UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025: Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation Tips

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UPSC Civil Services Examination Syllabus 2024

UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus 2024 is released by the Union Public Service Commission on its official website. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus is divided into Prelims and Mains exam. UPSC conducts the 3 stage exam for civil services recruitment, which are Prelims, Mains and Interviews.

UPSC CSE Preliminary test is an objective type exam to shortlist candidates for Mains. The UPSC CSE Mains examination consists of 9 detailed descriptive examinations.

UPSC Prelims Exam Syllabus 2024

UPSC CSE 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.

UPSC CSE 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 magnitudes) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. -Class X level)  

Note 1: UPSC CSE Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

Note 2: The UPSC CSE questions will be of multiple choices, objective type.

Note 3: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the UPSC CSE Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.  

Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of science including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be expected of a well educated person who has not made a special study of any particular scientific discipline. In current events, knowledge of significant national and international events will be tested. In History of India, emphasis will be on broad general understanding of the subject in its social, economic and political aspects. Questions on the Indian National Movement will relate to the nature and character of the nineteenth century resurgence, growth of nationalism and attainment of Independence. In Geography, emphasis will be on Geography of India. Questions on the Geography of India will relate to physical, social and economic Geography of the country, including the main features of Indian agricultural and natural resources. Questions on Indian Polity and Economy will test knowledge of the country’s political system and Constitution of India, Panchayati Raj, Social Systems and economic developments in India. On general mental ability, the candidates will be tested on reasoning and analytical abilities.

CLICK HERE FOR UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAIN EXAM SYLLABUS 2024

FAQs related to UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus 2024

1. Q: What is the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

·         A: The UPSC Civil Services Exam syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including General Studies, Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, General Science, and Current Affairs. Additionally, there are optional subjects for the Main Examination.

2. Q: How is the syllabus divided for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

·         A: The syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is divided into two stages:

·         Preliminary Examination (Prelims): The Prelims syllabus includes General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). It covers topics such as History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, and Comprehension.

·         Main Examination (Mains): The Mains syllabus includes nine papers, including Essay, General Studies I, II, III, and IV, Optional Subject Paper I and II, and two language papers (Qualifying in nature).

3. Q: What are the optional subjects available in the UPSC Civil Services Exam syllabus?

·         A: The optional subjects for the Main Examination include a wide range of subjects such as Literature of any one of the following languages, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, and Zoology.

4. Q: Is it mandatory to choose an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

·         A: Yes, candidates appearing for the Main Examination of the UPSC Civil Services Exam are required to choose one optional subject from the list provided by the UPSC. However, the optional subject is not applicable for the Preliminary Examination.

5. Q: How can I effectively cover the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

·         A: To cover the vast UPSC Civil Services Exam syllabus effectively, candidates should:

·         Develop a comprehensive study plan covering all subjects and topics.

·         Refer to standard textbooks and study materials recommended by experts.

·         Make notes for quick revision and retention of key points.

·         Solve previous year question papers and practice mock tests to assess understanding and improve time management.

·         Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online resources.

6. Q: Is the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam subject to change?

·         A: While the core subjects remain relatively stable, the UPSC may make minor revisions or updates to the syllabus as per evolving requirements or changes in the examination pattern. Candidates are advised to refer to the latest UPSC notification for any changes in the syllabus.