UPSC syllabus, clearly organised.

Preliminary Examination

General Studies Paper I - 200 marks, 2 hours

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and the Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography - physical, social and economic geography of India and the world.
• Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues and related areas.
• Economic and Social Development - sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics and social-sector initiatives.
• General issues on environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change that do not require subject specialisation.
• General Science.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT) - 200 marks, 2 hours

• Comprehension.
• Interpersonal skills, including communication skills.
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
• Decision-making and problem-solving.
• General mental ability.
• Basic numeracy and data interpretation at Class X level.

Main Examination

Essay

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. Credit is given for keeping closely to the subject, arranging ideas in an orderly manner and writing concisely.

General Studies I

Indian Heritage & Culture

• Indian culture - salient aspects of art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times.

Modern Indian History

• Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century to the present - significant events, personalities and issues.
• The Freedom Struggle - stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country.

World History

• Events from the eighteenth century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation and political philosophies such as communism, capitalism and socialism and their effects on society.

Indian Society

• Salient features of Indian society and diversity of India.
• Role of women and women's organisations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, problems and remedies.
• Effects of globalisation on Indian society.
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism.

Geography

• Salient features of the world's physical geography.
• Distribution of key natural resources and factors responsible for location of primary, secondary and tertiary sector industries.
• Important geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity and cyclones; changes in critical geographical features and their effects.

General Studies II

Constitution & Polity

• Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
• Federal structure, devolution of powers and finances, separation of powers and dispute-redressal mechanisms.
• Parliament and State legislatures - structure, functioning, powers, privileges and issues.
• Executive and Judiciary - structure, organisation and functioning; ministries and departments; pressure groups and associations.
• Representation of the People's Act and constitutional/statutory/regulatory bodies.

Governance & Social Justice

• Government policies and interventions, development processes and role of NGOs, SHGs, groups, associations, donors, charities and institutional stakeholders.
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, mechanisms, laws and institutions for their protection and betterment.
• Issues relating to health, education and human resources.
• Poverty and hunger.
• Governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance, citizens' charters and institutional measures.
• Role of civil services in a democracy.

International Relations

• India and its neighbourhood.
• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India 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 - structure and mandate.

General Studies III

Economy & Agriculture

• Indian economy - planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it; government budgeting.
• Major crops and cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, transport and marketing, e-technology in aid of farmers.
• Farm subsidies, MSP, PDS, buffer stocks, food security, technology missions, economics of animal rearing.
• Food processing and related industries; land reforms.
• Liberalisation, industrial policy and effects on industrial growth; infrastructure and investment models.

Science & Technology

• Developments and applications of science and technology and their effects in everyday life.
• Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenisation and developing new technology.
• Awareness in IT, space, computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and IPR issues.

Environment & Disaster Management

• Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
• Disaster and disaster management.

Internal Security

• Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
• Role of external state and non-state actors in internal security challenges.
• Communication networks, media/social-networking challenges, cyber security, money laundering and prevention.
• Security challenges and management in border areas; organised crime and terrorism linkages.
• Security forces/agencies and their mandate.

General Studies IV - Ethics, Integrity & 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 leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions.
• Attitude - content, structure, function; influence on behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for civil service - integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion.
• Emotional intelligence - concepts, utilities and application.
• 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; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of guidance.
• Accountability and ethical governance, probity, RTI, codes of ethics/conduct, citizens' charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, public funds and corruption challenges.
• Case studies on the above issues.

Optional Subject

Candidates choose one optional subject from the list notified by UPSC. It has two papers of 250 marks each. Optional subjects include disciplines such as Agriculture, Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology and others, as well as literature subjects listed in the notification.

Personality Test / Interview - 275 marks

The Personality Test assesses suitability for public service, including mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.