The UPSC Mains, or Main Examination, is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates who achieve the required cutoff score in the Preliminary Examination qualify to appear for the Mains.
The UPSC Mains Examination consists of a total of 9 papers. These comprise four General Studies Papers, namely GS Paper I, GS Paper II, GS Paper III, and GS Paper IV. Additionally, candidates are required to complete the Essay Paper, Compulsory English Paper, Compulsory Indian Language Paper, and two Optional Subject Papers (Paper I and Paper II) as part of this comprehensive examination.
In accordance with the UPSC CSE Main exam 2023 schedule, the Paper-II General Studies-I is slated to take place on September 16, 2023 (Saturday) during the forenoon session, commencing at 9:00 A.M. and concluding at 12:00 Noon.
Paper II of the UPSC CSE Main exam pertains to General Studies (GS) and is a crucial component counted for merit evaluation, carrying a total of 1000 marks – divided into four papers of GS.
General Studies Paper-1 is a significant component of the UPSC Mains examination, covering various major topics essential for evaluating candidates’ knowledge and analytical abilities.
General Studies Paper-1 in the UPSC Mains examination includes a broad spectrum of subjects, including Indian History, World History, Indian Society, Culture, and Geography. Notably, many of these topics overlap with the Preliminary Examination syllabus, providing candidates with a valuable advantage. This paper carries a total of 250 marks and consists of 20 questions.
Scoring in this paper is crucial, as it contributes significantly to the overall marks obtained in the Mains examination. Generally, candidates can secure a maximum of 100-120 marks in General Studies Paper-1, depending on the quality and depth of their responses.
Hence, success in this paper demands a well-rounded understanding of historical and sociocultural aspects, along with a profound grasp of geographical nuances. Moreover, candidates must exhibit effective articulation skills to convey their knowledge within the specified word limits. Excelling in this paper is a pivotal step towards achieving success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Syllabus
The syllabus for UPSC GS Paper 1 in the Civil Services Main Examination covers a diverse range of topics related to Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas:
Indian Culture: This section delves into the significant aspects of art forms, literature, and architecture spanning from ancient times to the modern era.
Modern Indian History: This part focuses on the period from the mid-eighteenth century to the present day, encompassing major events, notable personalities, and key issues.
The Freedom Struggle: It explores the various stages of India’s struggle for independence and highlights the significant contributors and contributions from different regions of the country.
Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization: This section delves into the historical developments and changes that occurred in India after gaining independence.
History of the World: The global historical context includes events from the 18th century, such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, the redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and the impact of political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, and Socialism on society.
Salient Features of Indian Society: Topics under this category encompass the diversity within Indian society, the role of women and women’s organizations, population dynamics, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, and the associated challenges and solutions.
Effects of Globalization on Indian Society: This part examines how globalization has influenced various aspects of Indian society.
Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism: It addresses social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism as prominent societal elements.
Salient Features of the World’s Physical Geography: This section explores the essential aspects of global physical geography.
Distribution of Key Natural Resources: It covers the distribution of vital natural resources across the world, including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It also analyzes the factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in different regions, including India.
Important Geophysical Phenomena: This part examines significant geophysical events like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, and their impact. Additionally, it studies changes in critical geographical features, including water bodies and ice caps, and their effects on flora and fauna.
Important Topics
Indian Art and Culture: Art Forms, Literature, Architecture, Classical Dance Forms, Music, and Musical Instruments
Modern Indian History: British Conquest of India and Economic Policy, Major Revolts Before and After 1857, Social/Religious Reform Movements: Personalities and Their Contributions, Freedom Struggle, Contributors/Contributions from Different Parts of the Country
Post Independence: Consolidation, Reorganization
World History: Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redrawing of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, Political Philosophies
Indian Society: Salient Features of Indian Society, Diversity in India, Women Empowerment, Effects of Globalization
Geography: Distribution of Key Natural Resources, Climate Change, Location of Industries in India, Geophysical Phenomena such as Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Activity, Cyclones, etc.
