UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 - Download PDF

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024: The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a prestigious but challenging path to a distinguished career in India. A crucial part of this journey is the Mains examination. Mastering the UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 is essential for every candidate aiming for success.

The UPSC Mains Exam evaluates not only academic knowledge but also the ability to articulate and analyze complex issues effectively. It tests the depth of understanding and critical thinking skills of the aspirants. Continue reading to explore the complete UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024, exam pattern, and other important details.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 Overview

The UPSC Mains syllabus is comprehensive, comprising nine papers: Indian Language, English, Essay, General Studies (I-IV), and two Optional Subjects. These papers evaluate a candidate's intellectual capabilities and understanding across a range of topics. For a detailed view, candidates can download the UPSC Mains syllabus PDF from the official website.

Here’s a overview of the UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 to help candidates grasp it more effectively:

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 Overview
Particular Details
UPSC Mains Exam Date September 20, 2024
Number of Papers Total 9 Papers
Nature of Exam
  • Qualifying in nature
  • Considered for Merit
Duration of Exam 3 hours for each paper
Qualifying Marks
  • 75 Marks required, ie. 25%
  • Final Merit (Marks will be counted in the final merit list)

Also Read: UPSC Mains Exam Date 2024

UPSC Mains Paper-Wise Syllabus 2024

The primary objective of the examination is to assess candidates' overall intellectual capacity and depth of understanding, rather than merely evaluating their memorization skills or breadth of knowledge. The comprehensive UPSC Mains syllabus, available in both Hindi and English, is provided along with the notification on the official website.

To excel in the exam, it is crucial to grasp the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Below, aspiring candidates can explore the detailed paper-wise UPSC Mains Syllabus.

UPSC Mains Paper-Wise Syllabus 2024
Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Subjects Topics Covered
Paper A Hindi Compulsory Indian Language of 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution
Paper B English Language Class X level English
Paper I Essay Candidate can choose to write it in a medium of your choice
Paper II General Studies II Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Paper III General Studies II Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
Paper IV General Studies III Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management
Paper V General Studies IV Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Paper VI Optional Paper I Subject-specific syllabus
Paper VII Optional Paper II Subject-specific syllabus

Also Read:  UPSC Mains Time Table 2024

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Optional Subjects

Candidates must select one optional subject from the list provided by UPSC. This choice can greatly influence the overall score, so it is crucial to make an informed decision. Below is the list of optional subjects for UPSC Mains 2024:

Agriculture  Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Anthropology 
Botany  Chemistry  Civil Engineering
Commerce and Accountancy Economics  Electrical Engineering
Geography  Geology  History 
Law  Management  Mathematics 
Mechanical Engineering  Medical Science Philosophy 
Physics  Political Science and International Relations Psychology
Public Administration Sociology  Statistics 
Literature of any one of the available languages Zoology

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Pattern includes nine descriptive papers. Papers in Indian Language and English are qualifying, whereas marks from the remaining papers are used for final ranking.

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Pattern
Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Subjects Marks Duration
Paper A Compulsory Indian Language of 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution 300 marks 2 hours
Paper B English Language 300 marks 2 hours
Paper I Essay 250 marks 2 hours
Paper II General Studies I 250 marks 2 hours
Paper III General Studies II 250 marks 2 hours
Paper IV General Studies III 250 marks 2 hours
Paper V General Studies IV 250 marks 2 hours
Paper VI Optional Paper I 250 marks 2 hours
Paper VII Optional Paper II 250 marks 2 hours

Also Read: UPSC Mains Exam Centres List 2024

UPSC Mains 2024 Syllabus - Preparation Tips

Preparing for the UPSC Mains exam is akin to running a marathon—it demands a strategic approach, dedication, and steadfast commitment. Here are some targeted tips to help streamline your preparation and enhance your performance:

  1. Thorough Understanding: Start by deeply familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and analyzing previous years' question papers.
  2. Integrated Learning: Connect topics across different papers, particularly within General Studies, to build a cohesive understanding.
  3. Regular Practice: Consistent answer writing practice is essential. Effective time management and structured responses can greatly impact your performance.
  4. Focused Revision: Create concise notes for quick revision, emphasizing key concepts and critical facts.
  5. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current events and comprehend their relevance and impact.

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Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

Ans. For UPSC Mains 2024, you need to choose one optional subject. This subject will be examined in two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII).

Ans. Marks obtained in qualifying papers (like the language papers) are not counted for the final ranking; only marks in the mains and interview stages are considered.

Ans. No, you cannot change your optional subject after the Prelims. The subject chosen at the time of application remains fixed for the entire examination cycle.