The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. To crack this exam and become a civil servant, one needs to have a thorough understanding of a wide range of subjects. While there are many optional subjects to choose from, there are some compulsory subjects that every candidate must prepare for.
These compulsory subjects are the backbone of the UPSC exam, and a good grasp of these subjects is essential to clear the preliminary as well as the mains exam. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail the compulsory subjects that a candidate needs to prepare for in the UPSC exam.
We will cover the important aspects of each subject to help you understand what is expected of you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aspirant, this blog post will provide you with valuable insights into the compulsory subjects of the UPSC exam. So, let’s dive in and explore these subjects in detail!
Also Read: English Literature Optional Subject UPSC: Pros and Cons of Choosing English Literature
What are the Compulsory Subjects for UPSC Prelims Exam?
The UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers, both of which have multiple-choice questions. The first paper is General Studies Paper I and the second paper is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) or General Studies Paper II. Both papers have compulsory subjects that a candidate needs to prepare for. Here are the compulsory subjects for UPSC Prelims:
General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I):
- This paper covers a wide range of subjects and topics, including History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs. The following are some of the important topics that a candidate needs to cover:
- Indian History and Culture
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- Environment and Ecology
- General Science and Technology
- Current Events of National and International Importance
General Studies Paper II (GS Paper II) or CSAT:
- This paper is designed to test the analytical and comprehension skills of the candidate. The following are some of the important topics that a candidate needs to cover:
- Comprehension
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem-Solving
- Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation
It is important to note that both papers are of equal importance and carry equal weightage in the UPSC Prelims. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare well for both papers to clear the Prelims and qualify for the Mains exam.
Compulsory Subjects for UPSC
There are three compulsory subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Exam, which are as follows:
- General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I): This paper is a mix of different subjects such as History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs. It tests the candidate’s understanding of diverse topics and their ability to link them with contemporary events. The paper consists of 100 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks.
- General Studies Paper II (GS Paper II): This paper is also known as the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) and is designed to test the candidate’s analytical and comprehension skills. It includes topics such as Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Decision Making, and Interpersonal Skills. The paper consists of 80 questions, with each question carrying 2.5 marks.
- English Language: This paper aims to test the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. It includes topics such as Grammar, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. The paper consists of 100 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks.
It is important to note that the marks obtained in these compulsory papers are added to the final score of the candidate. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare well for these papers to secure a good rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
Also Read: Tips to Prepare for Disaster Management Topic for UPSC Civil Service Mains Exam
UPSC Exam Preparation Tips for Compulsory Subjects
Preparing for the compulsory subjects of the UPSC exam can be a daunting task for many aspirants. However, with the right strategy and approach, it is possible to score well in these papers. Here are some preparation tips for the compulsory subjects of the UPSC exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: Before starting your preparation, it is essential to go through the syllabus of each subject thoroughly. Understand the topics that are included and prioritize them based on their weightage in the exam.
- Create a Study Plan: Make a study plan that includes all the topics and sub-topics of each subject. Divide your time wisely and set realistic goals for yourself.
- Read and Analyze: For GS Paper I, it is essential to read NCERT textbooks from 6th to 12th standard, along with relevant reference books. For GS Paper II, practice solving the previous year’s question papers and take online mock tests to improve your comprehension and analytical skills.
- Improve Vocabulary: To score well in the English Language paper, work on improving your vocabulary by reading newspapers, magazines, and books. Practice grammar exercises and solve previous year’s papers to gain a better understanding of the paper pattern.
- Revision: Revise regularly to retain the concepts and facts that you have learned. Make notes of important points, formulas, and diagrams, and revise them periodically.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest national and international news by reading newspapers and watching news channels regularly. This will help you answer questions related to current affairs in GS Paper I.
- Time Management: Practice time management by solving previous year’s papers within the allotted time frame. This will help you manage your time efficiently during the actual exam.
Preparing for the compulsory subjects of the UPSC exam requires a well-planned approach and consistent effort. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of scoring well in these papers and achieve your goal of becoming a civil servant.
Conclusion
UPSC Pathshala can be considered an effective platform for UPSC exam preparation. The platform provides comprehensive and personalized learning with experienced mentors, mock tests, and assessments. It also offers interactive learning through live classes and doubt-solving sessions, which can be helpful for students to clear their concepts and doubts. Additionally, the platform’s focus on personalized learning can help students learn at their own pace and according to their learning style. Overall, the effectiveness of UPSC Pathshala depends on the effort and dedication put in by the students, but the platform provides all the necessary resources and support to help them achieve their goals.
