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UPSC CSE – PLAN & NATURE OF THE EXAMINATION

Plan of Examination: The Civil Services Examination will consist of two successive stages.

 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective type) for the selection of candidates for
the Main Examination;
 Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview) for the selection of candidates
for the various Services and posts
 The Preliminary Examination will consist of two papers of Objective type (multiple choice
questions) and carry a maximum of 400 marks in the subjects set out in sub-section (A) of
Section-II.
 This examination is meant to serve as a screening test only; the marks obtained in the
Preliminary Examination by the candidates who are declared qualified for admission to the
Main Examination will not be counted for determining their final order of merit.
 The number of candidates to be admitted to the Main Examination will be about twelve to
thirteen times the total approximate number of vacancies to be filled in the year through this
examination.
 Only those candidates who are declared by the Commission to have qualified in the
Preliminary Examination in the year will be eligible for admission to the Main Examination of
that year provided they are otherwise eligible for admission to the Main Examination.

Points to Note

There will be negative marking for incorrect answers (as detailed below) for all questions except some of
the questions where the negative-marking will be inbuilt in the form of different marks being awarded to
the most appropriate and not so appropriate answer for such questions.

(i) There are four alternatives for the answers to every question. For each question for which a
wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to
that question will be deducted as penalty.
 (ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one
of the given answers happen to be correct and there will be same penalty as above for that
question.
(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e. no answer is given by the candidate; there will be no penalty
for that question.

The Main Examination will consist of written examination and an interview test.

 The written examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out
of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature.
 Marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VlI) and Marks obtained in
Interview for Personality Test will be counted for ranking.
 Candidates, who obtain such minimum qualifying marks in the written part of the Main
Examination as may be fixed by the Commission at their discretion, shall be summoned by
them for an interview for a Personality Test.
 The number of candidates to be summoned for interview will be about twice the number of
vacancies to be filled.
 The interview will carry 275 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks). Marks thus obtained
by the candidates in the Main Examination (written part as well as interview) would determine
their final ranking.
 Candidates will be allotted to the various services keeping in view their ranks in the
Examination and the preferences expressed by them for the various services and posts.

Note: (i) Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions). (ii) The
General Studies Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with
minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33% (iii) the question papers will be set both in Hindi and English.

Main Examination The written examination will consist of the following papers:

 Qualifying Papers:
 Paper-A (One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the
Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution) 300 Marks
 Paper-B English 300 Marks
 Papers to be counted for merit
 Paper-I Essay 250 Marks
 Paper-II General Studies-I 250 Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and
Geography of the World and Society)
 Paper-III General Studies -II 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social
Justice and International relations)
  Paper-IV General Studies -III 250 Marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-
diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
 Paper-V General Studies -IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
 Paper-VI Optional Subject - Paper 1 250 Marks
 Paper-VII Optional Subject - Paper 2 250 Marks Sub Total (Written test) 1750
 Personality Test 275 Marks Grand Total 2025 Marks

NOTE: (i) The papers on Indian languages and English (Paper A and Paper B) will be of Matriculation
or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature. The marks obtained in these papers will not be
counted for ranking. (ii) Evaluation of the papers, namely, ‘Essay’, General Studies and Optional
Subject of all the candidates would be done simultaneously along with evaluation of their qualifying
papers on 'Indian Languages' and 'English' but the papers on ‘Essay’, General Studies and Optional
Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance who attain 25% marks in ‘Indian Language and
25% marks in English as minimum qualifying standards in these qualifying papers. (iii) The paper A on
Indian Language will not, however, be compulsory for candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal
Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim. (iv) Marks obtained by the candidates
for the Paper-I-VII only will be counted for merit ranking. However, the Commission will have the
discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all of these papers.

DETAILED SYLLABUS

Part-A Preliminary Examination Paper I - (200 marks) Duration : Two hours

 Current events of national and international importance.

 History of India and Indian National Movement.
 Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, 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, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not
require subject specialisation

General Science. Paper II- (200 marks) Duration: Two hours

 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.)
(Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level)
Note 1: Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with
minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%

Note 2: The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type. Note 3: It is mandatory for the
candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of
evaluation.

Nature of the Mains Examination:

 The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of
understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory.
 The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will
be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study.
 The questions will be such as to test a candidate's general awareness of a variety of subjects,
which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services.
 The questions are likely to test the candidate's basic understanding of all relevant issues and
ability to analyze and take a view on conflicting socio- economic goals, objectives and demands.
 The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers. The scope of the syllabus
for optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) for the examination is broadly of the
honors degree level i.e. a level higher than the bachelors' degree and lower than the masters'
degree.
 In the case of Engineering, Medical Science and law, the level corresponds to the bachelors'
degree.

Syllabus of the papers included in the scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination

Qualifying Papers On Indian Languages And English: The aim of the paper is to test the candidate’s
ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and express his ideas clearly and correctly, in
English and Indian Language concerned. The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows :- (i)
Comprehension of given passages (ii) Precis Writing (iii) Usage and Vocabulary (iv) Short Essays Indian
Languages :- (i) Comprehension of given passages (ii) Precis Writing (iii) Usage and Vocabulary (iv)
Short Essays (v) Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa.

 Note 1: The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent
standard and will be of qualifying nature only.
 The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking. Note 2: The candidates
will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective
Indian language (except where translation is involved).
PAPER-I Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected
to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

PAPER-II General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society.

