UPSC
UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Preliminary Exam
The Civil Services Preliminary exam comprises two compulsory papers of 200 marks each (General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II). The questions will be of multiple-choice, objective type. The marks in prelims will not be counted for the final ranking, but just for qualification for the main exam.
| Sl No. | Paper | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Studies Paper I (GS) | 200 | 2 hours |
| 2 | General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 200 | 2 hours |
UPSC CSE Syllabus: Keywords Explanation
UPSC CSE candidates can click on each of the links given below to read articles about every topic mentioned in the UPSC Syllabus.
This keyword explainer project regarding the UPSC syllabus is one of the FREE initiatives of ClearIAS.
UPSC Syllabus for Paper-I – 200 marks
This objective paper is for two hours. There will be 100 questions. Marks of only this paper is counted to decide the toppers of the preliminary exam.
UPSC Syllabus for Paper-II – 200 marks
This objective paper is for a duration of two hours. There will be 80 questions. Marks of this paper are counted to decide the toppers of the preliminary exam. This paper is only qualifying in nature. Aspirants just need to ensure that they score at least 33% marks in this paper.
The Commission will draw a list of candidates to be qualified for the Civil Service (Main) Examination based on the criterion of minimum qualifying marks of 33% in General Studies PaperII of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination and total qualifying marks of General Studies Paper-I of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination as may be determined by the Commission.
| Prelims | General Studies Paper I | General Studies Paper II (CSAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 100 | 80 |
| Marks per question | 2 | 2.5 |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
| Negative Marking | -0.66 marks for every incorrect answer. (ie. 1/3rd of the maximum marks for the question) | -0.83 marks for every incorrect answer. (ie. 1/3rd of the maximum marks for the question) |
| Significance | Counted for selection into the next stage (Mains). But not counted for the final ranking after Mains and Interview. | Not counted for selection into the next stage (Mains). This paper is qualifying in nature. However, the candidate needs 33% marks (67/200 marks) |
UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Mains Exam
A candidate’s rank in the UPSC Civil Service Exam depends only on the mark scored in the Main and Interview. The main exam has 1750 marks while the interview has 275 marks.
The written examination (main) will consist of the following nine papers, but only 7 papers will be counted for the final merit ranking. Each paper is for 250 marks. Thus the total mark for the Main exam is 1750.
For the rest two papers, the candidate should secure the minimum marks prescribed by UPSC each year. For each of the qualifying papers, it is usually 25% i.e. 75/300 marks.
| Mains | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies – I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper–IV | General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper–V | General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper–VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper–VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
| Qualifying Paper A | Indian Language | 300 |
| Qualifying Paper B | English Language | 300 |
1. Paper‐I: (Essay) – 250 Marks
In Essay Paper, candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
2. Paper‐2: (General Studies 1) – 250 Marks.
General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Indian culture
Modern Indian History
World History
Indian Society
World Geography
3. Paper‐3: (General Studies 2) – 250 Marks
General Studies 2 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations.
Polity
Governance and Social Justice
International Relations
4. Paper‐4: (General Studies 3) – 250 Marks
General Studies 3 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
General Studies 3 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains
Economic Development
Agriculture
Science and Technology
Biodiversity and Environment
Disaster and disaster management
Internal Security
5. Paper‐5: (General Studies 4) – 250 Marks
General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. Details of the syllabus as provided by UPSC is as below: 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:
General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains
Ethics and Human Interface:
Human Values
Attitude
Aptitude
Emotional Intelligence
Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
Civil Service Values
Probity in Governance
Case Studies
6. Paper‐6: (Optional Subject Paper 1) – 250 Marks
7. Paper‐7: (Optional Subject Paper 2) – 250 Marks
Syllabi for Optional Subjects:
Qualifying Paper A – Not counted for final ranking
Qualifying Paper B – Not counted for final ranking
Paper ‐ B – English Language – Syllabus. 300 Marks.
UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Interview
- The candidate will be interviewed by a Board that will have before them a record of his/her career. He/she will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms, this is really an assessment of not only his/her intellectual qualities but also social traits and his/her interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, a balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
- The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.
- The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialised or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own state or country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should arouse the curiosity of well-educated youth.
Sub Total (Written test): 1750 Marks
Personality Test: 275 Marks
Grand Total: 2025 Marks