UPSC Civil Services Examination

Paper I · General Studies (200 marks)

• Current events of national & international importance📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• History of India & the Indian National Movement📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Indian & World Geography — Physical, Social & Economic Geography of India & the World📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Indian Polity & Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Economic & Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity & Climate Change📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• General Science📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Paper II · CSAT (Qualifying, min 33%, 200 marks)

• Comprehension📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Decision Making & Problem Solving📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• General Mental Ability📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Basic Numeracy & orders of magnitude (Class X level)📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Data Interpretation — charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency (Class X level)📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Essay (250 marks)

• Essays on topics of contemporary relevance — keeping closely to the subject, arranging ideas in orderly fashion, writing concisely📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Optional Subject (Papers I & II, 250 marks each)

• One optional subject chosen from the prescribed list of 48 subjects — two papers of the chosen subject's syllabus📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Qualifying Papers (not counted in merit, min 25%)

• Paper A — One Indian Language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (300 marks)📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Paper B — English (300 marks)📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Indian Culture

• Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature & Architecture from ancient to modern times📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Modern Indian History

• Significant events, personalities & issues from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• The Freedom Struggle — its various stages & important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Post-independence Consolidation & Reorganization within the country📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

World History

• Events from the 18th century — Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization & Decolonization📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Political Philosophies — Communism, Capitalism, Socialism — their forms & effect on society📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Indian Society

• Salient features of Indian Society & the Diversity of India📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Role of Women & Women's Organizations📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Population & associated issues📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Poverty & developmental issues📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Urbanization — their problems & remedies📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Effects of Globalization on Indian society📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

World & Physical Geography

• Salient features of the world's Physical Geography📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Distribution of key Natural Resources across the world (incl. South Asia & the Indian subcontinent); location factors for primary, secondary & tertiary sector industries📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Geophysical Phenomena & Changes

• Important Geophysical Phenomena — Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity, Cyclones📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Changes in critical geographical features (incl. water-bodies & ice-caps) & in flora & fauna, & the effects of such changes📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Indian Constitution

• Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions & Basic Structure📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Federal Structure

• Functions & Responsibilities of the Union & the States; issues & challenges of the federal structure; devolution of powers & finances to local levels & challenges therein📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Separation of Powers

• Separation of powers between various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms & institutions; comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Parliament & State Legislatures

• Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges & the issues arising out of these📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Executive & Judiciary

• Structure, Organization & Functioning of the Executive & the Judiciary; Ministries & Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups & formal/informal associations & their role in the polity📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Representation of the People

• Salient features of the Representation of People's Act📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Constitutional & Statutory Bodies

• Appointment to various Constitutional Posts — powers, functions & responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Statutory, Regulatory & various Quasi-judicial Bodies📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Governance, Welfare & Social Sector

• Government policies & interventions for development in various sectors & issues arising out of their design & implementation📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Development processes & the development industry — role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups & associations, donors, charities, institutional & other stakeholders📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections by the Centre & States & their performance; mechanisms, laws, institutions & bodies for the protection & betterment of these sections📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Issues relating to development & management of Social Sector/Services — Health, Education, Human Resources; issues relating to Poverty & Hunger📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Governance, Transparency & Accountability; E-governance — applications, models, successes, limitations & potential; Citizens' Charters; Role of Civil Services in a democracy📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

International Relations

• India & its Neighbourhood relations📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Effect of policies & politics of developed & developing countries on India's interests; Indian Diaspora📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Important International Institutions, Agencies & Fora — their structure & mandate📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Indian Economy

• Issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development & Employment📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Inclusive Growth & issues arising from it📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Government Budgeting📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Agriculture

• Major Crops & Cropping Patterns across the country; different types of Irrigation & Irrigation Systems📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Storage, Transport & Marketing of agricultural produce & related issues/constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Direct & Indirect Farm Subsidies & Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System — objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; Buffer Stocks & Food Security📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Food Processing

• Food Processing & related industries — scope & significance, location, upstream & downstream requirements, supply-chain management📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Land Reforms

• Land Reforms in India📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Liberalization & Industry

• Effects of Liberalization on the economy; changes in Industrial Policy & their effects on industrial growth📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Infrastructure & Investment

• Infrastructure — Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Investment Models📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Science & Technology

• Developments & their applications & effects in everyday life; achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; indigenization of technology & developing new technology📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology & issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Environment

• Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Disaster Management

• Disaster & Disaster Management📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Internal Security

• Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism; role of external state & non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media & social networking sites; basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering & its prevention📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Security challenges & their management in Border Areas; linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Various Security Forces & Agencies & their mandate📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Ethics & Human Interface

• Essence, Determinants & Consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of Ethics; ethics in private & public relationships📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Human Values — lessons from the lives & teachings of great leaders, reformers & administrators; role of family, society & educational institutions in inculcating values📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Attitude

• Attitude — content, structure, function; its influence & relation with thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Aptitude & Foundational Values for Civil Service

• Integrity, Impartiality & Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance & Compassion towards the weaker sections📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Emotional Intelligence

• Emotional Intelligence — concepts & their utilities & application in administration & governance📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Moral Thinkers & Philosophers

• Contributions of moral thinkers & philosophers from India & the world📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Public Service Values & Probity in Governance

• Public/Civil Service Values & Ethics in Public Administration — status & problems; ethical concerns & dilemmas in government & private institutions; laws, rules, regulations & conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability & ethical governance; ethical issues in international relations & funding; corporate governance📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Probity in Governance — concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance & probity; information sharing & transparency in government; Right to Information; Codes of Ethics & Codes of Conduct; Citizens' Charters; Work Culture; Quality of Service Delivery; Utilization of Public Funds; Challenges of Corruption📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Case Studies

• Case Studies on the above issues📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Paper I · Ancient India through Early Medieval (up to 1200 CE)

• Sources📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Pre-history and Proto-history📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Indus Valley Civilization📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Megalithic Cultures📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Aryans and Vedic Period📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Period of Mahajanapadas📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Mauryan Empire📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Post-Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western Kshatrapas)📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Regional States during Gupta Era📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Themes in Early Indian Cultural History📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Early Medieval India, 750–1200📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Cultural Traditions in India, 750–1200📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon

Paper I · Medieval India (13th–18th Century)

• The Thirteenth Century📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• The Fourteenth Century📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Society, Culture and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century — Political Developments and Economy📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century — Society and Culture📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Akbar📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Economy and Society, in the 16th and 17th Centuries📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• Culture during Mughal Empire📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon
• The Eighteenth Century📖 Magazine🎬 Film🎧 Podcastsoon