The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting various exams for recruiting candidates for different positions in the Indian government. The exact number of exams conducted by UPSC can vary from year to year, depending on the vacancies available and the requirements of the government. However, on average, the UPSC conducts around 10-12 exams every year. These exams include-
- Civil Services Examination (CSE) IAS
- Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
- Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)
- National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA and NA)
- Central Armed Police Forces Examination (CAPF)
- Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination (IES/ISS)
- Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination
- Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS)
- Special Class Railway Apprentices Examination (SCRA)
- Indian Information Service Examination (IIS):
- Combined SO/Steno (Grade B/Grade I) LDCE
The syllabus for these exams varies depending on the position and the level of the exam. Here is the syllabus for the UPSC IAS exam.
Overview of UPSC IAS syllabus :
The UPSC IAS syllabus is designed to test a candidate's knowledge and understanding of various aspects of Indian society and government. The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including Indian polity and governance, economics, social justice, international relations, ecology and environment, ethics, and aptitude. The examination consists of three stages - Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. The Prelims has two objective-type papers while the Mains has nine descriptive papers. The Interview assesses a candidate's personality, knowledge, and suitability for civil services. Overall, the UPSC IAS syllabus is comprehensive and requires a deep understanding of various subjects to crack the examination.
UPSC IAS Syllabus :
The UPSC IAS syllabus covers a wide range of topics related to the functioning of the Indian government and society.
Understanding the UPSC Prelims syllabus
The UPSC Prelims syllabus consists of two objective-type papers - General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II.
General Studies Paper I covers the following topics:
- Current events of national and international importance
- Indian history and culture
- Indian and world geography
- Indian polity and governance
- Economic and social development
- Environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change
- General Science
CSAT Paper II tests a candidate's aptitude and comprehension skills. The paper includes the following topics:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills, communication, and reasoning
- Analytical and logical reasoning
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.)
- Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.)
It is important for candidates to thoroughly understand the syllabus of the UPSC Prelims examination and prepare accordingly.
Overview of the UPSC Mains syllabus and exam patterns
The UPSC Mains syllabus is designed to test a candidate's comprehensive understanding of various subjects related to Indian society, governance, and administration. The examination consists of nine (9) descriptive papers.
Paper-A: Indian Language (qualifying in nature)
Paper-B: English (qualifying in nature)
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: Optional Subject Paper 1
Paper-VII: Optional Subject Paper 2
The examination is conducted over a period of five to seven days, and the total duration of the examination is 1750 marks. The Interview or Personality Test is conducted for 275 marks.
Candidates must choose an optional subject from the list provided by the UPSC, and they must have in-depth knowledge of the chosen subject. The UPSC Mains examination is intended to test a candidate's analytical and comprehensive abilities, as well as their understanding of the subjects. Candidates must study and prepare for the examination in a methodical and structured manner to succeed.
A detailed breakdown of the UPSC prelims syllabus
The UPSC Prelims syllabus is divided into two papers - General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II. Here is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:
General Studies Paper I:
Current events of national and international importance: This section covers current affairs related to national and international events and issues of significance. Candidates must stay updated on the latest news and developments in various fields such as politics, economics, science, technology, etc.
Indian history and culture: This section covers the history and culture of India, including ancient and medieval Indian history, modern Indian history, and cultural heritage.
Indian and world geography: This section covers Indian and world geography, including physical, social, and economic aspects. Candidates must study the various features of India and the world such as climate, natural resources, population, industries, etc.
Indian polity and governance: This section covers the Constitution of India, political systems, governance, and public policy in India.
Economic and social development: This section covers economic and social development in India, including poverty, inequality, sustainable development, social sector initiatives, etc.
Environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change: This section covers environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change. Candidates must study the environmental issues facing the world today and the measures being taken to address them.
General Science: This section covers general science topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, etc. Candidates must have a basic understanding of scientific principles and concepts.
CSAT Paper II:
Comprehension: This section tests a candidate's ability to comprehend and understand passages of text.
Interpersonal skills, communication, and reasoning: This section covers interpersonal skills, communication skills, and reasoning skills.
Analytical and logical reasoning: This section tests a candidate's ability to analyze and reason logically.
Decision-making and problem-solving: This section tests a candidate's ability to make decisions and solve problems.
General mental ability: This section covers general mental ability, including basic numeracy, data interpretation, etc.
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.): This section covers basic numerical skills.
Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.): This section covers the interpretation of data presented in various forms.
