Detailed syllabus of mains examination as per UPSC official syllabus
The Mains test is the second step of the Civil Services Exam. Only after passing the prelims test applicants will be permitted to appear for the main exam.
The Mains exam assesses the candidate’s academic skills in depth as well as his or her ability to articulate his or her understanding in accordance with the requirements of the question in a timely way.
The rank of a candidate in the UPSC Civil Service Exam is determined by the marks obtained in the Main and Interview.
Pattern and marking scheme of main examination
The UPSC Mains exam has nine papers for a total of 1750 marks. Out of nine papers, two papers are qualifying, 300 marks each.
The two qualifying papers are as follows:
- Any Paper in the Indian Language
- Language Paper in English
A candidate must qualify in these language papers to ensure that the marks obtained by such candidates will not be considered or counted. Candidates can write Paper I to Paper VII in English or any of the languages mentioned in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Paper I to Paper VII will be taken for evaluation only if the candidate obtained 25% of the marks in Paper A and Paper B. There are 48 Optional Subjects in the UPSC exam. The candidate has to select any one subject among them. Two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) will be conducted from that for 250 marks each.
There are 9 papers in the UPSC Mains Exam:
| PAPERS | TOPICS | MARKS |
| Paper – A | Indian Language (Any of the language mentioned in 8th schedule) | 300 |
| Paper – B | English | 300 |
| Paper – I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper – II | General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 |
| Paper – III | General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper – IV | General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper – V | General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper – VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper – VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
Paper I: Essay
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.
Paper II: General studies Paper-I
It covers topics of Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
- Art & Culture: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
- Modern History: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, and issues. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-Independence: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
- World History: The history of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effects on the society.
- Indian Society: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. Effects of globalization on Indian society. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
- Physical Geography: Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
- Human and Economic Geography: 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).
- Geophysical Phenomena: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Paper III –General Studies Paper- II
It covers topics of 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.
- Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
- Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
- 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.
- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
- Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- 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.
- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
- Role of civil services in a democracy.
- India and its neighbourhood- relations.
- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
- Important International institutions, agencies, and fora- their structure, mandate.
Paper IV -General Studies Paper- III
It covers topics from technology, economic development, bio diversity, environment, security and disaster management
- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
- Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
- Government Budgeting.
- 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.
- 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; economics of animal-rearing.
- Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
- 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.
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
- Disaster and disaster management.
- Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
- Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
- 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.
- Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
- Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Paper V -General Studies Paper- IV
- This paper includes topics of ethics, aptitude and integrity
- It includes questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered :
- 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 the above issues.
Detailed analysis of the mains syllabus
General Studies paper- I detailed syllabus as per UPSC official syllabus
| Subjects | Topics | Sub-topics under each topic |
| Indian Heritage and Culture | Indian Philosophy | - Philosophy of Buddhism and Jainism
- Philosophies associated with religions (Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, etc)
- Other Philosophies (Nyaya, Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Yoga, Purva mimamasa, Vedanta, Carvaka, etc)
|
| Indian Literature | - Religious Literature (Vedic, Buddhism, Jainism, Bhakti & Sufi movement, etc)
- Non-religious literature (Social, Political, Economic, Sangam literature, etc)
- Ancient and Medieval sources (Archaeological and Foreigners literary works)
