UPSC Prelims Syllabus – General Studies (GS Paper I)

The General Studies Paper I in the UPSC Prelims is the deciding paper for qualifying to the Mains exam. It tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of current affairs, history, polity, economy, environment, and general awareness.

Syllabus 

1. Current events of national and international importance
2. History of India and Indian National Movement
3. Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
4. Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
5. Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
6. Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – General issues (no subject specialization required)
7. General Science

UPSC Prelims – CSAT (GS Paper II) Syllabus

The CSAT ensures candidates have the aptitude and reasoning ability required to serve as administrators, even though it is only qualifying in nature.

Syllabus 

1. Comprehension – Reading passages and answering questions.
2. Interpersonal Skills – Communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
3. Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability – Puzzles, statements & conclusions, cause-effect relations.
4. Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Situational judgment and administrative reasoning.
5. General Mental Ability – Arithmetic, algebra, basic numeracy (numbers, averages, ratios, percentages, profit-loss, time-work, time-speed-distance).
6. Data Interpretation – Charts, graphs, and tables (basic numeracy up to Class X level).