Candidates must thoroughly prepare for all the topics covered in the UPSC Prelims syllabus to succeed in the examination.
Detailed syllabus of UPSC IAS Mains :
The UPSC Mains syllabus is designed to test a candidate's comprehensive understanding of various subjects related to Indian society, governance, and administration. The examination consists of nine descriptive papers.
Paper-A: Indian Language (qualifying in nature) -
This paper tests a candidate's proficiency in an Indian language selected from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Candidates must demonstrate a good understanding of the language and be able to express themselves clearly and coherently.
Here is the detailed syllabus for Language Paper in UPSC IAS Mains Examination:
Language Paper:
This paper is only qualifying in nature and candidates need to score a minimum of 25% marks in this paper. Candidates can choose one language from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The paper tests the candidate's proficiency in the chosen language.
The paper comprises two sections:
1. Comprehension of given passages
2. Precis writing and usage and vocabulary
Paper-B: English (qualifying in nature) -
This paper tests a candidate's proficiency in the English language. Candidates must be able to understand and analyze complex texts and express their ideas clearly and effectively in written English.
here is the detailed syllabus for English Language (Qualifying) Paper in UPSC IAS Mains Examination:
The English Language Paper is designed to test the candidate's proficiency in the English language. The paper is only qualifying in nature and candidates need to score a minimum of 25% marks in this paper.
The paper comprises two sections:
1. Comprehension of given passages
2. Precis writing and usage and vocabulary
Section A: Comprehension of given passages
In this section, candidates are required to read and comprehend two passages of about 1000-1100 words each. The passages are usually taken from English-language newspapers, magazines, or books. The passages may cover a range of topics such as politics, economy, social issues, science and technology, culture, etc.
The passages will be followed by a set of questions, which may include:
1. Interpretation and inference of information
2. Understanding of vocabulary used
3. Identification of the author's perspective and purpose
4. Critical analysis of the given information
Section B: Precis writing and usage and vocabulary
In this section, candidates are required to write a precis of the given passage in about one-third of its length. The precis should be clear, concise, and coherent. Candidates are also required to demonstrate their understanding of the given passage by using appropriate vocabulary and phrases.
The paper may also include questions on usage and vocabulary, such as:
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Analogies
- Fill in the blanks with appropriate words or phrases
- Spotting grammatical errors
- Usage of idioms and phrases
Overall, the English Language Paper is designed to test the candidate's proficiency in the English language. Candidates are advised to read extensively, improve their vocabulary, and practice writing precis and essays on a regular basis to score well in this paper.
UPSC Mains Paper-I: Essay -
This paper tests a candidate's ability to express their thoughts and ideas on a given topic in a clear and concise manner. Candidates must be able to present their arguments effectively and demonstrate a good understanding of the topic.
Essay Paper:
This paper is counted in the final ranking and candidates are required to write two essays, each of 1000-1200 words, out of a total of eight topics. Candidates need to write the essay in English or any of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The topics are usually related to current affairs, social issues, and philosophical topics. The paper tests the candidate's ability to articulate their thoughts in a clear and concise manner and to present their arguments in a logical and coherent way.
The topics are divided into two sections:
Section A - Candidates have to choose one topic from the given topics and write an essay.
Section B - Candidates have to choose one topic from the given topics and write an essay.
Overall, the language and essay papers are designed to test the candidate's proficiency in language, comprehension, and expression. Candidates are advised to practice writing essays on a regular basis and improve their language skills to score well on these papers.
Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) -
This paper covers Indian heritage and culture, world history, and world geography. Candidates must have a deep understanding of the various aspects of Indian culture and heritage, as well as the history and geography of the world.
The General Studies Paper 1 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam covers a wide range of topics including history, geography, society, culture, and current affairs. The complete syllabus of UPSC IAS Mains General Studies 1 is as follows:
Indian Heritage and Culture
- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times
- Important works of Art and Literature from ancient to modern times
- Religious and philosophical movements that have influenced Indian society and culture
- Indian culture in the global context
History
- Ancient India - Prehistoric period, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, etc.
- Medieval India - Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Bhakti and Sufi movements, etc.
- Modern India - Colonialism and Indian Nationalism, post-Independence India, etc.
Geography
- Physical geography of India and the world
- Natural resources and their utilization
- Major crops, cropping patterns, and the types of irrigation
- Issues related to the distribution of population and settlements
Society
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism
- Poverty, education, and human resource development
- Women and related issues, the role of civil society, and the marginalized sections of society
Current Affairs
- National and international current affairs
- Social, economic, and political issues of national and international importance
- General Science
- The application of science in everyday life
- Advances in medical science and biotechnology
- Environmental issues, including climate change
The above topics are only indicative and not exhaustive. The UPSC may ask questions that require the application of knowledge from more than one topic. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and holistically to score well in the General Studies Paper 1 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam.
Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) -
This paper covers the Indian Constitution, governance, polity, and international relations. Candidates must have a good understanding of the workings of the Indian government and the principles of governance, as well as the various issues related to social justice and international relations.
The complete syllabus of UPSC IAS Mains General Studies 2 is as follows:
1. Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
• Indian Constitution and its salient features.
• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, and issues arising out of their interrelations
• Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions
• Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies
• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups, and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
• Issues relating to poverty and hunger
• Role of civil services in a democracy
• India and its neighborhood- relations
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora
2. Governance and Public Policy
• Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
• Issues relating to poverty and hunger
• Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential
• Citizen's Charters, transparency and accountability, and institutional and other measures
• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups, and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
3. International Relations
• India and its neighborhood- relations
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora
4. Social Justice
• Issues relating to poverty and hunger
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
• Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
The above topics are only indicative and not exhaustive. The UPSC may ask questions that require the application of knowledge from more than one topic. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and holistically to score well in the General Studies Paper 2 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam.
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) -
This paper covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management. Candidates must have a good understanding of the various technologies and their impact on society, as well as the economic development of India and the world. Candidates must also have a good understanding of the various aspects of biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
The General Studies Paper 3 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam covers a wide range of topics including technology, economic development, environment, biodiversity, and disaster management.
The complete syllabus of UPSC IAS Mains General Studies 3 is as follows:
1. Economic Development
• Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development, and employment
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
• Government Budgeting
• Major crops, cropping patterns, and the types of irrigation
• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices
• Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, and potential
• Issues related to the procurement of significant agricultural products
• Food processing and related industries in India
• Storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints
• e-technology in the aid of farmers
• Issues related to the conservation of biodiversity and its significance
2. Science and Technology
• Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
• Achievements of Indians in science and technology
• Indigenization of technology and development of new technology
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights
• Issues relating to intellectual property rights
3. Environment, Ecology, and Disaster Management
• Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment
• Disaster and disaster management
• Linkages between the development and spread of extremism
4. Security Issues
• Linkages between the development and spread of extremism
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media, and social networking sites in internal security challenges
• Basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention
The above topics are only indicative and not exhaustive. The UPSC may ask questions that require the application of knowledge from more than one topic. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and holistically to score well in the General Studies Paper 3 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam.
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) -
This paper covers ethics, integrity, and aptitude. Candidates must have a good understanding of the ethical and moral principles that guide human behavior and decision-making. They must also have a good understanding of the concept of integrity and its role in public life. Finally, candidates must have a good aptitude for analytical and logical reasoning.
The General Studies Paper 4 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam focuses on ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
The complete syllabus of UPSC IAS Mains General Studies 4 is as follows:
1. 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 the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
2. Attitude
• Content, structure, function, its influence, and relation with thought and behavior
• Moral and political attitudes
• Social influence and persuasion
3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service
• Aptitude and foundational values for civil service
• Emotional intelligence, its utility, and application in administration and governance
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
4. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration
• Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
• Laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
• Accountability and ethical governance, strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
• Ethical issues in international relations and funding
• Corporate governance
5 Probity in Governance
• Concept of public service
• Philosophical basis of governance and probity
• Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, codes of conduct, citizen's charters, work culture, Quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
6. Case Studies on the above issues
The above topics are only indicative and not exhaustive. The UPSC may ask questions that require the application of knowledge from more than one topic. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and holistically to score well in the General Studies Paper 4 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam.
Paper-VI: Optional Subject Paper 1 -
This paper covers the optional subject selected by the candidate. Candidates must have a deep understanding of the subject and be able to analyze and interpret information related to the subject.
Paper-VII: Optional Subject Paper 2 -
This paper covers the optional subject selected by the candidate. Candidates must have a deep understanding of the subject and be able to analyze and interpret information related to the subject.
In addition to the above nine papers, candidates must also appear for a personal interview or personality test, which carries 275 marks.
The UPSC Mains syllabus is comprehensive and requires candidates to have a deep understanding of a wide range of subjects. Candidates must prepare thoroughly and in a structured manner to succeed in the examination.
