UPSC Civil Service examination is one of the toughest examination. UPSC Prelims syllabus Analysis will give you a clear understanding of examination.

The IAS prelims exam is the first stage of Civil Service Exam which filter candidates for Mains Examination. Let’s check the details of examination. This is our evergreen content that we update on a regular basis FROM taking suggestions from aspirants like you.

Paper I – (200 marks) Duration : Two hours

1. Current events of national and international importance

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UPSC Syllabus for current affairs comprise of lion share of questions for the IAS exam. Before going details a clear understanding of no. of questions asked in the previous exams.

Year	No. of Questions
2019	22
2018	27
2017	32
2016	29
2015	29
2014	20
2013	28
2012	26

 

 

 

 

 

By analysing the table it is clear that every year nearly 20-35 question can be ask. Thus we can score a mark between 40 to 70 by reading news paper or by reading current affairs websites like iascurrentaffairs.com.

The best method for studying current affairs is taking notes from any of the above said methods. Better you write it down in any book or paper. Keep it for your future reference.

Also you can add some notes with that include points for Mains exam, facts and figures for mains exam and optional subjects.

Do not deviate from syllabus. If you are preparing for examination do not make research on any topic. Be precise to syllabus. If you are interested in research then you can. Time is precious.

While studying current affairs always keep Prelims Exam Syllabus and Mains Exam Syllabus print out with you for reference.

Important Sources:

Newspaper        : The Hindu, Indian Express

Press                  : http://pib.nic.in/

Publications       : Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazines,

Website             : Ministry websites

Other Sources    : Website like iascurrentaffairs.com

2. History of India and Indian National Movement

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After Current Events History has a good share of questions. The topic of history is divided into Ancient, Medieval and Modern. Let’s check the no. of questions asked in previous years :

Year	No. of Questions
2019	17
2018	15
2017	14
2016	16
2015	14
2014	17
2013	11
2012	17

Modern History

Substntial number of question comes from modern history. That can be easy to answer through a clear understanding of NCERT and some basic books. The subject is very interesting for those who love history.

The period from the coming of Europeans to the Independence of India comes under Modern History. Study the Chronology of events during the struggles for freedom.

The Great Revolt of 1857 their causes, results and End of Company’s Rule, Queen’s Proclamation.

Socio – Religious Reform Movements in the 19th century India like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Theosophical Society, Ramakrishna Movement, Muslim, Parsi and Sikh Reform Movements.

Various acts introduced during the period starts with Charter act, Regulations Act, Government of India act 1858 to Indian Independence Act 1947.

Focus of Gandhian movement like sathyagraha, champaran movement, Non Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement etc

Important books for Modern history

• NCERT
• A brief History of Modern India by Spectrum
• India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra

For Extra Read

• History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra
• History Tamil Nadu plus Two text book

Medieval India

The medieval period was classified into two

I. Early Medeival Period (712 AD-1200 AD)

This period started with Arab Conquest of Sind and ends with Muhammad Ghori captured Multan and subsequent battles.

South Indian Kingdoms, Delhi Sultnate and chronology, Khilji Dynsty and their cultural contributions, Thughlaqw and Lodi dynasty their administration and economic systems, social life. 

Various terms used in the period like 

• sarangi and rabab : musical instrument
• jiziya : Non muslim tax systems
• zimmis  : protected people

II.. Late medieval period (1200 AD-1757 AD)

The period starts with Delhi Sultanate and ends with establishment of British empire in Indian sub continent.

Even there are some debate between the exact period of the Medeival period among the historians. Let’s consider the above date based on majority opinion.

Same as in the early medieval period focus on the terms used during the period. For example :

1. 1. Alberuni stayed in Mahmud’s court and wrote the famous Kitab-i-Hind, an account on India. Kitab-i-Hind is the focus term.
   2. There were secret agents called Munhiyans who sent reports to the Sultan regarding the functioning of these markets. Here Munhiyans is the focus term.
   3. Firoz Tughlaq’s royal factories called Karkhanas in which thousands of slaves were employed. Karkhanas were the focus term.

