UPSC CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION SYLLABUS

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
The Examination shall comprise of two compulsory Papers of 200 marks each.
(i) Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions) andeach
will be of two hours duration.
(ii) The General Studies Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a
qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

MAIN EXAMINATION
The Written Examination will consist of the following papers:

Qualifying Papers
Paper‐A 300 Marks
One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included
in theEighth Schedule to the Constitution
Paper‐B 300 Marks
English

Papers to be counted for merit

Paper‐I 250 Marks

Essay

Paper‐II 250 Marks

General Studies‐I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Paper‐III 250 Marks
General Studies ‐II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations
Paper‐IV 250 Marks
General Studies ‐III
Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and
Disaster Management
Paper‐V 250 Marks
General Studies ‐IV
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Paper‐VI 250 Marks
Optional Subject ‐ Paper 1

Paper‐VII 250 Marks

Optional Subject ‐ Paper 2

Sub Total (Written test) : 1750 Marks

Personality Test : 275 Marks
Grand Total : 2025 Marks
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 SYLLABI FOR THE EXAMINATION

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Paper I: 200 MARKS DURATION: TWO HOURS

 Current events of national and international importance.

 History of India and Indian National Movement.
 Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
 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.
 General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not
require subject specialization.
 General Science.

PAPER II: 200 MARKS DURATION: TWO HOURS

 Comprehension;
 Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
 Logical reasoning and analytical ability;
 Decision making and problem solving;
 General mental ability;
 Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data
interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level)

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 MAIN EXAMINATION
QUALIFYING PAPERS

Paper‐A [Indian Languages] Paper‐B [English]

The pattern of questions would be broadly as The pattern of questions would be broadly as
follows follows:
 comprehension of given passages.  Comprehension of given passages.
 Precis Writing.  Precis Writing.
 Usage and Vocabulary.
 Usage and Vocabulary.
 Short Essays.
 Short Essays.
 Translation from English to the Indian
Language and vice-versa
PAPERS TO BE COUNTED FOR MERIT

PAPER‐I colonization, decolonization, political

Essay philosophies like communism, capitalism,
Candidates may be required to write essays on socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the
multiple topics. They will be expected to keep society.
closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their  Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of
ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. India.
Credit will be given for effective and exact  Role of women and women’s organization,
expression. population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization, their
PAPER‐II
problems and their remedies.
General Studies‐I: Indian Heritage and Culture,
 Effects of globalization on Indian society.
History and Geography of the World and
 Social empowerment, communalism,
Society.
regionalism & secularism.
 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of
 Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Art Forms, literature and Architecture from
 Distribution of key natural resources across
ancient to modern times.
the world (including South Asia and the Indian
 Modern Indian history from about the middle sub-continent); factors responsible for the
of the eighteenth century until the present- location of primary, secondary, and tertiary
significant events, personalities, issues. sector industries in various parts of the world
 The Freedom Struggle — its various stages (including India).
and important contributors/contributions  Important Geophysical phenomena such as
from different parts of the country. earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity,
 Post-independence consolidation and cyclone etc., geographical features and their
reorganization within the country. location-changes in critical geographical
 History of the world will include events from features (including water-bodies and ice-caps)
18th century such as industrial revolution, and in flora and fauna and the effects of such

world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, changes.

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 PAPER‐III judicial bodies.

 Government policies and interventions for

General Studies‐ II: Governance, Constitution,
development in various sectors and issues
Polity, Social Justice and International
arising out of their design and
relations.
implementation.
 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings,
 Development processes and the development
evolution, features, amendments, significant
industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various
provisions and basic structure.
groups and associations, donors, charities,
 Functions and responsibilities of the Union
institutional and other stakeholders.
and the States, issues and challenges
 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the
pertaining to the federal structure, devolution
population by the Centre and States and the
of powers and finances up to local levels and
performance of these schemes; mechanisms,
challenges therein.
laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for
 Separation of powers between various organs
the protection and betterment of these
dispute redressal mechanisms and
vulnerable sections.
institutions.  Issues relating to development and
 Comparison of the Indian constitutional management of Social Sector/Services relating
scheme with that of other countries. to Health, Education, Human Resources.
 Parliament and State legislatures—structure,  Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
functioning, conduct of business, powers &  Important aspects of governance,
privileges and issues arising out of these. transparency and accountability, e-
 Structure, organization and functioning of the governance- applications, models, successes,

Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and limitations, and potential; citizens charters,

Departments of the Government; pressure transparency & accountability and

groups and formal/informal associations and institutional and other measures.

their role in the Polity.  Role of civil services in a democracy.

 India and its neighborhood- relations.
 Salient features of the Representation of
 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and
People’s Act.
agreements involving India and/or affecting
 Appointment to various Constitutional posts,
India’s interests.
powers, functions and responsibilities of
 Effect of policies and politics of developed and
various Constitutional Bodies.
developing countries on India’s interests,
 Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-

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 Indian diaspora.  Science and Technology- developments and

 Important International institutions, agencies their applications and effects in everyday life.
 Achievements of Indians in science &
and fora- their structure, mandate.
PAPER‐IV technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology.
General Studies‐III: Technology, Economic
Development, Bio diversity, Environment,  Awareness in the fields of IT, Space,

Security and Disaster Management Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

 Indian Economy and issues relating to technology and issues relating to intellectual

planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, property rights.

development and employment.  Conservation, environmental pollution and

 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. degradation, environmental impact

 Government Budgeting. assessment.