Note: Archaeological literature includes Inscriptions/Epigraphs, Numismatics/coins. - Other literary works (Aaranyakas, Upanishads, Puranas etc)
- Literary works during the freedom struggle
|
| Architecture | - Cave architecture
- School of art (Amaravati, Gandhara and Mathura school)
- Temple architecture
- Indo-Islamic architecture
- Modern architecture
|
| Temple Architecture | - Basics of Temple architecture (Mandapa, Shikara, Gharbhgriha, gopuram, Vimana, etc)
- Various styles of temple architecture (Nagara, Vesara, and Dravida)
|
| Indo-Islamic Art and Architecture | - Imperial art and Architecture (Sultanate and Mughal, Vijayanagar and Bahmani)
- Provincial art and architecture (Regional architecture from Jaipur, Jaunpur, Bijapur, Malwa, Kashmir, etc)
|
| Modern Art and Architecture | - Indo-gothic and Neo-Roman Architecture
- Mural, Miniature and wall paintings
- Modern painters and techniques etc
|
| Performing Art | - Indian Dance forms
- Indian Music (Carnatic and Hindustani Music)
- Indian Theatre arts
- Indian Puppetry
- Indian Martial arts
|
| Religious Movements in India | - Jainism
- Buddhism
- Brahmanism
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements
- Sikh religious movement etc
|
| | Other sub-topics in art and Architecture | - Languages and their development
- Indian Calendar
- Indian sculptures and pottery
- Contribution of Indians in various fields (Science, art, music, astronomy, Medicine, etc)
- Indian Fairs and Festivals
- Cultural institutions in India etc
|
| Subject | Topics | Sub topics |
| Modern History and Post- Independent India | History from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present– significant events, personalities, issues | - India in the Late 18th century
- The advent of Europeans and British Conquest in India
- India under East India Company
- The revolt of 1858 and the administrative changes after that
- Political Organizations (Prior to INC and after INC and INC)
- Revolutionary organisations
- Freedom struggle under Moderate, Extremist and Gandhian phase
- India and Neighbourhood relations
- Socio-Religious movements in India (19th and 20th Century)
- Personalities and their contribution to India’s freedom struggle (Gandhi, Nehru, SC Bose, etc)
|
| Important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country | - Peasants and Tribal Movements in India
- Regional movements in various part of India, Princely States
|
| Other topics | - Reforms in various fields under East India Company administration and British administration (Police, education, social, economic, etc.)
|
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
| - Immediate development in India after Independence
- Consolidation of India after Independence (Territorial, Reorganisation of Indian States and Various policy initiatives like Tribal policy, Policy followed in North-East etc)
- India under Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi etc.
|
| Subject | Topics | Sub topics |
| World History | Various events from the 18th Century to till date | - Industrial Revolution
- American Revolution
- French Revolution
- Unification of Italy and Germany
- Russian Revolution
- Japanese Revolution
- Colonization and De-colonization in various parts around the world and its effects
- Chinese revolution
- World wars and the redrawal of national boundaries
- Cold war phase, NAM and the philosophical rivalry
- Disintegration of USSR and its aftermath etc
- Other Regional challenges like Apartheid, Israel-Palestine conflicts etc.
|
| Political philosophies and their forms and effect on society. | - Capitalism
- Communism
- Nazism
- Fascism
- Socialism, etc.
|
| Subject | Topics | Sub topics |
| Indian Society | Salient features of Indian Society | - Caste system in India and its dynamics
- Sanskritization, Westernisation and Modernisation
- Kinship, Marriage and Family
- Class development (Middle Class)
|
| Diversity of India | - Unity in Diversity
- Types of Diversity exist in India (Religious, Caste, Race, Ethnicity, etc)
- Globalisation and Diversity
- Factors contributing to Unity amidst Diversity
- Challenges associated with Diversity
|
| Role of women and women’s organization | - Origin and evolution of Women Organizations in India
- Various women organizations existed in India since freedom struggle
- Challenges faced by women/ women organizations
- Government initiatives to encourage women / women organizations and the reason behind the same
- Women in various fields (agriculture, Industry, education, labour market, science and technology, etc)
- Role of men in development of women/women organizations
|
| | Population and associated issues | - Population growth and distribution in India
- Demographic dividend and demographic curse and its challenges
- Population and other issues such as poverty, Employment, environment, resources, women empowerment etc
- Population control policies and their impact on population since independence.
- Other challenges associated with Population like Missing women, family planning etc.
|
| Poverty and developmental issues | - Poverty and various types of poverty and their measurements
- Causes and consequences of poverty in India
- Vicious cycle of poverty and Hunger
- Poverty in rural and urban areas, poverty and women etc and its impacts
- Role of non-state actors in alleviating poverty and hunger
- Role of government in Poverty alleviation (evolution and impacts of policies, committees, schemes, Acts, etc.)
|
| | Urbanization, their problems and their remedies | - Urbanization and its evolution, causes and concentration in India
- Problems and opportunities due to Urbanization
- Migration and its impacts like pollution, urban crimes, congestion, waste generation, transport etc.
