus Valley Civilization. Origins- the different phases- society, economy, and culture- Contacts with other
cultures- factors lead to the decline.
3. Geographical distribution and characteristics of pastoral and farming society.
4. Vedic society-Vedic texts- change from Rigvedic to later Vedic phases.
5. Vedic society Religion- Upanishad thought-Political and social organization, the evolution of Varna system
and monarchy.
6. Formation of the State and urbanization, from the Mahajanapadas to the Nandas.
7. Buddhism and Jainism- Factors for the spread of Buddhism.
8. The Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta and Megasthenes.
9. Ashoka and his inscriptions, his dhamma, culture, administration, and art
10. Society of Post-Mauryan India, BC 200- AD 300- Evolution of Jatis.
11. The Satavahanas and formation of the state in the Peninsula.
12. Sangam texts and society.
13. Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushans, Kanishka-Contacts with the outer world.
14. Different Religion- Bhagavatism, Shaivism, Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana, Jainism and Culture and
art.
15. The Guptas and their descendants.
16. Literature science, Arts, Economy, and society -Modification in the political organization of empire.

Medieval Indian History

1. Early Medieval India. Major dynasties; Political and Agrarian organization. Status of women, Extent of
social mobility. The Arabs in Sind and the Ghaznavids.
2. Cultural trends, 750-1200, Religious circumstances: significance of temples and monastic institutions;
Sankaracharya; Islam; Sufism. Art and architecture. Literature and Science.
3. 13th and 14th Centuries: Ghorian invasions reasons and consequences. Delhi Sultanate under the Slave
Rulers. Aladdin Khalji: invasion; administrative, agrarian and economic measures. Muhammad Tughlug’s
innovations. Firuz Tughluq and the decline of the Delhi Sultanate. Development of urbanization and
commerce. Spiritual movements in Hinduism and Islam. Literature. Architecture, Technological changes.
4. The 15th and early 16th Century: Key Provincial dynasties; Vijayanagara Empire. The Lodhis, First stage
of the Mughal Empire: The Sur Empire and administration. Monotheistic movements: Kabir; Guru Nanak
and Sikhism; Bhakti. The spread of regional literature. Art and Culture.
5. The Mughal Empire, Akbar: invasion, administrative measures, Policy of Sulh-I-Kul. Jagir and Mansab
systems; Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Aurangzeb: extension of Mughal empire in the Deccan; religious
policies. Shivaji. Persian and regional literature. Religious idea: Abul Fazl; Maharashtra dharma.
Architecture. Painting. Economy: state of affairs of peasants and artisans, escalation in trade; trade with
Europe. Social stratification and position of women.
6. The decline of Mughal Empire, Reason behind the decline. Maratha power under the Peshwas. The
Afghans. Regional states. Most important components of composite culture. Sawai Jai Singh, astronomer.
The rise of Urdu language.

Modern India -Indian National Movement

1. British extension: The Carnatic Wars, invasion of Bengal. Mysore and its confrontation to British expansion:
The three Anglo-Maratha Wars. Regulating and Pitt’s India Acts. Early composition of the British raj.
2. Economic Impact of the British Raj: land revenue settlements like Zamindari, Ryotwari, Mahalwari;
Deindustrialization; Railways and commercialization of agriculture; increase of landless labour.
3. Cultural encounter and social changes: inception of western education and modern thoughts. Indian
Renaissance, religious and social reform movements; Social reforms events before 1857. Development of
Indian middle class; the vernacular press and its effects: the rise of modern literature in Indian languages.
4. Confrontation to British rule: Early uprisings; The 1857 Revolt-reasons, character, course and result.
 5. Indian Freedom struggle the first stage: Growth of national consciousness; creation of Associations;
Establishment of the Indian National Congress and its Moderate stage; Swadeshi Movement; Economic
Nationalism; The development of Extremism and the split in Congress; The policy of Divide and Rule;
Congress-League Pact of 1916.
6. Gandhian thoughts and techniques of mass mobilization- Civil Disobedience, the Khilafat movement, Non-
Cooperation Movement, and Quit India Movement; another strand in the National Movement-
Revolutionaries, Subhash Chandra Bose, and the Indian National Army.
7. Separatist movements in Indian politics- the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League; Partition and
Independence; The post -1945 developments.
8. India independent to 1964. A parliamentary, democratic, secular. Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision, Foreign policy
of Non-alignment, Planning and state-controlled industrialization. Agrarian modification.

