Important Topics that Every IAS Aspirant Should Know

Important Topics that Every IAS Aspirant Should Know: UPSC Preparation- Every year, thousands of students aspire to clear the IAS preliminary examination, but only a few succeed. To crack the prelims, successful candidates often suggest studying previous years’ question papers. By thoroughly studying these papers, aspirants can gain a fair idea of how to clear the exam. While this is not a shortcut, it is a smart approach that enhances their chances of becoming an IAS officer.

Certain topics are repeated every year in the IAS examinations. Knowing these topics well can improve performance in the preliminary examination. Here are ten important topics that are usually repeated in the exam Every IAS Aspirant Should Know:

1. Environmental conventions and agreements:

Questions in this field focus on famous conventions and protocols such as the Kyoto Protocol, Ramsar Convention, UNFCCC COP meetings, and their implications on Indian politics. Questions also cover topics like climate change, Paris Summit, and international conferences on wetlands.

2. International groupings, treaties, and conventions:

With India’s growing role in international politics, questions in this section involve groupings like SCO, ASEAN, SAARC, BIMSTEC, and others. Questions focus on their objectives, decisions, and protocols. Questions also cover global groupings like WTO, UNSC, World Bank, etc.

3. Scientific achievements of India in defense and space:

Questions in this section are based on India’s development in the science and technology field. Aspirants should be knowledgeable about achievements by organizations like DRDO, ISRO, and the Defense Ministry. Following newspapers daily to stay updated is crucial for scoring well in this section.

4. Newly passed acts by the Parliament, recommended reports, and pending important bills:

Questions are asked about provisions of popular acts, such as the Land Acquisition Bill, the GST Bill, and pending bills related to women’s reservation, etc. Staying updated on major bills through the PRS website annual report is essential.

5. New social welfare schemes of the government:

Awareness of government schemes related to societal welfare is important for both the prelims and main examination of the IAS. Questions related to schemes like Namami Ganga, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission have been asked in the exam. Following the economic survey and budget is necessary for studying government schemes.

6. Important monuments and cultural sites in India (UNESCO):

India’s rich cultural heritage and UNESCO heritage sites are crucial topics. Aspirants should be familiar with major monuments like Harappa, Ajanta Caves, Cholas temples, Himalayan Institute, etc. The entire list can be found online.

7. Geographical indications, trademarks, IPRs, agricultural implications, and patents:

In-depth knowledge in fields like genetically modified crops, biotechnology, geographical indications, and intellectual property rights is important. Questions may require understanding the impact of new technologies on agriculture.

8. Important conservation sites including wetlands and national parks:

Memorizing primary conservation sites, their vegetation, and wildlife is necessary. Questions from this section are usually factual and can be prepared and revised before the exam. Understanding the role of wetlands and mangroves in conservation is essential.

9. Freedom movement from the year 1930 to 1947:

This topic is relatively static and can be mastered through books like “Indian Freedom Struggle” by Bipin Chandra and NCERT books. Questions focus on movements like Quit India, Non-cooperation, and associated personalities. Constitutional advances during the freedom struggle are also highlighted.

10. Indian geographical mapping like mountains, rivers, passes, etc.:

Academic knowledge from NCERT books and atlases is crucial for this section. Focus on main rivers and their tributaries, trade routes, and industrial hubs. Understanding the country’s climatic patterns is also important.

Learning these topics meticulously can be extremely helpful, as more than 50% of the IAS prelims topics are repeated. It is essential to focus on current affairs across all segments, including culture and arts. Questions are often asked about sites and monuments featured in the news. While the IAS prelims may seem daunting, proper preparation and attention to these important topics can lead to success.