3. Main Examination (Mains)
Total Papers: 8 Papers
Total Marks: 1500 Marks (Written) + 100 Marks (Interview) = 1600 Marks
Total Marks: 1500 Marks (Written) + 100 Marks (Interview) = 1600 Marks
Mains Paper Structure
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Hindi | 150 | 3 hours | Qualifying (Minimum marks required) |
| Paper II | Essay | 150 | 3 hours | Merit (Counted in final marks) |
| Paper III | General Studies I | 200 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies II | 200 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies III | 200 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper VI | General Studies IV | 200 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper I | 200 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper VIII | Optional Subject Paper II | 200 | 3 hours | Merit |
Total Written Marks: 1500 | Interview: 100 | Grand Total: 1600
Mains Detailed Syllabus
Paper I: General Hindi (150 Marks)
- Hindi Grammar (व्याकरण)
- Precis Writing (संक्षेपण)
- Letter Writing (पत्र लेखन)
- Translation (अनुवाद)
- Essay in Hindi (निबंध)
Note: This is a qualifying paper. Minimum marks are required, but marks are NOT added to final merit.
Paper II: Essay (150 Marks)
- Candidates need to write essays on multiple topics
- Topics cover: Social, Economic, Political, Philosophical, Environmental, and Current Affairs
- Essay should be well-structured with introduction, body, and conclusion
- Word limit and number of essays may vary
Paper III: General Studies I (200 Marks)
Topics Covered:
- History of India: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History
- Indian Culture: Art forms, Literature, Architecture from ancient to modern times
- Modern Indian History: From the middle of the eighteenth century until the present
- Freedom Struggle: Significant events, personalities, issues from the 18th century
- Post-Independence India: Consolidation and reorganization within the country
- World History: Events from 18th century (Industrial Revolution, World Wars, etc.)
- Indian Geography: Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India
- World Geography: Distribution of key natural resources, factors responsible for location of industries
Paper IV: General Studies II (200 Marks)
Topics Covered:
- Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments
- Governance: Structure, organization, functioning of Executive, Legislature, Judiciary
- Federal Structure: Devolution of powers and finances, challenges therein
- Separation of Powers: Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
- Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme: With that of other countries
- Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges
- Executive and Judiciary: Structure, organization, functioning
- Ministries and Departments: Structure and functioning of government
- Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-judicial Bodies: Various constitutional and statutory bodies
- Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations: Their role in Polity
- Salient Features of Representation of People's Act: Electoral system in India
- Appointment to Constitutional Posts: Powers, functions, and responsibilities
- Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-judicial Bodies: Various bodies and their functions
- Government Policies and Interventions: For development in various sectors
- Development Processes: Role of NGOs, SHGs, groups, associations, donors, charities, institutional stakeholders
- Welfare Schemes: For vulnerable sections, mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies
- Issues Relating to Development: Management of social sector/services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
- Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger: Various aspects and government initiatives
- Important Aspects of Governance: Transparency and accountability, e-governance, citizens charters
- Role of Civil Services: In a democracy
- India and its Neighborhood Relations: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings
- Effect of Policies and Politics: Of developed and developing countries on India's interests
- Important International Institutions: Agencies, their structure, mandate
Paper V: General Studies III (200 Marks)
Topics Covered:
- Indian Economy: Planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, employment
- Inclusive Growth: Issues arising from it
- Government Budgeting: Budget process, components, deficits
- Major Crops: Cropping patterns, storage, transport, marketing of agricultural produce
- Issues in Agriculture: E-technology in aid of farmers
- PDS, Buffer Stocks, Food Security: Issues and related constraints
- Technology Missions: Economics of animal-rearing
- Food Processing: Related industries in India, scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements
- Land Reforms in India: Various aspects
- Effects of Liberalization: On economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
- Investment Models: Various models and their effectiveness
- Science and Technology: Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
- Achievements of Indians: In science & technology, indigenization of technology
- Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology: Issues relating to intellectual property rights
- Conservation: Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
- Disaster and Disaster Management: Various types of disasters and management
- Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism: Role of external state and non-state actors
- Challenges to Internal Security: Through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites
- Basics of Cyber Security: Money-laundering and its prevention
- Security Challenges: Border management, various security forces and agencies
- Organized Crime and Terrorism: Various aspects and linkages
Paper VI: General Studies IV (200 Marks)
Topics Covered:
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics
- 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 behavior
- Aptitude and Foundational Values: For Civil Service, integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity
- 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
- Citizen's Charters: Work culture, Quality of service delivery
- Utilization of Public Funds: Challenges of corruption
- Case Studies: On above issues
Paper VII & VIII: Optional Subject (200 Marks Each)
Candidates need to choose ONE optional subject from the list provided by UPPSC. Each optional subject has 2 papers of 200 marks each.
Note: Optional subjects list is provided in a separate section below.