UP PCS Syllabus

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPCS) Preliminary Examination is structured to evaluate candidates across a broad and diverse spectrum of subjects and topics. The primary objective of this examination is to assess whether candidates possess a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of several critical areas of knowledge. 

General Studies – Paper I

The first paper of the UPPCS Preliminary Examination covers a wide range of subjects spanning history, geography, governance, science, and current affairs. The table below presents each topic along with its key focus areas:

Topic	Key Focus Areas
Current Events of National and International Importance	Candidates are expected to stay updated and well-informed about significant and recent developments taking place at both the national and international levels.
History of India and Indian National Movement	Requires a broad and well-grounded understanding of the social, economic, and political dimensions of Indian History. Additionally, candidates should have a synoptic understanding of: the nature and character of India’s freedom movement, the gradual growth and evolution of nationalism, and the eventual attainment of independence.
India and World Geography	Encompasses a general understanding of World Geography as a whole, along with a more focused study of Indian Geography, covering its physical, social, and economic geographical aspects.
Indian Polity and Governance	Covers a wide range of subjects including the Indian Constitution, the Political System, Panchayati Raj institutions, Public Policy formulation, and Rights-related Issues. Additional focus is placed on Community Development initiatives, Economic Policy frameworks, and the richness of Indian Culture.
Economic and Social Development	Deals with themes such as Sustainable Development, Poverty alleviation, Social Inclusion, Demographic patterns, and various Social Sector Initiatives introduced by the government. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the complex relationships and challenges arising from Population growth, Environmental concerns, and rapid Urbanization.
General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change	Candidates are expected to have a general level of awareness regarding these topics. No subject-specific expertise or specialized scientific knowledge is required for this section.
General Science	Tests the candidate’s understanding and appreciation of fundamental scientific concepts, particularly those that relate to everyday observations and practical experiences. The level of knowledge expected is that of a well-educated individual, and no advanced or specialized scientific background is required.

Note: Candidates are expected to maintain a general level of awareness about all the topics listed above, with particular and special reference to developments, events, and issues pertaining to the state of Uttar Pradesh.

General Studies – Paper II (CSAT)

The second paper of the UPPCS Preliminary Examination is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This paper is qualifying in nature and tests candidates on Elementary Mathematics, General English, and General Hindi. The detailed syllabus for each of these three subjects is outlined comprehensively in the sections below.

Elementary Mathematics

The Elementary Mathematics section covers a broad range of foundational mathematical concepts divided across five major sub-sections. Each sub-section is designed to test the candidate’s logical reasoning, numerical ability, and problem-solving skills.

1. Arithmetic

This sub-section covers the following areas:

• Number Systems: Includes the study of Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational Numbers, Real Numbers, concepts of Divisors, Prime Integers, as well as the calculation of Lowest Common Multiple (L.C.M.) and Highest Common Factor (H.C.F.)
• Average: Understanding and application of the concept of averages in various contexts.
• Ratio and Proportion: Problems based on ratios, direct and inverse proportions.
• Percentage: Calculation and application of percentages in practical scenarios.
• Profit and Loss: Problems related to cost price, selling price, profit percentage, and loss percentage.
• Simple and Compound Interest: Understanding the principles and calculations involved in both simple and compound interest scenarios.
• Work and Time: Problems involving the relationship between the number of workers, the amount of work, and the time taken to complete it.
• Speed, Time, and Distance: Application of the fundamental relationship between speed, time, and distance in varied problem types.

2. Algebra

This sub-section includes the following topics:

• Factors of Polynomials and methods of factorization
• L.C.M. and H.C.F. of Polynomials
• Remainder Theorem and its applications
• Simultaneous Linear Equations and their solutions
• Quadratic Equations and methods of solving them

3. Set Theory

The Set Theory sub-section encompasses the following concepts:

• Understanding and definition of Sets
• Null Set and its properties
• Subsets and Proper Subsets
• Operations on Sets, including Union, Intersection, Difference, and Symmetric Difference
• Representation and interpretation of relationships using Venn Diagrams

4. Geometry

The Geometry sub-section covers both theoretical and applied aspects of the subject, including:

• Geometric Constructions and Theorems related to standard shapes such as Triangles, Rectangles, Squares, Trapeziums, and Circles
• Calculation of Perimeter and Area of various two-dimensional figures
• Volume and Surface Area calculations for three-dimensional shapes including Spheres, Right Circular Cylinders, Right Circular Cones, and Cubes

5. Statistics

The Statistics sub-section deals with data handling, representation, and analysis, covering:

• Methods and principles of Data Collection
• Classification and organization of collected data
• Frequency Distribution and the construction of Frequency Tables
• Tabulation of data for better comprehension and analysis
• Cumulative Frequency and its interpretation
• Data Representation techniques including Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Histograms, Frequency Polygons, and Ogives
• Measures of Central Tendency, encompassing Arithmetic Mean, Median, and Mode, along with their calculation and application

UPPCS Mains Exam

General English

The General English section of the CSAT paper evaluates a candidate’s proficiency and command over the English language across various grammatical and comprehension-based parameters. The topics covered under this section are as follows:

• Comprehension: Reading and understanding of unseen passages followed by questions to test interpretation and inference skills.
• Active and Passive Voice: Conversion and identification of sentences in active and passive voice constructions.
• Parts of Speech: Understanding and application of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
• Transformation of Sentences: Converting sentences from one form to another while retaining the original meaning.
• Direct and Indirect Speech: Rules and application of narration conversion between direct and reported speech.
• Punctuation and Spellings: Correct use of punctuation marks and accurate spelling of commonly used words.
• Word Meanings: Understanding the meanings of frequently used and relatively advanced vocabulary.
• Vocabulary and Usage: Appropriate and contextual use of words in sentences and paragraphs.
• Idioms and Phrases: Meanings and usage of common English idioms and set phrases.
• Fill in the Blanks: Completing sentences with appropriate words, prepositions, articles, or other grammatical elements.