Also focus on economic, political, and social setup during these periods. Facts related to Mughals, Vijayanagar Empire, and the Sultanate rulers.

Religious movements like Sufi and Bhakti movements (Saivaite Nayanmars and Vashnavaite Alwars), administration terms, Religious terms to be focused.

III. Art and Culture during Early and Late Medieval period

While reading cover art and architecture of the period. Focus to be given on Art and Architecture. The period of Mughals For example

1. 1. During the reign of Shah Jahan a special type of construction adopted wholly of white marble with floral designs made of semi-precious stones on the walls. This type of decoration was called pietra dura.
   2. During Delhi Sultanate period the Turks introduced arches, domes, lofty towers or minarets and decorations using the Arabic script.

Also while preparing it is good to keep an eye on Mains syllabus as it also cover art and culture.

Important books for Medieval History

• History TN Plus One text book
• NCERT old VII and XI
• NCERT Class 11 – An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I

For Extra Read :

• History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra
• NIOS

Ancient India

The period started with Stone Age and ends with the invasion of Arab in 8th century. Prehistoric period, Indus Valley, Vedic period, Rise of Budhism and Jainism and Kingdoms of Ancient period comprise Ancient India.

Important books for Ancient History

• History TN Plus One text book
• NCERT Class XI

For Extra Read :

• NIOS
• CCRT

3. Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World

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No. of Questions fluctuate between 5 to 15

Year	No. of Questions
2019	14
2018	8
2017	7
2016	7
2015	14
2014	12
2013	9
2012	12

 

 

 

 

The major focus should be on physical, social and economic geography of India and the world as provided in the syllabus.

Geography of India and the World :

Physical Geography 

About Earth and its formation includes crust, theory of plate shifting, continent, oceans, Mountains, weathering and type of soil, climate, Landforms,

Social Geography 

Man and environment, Population and related issues, distribution and density Urban and Rural settlements patterns, benefits of river and resources and their impact.

Economic Geography

Various resources like land, water, mineral, biotic and utilization of these though agriculture and industry.

Geography has relation with current affairs. Every time you read current affair you should note down the regions mentioned in the news. For example :

Recently the news “UAE, Israel normalise ties” was a burning topic. While reading the news take the atlas and check the regions surrounding the Israel and UAE. Then take down the details of the region. This is the easy way to study map.

Important books for Geography :

• Certificate Physical and human geography (GC Leong)
• Geography NCERTs Books for IAS
• Good Atlas

For extra read.

• Majid Hussain’s Human Geography

4. Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc

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Questions from Polity cover both static (basic) as well as the dynamic (current events) part. Let’s check the no. of questions in previous year :

Year	No. of Questions
2019	15
2018	13
2017	22
2016	7
2015	13
2014	11
2013	13
2012	11

Studying polity combined with current affairs will be an added advantage for both prelims and mains. The questions are generally moderate.

Major focus should be preamble, history of Indian constitution like Government of India acts, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, DPSP, Emergency Powers , Parliament, Judiciary, Panchayati raj and municipalities, Constitution Bodies

All the above topics are combined with recent events like parliament daily activities, laws, judgement etc.

Important books for Geography :

• NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
• Indian Polity M. Laxmikanth

For Extra Read :

• Constitution of India by D.D.Basu

5. Economic and Social Development Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc

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The total questions fluctuates between 8 to 18. Refer below table

Year	No. of Questions
2019	14
2018	16
2017	8
2016	18
2015	14
2014	10
2013	15
2012	13

Basics and concept

• Basic Terminologies like : GDP, GNP, NDP, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Deficit, Bank Rate, REPO rate, CRR, SLR, Inflation, Tax systems, FDI, Balance of Payments, Balance of Trade etc. All these studied based on national and International scenario.
• Macro economics and Microeconomics
• Concept of : Economy of the nations, impact of government policies, resource management, various economic index, HPI/MPI, HDI, PQLI, GEM, GDI/GII, TAI, Indian performance based on various index.
• Economic System : Mixed, State and Capitalist. Their difference and impact.
• Various Sector : Effect of various sector in the economy.
• Money and Banking Systems : Different types of Banks and their functioning, Banking reforms, Committee’s setup with regard to Banking Reforms and outcomes.