How to prepare for UPSC GS Paper 1: Strategy & Tips
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Here are some valuable tips to help you excel in your preparation:
History:
The UPSC Mains Examination consists of a total of 9 papers. These comprise four General Studies Papers, namely GS Paper I, GS Paper II, GS Paper III, and GS Paper IV. Additionally, candidates are required to complete the Essay Paper, Compulsory English Paper, Compulsory Indian Language Paper, and two Optional Subject Papers (Paper I and Paper II) as part of this comprehensive examination.
In accordance with the UPSC CSE Main exam 2023 schedule, the Paper-II General Studies-I is slated to take place on September 16, 2023 (Saturday) during the forenoon session, commencing at 9:00 A.M. and concluding at 12:00 Noon.
Paper II of the UPSC CSE Main exam pertains to General Studies (GS) and is a crucial component counted for merit evaluation, carrying a total of 1000 marks – divided into four papers of GS.
General Studies Paper-1 is a significant component of the UPSC Mains examination, covering various major topics essential for evaluating candidates’ knowledge and analytical abilities.
General Studies Paper-1 in the UPSC Mains examination includes a broad spectrum of subjects, including Indian History, World History, Indian Society, Culture, and Geography. Notably, many of these topics overlap with the Preliminary Examination syllabus, providing candidates with a valuable advantage. This paper carries a total of 250 marks and consists of 20 questions.
Scoring in this paper is crucial, as it contributes significantly to the overall marks obtained in the Mains examination. Generally, candidates can secure a maximum of 100-120 marks in General Studies Paper-1, depending on the quality and depth of their responses.
Hence, success in this paper demands a well-rounded understanding of historical and sociocultural aspects, along with a profound grasp of geographical nuances. Moreover, candidates must exhibit effective articulation skills to convey their knowledge within the specified word limits. Excelling in this paper is a pivotal step towards achieving success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Syllabus
The syllabus for UPSC GS Paper 1 in the Civil Services Main Examination covers a diverse range of topics related to Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas:
Indian Culture: This section delves into the significant aspects of art forms, literature, and architecture spanning from ancient times to the modern era.
Modern Indian History: This part focuses on the period from the mid-eighteenth century to the present day, encompassing major events, notable personalities, and key issues.
The Freedom Struggle: It explores the various stages of India’s struggle for independence and highlights the significant contributors and contributions from different regions of the country.
Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization: This section delves into the historical developments and changes that occurred in India after gaining independence.
History of the World: The global historical context includes events from the 18th century, such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, the redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and the impact of political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, and Socialism on society.
Salient Features of Indian Society: Topics under this category encompass the diversity within Indian society, the role of women and women’s organizations, population dynamics, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, and the associated challenges and solutions.
Effects of Globalization on Indian Society: This part examines how globalization has influenced various aspects of Indian society.
Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism: It addresses social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism as prominent societal elements.
Salient Features of the World’s Physical Geography: This section explores the essential aspects of global physical geography.
Distribution of Key Natural Resources: It covers the distribution of vital natural resources across the world, including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It also analyzes the factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in different regions, including India.
Important Geophysical Phenomena: This part examines significant geophysical events like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, and their impact. Additionally, it studies changes in critical geographical features, including water bodies and ice caps, and their effects on flora and fauna.
Important Topics
Indian Art and Culture: Art Forms, Literature, Architecture, Classical Dance Forms, Music, and Musical Instruments
Modern Indian History: British Conquest of India and Economic Policy, Major Revolts Before and After 1857, Social/Religious Reform Movements: Personalities and Their Contributions, Freedom Struggle, Contributors/Contributions from Different Parts of the Country
Post Independence: Consolidation, Reorganization
World History: Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redrawing of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, Political Philosophies
Indian Society: Salient Features of Indian Society, Diversity in India, Women Empowerment, Effects of Globalization
Geography: Distribution of Key Natural Resources, Climate Change, Location of Industries in India, Geophysical Phenomena such as Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Activity, Cyclones, etc.
How to prepare for UPSC GS Paper 1: Strategy & Tips
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Here are some valuable tips to help you excel in your preparation:
History:
- Focus on events from the 1750s to 1947, with a strong emphasis on the freedom struggle.