- Slum and Squatter settlements
- Urbanization and urban planning in India
- Urban out growth and its impact, terms associated like satellite cities etc
- Urbanization and feminisation of agriculture
- Urbanization and Industrialization and Globalization etc
- Government initiatives to equitable urban growth (evolution and impacts of policies, committees, schemes, Acts etc)
|
| | Effects of globalization on Indian society | - Globalization and its impacts such as economic, social, environmental etc
- impact of globalization on family level, cultural level, among various sections like women, children, elderly etc.
- Impact of globalization on general values, ideas and lifestyle of Indian society.
|
| Social empowerment | - Concept, need, evolution and various models of social empowerment
- Difference between social empowerment and Political, economic empowerment
- Role of non-state actors in social empowerment
- Various government initiatives to different sections of society like tribal, women, social and culturally backward sections of people etc.
|
| | - communalism, regionalism & secularism
| - Meaning, type, evolution of Communalism
- Reason for prevalence of communalism
- Impact of communalism
- Role of State and non-state actors in reducing Communalism
- Regionalism
- Meaning, type, evolution, son of soil concept of Regionalism
- Various regional movements in India since Independence and their impacts like Dravida Nadu movement, Khalistan movement, Telangana movement, Movements in North east etc.
- Regionalism and Nationalism
- Regionalism and Federalism
- Regionalism, Extremism and Separatism differences and concepts
- Impact of regionalism in International arena
- Constitutional protections against regionalism and government initiatives to strengthen cooperative federalism
- Secularism
- Concepts and sources of Indian secularism
- Difference between Indian and western Secularism
- Secularism and Communalism
- Factors threatening secularism and the way ahead
|
| Subjects | Topics | Sub-topics |
| Geography | Physical Geography | Physical Geography of world - Solar system and the basics of Earth
- Geomorphology (Earth’s interior, rock classification, External and Internal forces, Various orders of land form development)
- Climatology (Structure, composition, atmosphere, weather and climate, pressure belts, winds, jet streams, precipitation, world climatic regions)
- Oceanography (Ocean waves, tides, currents, tsunamis, temperature and salinity etc)
- Bio geography (Soils, classification, distribution, erosion and conversion)
- Continents and their evolutions
Physical Geography of India - Location, area and boundary of India
- Structure and Relief: Physiographic Divisions
- Weather, Climate and Seasons
- Bio geography of India
- Natural Vegetation, Plant and Animal Life
|
| | Human and Economic Geography | Human and Economic Geography of World - Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary and quinary activities
- Human Geography of world
- World Population, Distribution & Density, Races & Tribes, Settlement & Migration
Human and Economic Geography of India - Agriculture and Agro-Climatic Regions
- Land Resources
- Water Resources
- Mineral and Energy Resources
- Industries
- Transport and Communication
- Population, Migration, Settlements
General topics - Natural resources and mineral resources and distribution of key natural resources
- Agriculture and agro-climatic regions
- Industry and location factors
- Map based questions
|
| Geophysical Phenomena | - Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
- Geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and their location-changes and flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
|
General Studies Paper-II Detailed Syllabus as per UPSC official syllabus
| Subjects | Topics | Sub topics |
| Indian Polity and Constitution | - Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
- Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
- Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
| - Historical background
- Making of the Constitution
- Salient Features of the Constitution
- Preamble of the Constitution
- Union and its territory
- Citizenship
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
- Amendment of the Constitution
- Basic Structure of the Constitution
- Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
- 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.
- Parliamentary System
- Federal System
- Centre-State Relations
- Inter-State Relations
- Emergency Provisions
- 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.
- Parliamentary Committees
- Parliamentary Forums
- Parliamentary Group
- Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government.
- President
- Vice-President
- Prime Minister
- Central Council of Ministers
- Cabinet Committees
- Supreme Court
- Judicial Review
- Judicial Activism
- Governor
- Chief Minister
- State Council of Ministers
- High Courts
- Subordinate Courts
- Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
- Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.
- Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
- Election Commission
- Union Public Service Commission
- State Public Service Commission
- Finance Commission
- National Commission for SCs, STs and OBCs
- Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- Attorney General of India
- Advocate General of State
- Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
- NITI Aayog
- National and State Human Rights Commission
- Central and State Information Commission
- Central Vigilance Commission
- Central Bureau of Investigation
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas
|
| Governance | - Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
- Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.
- Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
| - Difference between Government and Governance
- Stakeholders of Governance
- Good Governance in India and its initiatives
- Minimum government and maximum governance
- Sevottam Model
- Social Audit
- Models of e-Governance
- Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
|
| Social justice | - 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.
- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
| - 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.
- Children
- Women
- Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes and Other Backward Castes
- Senior Citizen
- Disabled Persons
- Minorities
- LGBT Community
- Poor Persons
- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
- About Poverty and types
- Vicious cycle of poverty
- Causes and its impact
- Solutions
- Various government initiatives to curb poverty and hunger
|
| International Relations | - India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
- Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.
| India and its Neighborhood- Relations. - Borders
- Borders and Boundaries-key agreements
- India and Bangladesh
- India and Nepal
- India and Bhutan
- India and Sri Lanka
- India and Pakistan
- India and Afghanistan
- India and Maldives
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- G77
- G20
- G7
- G4
- ASEAN
- SAARC
- BIMSTEC
- Land and Maritime agreements
- Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.
- UNGA
- UNSC
- WTO
- WB
- WEF
- ADB
- AIIB
- OECD
- BRICS Bank
- IBSA Forum
- OPEC
- OIC
- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
- Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy
|
General Studies Paper-III Detailed Syllabus as per UPSC official syllabus
| Subjects | Topics | Sub topics |
| Indian Economy and Economic Development | - Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
- Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
- Government Budgeting.
- 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.
- 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; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
- Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
- 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.
| Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment. Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it. - Introduction
- Dimensions
- Need of Inclusive Growth in India
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Inequality
- Challenges to Inclusive Growth
- Steps taken by Government for Inclusive Growth
- Government Budgeting.
Meaning and importance - Various components of Budget
- Stages in Budget enactment
- Lacunae in the Budgetary process
- Budgetary reforms
- Evolution of Budgeting
- Highlights of Union Budget
- Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country
- Different Types of Irrigation
- Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation
- Surface and Subsurface Irrigation
- Irrigation Systems
- Wells and Tube Wells
- Canal Irrigation
- Tank Irrigation
- Schemes of Government related to Irrigation
- Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints
- Warehousing
- Cold Storage
- Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC)
- Farms Act, 2020
- E-technology in the aid of farmers.
- Uses of e-technology for farmers
- Various Initiatives related to e-technology to aid farmers
- Private sectors initiatives
- Agriculture sector and Digital India
- Challenges of using e-technology in agriculture
- Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices
- Types of Agriculture Subsidies in India
- Issues related to Agriculture Subsidies
- Agriculture Subsidies and WTO
- Agriculture Pricing Policies
- Technology Missions.
- Economics of Animal-Rearing
- Challenges faced by Animal Husbandry Sector
- Pink and White Revolution
- Operation Flood
- Fisheries
- Government Initiatives
- Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
- Evolution of Food Processing Industry
- Schemes
- Challenges
- Policy Initiatives
- WTO and Food Processing Industry
- 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
- Infrastructure and economic development
- Constraints
- Government initiatives
- Telecommunication
- Infrastructure and North-Eastern Region
- Investment Models
- Models used in Planning process
- Infrastructure-Investment Model
- Models of Foreign Investments
-
|
| Science and Technology | - 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.
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights
| - Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
- Food technology
- Business technology
- Agriculture
- Space
- Research and Development etc.
- Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology
- Important names associated with Science and Technology
- C V Raman
- Vikram Sarabhai
- APJ Abdul Kalam
- Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- Types of IPR
- IPR Regime in India
- Various International Agreements related to IPR
|
| Bio-diversity and Environment | - Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
| - Biodiversity
- Indian Biodiversity Animal Diversity of India
- Plant Diversity of India
- Marine Organism
- Protected Area Network
- Conservation
- Conservation efforts
- Acts and Policies
- Institution and Measures
- International Environment Conventions
- Environmental Organizations
- Environmental Pollution and Degradation
- Air Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Noise Pollution
- Soil Pollution
- Radio Active Pollution
- E-Waste
- Solid Waste
- Bio-remediation
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
- Need for EIA
- EIA cycle and its procedures
- Components of EIA
- Procedure of Public Hearing
- Drawbacks and Recommendations of EIA
|
| Security | - Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
- Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
- 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.
- Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
- Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
| - Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
- Terrorism, Extremism and Radicalisation
- Naxalism, its origin and evolution
- Objective, strategy and causes of Naxalism
- Initiatives of government to curb Naxalism
- North-East Insurgency
- Jammu and Kashmir Insurgency
- Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
- Challenges posed by them
- Terrorism and history of terrorism in India
- Counter terrorism strategy of India
- Steps taken by government and various global actions
- Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks
- About Communication Network
- Its role in today’s world
- Types of threat to Communication Networks
- Importance of securing Communication Network.
- Challenges in securing Communication Networks
- Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges
- Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
- Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
- Border Management in India
- Indo-China Border
- Indo-Pakistan
- Indo-Nepal
- Indo-Bhutan
- Indo-Bangladesh
- Indo-Myanmar
- Indo-SriLanka
- Measures and initiatives of Border Management
- Coastal Security
- Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
- Indian Armed Forces
- Central Armed Police Forces
- CISF
- CRPF
- ITBP
- SSB etc.
- Central Paramilitary Forces
- Assam Rifles
- Indian Coast Guard
- Security Agencies in India
|
| Disaster Management | - Disaster and Disaster Management.
| - Disaster
- Classification of Disasters
- Natural Hazards
- Earthquake
- Tsunami
- Cyclone
- Floods
- Drought
- Landslides
- Heat Wave
- Cold Wave
- Wildfire
- Anthropogenic Hazards
- Biological Disasters
- Industrial Chemical Disasters
- Nuclear Disasters
- Hazards, vulnerabilities and risks
- Disaster management cycle
- Preparedness
- Risk reduction
- Planning, relief and rehabilitation
- Recovery and management post-disaster
- Disaster management in India
- Legal and institutional framework
- Vulnerability profile of India
- Disaster Management Act, 2005
- 2nd ARC 3rd Report-Crisis Management
- Global framework on Disaster Management-Sendai Framework
- Various national and international initiatives to curb disasters
- International Cooperation on Disaster Management
|
General Studies Paper-IV Detailed Syllabus as per UPSC official syllabus
| Subject | Detailed Syllabus |
| 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 | 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 | Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance. |
| Moral Thinkers and Philosophers | Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World. |
| Public/Civil Services 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 | Case Studies on above issues. |
Optional Paper (Paper VI and VII)
The UPSC mains exam syllabus also includes 48 optional subjects covering a wide horizon of subjects including Literature, Arts, Science, Agriculture, Etc. Candidates have to select one optional subject from the IAS syllabus and there will be two papers for 500 marks (250 marks each).
The scope of the syllabus for optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) for the examination is broadly of the honours degree level i.e. a level higher than the bachelor’s degree and lower than the master’s degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical Science and law, the level corresponds to the bachelor’s degree.
The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answer.
Candidates need to choose any one of the below-mentioned subjects as their optional.
FAQs related to Mains syllabus
What are the qualifying language papers in the Mains Examination?
The qualifying language papers include an Indian language paper and an English language paper. These papers are of a qualifying nature, and candidates need to score a minimum mark to pass them.
What is the syllabus for the essay paper in the Mains Examination?
The essay paper requires candidates to write essays on varieties of topics. The syllabus is not specific, but candidates are expected to write coherently and express their thoughts effectively.
How one can prepare for optional without any coaching?
Preparing for optional topics necessitates deep study and specialization. Candidates are recommended to use specialised books and resources for their optional topics. Self-study is key for all the exam papers.
How one can effectively manage time during Mains preparation?
Time management is essential in Mains preparation. Create a well-structured study plan, allocate sufficient time for each paper, and practice time-bound answer writing. Regularly assess your progress and adapt your study strategy as needed.
How to improve writing and analytical skills for the Mains Examination?
To improve writing and analytical skills, practice writing essays and answers regularly. Reading and critical analysis of diverse subjects can also enhance your analytical abilities.
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