STAGE 2 EXAMINATION
UPSC Mains Examination Syllabus
A written test of 9 papers designed to assess intellectual depth and understanding rather than mere memory. Total merit score: 1,750 marks.
Qualifying Papers (Not Counted for Merit Rank)
Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (300 Marks)
One language selected by candidate from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution (e.g. Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu). Minimum qualifying threshold: 25% (75 marks).
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis writing
- Usage and vocabulary
- Short essay
- Translation from English to Indian Language and vice-versa
Paper B: English Language (300 Marks)
Standard Class X matriculation English. Minimum qualifying threshold: 25% (75 marks).
- Comprehension of unseen passages
- Precis writing
- Usage, grammar and vocabulary
- Short essay
Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)
Candidates write two essays chosen from multiple philosophical, socio-economic, geopolitical, or administrative prompts (1,000 to 1,200 words each).
Evaluation Criteria: Graded on keeping closely to the subject, arranging ideas in an orderly fashion, concise expression, and effective arguments.
General Studies Papers (250 Marks Each)
General Studies I (Paper II)
Heritage, History, Society & Geography- Indian Culture: Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
- Modern Indian History: Significant events, personalities, and issues from the middle of the eighteenth century until present.
- The Freedom Struggle: Various stages and important contributors from different parts of the country.
- Post-Independence Consolidation: Reorganization within the country, integration of princely states, linguistic reorganization.
- History of the World: Industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national frontiers, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies (communism, capitalism, socialism).
- Indian Society: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India, Role of women, Population and associated issues, Poverty and developmental issues, Urbanization, Globalization on Indian society, Social empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
- World & Indian Geography: Distribution of key natural resources, physical geography phenomena (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclone), critical geographical features and changes in flora and fauna.
General Studies II (Paper III)
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR- Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure doctrine.
- Functions & Responsibilities of the Union and the States: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels.
- Separation of Powers: Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions; comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with other countries.
- Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
- Structure & Organization of the Judiciary: Ministries and Departments of the Government, pressure groups and formal/informal associations.
- Representation of People's Act: Salient features and electoral reforms.
- Welfare Schemes & Social Justice: Performance of schemes for vulnerable sections; issues relating to development and management of Social Sector (Health, Education, Human Resources, Hunger & Poverty).
- Governance & Transparency: Important aspects of governance, e-governance, citizens charters, transparency & accountability.
- International Relations: India and its neighborhood-relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
General Studies III (Paper IV)
Economy, Science, Environment, Security & Disaster Management- Indian Economy: Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
- Inclusive Growth: Government Budgeting and fiscal consolidation.
- Major Crops & Cropping Patterns: Irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce, e-technology in the aid of farmers.
- Food Processing Industries: Scope, significance, supply chain management; Land reforms in India.
- Effects of Liberalization: Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways; Investment models.
- Science & Technology: Developments and everyday applications; indigenization of technology; awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Bio-technology, IPR.
- Environment: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment (EIA).
- Disaster Management: Disaster mitigation, national disaster management architecture.
- Internal Security: Linkages between development and spread of extremism; role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges; cybersecurity, money laundering; border management and security forces.
General Studies IV (Paper V)
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude- 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 lives of great leaders, reformers and administrators).
- Attitude: Content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
- Aptitude & 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: Philosophers from India and world.
- Public/Civil Service Values & 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; 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, citizen's charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
- Case Studies: Practical situational problem-solving testing the candidate's real-time administrative decision making on all above areas.
Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject (500 Marks Total)
Each optional subject carries two papers of 250 marks each. Optional papers provide candidates an opportunity to showcase subject mastery and secure 300+ marks towards their final selection.
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