IAS Exam Syllabus

IAS Exam Syllabus

The UPSC IAS exam syllabus is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects to assess the candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and personality. The syllabus is divided into two major stages: Preliminary Examination and Main Examination.

1. Preliminary Examination Syllabus

The Preliminary exam consists of two papers: General Studies (Paper I) and CSAT (Paper II). The syllabus for both papers is designed to test a candidate's overall knowledge, awareness, and aptitude.

General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I)

This paper assesses the candidate’s knowledge of current events, history, geography, and general subjects. Key topics include:

• Current Affairs: Events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History of India.
• Key events of the Indian freedom struggle.
• Indian and World Geography
• Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.
• Topics related to natural resources, population, and climate.
• 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.
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change (not requiring subject specialization).
• General Science (basic understanding).

CSAT (Paper II)

This paper tests the candidate’s aptitude in comprehension, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. It is qualifying in nature, and candidates must score at least 33%. Key areas include:

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills, including communication.
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers, orders of magnitude, etc., Class X level).
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, etc., Class X level).

2. Main Examination Syllabus

The Mains exam consists of 9 papers, of which 7 are considered for ranking. The syllabus for these papers covers diverse subjects aimed at evaluating the candidate's understanding and writing ability.

Qualifying Papers

• Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
• Candidates choose one Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Comprehension, Precis writing, Translation, Grammar, and Short Essays.
• Paper B: English Language (300 marks)
• Similar to Paper A, this paper tests comprehension, precis writing, and essay writing skills.

Essay (Paper I)

• Marks: 250
• Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. The focus is on clarity, coherence, and effective communication of ideas.

General Studies Papers (Papers II to V)

Each paper is of 250 marks and covers various aspects of governance, development, society, and world affairs.

General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I)

• Indian Heritage and Culture
• Art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern India.
• History and Geography of the World and Society
• Events from world history (industrial revolution, world wars, colonization).
• Geography of the world, and the impacts of such events.
• Indian Society
• Social structure, poverty, population issues, urbanization, globalization.
• Role of women, development of weaker sections.

General Studies Paper II (GS Paper II)

• Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
• Indian Constitution and its evolution, structure, and functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Separation of powers, executive roles, judicial review, and significant amendments.
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, their implementation, and outcomes.
• Role of civil services, NGOs, and SHGs in nation-building.
• India's foreign policy and relations with neighbors and global organizations.

General Studies Paper III (GS Paper III)

• Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management
• Indian economy, issues related to planning, growth, and development.
• Infrastructure, inclusive growth, and public-private partnerships.
• Science and technology, indigenization, space technology, and IT.
• Environmental pollution, climate change, and disaster management.
• Internal security, terrorism, insurgency, and border management.

General Studies Paper IV (GS Paper IV)

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• Ethical values, integrity, and probity in public life.
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers.
• Emotional intelligence, governance, and ethical dilemmas.
• Case studies related to ethics in governance, public administration, and integrity.

Optional Subject Papers (Papers VI & VII)

Candidates must choose one optional subject from a list provided by the UPSC, and there are two papers for the selected subject. Each paper carries 250 marks, totalling 500 marks.

UPSC Civil Services Optional Subjects

1        Agriculture

2        Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

3        Anthropology      

4        Botany       

5        Chemistry  

6        Civil Engineering  

7        Commerce & Accountancy      

8       Economics 

9        Electrical Engineering   

10      Geography 

11       Geology     

12       History       

13       Law  

14      Management       

15      Mathematics       

16      Mechanical Engineering

17       Medical Science   

18      Philosophy 

19      Physics       

20      Political Science & International Relations 

21       Psychology

22      Public Administration   

23      Sociology   

24      Statistics   

25      Zoology

List of literature optional subjects in UPSC

Aspirants can opt for a literature subject as their optional for UPSC Mains even if they had not taken that language as their graduation subject. There will be two papers. Each paper is of 250 marks. The languages prescribed here are from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

List of Literature Optional Subjects        

1        Assamese  

2        Bengali       

3        Bodo

4        Dogri

5        Gujarati      

6        Hindi 

7        Kannada     

8       Kashmiri     

9        Konkani      

10      Maithili       

11       Malayalam  

12       Manipuri     

13       Marathi      

14      Nepali         

15      Oriya 

16      Punjabi       

17       Sanskrit     

18      Santhali     

19      Sindhi

20      Tamil

21       Telugu        

22      Urdu 

23      English       

3. Personality Test (Interview)

After clearing the Mains, candidates appear for the Personality Test (Interview), which is worth 275 marks. The purpose of the interview is to assess a candidate's overall personality, including:

• Social traits, mental alertness, and critical powers of assimilation.
• Clear thinking and depth of interest.
• Leadership skills, intellectual curiosity, and moral integrity.

Summary of IAS Exam Syllabus:

• Prelims: General Studies and Aptitude (objective-type).
• Mains: Nine papers – two qualifying language papers, one essay, four General Studies, and two optional subject papers (descriptive).
• Interview: A personality test focusing on the candidate’s suitability for public service.

The syllabus for the IAS exam is designed to assess a candidate’s comprehensive knowledge of various subjects, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge effectively in real-life governance and administrative challenges.