Detailed Syllabus and Study Materials
To crack the UPSC examination and become a civil servant in India, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the detailed syllabus and gather the right study materials. The UPSC examination consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II, each carrying 250 marks. The optional subject chosen by the candidate will be the basis for Paper II. Let’s delve into the detailed syllabus and study materials for the UPSC optional subjects.
5.2.1 Optional Subjects
The UPSC allows candidates to choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided. The optional subject carries a weightage of 500 marks in the examination. It is important to choose a subject that aligns with your interests, strengths, and academic background. Here are some popular optional subjects:
- History
- Geography
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Political Science and International Relations
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English.
5.2.2 Detailed Syllabus
Each optional subject has a specific syllabus that candidates need to cover during their preparation. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the syllabus to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topics. Here is an example of the detailed syllabus for the optional subject of History:
Paper I:
- Sources and approaches to study of early Indian history.
- Prehistoric cultures in India.
- Indus Valley Civilization: Origin, extent, major sites, and features.
- Early Vedic period: Polity, society, economy, and religion.
- Later Vedic period: Polity, society, economy, and religion.
- Jainism and Buddhism: Origin, teachings, and spread.
- Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta, Ashoka, and their administration.
- Post-Mauryan India: Sungas, Kanvas, and their administration.
- Gupta Empire: Administration, society, economy, and culture.
- Post-Gupta period: Harsha, his administration, and cultural contribution.
Paper II:
- European penetration into India: Trade, colonization, and establishment of British rule.
- British economic policies in India: Drain of wealth, land revenue, and commercialization of agriculture.
- Socio-religious reform movements in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Indian National Movement: Factors leading to the rise, growth, and spread of nationalism.
- Gandhi and his ideology: Role in the freedom struggle and his critique of modern civilization.
- Constitutional development in India: Government of India Acts, Indian Councils Acts, and the Constituent Assembly.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
- India’s foreign policy: Non-alignment, Panchsheel, and relations with major powers.
5.2.3 Study Materials
To effectively prepare for the optional subject, candidates should gather the right study materials. Here are some recommended study materials for the optional subject of History:
- “India’s Ancient Past” by R.S. Sharma
- “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra
- “India Since Independence” by Bipan Chandra
- “A History of Medieval India” by Satish Chandra
- “A History of Modern India” by Bipan Chandra
- “India’s Foreign Policy” by V.P. Dutt
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
- “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
- “Social Problems in India” by Ram Ahuja
- “Introduction to the Constitution of India” by D.D. Basu
Apart from these books, candidates should also refer to relevant NCERT textbooks, government reports, and other reference materials to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
5.2.4 Additional Resources
In addition to the recommended study materials, candidates can also make use of various online resources and platforms to enhance their preparation. Some useful resources include:
- UPSC official website: The official website of the UPSC provides valuable information, notifications, and previous year question papers.
- Online forums and communities: Joining online forums and communities dedicated to UPSC preparation can help candidates connect with fellow aspirants, share knowledge, and seek guidance.
- Online courses and video lectures: Many educational platforms offer online courses and video lectures specifically designed for UPSC preparation. These resources can provide in-depth explanations and insights into the optional subjects.
- Mock tests and question banks: Practicing mock tests and solving previous year question papers is crucial to understand the exam pattern, improve time management skills, and assess one’s preparation level.
Remember, while gathering study materials, it is important to focus on quality rather than quantity. Choose resources that are reliable, up-to-date, and aligned with the syllabus.
By understanding the detailed syllabus and gathering the right study materials, candidates can effectively prepare for their chosen optional subject and increase their chances of cracking the UPSC examination.