Optional subjects for UPSC EXAMS
The UPSC allows candidates to choose one optional subject for the Mains examination from a list of around 50 subjects. Here is a list of optional subjects for UPSC exams include:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History (View: Syllabus)
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and International Relations. (View: Syllabus)
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English.
Candidates must choose an optional subject that they have a good understanding of and have an interest in. It is also important to choose a subject that has good study material and resources available. Candidates must prepare thoroughly for the optional subject as it carries a significant weightage in the Mains examination.
UPSC IAS Interview syllabus
The UPSC IAS Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The interview is conducted to assess the candidate's overall personality, suitability for a career in civil services, and ability to handle various situations as an administrator.
Here is the general syllabus for the UPSC IAS Interview:
General knowledge and awareness: Candidates are expected to have a broad understanding of the world around them. Questions may be asked on current events, national and international issues, and significant developments in various fields such as science, technology, art, literature, and culture.
Understanding of the candidate's background and bio-data: Candidates will be asked about their educational and professional background, interests, hobbies, achievements, and any relevant experiences they may have had.
Analytical and critical thinking: Candidates may be asked to analyze and evaluate various situations and scenarios related to their job as civil servants. They may be given hypothetical situations to assess their decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning.
Communication skills: The interview will test the candidate's ability to express themselves clearly, concisely, and convincingly. Candidates may be asked to explain complex ideas in simple terms, defend their views, and present their arguments in a structured and coherent manner.
Ethics and values: The interview may include questions related to the candidate's understanding of ethical and moral principles, their ability to apply them in practical situations, and their attitude towards integrity, honesty, and accountability.
Overall, the UPSC IAS Interview is designed to assess the candidate's overall personality, suitability for a career in civil services, and ability to handle various situations as an administrator. Candidates are advised to stay updated with current affairs, improve their communication skills, and develop a strong understanding of ethical and moral principles to perform well in the interview.
Sources to acquire updates on the UPSC IAS syllabus
There are various sources through which you can acquire updates on the UPSC IAS syllabus. Some of the most popular sources are:
UPSC official website: The official website of the UPSC is the primary source of information regarding the IAS exam. You can visit the website regularly to check for any updates regarding the syllabus.
Official notifications: The UPSC issues official notifications regarding the IAS exam, which include information about the syllabus. You can regularly check the official notifications on the UPSC website.
Coaching institutes: There are many coaching institutes that offer IAS coaching. They provide regular updates on the syllabus and any changes made by the UPSC.
Current affairs magazines and newspapers: Current affairs magazines and newspapers can be a good source of information for the UPSC syllabus. They cover current affairs topics that are important for the IAS exam.
Social media: Many UPSC aspirants and coaching institutes use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to share updates about the IAS exam and syllabus.
Online forums: There are many online forums where UPSC aspirants discuss and share information about the exam, including the syllabus. You can join these forums to stay updated about any changes in the syllabus.
It is important to stay updated on the syllabus to ensure that you are well-prepared for the IAS exam.
Sources of study to prepare complete upsc ias syllabus
Preparing for the complete UPSC IAS syllabus can be a daunting task, but with the right sources of study, it can become manageable. Here are some of the sources of study that can help you prepare for the complete UPSC IAS syllabus:
NCERT textbooks:
NCERT textbooks are the most reliable source of information for the IAS exam. You should start with the NCERT textbooks for classes 6 to 12 to build your foundation.
Standard reference books:
You can refer to standard reference books for each subject. For example, for History, you can refer to books written by Bipin Chandra, for Geography, you can refer to books written by Majid Hussain, and for Economics, you can refer to books written by Ramesh Singh.
Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines:
Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines are published by the government of India and provide information on current affairs and government policies. These magazines can help you prepare for the current affairs section of the IAS exam.
Newspapers:
You should read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and Economic Times to keep yourself updated on current affairs.
Online resources:
There are various online resources like online study materials, websites, blogs, and YouTube channels that can provide you with useful information and resources for the IAS exam.
Mock tests and previous year question papers:
You should solve mock tests and previous year's question papers to get an idea about the exam pattern and the type of questions asked in the IAS exam.
Remember, it is important to study from the right sources and to follow a structured approach while preparing for the UPSC IAS exam.
