Introduction

The Civil Services Preliminary Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a crucial step in selecting candidates for entry into the Indian Civil Services. The syllabus for this exam, which is essential to qualify, includes two papers — General Studies (Paper I) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT – Paper II).

Paper I: General Studies

The first paper, known as General Studies, covers a wide range of topics from various domains. The following subjects are included:

• Current Events of National and International Importance: Up-to-date knowledge of major events in India and the world.

• History of India and Indian National Movement: In-depth study of Indian history and the freedom struggle.

• Geography: Basic understanding of the physical, economic, and social geography of India and the world.

• Indian Polity and Governance: The Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policies, and issues related to rights.

• Economic and Social Development: Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and initiatives in the social sector.

• Environmental Ecology: General knowledge about climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.

• General Science: Basic scientific concepts and their applications.

Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)

The second paper, called CSAT, is a qualifying paper designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude and analytical abilities. It includes the following areas:

• Comprehension: Understanding of given passages.

• Communication Skills: Interpersonal skills and literacy.

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Ability to think logically and analyze information.

• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Skills in making decisions and solving complex issues.

• General Mental Ability: Overall mental sharpness and reasoning.

• Basic Numeracy: Numbers and their relationships, data interpretation, etc.

Note:

• The Preliminary Examination consists of objective-type questions, with four options for each question.

• Negative marking is applicable: for every three incorrect answers, the marks for one correct answer are deducted.

• To qualify the CSAT paper, candidates must score at least 33% (which is approximately 66 marks or 27 correct answers).

• The cut-off for the Preliminary Examination is based only on Paper I (General Studies).

The UPSC Preliminary Examination Syllabus helps candidates build knowledge across diverse subjects through both the General Studies and CSAT components. It is a well-structured examination process that serves as a vital step toward qualifying for the Indian Civil Services.