The Comprehensive UPSC 2021 Syllabus and Preparation Guidelines
Becoming an IAS officer is undoubtedly a dream shared by many, and success requires extensive preparation, hard work, and dedication. The IAS exam consists of a rigorous and detailed syllabus that tests the candidate's knowledge and analytical skills comprehensively. In this article, we will delve into the IAS syllabus for the year 2021, offering a thorough guide to help you prepare effectively.
UPSC Syllabus for Preliminary Exam - Paper I
For the preliminary examination, the UPSC IAS syllabus is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Here, we will focus on Paper I. This paper falls under the category of General Studies and is further divided into the following topics:
General Studies Paper I - IAS Prelims
Current Events of National and International Importance History of India and Indian National Movement Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change General ScienceFor the General Science section, which is also known as CSAT or Civil Services Aptitude Test, the following topics are included:
Comprehension Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability Decision-Making and Problem Solving General Mental Ability Basic Numeracy - Numbers and their Relations, Orders of Magnitude, etc. (Equivalent to Class X level) Data Interpretation - Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency, etc. (Equivalent to Class X level)UPSC Syllabus for Mains Exam
The Mains examination is more detailed and comprehensive. It consists of eight papers, four compulsory and four optional. Here are the details of the papers:
Paper 1 - Essay
This paper requires candidates to write an essay on a given topic. The essay should be well-structured and coherent, reflecting the candidate's analytical and writing skills.
Paper 2 - General Studies 1
Indian Heritage and Culture History of the World and Society Geography of the World, Great Lands, Peopling, and GovernancePaper 3 - General Studies 2
Governance, Constitution, Political System, Social Justice, and International RelationsPaper 4 - General Studies 3
Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster ManagementPaper 5 - General Studies 4
Ethics, Integrity, and AptitudeOptional Subject Papers
Papers 6 and 7 are optional, allowing candidates to specialize in a specific subject of their choice. Some common options include Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, etc.
Resources and Study Materials
Preparing for the IAS exam can be challenging, and it often requires a substantial investment in books and study materials. However, many organizations offer study resources at an affordable cost or even for free. One such organization is MyPustak, which provides second-hand books for free at the doorstep. They emphasize outcome over income and believe in making education accessible to everyone. MyPustak has a vast library of books across various categories, including Indian Economy, Indian Art and Culture, and more.
Additionally, some recommended books include:
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania Oxford School Atlas by Oxford Publishers Indian Polity for Civil Services ExaminationsThese resources, combined with consistent and focused preparation, can significantly enhance your chances of success in the UPSC 2021 exam.
In conclusion, the IAS syllabus is vast and challenging, but with the right resources and preparation, the dream of becoming an IAS officer can be achieved. Remember, hard work and dedication are key to success in this prestigious examination.