The art, culture and architecture in the ancient and medieval times are quite important from the IAS exam
perspective, although it isn’t specifically mentioned in the syllabus for UPSC Prelims.
As History portion overlaps in UPSC Syllabus for Prelims and Mains, aspirants should make notes keeping in mind
the descriptive nature of questions in IAS Mains, and practice MCQs for Prelims.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus – Indian and World Geography

Indian Geography

1. The basic idea about India

1. Location, latitude, longitude, time zone,
2. Neighbouring countries
3. States and its position and the states on International boundaries
4. Important straits
2. Physical features of India
1. The Himalayas
1. Geological Formation
2. Physiographic divisions
3. Climate, Vegetation, Soil and Biodiversity
4. Major passes
5. Significance
6. Recent issues
2. The Great North Indian plains
1. Geological Formation
2. Physiographic divisions
3. Climate, Vegetation, Soil and Biodiversity
4. Significance
3. Peninsular Plateau
1. Geological formation
2. Deccan plateau
3. Central Highlands
4. Western and Eastern Ghats
5. Socio-economic issues related
4. Indian Desert
5. Coastal plains and Islands
3. River systems – Characteristics, comparison and significance
1. Himalayan rivers
2. Peninsular rivers
3. River basins
4. Hydro-Power projects, Power plants and Major Dams
5. Regional development and planning
6. West flowing and east flowing rivers
7. Interlinking of rivers
4. Climate in India
1. Monsoon
1. Driving mechanism
 2. Effects of La-Nino and El-Nino
3. Recent theories
2. Season of India
3. Cyclones
5. Mineral and industries
1. Distribution of minerals
2. Industrial policies
3. Location factors
4. Issues and challenges of the industries
5. Industrial clusters
6. Agriculture and Allied-characteristics and Problems
1. Land utilization
2. Types of agriculture practices
3. Soils and Crops
4. Trends agriculture (Green revolution )
5. Irrigation
6. Major irrigation projects
7. Land reforms
8. Government policies and schemes
9. Animal husbandry (livestock resources)
7. Natural vegetation and fauna- Characteristics, importance, comparison and significance
1. Classification of natural vegetation
2. Rainfall distribution
3. Wildlife sanctuaries
4. National Forest Policy
5. Biosphere reserve
6. National parks
7. Environmental issues
8. Red-listed species (in recent news)
8. Economic infrastructure
1. Transportation,
2. Road(National Highways)- Rail- Air- Water(Major inland waterways) and its Significance
3. Power and energy sector
4. Sources of conventional and non-conventional energy
5. Energy conservation and crisis
6. Recent developments
9. Human Geography
1. Demographics
2. Recent census- 2011

World Geography & Physical Geography

1. Universe
1. Theories related to Solar System
2. Theories related to the formation of the universe
3. Recent updates on the same
2. The basic idea about Earth
1. The motion of the Earth – Rotation and Revolution
2. Latitudes and Longitudes
3. The inclination of the Earth’s Axis – effect on seasons
4. Solar Eclipse, Lunar Eclipse and Tides and their significance
3. Geomorphology
1. Earth’s movement (exo-genetic and endo-genetic)
2. Earthquakes, volcanic activity
3. The basic idea about Continental Drift Theory, Plate Tectonics Theory, Sea Floor Spreading
4. Interior of the earth
1. lithosphere
2. Interaction of lithosphere with other spheres
3. Boundaries and composition
5. Mass Movements of landforms, erosion and deposits
1. Basic information about geographical landforms and their significance
2. Rock system and Classification of Rocks
6. Climatology
1. Structure and composition of the atmosphere
2. Factors controlling the temperature distribution
3. Insolation and terrestrial radiation
4. Heat budget
5. Global warming and ozone layer
6. Humidity and condensation
7. Clouds
8. Classification of clouds
9. Precipitation
10. Precipitation mechanism
11. Different types and forms of precipitation
12. Pressure belts
13. Atmospheric circulation
14. Winds
15. Planetary Winds
16. Seasonal and local Winds
17. Cyclones Tropical and Temperate cyclone
18. Formation of cyclone, characteristics and impact
19. Jet streams
20. Various atmospheric phenomenon
7. The hydrosphere
1. Bottom relief of ocean
2. Salinity and temp variation
3. Ocean Currents
4. Ocean deposit
5. Ocean resources
6. Recent issues and development with ref to oceanography- Eg: UNCLOS
8. Biosphere
1. Major Biomes
2. Flora and fauna
3. International organization for biodiversity
4. Conservation of Biodiversity
5. Recent issues
9. Economic geography
10. Map work
11. Places in news
Indian Polity and Governance
Indian Polity and Governance

