UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 Guide: (IAS/IFS) UPSC Syllabus pdf, Dates

If you want to join the elite civil services (IAS or IFS) of India, you need to clear the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024. This exam is tough and requires a lot of preparation. In this article, we will give you a complete guide on the UPSC syllabus 2024, UPSC 2024 exam date, and tips to crack the UPSC exam.

The Civil Services Examination(CSE) is a national wide competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India, including the Indian administrative Services (IAS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), Indian Police Services(IPS) among others. To help you excel in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024, this comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the UPSC syllabus 2024 and valuable preparation tips.

UPSC Exam Civil Services 2024 Guide: (IAS/IFS) UPSC Syllabus

UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 is a nationwide examination organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) with the aim of selecting candidates for various prestigious positions in the Indian administrative services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more. This comprehensive exam comprises three stages: the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Personality Test.

On May 10, 2023, the UPSC released the official exam calendar for 2024, providing important dates for interested candidates. As per the calendar, the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 notification will be announced on February 14, 2024, marking the beginning of the application process, which will remain open until March 5, 2024.

The UPSC CS Exam 2024 Preliminary Exam is scheduled to take place on May 26, 2024, followed by the Main Exam on September 20, 2024. So, let us discuss about UPSC exam Syllabus 2024 in details. But before these are the UPSC 2024 exam dates.

UPSC 2024 Exam dates

Here is a details of upcoming UPSE Exam Dates 2024:

Exam NameExam Date
UPSE Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024May 26, 2024
Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 through CS(P) Examination 2024May 26, 2024
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2024September 20, 2024
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2024December 2 to December10 ,2024

UPSC Syllabus 2024

The UPSC Syllabus 2024 is the list of topics and subjects that candidates need to study for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC. The UPSC Civil Services Exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Personality Test (Interview).

StagePaperSubjectMarks
PreliminaryPaper-IGeneral Studies200
PreliminaryPaper-IICSAT200
MainPaper-AOne Indian Language300
MainPaper-BEnglish300
MainPaper-IEssay250
MainPaper-IIGeneral Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)250
MainPaper-IIIGeneral Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)250
MainPaper-IVGeneral Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)250
MainPaper-VGeneral Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)250
MainPaper-VIOptional Subject – Paper 1250
MainPaper-VIIOptional Subject – Paper 2250
UPSC Syllabus 2024

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Exam syllabus 2024 for each stage:

I. Preliminary Exam:

 The UPSC Preliminary stage consists of two objective-type papers: 

  1. General Studies Paper I:
    • Current events of national and international importance
    • History of India and the Indian National Movement
    • Indian and World Geography
    • Indian Polity and Governance
    • Economic and Social Development
    • Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
    • General Science
  2. General Studies Paper II (CSAT):
    • Comprehension
    • Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
    • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
    • Decision-making and problem-solving
    • General mental ability
    • Basic numeracy and data interpretation

II. Mains Exam:

The UPSC Mains Exam consists of nine subjective papers, out of which seven papers are counted for the final ranking. The papers are as follows:

1. Paper-A: One of the Indian languages chosen from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This paper tests your language proficiency and understanding of the chosen language’s grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

2. Paper-B: English: Assess your proficiency in English, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

3. Essay : Demonstrate your ability to articulate and present your thoughts effectively on a given topic.

4. General Studies Paper I:

  • Indian Heritage and Culture: Explore various aspects of Indian art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and cultural traditions.
  • History and Geography of the World and Society: Study the history, geography, and major events of the world, along with the impact of globalization on society.
  • Indian Society: Understand the social structure, diversity, and challenges faced by Indian society.
  • Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations: Gain knowledge of governance, constitutional provisions, political systems, social justice issues, and international relations.

5. General Studies Paper II:

  • Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations: Further delve into the topics covered in Paper I with a focus on governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
  • India and its Neighborhood: Explore India’s relations with neighboring countries, regional cooperation, and security challenges.

6. General Studies Paper III:

  • Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management: Study the role of technology in economic development, biodiversity conservation, environmental issues, security challenges, and disaster management.

7. General Studies Paper IV:

  • Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: Reflect upon ethical dimensions, integrity, and moral values in public administration.
  • Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: Analyze your aptitude and understanding of foundational values in civil service.

8. Optional Subject Paper I: Choose one optional subject from the provided list and thoroughly study its syllabus.

9. Optional Subject Paper II: Continue your study of the optional subject chosen for Paper I.

Note: The optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Exam include a wide range of disciplines such as History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and more. Candidates can choose one optional subject from the provided list.

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III. Personality Test (Interview):

The Personality Test, also known as the Interview, evaluates candidates’ personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the civil services. It does not have a specific syllabus, but candidates are expected to have a broad understanding of current affairs, national and international issues, and their optional subject.

UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 Preparation Tips

UPSC Exam Civil Services 2024 Guide: (IAS/IFS) UPSC Syllabus pdf 2
  1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus for each stage to develop a targeted study plan.
  2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject, revision, and practice. Stick to the plan and maintain consistency.
  3. Refer to Standard Books: Consult standard textbooks, recommended reference books, and study materials to build a strong foundation and gain conceptual clarity.
  4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources to stay abreast of current events, national and international issues, government policies, and developments in various fields.
  5. Practice Answer Writing: Regularly practice answer writing to improve your writing skills, time management, and structuring of answers. Analyze and evaluate your answers for self-improvement.
  6. Solve Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, understand the question types, and identify important topics.
  7. Take Mock Tests: Attempt mock tests to assess your preparation level, identify weak areas, and improve your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance and work on areas that need improvement.
  8. Join Study Groups or Coaching Institutes (Optional): Consider joining study groups or enrolling in reputable coaching institutes for guidance, peer learning, and expert mentorship. However, self-study can also be effective with the right resources and discipline.

Final Words

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023 for (IAS/IFS/IPS/IRS) requires comprehensive preparation, dedication, and a systematic approach. With a thorough understanding of the exam syllabus and effective study strategies, you can enhance your chances of success. Stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and work diligently towards achieving your goal of serving the nation through the civil services.

FAQs regarding UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Exam 2024

What is the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024?

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various administrative positions in the Indian government, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

What is the eligibility criteria for the UPSC Exam 2024?

To be eligible for the UPSC Exam 2024, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The age limit varies for different categories, generally ranging from 21 to 32 years.

How can I apply for the UPSC CS Exam 2024?

The application process for the UPSC CS Exam 2024 is conducted online. Interested candidates can visit the official UPSC website, fill out the application form, and pay the prescribed fee within the specified dates.

What is the syllabus UPSC Civil Services 2024?

The syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam covers a wide range of subjects, including general studies, aptitude, and optional subjects. The detailed syllabus is provided by the UPSC and can be accessed on their official website.

How should I prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024?

Effective preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 requires a well-planned study strategy. Some key tips I have mentioned above in the post

Is coaching necessary to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

Coaching is not mandatory to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam. With self-study, dedication, and the right resources, candidates can achieve success. However, some candidates opt for coaching institutes to receive expert guidance and additional support.

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