- Don’t neglect ancient and medieval Indian history, as questions on these topics can appear under art and culture.
- Stay updated on current events related to Indian society by reading newspapers and current affairs magazines.
Geography:
- Utilize maps to answer geography questions effectively. For instance, use maps to illustrate concepts like the Indian Monsoon’s arrival and withdrawal along with their directions.
- Incorporate maps in history questions when applicable to enhance the clarity of your answers.
- Support your answers with current examples and cite data or facts to add depth.
Focus and Efficiency:
- Prioritize your study areas based on the frequency of questions. Allocate more time to subjects that are frequently asked about.
- Avoid investing excessive time in topics rarely covered in the exam, such as world history.
- Maintain objectivity in your answers, avoiding any overt political bias. Present a balanced, multi-dimensional perspective.
- Stick to a limited number of resources, revisiting them multiple times for better understanding and time efficiency.
- Create concise notes for challenging topics to facilitate easier revision.
Answer Writing Practice:
- Regularly practice answer writing, adhering to the word limit and time constraints as in the actual exam. Consider joining a test series to simulate exam conditions.
- Timely evaluation of your answer scripts is essential for identifying areas for improvement.
Previous Year’s Question Papers:
- Analyze previous year’s question papers to understand question patterns, current trends, and the overall exam format. Adapt your preparation accordingly.
Revision:
- Don’t overlook the importance of revision. Regularly review your notes, practice tests, and key concepts to reinforce your knowledge.
Remember that discipline, consistency, and a well-structured study plan are key to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced mentors or enrolling in a reputed IAS institute can provide valuable support and insights throughout your preparation journey.
- How many stages does the UPSC CSE have?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) has three stages: Preliminary Examination: This is a two-stage objective-type examination consisting of two papers: Paper I: General Studies (GS) I, which is a compulsory paper for all candidates. Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), which is a compulsory paper for all candidates except those who are appearing for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) examinations. Main Examination: This is a written examination consisting of nine papers: Paper I: General Studies I, Paper II: General Studies II, Paper III: General Studies III, Paper IV: General Studies IV, Paper V: Optional Subject I, Paper VI: Optional Subject II, Paper VII: Optional Subject III, Paper VIII: Optional Subject IV and Paper IX: Language Paper (English). Interview: This is a personality test conducted by a board of experts. - How is the UPSC Mains exam structured?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains exam is a written examination consisting of nine papers: Paper I: General Studies I, Paper II: General Studies II, Paper III: General Studies III, Paper IV: General Studies IV, Paper V: Optional Subject I, Paper VI: Optional Subject II, Paper VII: Optional Subject III, Paper VIII: Optional Subject IV and Paper IX: Language Paper (English). Each of the General Studies papers (Papers I, II, III, and IV) is of 250 marks and duration of 3 hours. The Optional Subjects are of 300 marks and duration of 3 hours each. The Language Paper (English) is of 200 marks and duration of 3 hours. The questions in the General Studies papers are of the objective type, with multiple-choice answers. The questions in the Optional Subjects are of the essay-type, with short and long answer questions. - What are the different types of questions asked in the UPSC Mains exam?
The questions asked in the UPSC Mains exam are of various types, including: Objective type questions: These questions are multiple-choice questions with four options. Each question carries one mark. Short answer type questions: These questions require a brief answer of 30-50 words. Each question carries two marks. Long answer type questions: These questions require a detailed answer of 150-200 words. Each question carries eight marks. Essay type questions: These questions require a comprehensive answer of 250-300 words. Each question carries 15 marks. - What is the second stage of the UPSC CSE exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a national-level competitive examination in India for the selection of candidates to the various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and the Indian Police Service (IPS). - What are the eligibility criteria for the UPSC CSE Mains exam?
Only those candidates who have cleared the UPSC Preliminary exam are eligible to appear for the Mains exam. The UPSC Preliminary exam is a qualifying exam that is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam. The Mains exam is a more challenging exam, and only those candidates who have a strong foundation in the subject matter will be able to succeed.
