What is the syllabus and structure of the UPSC exam?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for the recruitment of various civil services officers in the Government of India. The UPSC exam is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India, with lakhs of aspirants appearing for the exam every year. The syllabus and structure of the UPSC exam are as follows:

Syllabus: The UPSC exam consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective type), Main Examination (Descriptive type), and Personality Test (Interview). The syllabus of the UPSC exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics from various subjects. The following is a broad outline of the syllabus for the UPSC exam:

1. Preliminary Examination: • Current events of national and international importance • History of India and Indian National Movement • Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World • Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. • Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. • General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization • General Science

2. Main Examination: • Essay Writing • General Studies I - Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society • General Studies II - Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations • General Studies III - Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management • General Studies IV - Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude • Optional Subject (Paper I and Paper II)

Structure:

1. Preliminary Examination: • Two objective type papers - General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (popularly known as CSAT) • Both papers carry 200 marks each • The duration of each paper is two hours

2. Main Examination: • Nine descriptive type papers (including one qualifying language paper) • Total marks for the Main Examination are 1750 (out of which 250 marks are for the qualifying paper on Indian Language) • The duration of each paper is three hours

3. Personality Test: • The Personality Test carries 275 marks • It is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers who have experience in civil service matters.

In conclusion, the UPSC exam has a vast syllabus covering a wide range of topics from various subjects. The exam consists of three stages - Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test. Candidates who wish to appear for the UPSC exam must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern and should prepare accordingly to crack the exam.