1. Preamble
1. Features of preamble
2. 42nd Amendment
3. Swaran Singh committee
2. Schedules
1. The basic idea about 12 schedules
3. Constitution of India
1. The basic idea about All articles
2. Historical Background
3. Drafting committee and the making of the Constitution
4. Influence of other constitutions
5. Its salient features
4. Union and its Territory
1. The basic idea about Article 1-4
2. State reorganization and different Commissions
3. Federal nature
4. Recent issues
5. Citizenship
1. The basic idea about Article 5-11
2. PIO, NRI, OCI and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
3. Privileges available for Indian citizens and foreigners
4. Citizenship Amendment Act of 2016
5. New policies, schemes and recent changes in voting.
6. Fundamental Rights (FR)
1. The basic idea about Article 12-35
2. A thorough understanding of Articles 14- 30 and Art. 32
3. Rights and privileges available to citizens of India only and both to citizens and foreigners
4. 44th amendment act
5. Different types of Writs
6. Enforcement and Exceptional cases with regard to FR’s
7. RTE and recent issues related to FR
7. Fundamental Duties(FD)
1. Article 51A
2. Difference between FR and FD
3. Significance and Criticism
4. Enforcement of FD’s
5. Recent issues about FD
8. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
1. The basic idea about Article and Article 36-51 and Article 368
2. Sources and key features of DPSP
3. Classification of DPSP
4. Comparison/ conflicts between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
5. Keshavananda Bharathi, Minerva Mills, Golaknath Case, Maneka Gandhi case.
6. Important Amendments- 42nd Amendment, 44th Amendment, and 97th amendment
9. Union
1. The basic idea about Article 52-73
2. Qualification and Election
3. Function and Powers- (Executive, Legislative, Financial, Judicial, Diplomatic, Military and
Emergency Powers)
4. Resignation and impeachment
5. Role and responsibilities and relationship with Prime minister, Council of Minister, Cabinet
ministers.
6. Prime minister and council of ministers- Basic idea about Article 74-75
7. Powers and Functions
8. Council of ministers
 9. Resignation and Removal
10. Attorney general
11. Parliament
1. The basic idea about Article related
2. Role and functions of the Parliament
3. Sessions, Motions, Parliamentary procedure – Summoning, Prorogation, Joint Sitting
4. Parliamentary proceedings like Question Hour, Zero Hour, and Adjournment Motion
etc.
5. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,
6. Special powers of Rajya Sabha
7. Anti-defection law and 10th schedule
8. Parliamentary Privileges
9. Bill and lawmaking procedure
10. Budget, funds and it’s summary
11. Parliamentary Committees
10. Judiciary
1. The basic idea about Article related to the judiciary.
2. Powers of Supreme court and high court
3. Qualification and appointment
4. Removal procedure
5. Recent controversy, verdicts, and constitutional provisions.
11. State Government- State Executive
1. Governor- appointment, removal and special powers.
2. Executive, Legislative, Financial, Judicial powers and discretionary of the governor
3. 7th constitutional amendment
4. Chief minister and council of ministers
5. Power of chief minister
6. State Legislature
1. State legislature compared to the Parliament with regard to composition, powers, and
functions.
2. Bicameral legislatures
3. Creation and abolition of the Legislative councils
7. Administration of Union Territories (UT)
8. Special provision for Delhi
9. Administration and jurisdiction in UT’s
12. Administration of Special Areas
1. Basic idea about 5thSchedule 6th Schedule
2. Recent issues related to Administration of Special Areas
3. Special provision for Jammu and Kashmir-Article 370
4. Difference between constitutional provisions related to Jammu and Kashmir
13. Emergency Provisions
1. National emergency- Article 352
2. President’s rule or State emergency- Article 356
3. Financial emergency- Article 360
4. 44th amendment act
5. Effects and implications of emergency
6. Role of President in emergency time
7. The State of FR, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha
8. Revoking emergency
14. State- centre and interstate relations
1. The basic idea about Articles 262 and 263
2. Composition and functions of Interstate council and Zonal council
3. Inter-State trade and Commerce
4. Recent disputes between states, controversies etc
5. New policies or schemes which impact interstate relations
15. Panchayati Raj and municipalities
1. Elections, auditing, powers and authority of panchayats
2. 3 tier structure
3. 73rd Amendment Act and the 74th Amendment Act
 4. Relation with FR and DPSP
5. Schemes introduced
6. Metropolitan planning committee and urban development
16. Reservation
17. Constitution Bodies
1. Election Commission
2. UPSC
3. SPSC
4. JPSC
5. Finance Commission
6. National Commission for SCs and ST’s,
7. Composition, Powers and functions, Removal of the Constitutional bodies
18. Non-Constitutional Bodies
1. The basic idea about Composition, Functions, Working of the Non-Constitutional bodies such
as National Human Rights Commission, Central Information Commission, Central Vigilance
Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation, State Human Rights Commission, State
Information Commission etc
19. Tribunals
1. The basic idea about Article 323A and tribunals under Article 323B
2. Recent controversial issues related to tribunals
3. Different tribunals and importance
20. Special Provisions for SC’s, ST’s, Backward Classes, Minorities and Anglo-Indians
1. Privileges and right issued to SC’s, ST’s, Backward Classes, Minorities and Anglo-Indians
2. Issues related to vulnerable sections like women, child, SC’s, ST’s, Backward Classes,
Minorities and Anglo-Indians
21. Current affairs
1. Recent issues related to above-mentioned categories
2. Important schemes, programs, missions, laws, and policies launched by the government.
3. Recent Government Bills and Governance- Actions