 Disaster and disaster management.
 Major crops-cropping patterns in various
 Linkages between development and spread of
parts of the country, - different types of
extremism.
irrigation and irrigation systems storage,
 Role of external state and non-state actors in
transport and marketing of agricultural
creating challenges to internal security.
produce and issues and related constraints; e-
 Challenges to internal security through
technology in the aid of farmers.
communication networks, role of media and
 Issues related to direct and indirect farm
social networking sites in internal security
subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
challenges, basics of cyber security; money-
Distribution System- objectives, functioning, laundering and its prevention.
limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks  Security challenges and their management in
and food security; Technology missions; border areas - linkages of organized crime
economics of animal-rearing. with terrorism.
 Food processing and related industries in  Various Security forces and agencies and their
India- scope’ and significance, location, mandate.
upstream and downstream requirements,
supply chain management. PAPER‐V

 Land reforms in India.

General Studies‐ IV: Ethics, Integrity and
 Effects of liberalization on the economy,
Aptitude
changes in industrial policy and their effects
 Ethics and Human Interface: Essence,
on industrial growth.
determinants and consequences of Ethics in-
 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports,
human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics -
Railways etc.
in private and public relationships. Human
 Investment models.
Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of

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 great leaders, reformers and administrators; administration: Status and problems; ethical
role of family society and educational concerns and dilemmas in government and
institutions in inculcating values.
private institutions; laws, rules, regulations
 Attitude: content, structure, function; its
and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
influence and relation with thought and
behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social accountability and ethical governance;
influence and persuasion. strengthening of ethical and moral values in
 Aptitude and foundational values for Civil governance; ethical issues in international
Service, integrity, impartiality and non- relations and funding; corporate governance.
partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public  Probity in Governance: Concept of public
service, empathy, tolerance and compassion service; Philosophical basis of governance and
towards the weaker-sections. probity; Information sharing and
 Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their transparency in government, Right to
utilities and application in administration and Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of
governance. Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture,
 Contributions of moral thinkers and Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public
philosophers from India and world. funds, challenges of corruption.
 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public  Case Studies on above issues.

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 REFERENCE BOOKS LIST
LIST OF NCERT TEXT

CLASS VI History Our Past

Geography The Earth our Habitat

CLASS VII History Our Pasts - II

Geography Our Environment

CLASS VIII History Our Pasts - III

Geography Resources and Development

CLASS IX History India and the Contemporary

Geography Contemporary India - I
Polity Democratic Politics
Economics Economics

CLASS X History India and the Contemporary

Geography Contemporary India - II
Polity Democratic Politics
Economics Understanding Economic Development

CLASS XI Fine Art An Introduction to Indian Art

Geography Fundamental of Physical
India Physical Environment
Politics India Constitution at Work
Economics Indian Economic Development
Sociology Introducing Sociology

CLASS XII History Themes in Indian History - I

Themes in Indian History - II
Themes in Indian History - III
Geography Fundamentals of Human
India -People and Economy
Politics Contemporary World Politics
- Politics in India Since Independence
Economics Introductory Macroeconomics
Sociology Introducing Sociology

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 OTHER REFERENCE BOOKS
ANCIENT INDIA
1. Ancient Indian History : Jijo Mathew (Director, EduZone)
2. India’s Ancient Past : R.S. Sharma. (Ancient India)
3. The Wonder That Was India : A.L. Bhasham. (Ancient India and Culture)

MEDIEVAL INDIA
1. Medieval Indian History (basic) : Jijo Mathew (Director, EduZone)
2. History of Medieval India : Satish Chandra (for advanced reading)

MODERN INDIAN HISTORY

1. Modern Indian History : Jijo Mathew (Director, EduZone)
2. History of Modern India : Bipan Chandra
3. A Brief History of Modern India : Spectrum (For quick reference)
4. India’s Struggle for Independence : Bipan Chandra. (for advanced reading)

INDIAN ART AND CULTURE

1. Indian Art and Culture : Nitin Singhania (Basic)
2. Indian Art and Culture : CCRT Website (Government Publication)

INDIAN GEOGRAPHY AND WORLD GEOGRAPHY

1. Geography : EduZone Books
2. Oxford Student Atlas
3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography : Goh Cheng Leong

INDIAN POLITY AND CONSTITUTION

1. Indian Polity : Jijo Mathew
2. Indian Polity : M. Laxmikanth (Basic)
3. Introduction to the Constitution of India : D. D. Basu (for advanced reading)

INDIAN ECONOMY
1. Indian Economy : Rashid Cheruvallakkadan (Basic)
2. Indian Economy Key Concepts : Shankar Ganesh (Basic)
3. Economic Survey and Budget : Indian Economy Trends and Statistics, Government
Publication
4. Indian Economy : Dutt & Sundar (For Advance Reading)

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Science and Technology : The Hindu (Refer & Learn dynamic topic)
2. Science Monitor
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 : Rajya Sabha TV

ENVIRONMENT – ECOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Environment : Shankar IAS (Basic)
2. Environment : NIOS Material (Basic)

GENERAL AWARENESS
1. India Year Book : Government of India Publication

CSAT
1. Cracking the CSAT : Arihant
2. Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning : R. S. Aggarwal

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