QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH: Syllabus

The aim of the paper is to test the candidatess ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas
clearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned.
English:
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 viceversa.
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).
English Comprehension & English Prcis - Syllabus
As per the modifications in the exam-plan, UPSC has removed this Paper from the new format for Main Examination.
It is the Section 2 of Paper I in Civil Services (Main) Examination. It carries 100 Marks weightage.
English Comprehension & English Prcis will be to test the English language Comprehension and English prcis writing skills (at
10th standard level).

Essay - Syllabus
In the new scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination, Essay paper gain more value i.e. 250 marks thus has a
little more share in the pie.





General Studies- I : Syllabus Paper II of Civil Services (Main) Examination is
General Studies-I. It has 250 Marks attached to it.
General Studies- I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient
to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant
events, personalities, issues
The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different
parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world
wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like
communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of women and womens organization, population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Salient features of worlds physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water
bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.



General Studies- II: Syllabus Paper III of Civil Services (Main) Examination is
General Studies-II. It has 250 Marks attached to it.
General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
provisions and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the
federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges
and issues arising out of these.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and
Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in
the Polity.
Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of
their design and implementation.
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and
associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications,
models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and
institutional and other measures.
Role of civil services in a democracy.
India and its neighborhood- relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias
interests
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests, Indian
diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

General Studies- III: Syllabus
Paper IV of Civil Services (Main) Examination is General Studies-III. It has 250
Marks attached to it.
General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and
Disaster Management.
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and
irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related
constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution
System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;
Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and
downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial
growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment models.
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing
new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and
issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster and disaster management.
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its
prevention
Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with
terrorism
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

General Studies- IV: Syllabus
Paper V of Civil Services (Main) Examination is General Studies-IV. It has 250
Marks attached to it.
General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates attitude and approach to issues
relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various
issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case
study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in
human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Human Values lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and
administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating
values.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and
behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-
partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and
compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration
and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems;
ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules,
regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical
governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues
in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance
and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to
Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizens Charters, Work culture,
Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Case Studies on above issues.

Tips To Tackle Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 In New Format
After a long gap there is some calm and encouraging atmosphere for Civil Services Examination aspirants
as for past many years, expectations of change for pattern were keeping rumour mills running and dilemma
about the proposed changes kept them quite anxious.
For analyzing the new format for Civil Services (Main) Examination you dont need a crystal ball. Use your mind to
evaluate the changes and try to read the psyche of UPSC to bring in such modifications.

No doubt, when changes occur there are some apprehensions that lead to pressure and stress among candidates. My
goal is to make an attempt with the purpose of removing all impediments from your preparation-path and make them
uncomplicated so that you can focus all your energies on the goal career in IAS.

A new face of Civil Services Examination has emerged
With gradual changes in Prelims (from 2011) and now, in Main Examination, the face of Civil Services Examination has
changed completely.

While changes in Preliminary Examination altered the quality of candidates reaching the next level (Main Examination)
by introducing Aptitude based testing; and now, the modification at Main Examination level will test capabilities of the
candidates with greater precision.

As the clarity has emerged regarding the newly introduced format for Main Examination, now it is up to you to
understand the changes thoroughly and in what way these are going to impact your preparation strategy.

For the beginners as well as the candidates who have taken attempt earlier, the new format have certain aspects that
require a complete new look at the preparation strategies.

Now, some radical changes have come at Main Examination level
Some can say that almost all components of earlier scheme have been present with only difference in with worth. So,
where is need of any new strategy?

Some of you may feel so. But, the fact is that this re-jig has made it a new-ball game.
Compulsory Papers:
After the removal of newly-added contentious English Comprehension & English Prcis paper, two compulsory
qualifying papers (Indian Language & English) are back. These are worth 300 marks each and the marks secured in
these would not be considered for ranking purpose.

Candidates need to care for these qualifying papers on Indian Language and English and try to cross the minimum
standard set for these by Commission. Otherwise, your all effort can go in wane as the notification says, the papers on
Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance of who attain such
minimum standard as may be fixed by Commission at their discretion for the qualifying papers on Indian Language and
English.

Essay:
The increase in its role in overall examination set-up indicates that UPSC has clear intentions to check the range of
thoughts, expression and writing skills of the candidates.

After all, the purpose of this exam is to recruit the suitable candidates for 21st century Civil Servants.

The increased share of Essay Paper would require some skills as if taken lightly; it can hinder your chances of success.
On other hand, a well written Essay can enhance the prospects and can play a vital role in selection and rank.
General Studies in IAS 2013 new pattern: identify basic needs

So, we had to go a long way to understand the value of General Studies. Yeah; it is right there in the new-format for Main
Examination as the domain of General Studies get the might it deserved.

Now, General Studies has become the "worthy" from the "Less worthy" and all attention seems to be shifting towards it.