UPSC Prelims Syllabus – Indian Economy

Economic and Social Development

1. Economic growth and development – basic concept and definition of economy and
economics, uses and transfer of resources, distributive effects, macro and micro economic
policy, micro-macro balance, distributive impact of economic policies, development versus
growth, determinant of growth and development, concepts such as HPI/MPI, HDI, PQLI,
GEM, GDI/GII, TAI, Green index, sustainable development, India’s ranking in the various
indices.
2. Poverty – definitions, causes, distribution-deprivation, income versus calories, measurement
of poverty, the status of poverty, eradication programmes, poverty and resource policy, tribal
rights and issues, livelihood mission.
3. Inclusion – definition, relevance, types, financial inclusion, recent initiatives.
4. Demographics – census data, populations by gender, by state, by age group, socio-economic
status, caste, religion, literacy levels, etc. Trends in human development – interstate
comparison, etc.
5. Fiscal policy – definition, component, receipts, revenue and capital account, tax revenue,
expenditure, budget.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus – General Science
1. Universe – Big Bang, Redshift, Blueshift
2. Star Formation – Stellar Evolution, Life Cycle of A Star
3. Solar System Formation – Nebular Theory of Laplace
4. Solar System – Planets, Inner Planets, Outer Planets
5. Sun – Internal Structure, Atmosphere
6. Nuclear Fission, Nuclear Reactor Types
7. India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme
8. Cell Organelles – Plant Cell vs. Animal Cell
9. Carbohydrates – Monosaccharides, Polysaccharides
10. Proteins – Amino Acids, Enzymes
11. Vitamins and Minerals – Deficiency Diseases
12. Fats – Healthy Fats and Unhealthy Fats
13. Animal Tissues – Epithelium, Connective Tissues
14. Human Digestive System – Digestive Glands
15. Respiratory System – NCERT General Science
16. Endocrine Glands and Hormones
17. Human Neural System – Human Brain
18. Muscular and Skeletal System
19. Nucleic acids – DNA and RNA, Recombinant DNA
20. Mitosis – Cell Cycle, Cell Division, Meiosis – Mitosis – Meiosis Comparison
21. Inheritance – Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance, Chromosomal Theory, Human Genome Project
22. Sex Determination – Genetic Disorders
23. Diseases Caused by Microorganisms
24. Microbes in Human Welfare – Useful Microbes
25. Immunity – Human Immune System
26. AIDS, Cancer – causes
27. Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
28. Diseases – Acute, Chronic, Communicable Diseases
29. Blood – Blood Groups – Formed Elements
30. Circulatory System, Double Circulation
31. Excretory System – Kidney, Urine Formation
32. Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth
33. Biological Classification
34. Five Kingdom Classifications of Plants and Animals
35. Plant Parts and Their Functions
36. Plant Kingdom – Halophytes, Bryophytes
37. Plants with Seeds – Gymnosperms and Angiosperms
38. Plant Tissue – Simple, Complex Permanent Tissue
39. Plant Nutrition – Photosynthesis, Nitrogen Cycle, Fixation
40. Sexual and Asexual Reproduction in Plants
41. Classification of Animal Kingdom (Animalia)
42. Classification of Vertebrata (Phylum Chordata)
43. Human Reproductive System
44. Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering – Processes and Applications
45. Atomic Theory – Structure of an Atom
The Civil Services Main Examination pattern has been revised by UPSC from 2015. Now, the main examination
has 9 papers (7+2) and all of them requires descriptive answering. There are two qualifying papers:

