The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains consists of nine papers, and each paper has its own specific syllabus. Here’s an overview of the syllabus for each of the UPSC CSE Mains papers:
1. Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying):
- One of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
- This paper is meant to test the candidate’s proficiency in the chosen language.
- The marks obtained in this paper are not counted for ranking, but candidates must secure a minimum qualifying score.
2. Paper B – English (Qualifying):
- English language skills including comprehension, communication, and writing ability.
- This paper is also meant for qualifying purposes and the marks are not counted for ranking.
3. Essay:
- Candidates are required to write two essays, choosing one from each section.
- The topics could cover a wide range of issues from philosophical to current events.
4. General Studies – I:
- Indian Heritage and Culture
- History and Geography of the World and Society
5. General Studies – II:
- Governance
- Constitution
- Polity
- Social Justice and International Relations
6. General Studies – III:
- Technology
- Economic Development
- Biodiversity
- Environment
- Security and Disaster Management
7. General Studies – IV:
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- This paper evaluates candidates’ ethical and moral dimensions, case studies on ethics and integrity.
8. Optional Subject – Paper I:
- Candidates choose one optional subject from a list provided by UPSC.
- The syllabus for optional subjects varies widely, depending on the subject chosen. Examples of optional subjects include History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, and many more.
9. Optional Subject – Paper II:
- This is the second paper for the chosen optional subject.
- The syllabus for this paper also depends on the specific optional subject selected.
Candidates must carefully choose their optional subject based on their interests, strengths, and the availability of study materials. Each optional subject has its own detailed syllabus, which can be found in the official UPSC notification.
It’s important to note that the syllabus for the Mains examination is extensive, and candidates are expected to have a deep understanding of the subjects they choose. Additionally, the Mains examination requires essay writing, answer writing in a descriptive format, and critical thinking.
Candidates should regularly refer to the official UPSC website or notifications for any updates or modifications to the syllabus and exam pattern.