The UPSC Mains examination is a crucial stepping stone for anyone who aims to become a civil servant in India. The examination includes both compulsory and optional subjects, and the syllabus for each paper can be vast and daunting.
In this article, we will provide you with an essential guide to the UPSC Mains and Optional Paper I Syllabus for aspiring civil servants.
Compulsory Papers:
The Compulsory Papers for the UPSC Mains exam include:
1. Essay Paper – The essay paper is of 250 marks, and the time allotted is three hours. The topics are generally contemporary and cover diverse topics such as social issues, politics, economics, international relations, and more.
2. General Studies I – The General Studies I paper is of 250 marks and covers topics such as Indian Heritage, Culture, History and Geography of the World, Society, and Governance.
3. General Studies II – The General Studies II paper is of 250 marks and covers topics such as Polity, Constitution, Welfare Schemes, International Relations, and more.
4. General Studies III – The General Studies III paper is of 250 marks and covers topics such as Economic Development, Technology, Environment, and Disaster Management.
5. General Studies IV – The General Studies IV paper is of 250 marks and covers topics such as Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
Optional Papers:
For Paper I of the Optional Subject, candidates can choose from a diverse range of subjects, including:
1. Agriculture
2. Animal husbandry and veterinary science
3. Anthropology
4. Botany
5. Chemistry
6. Civil Engineering
7. Commerce and Accountancy
8. Economics
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Geography
11. Geology
12. History
13. Law
14. Management
15. Mathematics
16. Mechanical Engineering
17. Medical Science
18. Philosophy
19. Physics
20. Political Science and International Relations
21. Psychology
22. Public Administration
23. Sociology
24. Statistics
25. Zoology
The syllabus for each optional paper is vast and detailed and may differ from subject to subject. Here is a brief overview of some of the popular optional subjects:
1. History – The syllabus covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as world history. Topics include the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal Empire, the British Raj, and more.
2. Geography – The syllabus covers both physical and human geography, such as geomorphology, climatology, population, urbanization, and more.
3. Political Science and International Relations – The syllabus covers topics such as comparative politics, Indian politics, international relations, and diplomacy.
4. Public Administration – The syllabus covers topics such as administrative theory, Indian administration, organizational behavior, and public policy.
5. Sociology – The syllabus covers topics such as social structure, social change, Indian society, and family, among others.
Scoring well in the optional paper is crucial to secure a top rank in the UPSC Mains exam. Therefore, choosing the right optional subject and understanding its syllabus can be a game-changer.