UPSC Mains Paper A Exam Syllabus

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) civil services examination is one of the most competitive exams in India, with lakhs of candidates appearing for it every year. The exam consists of three stages – the prelims, mains, and interview. The mains exam is crucial and constitutes a significant portion of the final selection process.

Paper A of the UPSC mains exam consists of one language paper, which tests the candidate’s ability to read, write and comprehend language. The paper is set in Hindi or English, and the candidate has to choose either of the two languages.

To master the UPSC mains paper A, here is a comprehensive guide to the exam syllabus:

1. Comprehension: The first section of the paper tests the candidate’s ability to comprehend passages in the chosen language. The passages could be taken from newspapers, magazines, or non-fiction texts. Candidates must read the passage carefully and answer the questions based on the content. It is essential to train yourself to read quickly without missing out on critical aspects of the passage.

2. Grammar: The grammar section tests the candidates’ knowledge of the language. It includes questions on tenses, parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, sentence formation, and correct usage of words. Candidates must have a good grasp of the grammar of the language they choose.

3. Essay Writing: The essay section aims to test the candidate’s ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas in the chosen language. Candidates are expected to write an essay on a given topic, which could be of social, political, or economic significance. The essay should be well-structured and should showcase the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts coherently.

4. Letter Writing: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of formal letter writing. Candidates may be asked to write a letter to a government official, an editor of a newspaper, or a senior executive in an organization. The letter should be clearly formatted, and candidates must know the appropriate language and tone to be used in different situations.

To master the UPSC mains paper A, candidates must have a robust vocabulary and an excellent command over the language. Reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly can help improve language skills. Practice is essential, and candidates must solve previous year question papers and mock tests to familiarize themselves with the paper’s format.

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