While framing the new syllabus, UPSC has gone a step ahead and come out with highly structured syllabus defining it in
detail. A boon for the candidates as earlier, with two General Studies paper only, they had to run around to cover
everything under the sun.

It is not only that number of papers for General Studies has doubled or worth has been increased but, the fact is
that complete balance of preparation has undergone a dramatic shift.

Some of the topics in General Studies syllabus are new; but, major portion is facets that are newly re-defined. If you talk
about the addition, it would be approx one third of the complete syllabus and in that too, the major share has come in
shape of Paper IV (Ethics, integrity and Aptitude).

A glance over the syllabus for Paper I, II and III gives a feel that UPSC has blended two different themes traditional as
well as dynamic in such a way that it would require a candidate to be well informed.
General Studies Paper I
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

From History, a lot of new topics like Indian Heritage and Culture and World History have come. Post-Independence
History has got significance that would make this quite challenging for the candidates.

Some extension from Prelims syllabus is visible as World Geography has found place here. Geographical topics are
going to be in more prominence.

Inclusion of Society, social issues is just an extension of the syllabus that existed earlier.

In all, this paper is bound to give confidence to lot many candidates as presence of many traditional parts would boost
confidence. But, one should not just stick to conventional portion only; a lot of questions can be raised from the
contemporary developments as well.

General Studies Paper II
(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
Indian Polity has always been an integral part of syllabus and is more dynamic in nature that truly echoes in more
significance to current developments. There is nothing that could raise eyebrows; a glance at previous years papers
would reveal that most of the aspects covered in new syllabus were in focus earlier as well.

Role, working of the government/institutions and related topics are in focus and syllabus duly outlines the examiners
expectations that require comprehensible knowledge as well as updated information base.

Very timely focus on International Relations and Social Justice Issues make it look contemporary and forward looking.

General Studies Paper III
(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Economy has again been important constituent and now, in new format should continue to get prominence. It is more of
contemporary issues and a vast coverage of current economy developments.

Agriculture, food and related subjects have caught the attention and requires serious look at related news flow. This area
is quite significant that would require any candidate to prepare it effectively.

Science & Technology is area that requires attention and newly added security issues will touch more of current
problems our country face right now. Role of media, social networking sites and issues relating to cyber security are to
be taken care.

You will not be able to ignore Environment, Bio-diversity and related issues and Disaster Management has come as
priority addition.

General Studies Paper IV
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
We need to go back to understand the need of this paper as three years back when reforms in recruitment process for
higher post like Civil Servants initiated, UPSC and even the Government had talked about the moral and ethical
dimensions

With introduction of psychological aptitude and value system tests in examination scheme, endeavour is to attract the
brightest candidates who can perform the functions through the lens of integrity and ethics. It is an attempt to ensure that
people with right attitude are taken in the government service, especially at the senior level post and services.

A glance at the syllabus for this paper clearly reflects the present theme where we are witnessing rapid changes due to
liberalization and globalization. The role of the Government is more of a facilitator than a regulator.

With an aim to recruit the right person for the right job, UPSC is looking out for candidates possessing effective qualities
to perform the task for carrying forward the complex and diverse agenda to meet challenges that arise in front of a Civil
Servant.

So, be ready to face some situational questions that will require overall understanding as UPSC has clearly
mentioned This paper will include questions to test the candidates attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity,
probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with
society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.

So, clearly the objective would be to assess the personal attributes like attitude, leadership, identifying and addressing
problems, decision-making abilities, sense of responsibility, emotional stability, communication skills, moral skills,
capacity to take professional stand and meeting dead-lines etc.
Do you know what examiners expect of you?
Before drawing any conclusion about the syllabus, candidates should give pay attention to the points included in the
notification and should consider these while formulating preparation-strategies:

The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates
rather than merely the range of their information and memory.