Standard booklist of UPSC IAS exam
Here is a standard booklist for the UPSC IAS exam:
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir
- Geography of India by Majid Hussain
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra
- Environment for Civil Services Prelims and Mains by Khuller
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury
- Economic Survey and Budget (latest edition)
- India Year Book (latest edition)
Important Books for UPSC :
History
History:
Geography :
Polity :
Economy :
Optional Subject Books:
Mathematics - NCERT Books (Classes 6-12), RS Aggarwal, and ML Khanna
Geography - NCERT Books (Classes 6-12), GC Leong, and Savindra Singh
History - NCERT Books (Classes 6-12), Bipin Chandra, and Spectrum
Political Science - NCERT Books (Classes 6-12), Laxmikanth, and Subhash Kashyap
Sociology - NCERT Books (Classes 11-12), Haralambos, and IGNOU material
Remember that this is a standard booklist and not an exhaustive one. You can refer to additional books and study materials as per your requirements. It is important to choose the right books and study materials that cover the entire syllabus and to follow a structured approach while preparing for the IAS exam.
FAQs about the UPSC IAS exam
Here are 20 frequently asked questions about the UPSC IAS Exam:
1. What is the UPSC IAS exam?
The UPSC IAS exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and more.
2. How many stages are there in the UPSC IAS exam?
The UPSC IAS exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary exam, the Main exam, and the Interview/Personality Test.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for the UPSC IAS exam?
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university to be eligible for the UPSC IAS exam. There are age and nationality criteria as well.
4. What is the age limit for the UPSC IAS exam?
The age limit for the UPSC IAS exam varies based on the category of the candidate. Generally, the upper age limit is 32 years for General category candidates, 35 years for OBC candidates, and 37 years for SC/ST candidates.
5. What is the syllabus for the UPSC IAS exam?
The UPSC IAS exam covers a wide range of subjects such as history, geography, economics, politics, current affairs, and more. The detailed syllabus is available on the official website of the UPSC.
6. How many papers are there in the UPSC IAS Main exam?
There are nine papers in the UPSC IAS Main exam, out of which two are qualifying papers and seven are merit-based papers.
7. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC IAS exam?
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer in the Preliminary exam. There is no negative marking in the Main exam.
8. Can a candidate appear for the UPSC IAS exam in any language?
Yes, candidates can appear for the UPSC IAS exam in any of the 22 scheduled languages recognized by the Indian Constitution.
9. Is there any physical fitness requirement for the UPSC IAS exam?
Yes, candidates must be physically fit to be eligible for the UPSC IAS exam. They need to meet certain physical standards specified by the UPSC.
10. Can candidates with engineering or science backgrounds appear for the UPSC IAS exam?
Yes, candidates from any educational background can appear for the UPSC IAS exam.
11. How many attempts can a candidate make for the UPSC IAS exam?
General category candidates can make a maximum of six attempts for the UPSC IAS exam. There are relaxations for candidates belonging to other categories.
12. What is the application fee for the UPSC IAS exam?
The application fee for the UPSC IAS exam is Rs. 100 for General and OBC candidates. SC/ST candidates and female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
13. Can candidates apply for more than one service through the UPSC IAS exam?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple services through the UPSC IAS exam, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each service.
14. What is the selection process for the UPSC IAS exam?
The selection process for the UPSC IAS exam consists of the Preliminary exam, Main exam, and Interview/Personality Test.
15. Is coaching necessary for the UPSC IAS exam?
No, coaching is not necessary for the UPSC IAS exam. However, it can be helpful for candidates who need guidance in preparing for the exam.
16. What is the salary of an IAS officer?
The salary of an IAS officer varies based on the post held by the officer. The starting salary of an IAS officer is around Rs. 56,100 per month (as of 2021) and the maximum salary is Rs. 2,50,000 per month (for Cabinet Secretary level officers). In addition to the basic pay, IAS officers are also entitled to various allowances and benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and more. The exact salary and benefits may also vary based on the posting location and other factors.
17. What is the duration of the UPSC IAS exam?
The duration of the UPSC IAS exam varies for each stage. The Preliminary exam is for 2 hours, the Main exam is for 3 hours per paper, and the Interview/Personality Test is usually for around 30 minutes.
18. How can I prepare for the UPSC IAS exam?
Candidates can prepare for the UPSC IAS exam by studying the syllabus thoroughly, practicing the previous year's question papers, and taking mock tests. They can also refer to standard books and attend coaching classes if required.
19. What are the different services that I can apply for through the UPSC IAS exam?
Candidates can apply for various services through the UPSC IAS exam, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and more.
20. How can I apply for the UPSC IAS exam?
Candidates can apply for the UPSC IAS exam through the official website of the UPSC. The application process includes registration, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and payment of the application fee. Detailed instructions are available on the website.
