UPSC IAS Exam Syllabus 2022

Overview of the UPSC Syllabus

Without beating much around the bush let me get straight to the point. The UPSC exam is a 3-phase affair:

Phase 1 is the UPSC Preliminary Examination, also called UPSC Prelims. This exam contains questions of the objective type.

Phase 2 is the UPSC Mains Examination, also called UPSC Mains. This exam contains descriptive-type questions.

Phase 3 is the Personal Interview round conducted to test the Personality of the Candidate.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

Starting with the UPSC Prelims syllabus, it should come as no surprise that the syllabus is quite extensive in and of itself.

The UPSC Prelims examination, on the other hand, is mostly used for screening purposes. As a result, if you pass the Prelims exam, you will be qualified to take the Mains exam.

In addition, if you make it to the interview phase, your Prelims scores will not be factored towards your final order of merit.

The UPSC prelims examination consists of two papers: a general studies paper and a CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) paper.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Paper 1: General Studies (GS)

This GS paper or paper 1 is designed to test your overall knowledge about your surroundings and the world, and also to test how observant you are as a person, by asking questions related to current affairs.

The UPSC prelims syllabus for the GS paper consists of topics from a wide range of subjects making it extremely difficult to pinpoint the kind of questions that might be asked in the upcoming paper.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

The CSAT or Paper 2 is conducted with the intention to test your reasoning, comprehension, and analytical abilities.

This is because, as a Civil Servant it is of paramount importance that you are able to perceive the world and the problems therein with utmost precision and rationality.

The CSAT paper includes questions from the subjects of Reasoning & Analysis and Reading Comprehension. It also occasionally tests your decision-making skills by asking you questions pertaining to the same.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

Remember how I mentioned the Himalayan valley reminding me of the UPSC syllabus? It was the UPSC Mains syllabus that came to mind at the time.

The enormity of the IPS/IAS Mains syllabus is capable of sending even the most experienced applicants into nervous chills.

This is due to the fact that only those applicants who pass Phase 1, or the Prelims, are eligible to take the Phase 2 or Mains exam.

Fundamentally, the UPSC Mains exam is designed to evaluate your grasp of the many disciplines covered by the UPSC syllabus, and it is designed to do so in a timed manner.

It’s worth noting that, with the exception of the two language papers in the UPSC Mains curriculum, all of the papers can be written in any of the languages listed in Schedule 8 of the Indian Constitution.

UPSC Syllabus for Language Papers: (Any Indian Language & English)

An essay question of 100 marks where you’d have to select one out of a few given topics.

5-6 questions related to reading comprehension: of a maximum of 60 marks.

Precis writing questions worth 60 marks which you’d have to attempt on special answer sheets with grid lines.

Translation-based questions: English to the chosen Indian language & vice versa for 20 marks each, totaling 40 marks.

Questions based on grammar, synonyms, sentence corrections, and basic language usage, of a total of 40 marks.

So, to fare well in the Language papers especially the English paper, read more books and newspapers.

Syllabus of UPSC Mains Essay (No topics prescribed)

In the Mains test, the IPS/IAS Syllabus for Essay is not clearly stated. According to the UPSC, you must maintain a careful eye on the essay topic and organise and write your thoughts and ideas in a clear and succinct manner.

You will be required to compose two essays from a list of themes provided in this assignment. This paper has a maximum grade of 250.

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