The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will be such that a
welleducated 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.
Optional Subject
Now, in new format, candidates have to pick only one optional subject. We will touch related aspects in details
separately.
With Clarity Emerging On Changes In Civil Services (Main) Exam Pattern; Identify
Your Challenges
The recent news of some modification in the new scheme for Civil Services (Main) Examination has at last
cleared all doubts surrounding the minds of aspirants. Hope this will help in clearing the path and getting all
related doubts out of aspirant's way.
Fresh pattern for Main Examination, over and above some modifications create the setting that is little uncertain for the
candidates planning to appear in Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013.
Although a lot of clarity has emerged and almost all doubts surrounding the minds of aspirants have been cleared; still,
limited time for preparation, and many more such apprehension surround the mind of the candidates.
But, it is time to move all fear to the side. Instead of confronting with the emerging situation, it is time of taking purposeful
action with aim to achieve the goal.
Take purposeful action
The emerging scenario requires you to identify the challenges you are going to face in new environment.
By now, you must have observed the escalating role of General studies and Essay and thinning influence of optional
subjects in the new format.
Some of you can think that these is no major change and almost all question papers have some resemblance with the
outgoing pattern; but, dont forget that reincarnation has some smart and radical changes that will necessitate newer
strategies to counter the challenges these knit.
There is nothing that can be taken lightly
First, to talk about the compulsory papers; these are of qualifying nature; but, if complacency sets in, these can prove to
be a bigger threat than English Comprehension and English Prcis paper that just got scrapped. You need to be careful
as in past also, many candidates have paid heavy penalty for taking these lightly.
Coming to Essay; the role of Essay paper has become significant and high marks scored in Essay have a major role to
play in your success and rank.
Now, General Studies is going to be game changer
With four (4) General Studies papers having weightage of 1000 marks you have a big task in hand. In new format for
Main Examination, the General Studies will prove to be the decider.
The first three papers I, II and III are more or less extension of the previous General Studies syllabus with some new
additions. Paper IV is fresh initiative to test candidates psychologically.
There is greater clarity and less ambiguity as syllabus majorly defines topics and realm each paper has. Having a strong
foundation is very essential in facing fresh challenges. Think about it seriously while preparing for all the topics domain of
General Studies covers; and conceptual clarity with updated knowledge would help you in facing these effectively.
Once that is taken care off, every thing else will look easy and as you advance, you will have better understanding and a
stronger grip over the topics you read.
Optional Subjects have a side role to play
The game-changer in erstwhile pattern Optional subject has a limited but, again a vital role to play. The existence of
optional subject has given a new life to a large number of candidates who were indulged in preparation for quite some
time.
However, the task of choosing the optional subject is going to be tougher and the basis of choosing optional subjects will
change in new environment.
A shrewd strategy to pick the right optional can lend a hand in your success and honest efforts to prepare it would
divulge the secret your smart choice plays.
Dont be afraid, participate in examination with open mind
The experts who track this examination closely and folks who are aware of examination standard and examiners
expectation will agree with me that the big prospects awaits you as the changes always bring newer opportunities.
The first stage Preliminary Examination has nothing new and most of the candidates would have been preparing for it
diligently. Right now, this should be on top-of-mind as your good performance only will get you ticket to next stage
Main Examination.
This is an open competition and only a few among those who show the courage to appear in examination would figure in
the final list of successful candidates who will accomplish their goal of life career in IAS.
Analyzing The Nature Of Changes Introduced For Civil Services (Main) Examination
2013
With the details about the changes in scheme for Main Examination, the confusion is out of air. The new
pattern does not show any major surprise; it is more or less on expected lines, General Studies has got more
prominence and still, optional subject is an integral part of exam-plan though the weightage has gone down a
little.
The much-awaited new scheme for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 is revealed. This issue had been top of
mind and candidates were really eager to know the amendments UPSC is craving and with conflicting verdicts coming
out from different quarters, candidates were facing a lot of uncertainty.

As part of reforms process UPSC has introduced certain changes that are significant in nature and are bound to impact
the way candidates prepare for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013.

In 2011, when changes were introduced at Preliminary Examination level, UPSC had made their intentions clear and
now, with new scheme for Main Examination in place, one thing is for sure that it would be difficult for any candidate to
cross the written part of examinations with relaxed/traditional approach.

The emerging situation necessitates a serious endeavour
It is an attempt of create a level playing field for all candidates and be it fresher or those who have taken attempt/s
earlier, the changes pattern will be probing knowledge and intellect candidate possess and call for an urgent need to
indulge in some serious planning.

I hope that UPSC should come out with sample question as they did when changes were introduced at Preliminary
Examination in 2011, to wipe out confusion among aspirants.
The time has come when candidates should be serious with their study plan. The challenge is big and new scheme for
Main Examination would require some serious planning.

The following articles would help you in getting some insights about the changes that have come in Main Examination
2013:
General Studies has got the maximum influence!
Only one Optional Subject now!
Will it favour candidates from any particular subjects?
In new environment, which is the best optional subject?
General Studies Has Got The Maximum Influence!
With 4 papers and 1000 marks assigned to General Studies in new format of Civil Services (Main)
Examination, it has the maximum weightage in total 1800 marks written examination.
With 4 papers of General Studies, the coverage has gone wider and now, candidates cannot ignore the magnitude and would
have to take it seriously.

Gone are the days when candidates were scoring less than 200 marks (out of 600) in General Studies and with very high scores
in optional subjects were able to find place in top ranks.

As such, General Studies had a vague syllabus and newly introduced first three papers (General Studies I, II and III) can be
classified as extension of the previous syllabus with some odd additional topics like Disaster Management etc.

The General Studies Paper-IV has some newer topics and would be exciting as UPSC has clearly hinted about leaning towards
Case Studies on issues covered in the syllabus.