UPSC IAS & IFS Prelims Result 2025 Released – 1129 Civil Services & Forest Services Posts - 1129 Posts

UPSC Civil Services Main Examination – Detailed Syllabus

Structure: The Main examination includes 9 descriptive papers — 2 qualifying and 7 merit-based.

Qualifying Papers (Each 300 Marks)

Paper A: Indian Language (As per Eighth Schedule)

This paper tests the candidate's understanding of an Indian language chosen from the list in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. It is mandatory except for candidates from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim.

• Comprehension of given passages
• Precise Writing
• Usage and Vocabulary
• Short Essay
• Translation from English to the chosen language and vice versa

Paper B: English

Basic understanding and expression in English are tested. This paper is compulsory and qualifying.

• Comprehension of given passages
• Precise Writing
• Usage and Vocabulary
• Short Essay

Note: Marks of Paper A and B are not counted for merit ranking but are essential to qualify.

Papers Counted for Merit (Total – 1750 Marks)

Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)

Write essays on multiple topics. Candidates are expected to arrange their ideas in a coherent manner with clarity of expression.

Paper II: General Studies I (250 Marks)

• Indian Heritage and Culture: Literature, Art, Architecture
• Modern Indian History: Important events, personalities, and issues
• World History: From 18th century, events like industrial revolution and world wars
• Indian Society: Role of women, Social empowerment, Communalism
• Geography: Physical, Economic and Human geography of India and the world

Paper III: General Studies II (250 Marks)

• Polity and Constitution: Structure, Governance, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj
• Governance and Social Justice: Welfare schemes, Health, Education, Transparency
• International Relations: Bilateral and regional groupings, Global institutions

Paper IV: General Studies III (250 Marks)

• Indian Economy: Budgeting, Growth, Planning
• Agriculture: Food security, Irrigation, Cropping patterns
• Science and Tech: Developments, Awareness in IT, Space, Robotics
• Environment: Climate change, Biodiversity, Environmental Impact Assessment
• Disaster and Security: Cybersecurity, Internal security, Role of media

Paper V: General Studies IV (250 Marks)

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – Relevant for public administration and governance.

• Ethics and Human Interface
• Attitude and Emotional Intelligence
• Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
• Integrity in Public Life, Probity, Work Culture
• Case studies on real-life administrative situations

Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II (250 + 250 Marks)

Candidate chooses one subject. Both papers will test depth of knowledge in that subject.

• Available Subjects include: Geography, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Public Administration, etc.

UPSC Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination – Detailed Syllabus

Exam Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Mode: Descriptive (Written Examination)

Language Medium: English Only (Except General English and General Knowledge)

1. General Knowledge

This section evaluates a candidate's awareness of current events and basic understanding of India and the world. It includes:

• Current affairs (national and international)
• Indian political system and Constitution
• Geography (India and World)
• General Science and Environmental Issues
• Economic and Social Development
• History and culture of India

2. General English

The paper tests English language skills, especially comprehension and grammar:

• Essay writing
• Precis writing
• Comprehension and passage analysis
• Usage and vocabulary
• Grammar and sentence structure

3. Optional Subjects (Two Papers Each – 200 Marks Per Paper)

Candidates must select two optional subjects from the list provided. Each subject will have two papers.

List of Optional Subjects:

• Agriculture
• Agricultural Engineering
• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Forestry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Statistics
• Zoology

Note: The combination of subjects such as Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering or Forestry and Botany is not allowed.

UPSC IAS / IFS 2025 – Preparation Tips & Trusted Resources

General Preparation Tips

• Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Go through the official syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Keep a printout or digital copy handy for regular reference.
• Stick to Limited, Standard Books: Avoid switching between too many resources. Focus on NCERTs, recommended standard books, and previous years' papers.
• Make Timetables: Divide your preparation into phases—Prelims focus, Mains writing practice, and Interview readiness.
• Answer Writing Practice: For IAS/IFS Mains, write at least 1-2 answers daily. Focus on clarity, structure, and real examples.
• Mock Tests: Take timed mock tests regularly for Prelims and join a good test series for Mains.
• Revision: Keep your notes concise and plan multiple revisions, especially in the 2 months before the exam.
• Optional Subject: Choose a subject based on interest, background, and past performance in UPSC. Don’t blindly follow trends.
• Current Affairs: Read one reliable newspaper daily (e.g., The Hindu or Indian Express). Make notes or summaries of important events, schemes, and policies.

Recommended Resources

• Official UPSC Website: https://upsc.gov.in – Notifications, syllabus, previous papers
• NCERT Textbooks: Especially History, Geography, Economics, Science (Class 6–12) – Available at ncert.nic.in
• Books for Prelims:
  • Polity – Laxmikanth
  • Geography – G.C. Leong & NCERTs
  • Economy – Ramesh Singh or NCERTs
  • History – Spectrum for Modern India, NCERTs for Ancient/Medieval
  • Environment – Shankar IAS Book
• Mains Writing: Secure compilations (InsightsIAS), GS score model answers, Vision IAS Mains 365
• Forest Service Specific: Use ICAR eCourses, IFS-specific study material, and subject-specific toppers’ notes (Forestry, Agriculture, Zoology, etc.)
• Mock Tests: ForumIAS, InsightsIAS, VisionIAS – for both Prelims and Mains
• Current Affairs: PIB releases ( pib.gov.in ), Yojana & Kurukshetra magazines

Interview Preparation

• Keep a detailed DAF (Detailed Application Form) analysis file – prepare for questions related to hobbies, background, home state, etc.
• Stay updated on national and international developments.
• Join mock interview programs by trusted coaching centers, if needed.

Note: Use only official or reputed sources. Avoid random Telegram PDFs or unverified online content. Ensure the material is updated for 2025.

Compiled by: Based on recommendations from successful candidates, UPSC toppers’ strategies, and verified public domain resources.