UPSC Preliminary Examination Syllabus

The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective type papers for a maximum of 400 marks. Paper I is qualifying with minimum 33% marks, while Paper II (CSAT) determines the final merit.

Examination Pattern

Paper I - General Studies

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Maximum Marks: 200
  • Questions: 100
  • Type: Multiple Choice
  • Negative Marking: 1/3 for wrong answers

Paper II - CSAT

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Maximum Marks: 200
  • Questions: 80
  • Type: Multiple Choice
  • Minimum Marks: 33% (66 marks)

Paper I - General Studies

1. National and International importance events

  • • Current events of national and international importance
  • • Recent developments in various fields
  • • Significant personalities and awards
  • • Government schemes and policies

2. History of India and Indian National Movement

  • • Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Mauryan and Gupta empires
  • • Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Regional kingdoms
  • • Modern India: British rule, Freedom struggle, National movement leaders
  • • Post-independence India: Integration, reorganization, major events

3. Indian and World Geography

  • • Physical Geography: Mountains, rivers, climate, natural disasters
  • • Human Geography: Population, migration, urbanization
  • • Economic Geography: Agriculture, industries, transportation
  • • World Geography: Continents, oceans, major geographical features
  • • Environmental Geography: Ecosystem, biodiversity, climate change

4. Indian Polity and Governance

  • • Constitution: Preamble, fundamental rights and duties, DPSP
  • • Union and State Executive: President, PM, Governor, CM
  • • Parliament and State Legislature: Structure, functions, procedures
  • • Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts
  • • Constitutional Bodies: Election Commission, CAG, UPSC, etc.
  • • Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies

5. Economic and Social Development

  • • Economic Development: Growth models, planning, reforms
  • • Social Development: Education, health, poverty alleviation
  • • Government Schemes: Rural development, employment, welfare
  • • Sustainable Development Goals
  • • Social Justice: SC/ST, women, minorities welfare

6. Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity

  • • Ecosystem: Types, components, food chains and webs
  • • Biodiversity: Conservation, threats, protected areas
  • • Climate Change: Causes, impacts, mitigation strategies
  • • Environmental Laws: Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Rights Act
  • • Pollution: Types, causes, control measures

7. General Science

  • • Physics: Mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity
  • • Chemistry: Elements, compounds, acids, bases, metals
  • • Biology: Human body, diseases, nutrition, genetics
  • • Science and Technology: Recent developments, applications
  • • Space Technology: ISRO missions, satellites

Paper II - Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

1. Comprehension

  • • Reading comprehension passages
  • • Understanding of text and inference
  • • Critical analysis of given information
  • • Drawing conclusions from passages

2. Interpersonal Skills and Communication

  • • Communication skills
  • • Interpersonal relationships
  • • Social skills and empathy
  • • Leadership qualities

3. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

  • • Logical reasoning: Syllogisms, statements and assumptions
  • • Analytical reasoning: Puzzles, arrangements, classifications
  • • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • • Pattern recognition and series

4. Decision Making and Problem Solving

  • • Decision-making scenarios
  • • Problem-solving techniques
  • • Situation analysis
  • • Administrative decision making

5. General Mental Ability

  • • Numbers and their relations
  • • Orders of magnitude
  • • Data interpretation
  • • Charts, graphs, and tables

6. Basic Numeracy

  • • Mathematical operations
  • • Percentages and ratios
  • • Profit and loss
  • • Simple and compound interest
  • • Time, work, and distance

Preparation Strategy

Study Plan

  • • Create a comprehensive 12-month study schedule
  • • Allocate time for current affairs daily
  • • Focus on NCERT books for basic concepts
  • • Regular revision and practice tests

Important Resources

  • • NCERT textbooks (6th to 12th standard)
  • • Current affairs magazines and newspapers
  • • Standard reference books for each subject
  • • Previous year question papers

Time Management

  • • Practice mock tests regularly
  • • Develop speed and accuracy
  • • Learn to eliminate wrong options
  • • Manage time effectively during exam