Poverty and Inclusion

• Definitions of poverty : by Planning Commission, NSSO, Various Organisations.
• Measuring poverty : Concept of APL/BPL, Various organisation.
• Inequality and Impact : Gini co-efficient , Lorenz Curve; concepts like relative inequality, absolute inequality.
• Impact of Unemployment : Types of unemploement.
• Poverty alleviation and Inclusion : Eradication programmes, livelihood mission, resource management.
• Inclusion : Definition, relevance, types, financial inclusion, recent initiatives, need for inclusive growth.

Demographics

• Census : Census and its outcome, procedures etc.
• Literacy : Literacy rate of various sections, womens, men, tribal region, by age, drop out rates etc.
• Human Development : Various indexes, government initiative for identification and efforts for up-lift

Social Sector initiatives

Various social sector schemes and their status.

Important Book

• NCERT 6- 12
• Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
• Current Affairs (Must)

For Extra Read :

• Indian Economy by Mishra-Puri, Dutt-Sundaram

6. General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation

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The no. of questions between 10 to 20. 

Year	No. of Questions
2019	11
2018	13
2017	11
2016	18
2015	10
2014	17
2013	13
2012	12

General issues on Environmental Ecology

• Ecology : Components of Environment like Abiotic, Biotic, organisation of ecology Individual, Population, Community, Ecosystem and classification, Ecotone, Niche, Biome, Energy, Food Chain, succession, Biochemical Cycle, Grassland Ecosystem
• Issues related to Ecology : Eco-Sensitive Areas depletion, Pollution & Pollutants, Ozone Layer depletion and Ozone hole, Desertification, Eutrophication, Hazardous waste like electronic waste, various natural and man made disaster
• Conservation Effort : National Guidelines, Legislations & Other Programmes, National and International agreement and groups, Environmental Impact Assessment, Disaster Management

Bio-diversity and Climate Change

• Bio-diversity : Species diversity, Genetic diversity, Ecosystem diversity, Economical an Scientific role of Biodiversity, Causes of Loss of Biodiversity, Various threat to biodiversity, Biodiversity Hotspots, Invasive species, difference between biodiversity and ecosystem, National Parks, reserves, etc
• Climate Change : Factors affecting climate change, Global warming, deforestation and climate change, shriking glaicers, human activity and impact on climate
• Conservation Effort : National and International organisation, In situ and Ex situ, various constraints

Important Book

• NCERT Science Class IX & Class X
• NCERT Biology Class XII (Last 4 chapter)
• Shankar IAS
• Current Affairs (Must)

For Extra Read :

• Environment and Ecology by PD Sharma

7. General Science

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We can expect 7-15 questions from this area on an average. See the below table :

Year	No. of Questions
2019	7
2018	7
2017	4
2016	8
2015	7
2014	13
2013	11
2012	9

Physics

General terms like light, sound, heat, electricity, various laws like Newton’s Law, Gravitation, Big Bang Theory, Dark matter, Graphene, Forces in nature and naturally occurring phenomenon, Rotation and revolution of the earth, Recent phenomenon.

Chemistry

Atomic Structure, Periodic tables, chemistry of various elements, chemical bonding, oxidation states and oxidation number, acids and bases, Extraction of metals, thermodynamic levels. 

Biology 

The major topics under biology are Human Body,  Cell Organelles, Plant Cell vs. Animal Cell, Sex Determination, Genetic Disorders, various disease and causes, Plant Parts and their functions, Plant Kingdom, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering their processes and applications.

Important Book

• Science NCERT text VI to X
• Current Affairs like Monday Science & Technology Th Hindu 
• Science and Technology in India – Kalpana Rajaram – Spectrum

Extra Read :

• General Science For Civil Services Preliminary Examinations – S.A.Majid

Stay Focus and Prepare,

All the best

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