UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

UPSC Mains syllabus is comprehensive and covers a wide range of subjects that test my knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skills. The Mains exam consists of nine papers, including one essay paper, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two language papers.

The General Studies papers in UPSC Mains syllabus are crucial as they assess my understanding of Indian heritage, culture, history, geography, governance, constitution, polity, social justice, international relations, technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management. These papers require me to demonstrate my conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and ability to present my ideas coherently.

The essay paper in UPSC Mains syllabus is an opportunity for me to showcase my writing skills, creativity, and depth of knowledge on a given topic. I need to ensure that my essay is well-structured, concise, and effectively conveys my arguments.

The optional subject papers in UPSC Mains syllabus allow me to delve deeper into a subject of my choice and showcase my specialized knowledge. I need to carefully select an optional subject that aligns with my strengths and interests, as it can significantly contribute to my overall score.

The language papers in UPSC Mains syllabus are qualifying in nature, but I cannot afford to take them lightly. I need to ensure that I score at least 25% marks in both the Indian language and English papers to be eligible for evaluation of my other answer sheets.

As an aspirant, I need to thoroughly understand the UPSC Mains syllabus and exam pattern to devise an effective preparation strategy. I should focus on building a strong foundation in all the subjects, regularly practice writing answers, and stay updated with current affairs.

By understanding the UPSC Mains syllabus and aligning my preparation accordingly, I can enhance my chances of success in this highly competitive examination and take a step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a civil servant.

UPSC Mains Syllabus for 2024

Master your IAS preparation by understanding the UPSC Mains syllabus in detail. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each paper, subject-wise topics, and strategic tips to excel in the Civil Services Mains Exam. Stay ahead with UPSC Mains syllabus and the latest updates and boost your IAS journey now.

Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (300 Marks)

(Only for candidates from states where the language is a requirement)

 

• • Comprehension of given passages

• • Precise Writing

• • Usage and Vocabulary

• • Short Essay

• • Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa

Paper B: English (300 Marks)

 

• • Comprehension of given passages

• • Precise Writing

• • Usage and Vocabulary

• • Short Essay

Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)

 

• • Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics.

• • They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely.

• • Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Paper II: General Studies I (250 Marks)

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

 

• • Indian Culture: Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

• • Modern Indian History: Significant events, personalities, issues from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present.

• • The Freedom Struggle: Various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

• • Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization: Within the country.

• • History of the World: Events from the 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.—their forms and effects on society.

• • Indian Society: Structure, 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.

• • Geography: Salient features of world’s physical 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: 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 in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Paper III: General Studies II (250 Marks)

(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 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.

Paper IV: General Studies III (250 Marks)

(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, Bio-technology.

• • 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 IV (250 Marks)

(Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)

 

• • 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 behavior; 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 the 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.

Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II (250 Marks each)

Candidates may choose any one subject from the list of optional subjects for both papers. Each optional subject consists of two papers. The list of optional subjects includes but is not limited to UPSC Mains syllabus:

 

• • 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 & International Relations

• • Psychology

• • Public Administration

• • Sociology

• • Statistics

• • Zoology

• • Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English.

Strategic Tips to Excel in Civil Services Mains Exam

 

1. 1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus to ensure you cover all important topics and sub-topics.

1. 1. Create a Detailed Study Plan: Allocate time to each subject and stick to a disciplined study schedule. Balance your study hours and include regular breaks to avoid burnout.

1. 1. Read Standard Books and Make Notes: Use recommended books and study materials. Make concise notes for quick revision.

1. 1. Practice Answer Writing: Regularly write answers to previous years’ questions and participate in mock tests to improve your writing skills and time management.

1. 1. Revise Regularly: Periodic revision is crucial for retaining information and reinforcing concepts.

1. 1. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Follow daily news and read relevant magazines to stay informed about current events and their implications on the syllabus topics.

1. 1. Join a Test Series: Enroll in a reputable test series to evaluate your preparation and get feedback on your performance.

1. 1. Focus on Optional Subject: Choose your optional subject wisely and dedicate adequate time to mastering it, as it significantly impacts your overall score.

1. 1. Maintain Physical and Mental Well-being: A healthy mind and body are essential for effective preparation. Practice mindfulness, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep.

By mastering the complete UPSC Mains syllabus for 2024 and following these strategic tips, you can enhance your IAS preparation and stay ahead in your journey to becoming a successful civil servant. Stay updated with the latest information and refine your approach to achieve your goal.