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. IAS UPSC Mains Syllabus
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)
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
Communalism
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.
Indian Constitution
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.
Governance
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.
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.
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.
