The UPSC Preliminary Examination, often regarded as one of the most challenging competitive exams in India, serves as the initial step towards a career in the prestigious Indian Civil Services. With its comprehensive syllabus, the exam aims to assess candidates’ general awareness and aptitude for administrative roles. The UPSC Prelims syllabus encompasses a wide array of subjects ranging from history and geography to current affairs and environmental studies. Aspirants are required to demonstrate a deep understanding of various concepts along with analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate through the rigorous selection process. Mastering the syllabus demands dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach, as it lays the foundation for success in the subsequent stages of the Civil Services Examination.
The UPSC syllabus is a plan to check what candidates know and how they think. It has two parts: A preliminary Exam and a Main Exam, followed by an interview. In Prelims, there are two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (also called CSAT). They cover topics like history, geography, economics, and more.
For the Main Exam, there are nine papers, including an essay, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two language papers (just to qualify).
UPSC Prelims Detailed Syllabus 2024
Check out the detailed UPSC Prelims syllabus for 2024 here. This post will help you understand how the syllabus works and prepare for subjects like history, geography, and science.
Every year, the Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Exam. The first round is called UPSC Prelims. The final part is the UPSC Interview, where there’s no fixed syllabus, and questions cover a wide range of topics. It’s important for candidates to thoroughly review the Prelims Syllabus. Note that there are no changes in the UPSC Syllabus for 2023 compared to the previous years.
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 is outlined in the latest notification from the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC Prelims Exam 2023 happened on May 28, 2023, and the UPSC Prelims 2024 was scheduled for May 26, 2024, postponed due to Lok Sabha Elections. Now, UPSC Prelims 2024 is scheduled for June 16, 2024. Since the prelims exam is the first stage with GS 1 & GS 2 (CSAT) papers, candidates must understand the UPSC Prelims Syllabus in detail to prepare effectively. Covering subjects from history and geography to economics, science, and current affairs, the UPSC Prelims Syllabus has it all. This article will delve into the UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus, including its structure and important topics.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 – Overview
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus is split into two parts:
GS Paper 1:
- Tests knowledge in current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and science and technology.
- Weightage: 200 marks, with 100 multiple-choice questions.
GS Paper 2 (CSAT):
- Evaluates aptitude and comprehension skills.
- Covers comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Easier compared to Paper 1.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 for Paper 1
- Current events of national & international importance.
- Indian History & Indian National Movement.
- Indian as well as World Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India & the World.
- Indian Polity.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- Common issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change – not requiring subject specialization.
- General Science.
- Constitutional Development in India
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 For Paper 2 (CSAT)
The Prelims exam’s GS Paper 2 is commonly referred to as CSAT. While this paper is only qualifying, candidates should not underestimate its importance, as many aspirants face challenges with it. The UPSC CSAT syllabus comprises various aptitude questions, and the detailed preliminary syllabus for the CSAT paper is outlined below:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numerical skills (Class X level) (orders of magnitude, numbers & their relations, etc.)
- Data Interpretation (Class X level) (graphs, charts, tables, data sufficiency, etc.)
UPSC Prelims Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2024
The Prelims exam comprises two objective-type papers. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the assigned marks for each incorrect answer. The details of each paper are as follows:
| Paper | Exam Type | No. of Questions | Marks | Exam Duration |
| Paper I – General Studies | Objective | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II – (CSAT) | Objective | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Important Points to Note
- The preliminary exams have two language papers (A and B), but these are just for qualifying, meaning they don’t affect your rank.
- To make sure your essays, general studies, and optional subjects are considered, you need to get at least 25% in both “The Indian Language” and “English.”
- Your rank is determined only by the marks you get in Papers I to VI.
- You can answer all papers in any language listed in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India, except for the Qualifying Language Papers (Paper-A and Paper-B), which have specific languages.
- Question papers (excluding language literature papers) are available in Hindi and English.
- Blind candidates and those with locomotor disabilities or cerebral palsy get twenty minutes of extra time per hour in both the Prelims and Mains Examination.
Conclusion
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus is like a guide for future civil servants, mapping out the subjects they should study for the Preliminary Examination. The Syllabus for Prelims UPSC includes diverse topics such as history, geography, economics, science, and current affairs. Proficiency in this syllabus is crucial for success in the Civil Services Examination and for pursuing a rewarding career in public service. With dedication and focus, candidates can navigate through the CSE Prelims syllabus and be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the prelims exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024
1. What is the UPSC Prelims and why is it important?
The UPSC Prelims, or Preliminary Examination, is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a qualifying round for the main examination and is crucial for candidates aspiring to become civil servants in India.
2. Can you provide an overview of the UPSC Prelims syllabus for 2024?
The UPSC Prelims syllabus for 2024 includes subjects such as history, geography, economics, science, and current affairs. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly cover these topics to excel in the examination.
3. When will the UPSC Prelims results for 2024 be announced?
The specific date for the UPSC Prelims results in 2024 is not available yet. Results are typically announced a few weeks after the examination. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for updates.
4. Where can I find UPSC Prelims previous year papers for practice?
UPSC Prelims previous year papers can be found on the official UPSC website or various educational platforms that offer study materials for civil services preparation.
5. How can I access the UPSC Prelims question paper for 2024?
The UPSC Prelims question paper for 2024 will be available on the official UPSC website after the examination. Additionally, coaching institutes and educational websites may provide access to the question paper for reference.
6. What is the exam date for UPSC Prelims in 2024?
The exam date for UPSC Prelims 2024 is 26th May 2024 postponed due to Lok Sabha Elections. Now, UPSC Prelims 2024 is scheduled for June 16, 2024.
7. What were the key highlights of UPSC Prelims 2022?
Key highlights of UPSC Prelims 2022 include changes in the question pattern, focus on current affairs, and the inclusion of contemporary topics in various subjects.
8. Where can I find the UPSC Prelims 2022 question paper for reference?
The UPSC Prelims 2022 question paper can be found on the official UPSC website or Edukemy’s platform that offer study materials.
9. What is the expected cut-off for UPSC Prelims in 2024?
The expected cut-off for UPSC Prelims 2024 is not known until the results are officially declared. Cut-offs can vary each year based on the difficulty level of the paper.
10. Can you provide UPSC Prelims previous year question papers for 2024?
UPSC Prelims previous year question papers for 2024 will be available closer to the examination date on the official UPSC website and various educational platforms offering study materials.
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