PRELIMINARY & MAIN SYLLABUS - UPSC EXAM 2012

PART-A
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
The Examination shall comprise two compulsory papers of 200 marks each.
Paper I - (200 marks) Duration : Two hours
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
specialisation
General Science.
Paper II- (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problemsolving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data
interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level)
English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level).
Note 1 : Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level (last item in the Syllabus of
Paper- II) will be tested through passages from English language only without providing Hindi translation thereof in
the question paper.
Note 2 : The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.
Note 3: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for
the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/ she does not appear in both the papers
of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.
PART-B
MAIN EXAMINATION
The written examination will consist ofthe following papers :Paper I : One of the Indian 300 marks languages to be selected by the
candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. Paper II : English (300 marks) .Paper III : Essay
(200 marks)
Papers IV and V : General Studies (300 marks for each paper). Papers VI VII, VIII and IX: Any two subjects to be selected from list (300
marks for each paper).

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
ENGLISH AND INDIAN LANGUAGUES
PRELIMINARY & MAIN SYLLABUS - UPSC EXAM 2012


The aim of the paper is to test the candidate's ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to
express his ideas clearly and correctly in English/ Indian language concerned.
The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows :-
(i) Comprehension of given passages,(ii) Precis Writing,(iii) Usage and Vocabulary,(iv) Short Essay
INDIAN LANGUAGES
(i) Comprehension of given passages,(ii) Precis Writing,(iii) Usage and Vocabulary,(iv) Short Essay,(v) Translation
from English to the Indian,language and vice-versa.
Note 1 : The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of
qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking. Note 2 : The candidates
will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except
where translation
is involved).
ESSAY
Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be
expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
GENERAL STUDIES
General Guidelines:
The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers will be such that a well-educated person will be
able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidates general
awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance
for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant
issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goals, objectives and demands. The
candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.
PAPER - I
1. History of Modern India and IndianCulture :
The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle
of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom
movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian culture from the
ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, artsand architecture.
2. Geography of India :
In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India.

3. Constitution of India and Indian Polity:
This part will include questions on the Constitution of India as well as all constitutional,
legal, administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in the country.
4. Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance :
This part is intended to test the candidates awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in
present-day India, such as the following:
(i) The Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,
growth, development and employment.
(ii) Issues arising from the social and economic exclusion of large sections from the
benefits of development.
(iii) Other issues relating to the development and management of human resource.
PRELIMINARY & MAIN SYLLABUS - UPSC EXAM 2012


(iv) Health issues including the management of Public Health, Health education and ethical concerns regarding
health-care, medical research and pharmaceuticals.
(v) Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of communal harmony.
(vi) Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the maintenance of human
rights, and of probity in public life.
(vii) Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.
PAPER - II
1. India and the World :
This part will include questions to test candidates awareness of Indias relationship with the world in various
spheres such as the following:- Foreign Affairs with special emphasis on Indias relations with neighbouring
countries and in the region. Security and defence related matters. Nuclear policy, issues, and conflicts. The Indian
Diaspora and its contribution to India and the world.
2. Indias Economic Interaction with the World :
In this part, questions will be on economic and trade issues such as foreign trade, foreign investment; economic
and diplomacy issues relating to oil, gas and energy flows; the role and functions of I.M.F., World Bank, W.T.O.,
WIPO etc. which influence Indias economic interaction with other countries and international institutions.
3. Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and space :
In this part, questions will test the candidates awareness of the developments in the field of science and technology,
information technology, space and basic ideas about computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related
issues regarding intellectual property rights.
4. International Affairs and Institutions :
This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.
5. Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams:
This part will test the candidates ability to draw conclusions from information presented
in statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret them.