Syllabus for the UPSC Preliminary Examination:
The syllabus of General studies paper includes-
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian Polity and Governance Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, and Rights Issues
- Economic and Social Development‐Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives and
- Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
- General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate
- General Science
The syllabus of CSAT Paper Includes-
- Comprehension
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy -numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc
- Data interpretation -charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc
Strategy to Prepare for UPSC Prelims GS Paper I subjects:
Preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam requires a systematic and well-planned approach, especially for beginners. Here are subject-wise preparation tips to help you get started:
1. General Studies Paper 1 (GS-1):
a. History:
- Start with NCERT books for ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history.
- Move on to standard reference books like Bipin Chandra’s “India’s Struggle for Independence” and “India After Independence.”
- Focus on art and culture, and revise regularly. b. Geography:
- Begin with NCERTs for basic concepts and then move on to Goh Cheng Leong’s “Certificate Physical and Human Geography.”
- Focus on map-based questions; practice locating important places on the map. c. Polity:
- Read Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity” thoroughly. Pay attention to the Constitution, fundamental rights, and directive principles.
- Understand the structure of government, constitutional bodies, and amendments.
- Regularly practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on polity. d. Economy:
- Start with NCERTs and then move on to books like Ramesh Singh’s “Indian Economy” for conceptual clarity.
- Follow economic news regularly to stay updated on current affairs related to the economy. e. Environment and Ecology:
- Focus on the environment and ecology sections from NCERTs.
- Refer to Shankar IAS Environment book and stay updated on environmental issues through newspapers. f. Science and Technology:
- Refer to NCERTs for the basics.
- Stay updated on current advancements and issues in science and technology.
2. General Studies Paper 2 (GS-2):
a. Polity:
- Continue revising Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity” and focus on topics like governance, welfare schemes, and constitutional bodies.
- Understand the parliamentary system, emergency provisions, and important amendments. b. Governance and International Relations:
- Stay updated on government policies and schemes.
- Follow international relations topics through newspapers and magazines. c. Social Justice:
- Focus on topics related to social justice, vulnerable sections, and government initiatives for their welfare.
- Understand issues related to caste, gender, and social inequalities. d. Constitution, Governance, and Social Justice:
- Practice previous years’ question papers to understand the pattern.
- Focus on topics like fundamental rights, duties, and DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy). e. IR (International Relations):
- Read newspapers regularly to stay updated on global events.
- Understand India’s relations with neighboring countries and important international organizations.
3. General Studies Paper 1 and 2: Common Tips:
a. Current Affairs:
- Follow a daily newspaper like The Hindu or The Indian Express for current affairs.
- Make concise notes for quick revision. b. Previous Year Question Papers:
- Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Analyze the types of questions asked and focus on weak areas. c. Mock Tests:
- Enroll in a good test series to practice time management and improve accuracy.
- Regularly take full-length mock tests. d. Revision:
- Regularly revise your notes to reinforce your learning.
- Focus on weak areas during revision. e. Time Management:
- Manage your time effectively during the exam. Practice solving papers within the stipulated time. f. Elimination Technique:
- In case of uncertainty, use the elimination technique for MCQs.
- Rule out obviously incorrect options to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. g. Stress Management:
- Take care of your mental and physical health.
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Remember, consistency is key. Develop a study routine that suits you and stick to it. Stay focused, keep track of your progress, and adapt your strategy based on your strengths and weaknesses. Good luck!
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1.How to start UPSC Exam preparation