UPSC CSE is one of India’s most prestigious examinations. Aspirants for the IAS must have a bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized university. Because graduates from all universities are eligible for this examination, the rivalry heats up. The course includes questions from compulsory subjects for UPSC exam from Indian history to maths issues. Furthermore, if we look at the complete IAS test syllabus, we’ll find that there are obligatory and optional courses. This adds to the difficulty, so your best chance would be to memorise the test patterns and plan what you would prepare for both.
Mandatory Subjects for the UPSC test are subjects that applicants must take to sit for the IAS test. To pass the test, candidates must prepare for all of the required courses. Candidates must pick an optional subject in addition to the compulsory subjects for the UPSC Exam. The UPSC obligatory courses are meant to assess your comprehension of the world around you because only an informed individual can make informed judgments as a civil servant.
We have included all of the subjects that are required for the UPSC as well as the subjects for the UPSC prelims and mains exams in this post. Read on.
Important subjects for the UPSC exam
As you are aware, there are three parts to the UPSC Exam: the UPSC Prelims, the UPSC Mains, and the Interview round. The General Studies-1 and General Studies-2 papers make up the UPSC Prelims, the first level of the exam (CSAT). The UPSC Prelims include all mandatory topics. Candidates who pass the UPSC Prelims will be eligible to take the UPSC Mains test.
Candidates may select one optional topic from a list of 48 UPSC Optional Subjects. Aside from the two elective papers, the remaining seven papers will be required. However, in Paper A, applicants will be able to select their preferred Indian language.
Important subjects for UPSC Preliminary examination
The UPSC Prelims is a screening test, and those who pass will be eligible for the UPSC Mains. The exam lasts two hours and has a total of 200 points. The objective questions are of the multiple-choice variety. There are two papers in the UPSC Prelims Syllabus: General Studies-1 and General Studies-2 (CSAT).
Subject list for UPSC Prelims Paper 1
Compulsory subjects for UPSC prelims paper 1 are:
- Current events
- Environment, Ecology, and Biodiversity
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- General Science and Technology
- Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Subjects list for UPSC Prelims Paper 2
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- General Mental
- Basic Numerical Problems, Data Interpretation Including Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency,
- English Language Comprehension skills
UPSC compulsory subject for the Mains exam
To sit for the main exam, candidates must pass the preliminary test. This test consists of seven papers, with grading dependent on the completion of subjective-type questions. Each paper is worth 250 points.
All of the compulsory subjects for the UPSC exam Mains test are listed here.
- Paper A: (Indian language of choice) (300 marks)
- Paper B: English (300 marks)
- Paper I: Essay writing
- Paper-II: General Studies regarding Indian and World History, Geography, Culture and Heritage, And Social Issues (250 marks)
- Paper III: Indian Constitution and Its Polity, Social Justice and Rights, International Relations (250 marks)
- Paper IV: Economics, Environment Study, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management, Science & Technology (250 marks)
- Paper V: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (250 marks)
- Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper-I (250 marks)
- Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper-II (250 marks)
Conclusion
The UPSC syllabus includes both required and elective topics. To pass the exam, candidates need to study the entirety of each paper’s curriculum. Learn about the subjects that candidates must cover to sit for the UPSC test before you begin your preparations. Three phases make up the UPSC exams: the preliminary, main, and interview.
The Mains test is the most important since it accounts for around 86% of the final score. From a list of 26 optional topics recognized by the UPSC, the applicant must select one. Candidates who want to study on their schedule for the ESE 2023 Exam Pattern may use online IAS preparation.
The best approach to get ready for the civil service is to study NCERT books and review the previous year’s test questions. Unfortunately, it is insufficient; you need to periodically refresh yourself and be up to speed on current events.
Frequently asked questions
- What subjects are compulsory for the main exam?
The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers in total. Paper-A, Paper-B (English), Essay, and General Studies are among them. Papers I, II, III, and IV are all required. These seven papers are the same for every applicant taking the UPSC Mains Exam. Optional topic papers vary depending on the candidate’s preference.
- What is the strategy to prepare for the UPSC exam?
All Compulsory Subjects for the UPSC Exam must be taken by the applicants. However, many applicants struggle to get decent grades on these examinations. Check out the following Complete Strategy to Crack IAS Subjects List for Prelims and Mains.
- Which topic is ideal for the optional IAS Mains exam?
Commonly, subjects having significant syllabus crossover with General Studies are thought to be smart choices. Other elements, such as personal taste, the accessibility of study materials, and the design of the curriculum, among others, are equally crucial.
- How many points are needed in each subject for UPSC?
Candidates must pass each qualifying exam with a mark of at least 25% to move on to the main test. Candidates who fail the qualifying examinations will not be permitted to take the personality test, even if they pass Papers I through VI.