 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present-
significant events, personalities, issues
 The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.
 Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
 History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world
wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like
communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
 Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women's organization,
population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their
problems and their remedies. Effects of globalization on Indian society Social empowerment,
communalism, regionalism & secularism.
 Salient features of world's physical geography.
 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) 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.

PAPER-III General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International
relations.

 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure.
 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to
the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges
therein.
 Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
  Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and
State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues
arising out of these.
 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.
 Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.
 Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
Constitutional Bodies.
 Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions
for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
 Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various
groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources.
 Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications,
models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability
and institutional and other measures.
 Role of civil services in a democracy.
 India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements
involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and
developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
 Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

PAPER-IV General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment,

Security and Disaster Management.

 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
 Government Budgeting. 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 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; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
 Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and
downstream requirements, supply chain management.
 Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy
and their effects on industrial growth.
 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
 Investment models. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects
in everyday life Achievement of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology
and developing new technology.
 Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster and disaster management.
 Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
 Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and
its prevention.
 Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with
terrorism Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

PAPER-V General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to
integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by
him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects.

The following broad areas will be covered. 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.
 Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior;
moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
 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.
 Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and
governance. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
 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.
 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. Case Studies on above issues.
www.drishtiias.com/eng Law Syllabus 2

PAPER-1

Constitutional and Administrative Law:

1. Constitution and Constitutionalism: The distinctive features of the Constitution.
2. Fundamental Rights—Public interest litigation; Legal Aid; Legal services authority.
3. Relationship between Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental duties.
4. Constitutional Position of the President and relation with the Council of Ministers.
5. Governor and his powers.
6. Supreme Court and the High Courts:
(a) Appointments and transfer.
(b) Powers, functions, and jurisdiction.
7. Centre, States, and local bodies:
(a) Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
(b) Local Bodies.
(c) Administrative relationship among Union, State, and Local Bodies.
(d) Eminent domain-State property-common property-community property.
8. Legislative powers, privileges, and immunities.
9. Services under the Union and the States:
(a) Recruitment and conditions of services; Constitutional safeguards; Administrative tribunals.
(b) Union Public Service Commission and state public Service Commissions—Power and functions.
(c) Election Commission—Power and functions.
10. Emergency provisions.
11. Amendment of the Constitution.
12. Principle of Natural Justice—Emerging trends and judicial approach.
13. Delegated legislation and its constitutionality.
14. Separation of powers and constitutional governance.
15. Judicial review of administrative action.
16. Ombudsman: Lokayukta, Lokpal etc.
International Law:
1. Nature and Definition of International Law.
2. Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law.
3. State Recognition and State Succession.
4. Law of the sea: Inland Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone,
and High Seas.
5. Individuals: Nationality, statelessness; Human Rights, and procedures available for their enforcement.
6. Territorial jurisdiction of States, Extradition, and Asylum.
7. Treaties: Formation, application, termination, and reservation.
8. United Nations: Its principal organs, powers and functions, and reform.
9. Peaceful settlement of disputes—different modes.
10. Lawful recourse to force: aggression, self-defense, intervention.
3   Law Syllabus www.drishtiias.com/eng

11. Fundamental principles of international humanitarian law—International conventions and contemporary

developments.
12. Legality of the use of nuclear weapons; ban on testing of nuclear weapons; Nuclear nonproliferation treaty,
CTST.
13. International Terrorism, State-sponsored terrorism, Hijacking, International Criminal Court.
14. New International Economic Order and Monetary Law: WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World Bank.
15. Protection and Improvement of the Human Environment: International Efforts.

PAPER-2

Law of Crimes:
1. General principles of Criminal liability: mens rea and actus reus, mens rea in statutory offences.
2. Kinds of punishment and emerging trends as to abolition of capital punishment.
3. Preparations and criminal attempt.
4. General exceptions.
5. Joint and constructive liability.
6. Abetment.
7. Criminal conspiracy.
8. Offences against the State.
9. Offences against public tranquility.
10. Offences against human body.
11. Offences against property.
12. Offences against women.
13. Defamation.
14. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
15. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and subsequent legislative developments.
16. Plea bargaining.
Law of Torts
1. Nature and definition.
2. Liability based upon fault and strict liability; Absolute liability.
3. Vicarious liability including State Liability.
4. General defences.
5. Joint tort fessors.
6. Remedies.
7. Negligence.
8. Defamation.
9. Nuisance.
10. Conspiracy.
11. False imprisonment.
12. Malicious prosecution.
13. Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
www.drishtiias.com/eng Law Syllabus 4

Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law

1. Nature and formation of contract/E-contract.
2. Factors vitiating free consent.
3. Void, voidable, illegal and unenforceable agreements.
4. Performance and discharge of contracts.
5. Quasi-contracts.
6. Consequences of breach of contract.
7. Contract of indemnity, guarantee and insurance.
8. Contract of agency.
9. Sale of goods and hire purchase.
10. Formation and dissolution of partnership.
11. Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
12. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
13. Standard form contracts.
Contemporary Legal Developments
1. Public Interest Litigation.
2. Intellectual property rights—Concept, types/prospects.
3. Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws—Concept, purpose/prospects.
4. Competition Law—Concept, purpose/prospects.
5. Alternate Dispute Resolution—Concept, types/prospects.
6. Major statutes concerning environmental law.
7. Right to Information Act.
8. Trial by media.