The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive exams in India, and it covers a wide range of subjects. The examination consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). Here are the subjects and topics you need to study for UPSC CSE exam preparation:
Preliminary Examination:
- Paper-I: General Studies – I:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- Paper-II: General Studies – II (CSAT – Civil Services Aptitude Test):
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (class X level)
- Data interpretation (class X level)
Main Examination:
The Main Examination consists of nine papers, and they are as follows:
- Paper-I: Essay
- Paper-II: General Studies – I:
- Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
- Paper-III: General Studies – II:
- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
- Paper-IV: General Studies – III:
- Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management
- Paper-V: General Studies – IV:
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Paper-VI and Paper-VII: Optional Subject (Choose one):
- You can select an optional subject from the list of subjects provided by UPSC, which includes subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and many more.
- Paper-VIII: Optional Subject (Same as Paper-VI)
Personality Test (Interview):
The Personality Test, also known as the interview stage, assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in the civil services. It is not based on specific subjects but covers a wide range of topics, including your background, interests, current affairs, and general awareness.
In addition to the subjects mentioned above, candidates are also advised to stay updated with current affairs and issues of national and international importance throughout their preparation. Reading newspapers, magazines, and government reports is essential for this purpose.
The UPSC CSE is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are encouraged to refer to the official UPSC website for the most up-to-date information on the syllabus and examination pattern. Additionally, it’s advisable to join a reputable coaching institute or use high-quality study materials to prepare effectively for the exam.