1. Any modern Indian language

2. English are of 300 marks each.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper Syllabus (I, II, III, and IV )

Paper-I General Studies-I 250 Marks (Indian Paper-III General Studies-III 250 Marks (Technology,
Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment,
the World and Society) Security and Disaster Management)

Paper-II General Studies-II: 250 Paper-IV General Studies-IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity
Marks(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social and Aptitude) Marks carried by General Studies was
Justice and International relations) 4X250=1000

The questions in Mains will be to check a candidate's primary apprehension of variety of subjects that will be
relevant to the Civil Services career. Hence, it is advised to candidates to go through General Studies Paper with
attention to detail before starting their preparations. Here’s a detailed list of General Studies Paper I-IV Syllabus:
UPSC Exam General Studies- PAPER I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society:

 Indian culture covers the salient features of Literature, Art Forms, and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
 Modern Indian history include the significant events, personalities, issues during the middle
of the eighteenth century until the present
 Various stages and important contributors and contributions from different parts of the
country in ‘The Freedom Struggle’
 Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
 History of the world includes events, forms and effect on the society from 18th century like
world wars, industrial revolution, colonization, redrawal of national boundaries,
decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc
 Salient aspects of Diversity of India and Indian Society
 Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and remedies
 Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
 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
 Effects of globalization on Indian society
 Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity,
cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of
such changes
 Salient features of world's physical geography
UPSC Exam General Studies- PAPER II
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
 Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
 Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and
institutions
 Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &
privileges and issues arising out of these
 Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of
various Constitutional Bodies
 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
 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation
 Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
 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
 Health, Education, Human Resources
 Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various
groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-
applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
& accountability and institutional and other measures
 Issues relating to poverty and hunger
 Role of civil services in a democracy
 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
India's interests
 India and its neighborhood- relations
 Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate
 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests,
Indian diaspora
UPSC Exam General Studies- PAPER III
Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and
Disaster Management:

 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment.
 Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
 Government Budgeting.
 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
 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
 Economics of animal-rearing.
 Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream
and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
 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
 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.
 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
 Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
 Disaster and disaster management.
 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
 Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
 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
 Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
 Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime
with terrorism
UPSC Exam General Studies- Paper IV
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude:
This paper includes questions to check the candidate's' attitude and approach to issues relating to
integrity, probity in public life and his/her problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts
faced by him/her while dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to
determine these aspects and covers area:

 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 behaviour;
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
UPSC Mains Exam Format
Sl. No. Paper Name of the Paper Nature of the Paper Duration of Marks
the Exam

1 Paper – A Compulsory Indian QUALIFYING 3 Hours 300 Marks

Language NATURE

2 Paper – B English 3 Hours 300 Marks

3 Paper – I ESSAY MERIT RANKING 3 Hours 250 Marks

NATURE
4 Paper – II GENERAL STUDIES 3 Hours 250 Marks
I

5 Paper – III GENERAL STUDIES 3 Hours 250 Marks

II

6 Paper – IV GENERAL STUDIES 3 Hours 250 Marks

III

7 Paper – V GENERAL STUDIES 3 Hours 250 Marks

IV

8 Paper – VI OPTIONAL PAPER I 3 Hours 250 Marks

9 Paper – VII OPTIONAL PAPER 3 Hours 250 Marks

II

In order to do well in the mains papers, the candidate must:

 Understand what is precisely asked in the question

 Have clarity of thought
 Be able to put those thoughts into words
 Have a good vocabulary
 Be creative and know how to differentiate his/her answers
 Write concise answers and also learn to illustrate the answers
 Develop speed in answer-writing
UPSC Prelims 2019 – Exam Pattern
The UPSC Prelims comprises two objective type papers (General Studies I and General Studies II or CSAT) for
a total of 400 marks. Both papers are usually held on the same day in two sessions via offline mode (pen-paper).

UPSC Prelims Exam

General Studies I General Studies II or CSAT
Pattern

Number of questions 100 80

Yes (1/3rd of the maximum marks for Yes (1/3rd of the maximum marks for
Negative Marking the question) the question)
-0.66 marks for every incorrect answer -0.83 marks for every incorrect answer

Duration of exam 2 hours 2 hours

Date of exam June 2, 2019 June 2, 2019

Language of exam English/Hindi English/Hindi

Maximum marks 200 200

Counted for Merit. Cutoff varies every

Cut Off marks 33% qualifying criteria (66 marks)
year.