The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam syllabus is extensive and covers a wide range of topics to assess candidates’ knowledge, understanding, and aptitude for various administrative roles in the Indian government. The UPSC Civil Services Exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims), the Main Examination (Mains), and the Interview.

Here’s a broad overview of the syllabus for each stage:

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

1. General Studies Paper-I:

   • Current events: National and international news, significant events, and their implications.
   • History of India: Ancient, medieval, and modern history. Indian National Movement – freedom struggle and its various stages.
   • Geography: Indian and world geography – physical, social, economic aspects.
   • Polity: Indian polity and governance, including the Constitution, political systems, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues, etc.
   • Economy: Economic and social development, sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives, etc.
   • Environment and Ecology: Biodiversity, climate change, environmental issues, and conservation efforts.
   • General Science: Basics of science – physics, chemistry, biology, and their applications in daily life.

2. General Studies Paper-II (CSAT):

   • Comprehension: Understanding passages, critical reasoning, and logical inference.
   • Interpersonal Skills: Communication skills, including effective listening and speaking abilities.
   • Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Problem-solving, logical thinking, and analytical skills.
   • Decision Making and Problem Solving: Assessing situations and making decisions based on given information.
   • Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation: Basic mathematics, data analysis, and interpretation using charts, graphs, etc.

Main Examination (Mains)

The Main Examination consists of nine papers, out of which two papers are qualifying in nature (Indian Language and English) while the other seven papers count towards the merit ranking.

1. Paper-A (Indian Language): Qualifying nature – Candidates need to choose one of the Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

2. Paper-B (English): Qualifying nature – Testing English language skills.

3. Essay Paper: Candidates have to write essays on various topics.

4. General Studies Paper-I:

   • Indian Heritage and Culture: Architecture, literature, art forms, ancient history, etc.
   • World History: Significant events, world wars, industrial revolution, colonization, etc.
   • Society: Social issues, diversity, role of women, communalism, etc.

5. General Studies Paper-II:

   • Governance: Indian Constitution, functions, and responsibilities of the Union and states, e-governance, transparency, accountability, etc.
   • International Relations: India’s relations with neighboring countries, international organizations, etc.

6. General Studies Paper-III:

   • Technology: Various aspects of technology, including space, robotics, biotechnology, etc.
   • Economic Development: Indian economy, planning, budgeting, inclusive growth, etc.
   • Environment and Disaster Management: Environmental conservation, disaster management, climate change, etc.

7. General Studies Paper-IV:

   • Ethics and Integrity: Ethics and human interface, attitude, emotional intelligence, moral and political attitudes, etc.

8. Optional Subject – Paper I & II: Candidates select one optional subject from a list provided by UPSC, and two papers are conducted for that subject.

Interview (Personality Test)

This stage involves an interview to assess the candidate’s overall personality, suitability for a career in civil services, depth of understanding, and communication skills. Questions can cover a wide range of topics and often delve into the candidate’s opinions, perspectives, and their approach to various issues.

The UPSC exam syllabus is extensive, and candidates are required to cover a vast range of topics with depth and clarity. Preparing for this exam involves comprehensive study, regular practice, and staying updated with current affairs.