Qualifying Indian Language Syllabus – Civil Services Mains Exam

The pattern of questions in the qualifying Indian Language Paper would be broad as follows:

1. Comprehension of given passages.
2. Precis Writing
3. Usage and Vocabulary.
4. Short Essay
5. Translation from English to the Indian language and vice‐versa.

UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION SYLLABUS

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination Syllabus

UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination Syllabus

General Studies-I

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

1. Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events , personalities, issues.
3. The Freedom Struggle--its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
4. Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
5. History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution,
6. world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.-their forms and effect on the
7. society- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
8. Role of Women and Women's Organization, Population and Associated Issues Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies, Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
9. Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
10. Salient features of World's Physical Geography.
11. Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
12. Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

General Studies-II

(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

1. Indian Constitution Historical Underpinnings ,Evolution ,Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
2. Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges
3. Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
4. Separation of Powers between various organs Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.
5. Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
6. Parliament and State Legislatures Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
7. Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary-Ministries and Departments of the Government: Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity
8. Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act.
9. Appointment to various Constitutional Posts ,Powers, Functions, and various Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
10. Statutory, Regulatory, and various Quasi-Judicial Bodies.
11. Government Policies and Interventions for Developent in various sectors and issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
12. Development Processes and the Development Industry-the Role of NGOs, SHGs, Various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
13. Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanism ,Laws, Institution, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
14. Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education,Human Resources.
15. Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
16. Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential: Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.
17. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
18. India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
19. Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
20. Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's interests, Indian Diaspora.
21. Important International Institutions, agencies and fora - their Structure, Mandate.

General Studies-III

(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

1. Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
2. Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
3. Government Budgeting.
4. Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, -Different types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems, Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
5. Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping, Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security.

General Studies-IV

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; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
2. Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
4. Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.
5. Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
6. 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.
7. Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
8. Case Studies on above issues.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Nationality
   • IAS and IPS: Indian citizenship is required.
   • Other Services: Open to Indian nationals and nationals from other
   • countries, subject to specific eligibility criteria.
2. Age Limit:
   • Minimum Age: 21 years
   • Maximum Age: 32 years (as of August 1st of the examination year)
   • Age Relaxation:
     • SC/ST: Up to 5 years
     • OBC: Up to 3 years
     • Additional relaxation for ex-defense personnel and candidates with disabilities.
     • SC/ST: No upper age limit, attempts allowed until 37 years.
     • OBC: 9 attempts or until 35 years of age, whichever is earlier.
3. Educational Qualification:
   • A candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
   • Candidates in the final year of their degree program or awaiting results are also eligible, provided they produce proof of passing the requisite examination before the Main Examination.
4. Previous Appointments:
   • Candidates appointed as IAS or IFS officers in earlier examinations and continuing in those services are not eligible to compete again.
   • Candidates appointed to the Indian Police Service cannot opt for IPS in the next exam.

General Studies Papers in UPSC Mains Exam cover the following sections:

The Optional subjects for Paper VI and VII of the mains examination have to be any one of the subjects from the following list: