Prelims

prelims notes

Syllabus.

Here’s a clear, structured overview of UPSC Prelims subjects. The UPSC Prelims (CSAT + General Studies Paper 1) mainly tests General Studies and Current Affairs, with Paper 2 (CSAT) testing aptitude and reasoning. I’ll focus on the subjects/topics relevant for Paper 1, which is what most aspirants mean by “Prelims subjects.”

1. History

  • Ancient History – Indus Valley, Vedic period, Maurya, Gupta, etc.
  • Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, regional kingdoms.
  • Modern History – British India, freedom struggle, social reformers, Revolt of 1857, INA, etc.
  • Post-Independence India – Constituent Assembly, major events after 1947.

Sources: NCERTs (Class 6–12), Spectrum Modern History, Bipin Chandra.

2. Geography

  • Physical Geography – Mountains, rivers, climate, soil, natural vegetation.
  • Indian Geography – States, rivers, climate, agriculture, industries.
  • World Geography – Important locations, continents, oceans, natural phenomena.

Sources: NCERTs (Class 6–12), GC Leong, Majid Husain (optional).

3. Polity

  • Constitution of India – Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Directive Principles, Amendments.
  • Governance – Parliament, President, Judiciary, Local Government.
  • Important Articles, Schedules, and Institutions (Election Commission, UPSC, CAG, etc.)

Sources: Laxmikanth “Indian Polity”, Bare Act for reference.

4. Economy

  • Basic economic concepts – GDP, inflation, fiscal policy.
  • Indian Economy – Planning, Budget, Banking, Finance, Agriculture, Industry.
  • Government Schemes – Welfare schemes, NITI Aayog reports.

Sources: NCERTs, Nitin Singhania, Economic Survey, Budget, PIB.

5. Environment & Ecology

  • Biodiversity – National parks, wildlife, endangered species.
  • Ecology – Food chain, ecosystems, environmental issues.
  • Climate Change – Global warming, international conventions (Paris, Kyoto).
  • Pollution and conservation policies.

Sources: Shankar IAS Environment book, NCERT Science, PIB.

6. Science & Technology

  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics – NCERT level.
  • Space, Nuclear Science, Biotechnology, IT & Computers, AI.
  • Developments in health, medicine, vaccination.

Sources: NCERT Science, Current Affairs, PIB, Technology reports.

7. Current Affairs

  • National & International Events – Politics, Economy, Science, Environment.
  • Government Policies & Schemes.
  • Awards, Sports, Books & Authors, Summits, International Organizations.

Sources: Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), PIB, Yojana, Kurukshetra, Monthly Magazines.

8. Miscellaneous / Other Areas

  • Art & Culture – Indian paintings, architecture, dance, music, festivals.
  • Ethics & Governance – occasionally linked to administrative practices.
  • Disaster Management & Security – internal & external.

Sources: NCERTs, IGNOU, RSTV, PIB.

Quick Note on Prelims

  • Paper 1: 100% GS + current affairs (covers the subjects above)
  • Paper 2 (CSAT): Logical reasoning, comprehension, basic numeracy (qualifying, 33%)

If you want, I can make a single-page table of all Prelims subjects with their weightage and recommended sources, so it’s perfect for quick revision. It’s very handy for UPSC prep.

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