The Main Examination comprises total nine papers of two types:
[A] 2 papers of non-ranking type
[B] 7 papers of ranking type
Two papers of non-ranking type include one paper of an Indian language to be se-
lected by the candidate out of languages included in the Eighth Scheduled to the
Constitution and the second paper is of English, which is a compulsory language.
Both these papers are of a very simple nature and, in a way, mentally prepare the
candidate for writing the subsequent examination.
Among ranking or scoring papers, there are three groups of papers, which are: two
optional subjects – 4 papers in all (comprising a total of 1200 marks), Essay- one
paper (200 marks) and General Studies – two papers (total 600 marks).
For the optional papers in the Main Examination, UPSC has a list of about twenty-six
subjects out of which two subjects have to be selected by the candidate. However, a
few combinations belonging to disciplines having substantial overlaps in content are
not allowed, viz.
(a)Political Science & International Relations and Public Administra-
(b)Commerce & Accountancy and Management;
(c)Anthropology and Sociology;
(d)Mathematics and Statistics;
(e)Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.
(f)Management and Public Administration
(g)Of the Engineering subjects, viz., Civil Engineering, Electrical Engi-
neering and Mechanical Engineering–not more than one subject
(h)Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science and Medical Science.
General Studies for Main Examination
It comprises two papers of four and five segments, respectively.
Paper – I – The four segments of Paper-I are:
1. History of Modern India and Indian Culture,
2. Geography of India,
3. Constitution of India & Indian Polity, and
4. Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance.
Paper – II – The five segments of Paper-II are:
1. India and the World,
2. India’s Economic Interaction with the World,
3. Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and Space,
4. International Affairs & Institutions, and
5. Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams
The Main Examination, apart from optional subjects and General Studies papers,
also includes an ESSAY PAPER. It carries 200 marks. The candidates are advised to
prepare for this paper keeping some major themes in mind. Besides their preparation
for the contents, aspirants are also advised to polish their basic skills for essay-
writing. The basic idea behind the Essay Writing paper is to test the candidate’s
grasp of his material, its relevance to the subject chosen, and to his ability to think
constructively and the present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively.
The Strategy for Preparation for Main Exam
The strategy for General Studies preparation is a bit different from that of the optional
subjects, as the word “General” is very difficult to define. But if one proceeds with right
approach and strategy, it becomes fairly organised. Then the next question is “what
is the right approach and strategy”? Well, for that, one needs to keep in mind the
basic fact that if the goal is to reach the highest level of achievement, then one must
have not only ample patience for details, but should be able to keep the big picture
regarding any theme in one’s mind at the time of study. Thus the preparation strategy
is to follow a mix of both micro and macro level approaches.
vii
RAU’S IAS—UPSC Syllabus for Civil Services Exam
The first step in this direction is the understanding of the syllabus. One must look at
the syllabus closely and in detail. After that, one should analyze the past years’
question papers that indicate the important areas, as well as, the real scope of the
syllabus. Then comes the next step of apportioning of time depending on the impor-
tance and length of each area.
The next step would cover the selection of right books and an efficient method to
study them. The basic guideline at the start of the preparations for both Preliminary
and Main Examination is to read N.C.E.R.T. books on related subjects. There is no
substitute for them. One should refrain in the beginning from reading guidebooks, as
they load you with information, but with very little concept.
[A] 2 papers of non-ranking type
[B] 7 papers of ranking type
Two papers of non-ranking type include one paper of an Indian language to be se-
lected by the candidate out of languages included in the Eighth Scheduled to the
Constitution and the second paper is of English, which is a compulsory language.
Both these papers are of a very simple nature and, in a way, mentally prepare the
candidate for writing the subsequent examination.
Among ranking or scoring papers, there are three groups of papers, which are: two
optional subjects – 4 papers in all (comprising a total of 1200 marks), Essay- one
paper (200 marks) and General Studies – two papers (total 600 marks).
For the optional papers in the Main Examination, UPSC has a list of about twenty-six
subjects out of which two subjects have to be selected by the candidate. However, a
few combinations belonging to disciplines having substantial overlaps in content are
not allowed, viz.
(a)Political Science & International Relations and Public Administra-
(b)Commerce & Accountancy and Management;
(c)Anthropology and Sociology;
(d)Mathematics and Statistics;
(e)Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.
(f)Management and Public Administration
(g)Of the Engineering subjects, viz., Civil Engineering, Electrical Engi-
neering and Mechanical Engineering–not more than one subject
(h)Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science and Medical Science.
General Studies for Main Examination
It comprises two papers of four and five segments, respectively.
Paper – I – The four segments of Paper-I are:
1. History of Modern India and Indian Culture,
2. Geography of India,
3. Constitution of India & Indian Polity, and
4. Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance.
Paper – II – The five segments of Paper-II are:
1. India and the World,
2. India’s Economic Interaction with the World,
3. Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and Space,
4. International Affairs & Institutions, and
5. Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams
The Main Examination, apart from optional subjects and General Studies papers,
also includes an ESSAY PAPER. It carries 200 marks. The candidates are advised to
prepare for this paper keeping some major themes in mind. Besides their preparation
for the contents, aspirants are also advised to polish their basic skills for essay-
writing. The basic idea behind the Essay Writing paper is to test the candidate’s
grasp of his material, its relevance to the subject chosen, and to his ability to think
constructively and the present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively.
The Strategy for Preparation for Main Exam
The strategy for General Studies preparation is a bit different from that of the optional
subjects, as the word “General” is very difficult to define. But if one proceeds with right
approach and strategy, it becomes fairly organised. Then the next question is “what
is the right approach and strategy”? Well, for that, one needs to keep in mind the
basic fact that if the goal is to reach the highest level of achievement, then one must
have not only ample patience for details, but should be able to keep the big picture
regarding any theme in one’s mind at the time of study. Thus the preparation strategy
is to follow a mix of both micro and macro level approaches.
vii
RAU’S IAS—UPSC Syllabus for Civil Services Exam
The first step in this direction is the understanding of the syllabus. One must look at
the syllabus closely and in detail. After that, one should analyze the past years’
question papers that indicate the important areas, as well as, the real scope of the
syllabus. Then comes the next step of apportioning of time depending on the impor-
tance and length of each area.
The next step would cover the selection of right books and an efficient method to
study them. The basic guideline at the start of the preparations for both Preliminary
and Main Examination is to read N.C.E.R.T. books on related subjects. There is no
substitute for them. One should refrain in the beginning from reading guidebooks, as
they load you with information, but with very little concept.
Now the General Studies has the highest weightage in the total marks in the IAS Mains, so in-order to stand out and score maximum one must ensure their full preparation of General Studies. So,prepare for IAS prelims exam in the best way and prepare for IAS in the best way. Prepare under the guidance of higly qualified professionals.Enroll now in the best online coaching for IAS in Hindi.
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