सामान्य हिंदी (General Hindi)

सामान्य हिंदी खंड में उम्मीदवारों की हिंदी भाषा पर पकड़ और उसके व्यावहारिक प्रयोग की क्षमता का परीक्षण किया जाता है। इस खंड में निम्नलिखित विषय सम्मिलित हैं:

• हिंदी वर्णमाला: हिंदी की मूल वर्णमाला, स्वर और व्यंजन की पहचान और उनका सही उपयोग।
• विराम चिन्ह: वाक्यों में विराम चिन्हों का उचित और सटीक प्रयोग।
• शब्द रचना एवं वाक्य रचना: शब्दों के निर्माण की प्रक्रिया तथा व्याकरण सम्मत वाक्यों की संरचना।
• अर्थ एवं शब्द-रूप: शब्दों के विभिन्न अर्थ और उनके रूपांतरण से संबंधित ज्ञान।
• संधि एवं समास: संधि के नियम और समास के विभिन्न प्रकार तथा उनके उदाहरण।
• क्रियाएं: क्रियाओं के प्रकार और उनका वाक्यों में प्रयोग।
• अनेकार्थी शब्द: एक से अधिक अर्थ रखने वाले शब्दों की पहचान और उनका प्रसंगानुसार उपयोग।
• विलोम शब्द: शब्दों के विपरीत अर्थ वाले शब्दों का ज्ञान।
• पर्यायवाची शब्द: समान या मिलते-जुलते अर्थ वाले शब्दों की जानकारी।
• मुहावरे और लोकोक्तियां: प्रचलित मुहावरों और लोकोक्तियों के अर्थ और उनका उचित प्रयोग।
• तत्सम और तद्भव: संस्कृत से आए मूल शब्द (तत्सम) और उनके परिवर्तित हिंदी रूप (तद्भव) की पहचान।
• देशज एवं विदेशी शब्द भंडार: हिंदी में प्रयुक्त देशज शब्दों तथा विदेशी भाषाओं से आए शब्दों की जानकारी।
• वर्तनी: शब्दों की सही वर्तनी (Spelling) और उससे संबंधित सामान्य अशुद्धियां।
• अर्थबोध: दिए गए गद्यांश या वाक्यों का सही अर्थ समझने और व्याख्या करने की क्षमता।
• हिन्दी भाषा के प्रयोग में होने वाली अशुद्धियां: हिंदी लेखन और व्याकरण में प्रायः होने वाली सामान्य गलतियों की पहचान और उनका सुधार।
• उत्तर प्रदेश की मुख्य बोलियां: उत्तर प्रदेश में बोली जाने वाली प्रमुख क्षेत्रीय बोलियों जैसे अवधी, ब्रज, भोजपुरी आदि का सामान्य परिचय और ज्ञान।

UP PCS Syllabus(Mains)

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPCS) Mains Examination is carefully structured to assess candidates on multiple dimensions, including their depth of subject knowledge, analytical and critical thinking abilities, and their capacity to present well-reasoned and coherent responses. The syllabus is broadly organized into several key components, encompassing language proficiency, essay writing, and six General Studies Papers, each of which focuses on a distinct and specific thematic area.

A comprehensive and detailed breakdown of the entire Mains syllabus is presented in the sections that follow.

सामान्य हिंदी (General Hindi)

सामान्य हिंदी प्रश्नपत्र में उम्मीदवारों की हिंदी भाषा पर व्यावहारिक पकड़ और उसके विभिन्न पहलुओं की समझ का परीक्षण किया जाता है। इस प्रश्नपत्र में निम्नलिखित विषय-बिंदु सम्मिलित हैं:

• दिये गए गद्य खण्ड का अवबोध एवं प्रश्नोत्तर
• संक्षेपण
• सरकारी एवं अर्धसरकारी पत्र लेखन, तार लेखन, कार्यालय आदेश, अधिसूचना, परिपत्र
• शब्द ज्ञान एवं प्रयोग
• उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय प्रयोग
• विलोम शब्द
• वाक्यांश के लिए एकशब्द
• वर्तनी एवं वाक्य शुद्धि
• लोकोक्ति एवं मुहावरे

Essay

The Essay paper is structured into three distinct sections. Candidates are required to select one topic from each of the three sections and write an essay of approximately 700 words on each chosen topic. The topics across the three sections are drawn from the following broad spheres:

Section	Topics
Section A	Literature and Culture; Social Sphere; Political Sphere
Section B	Science, Environment, and Technology; Economic Sphere; Agriculture, Industry, and Trade
Section C	National and International Events; Natural Calamities (e.g., Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought); National Development Programmes and Projects

General Studies – Paper I

Topic	Details
History of Indian Culture	Covers the significant and defining aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture spanning from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History	Encompasses major events, influential personalities, and critical issues from A.D. 1757 to A.D. 1947.
The Freedom Struggle	Examines the various progressive stages of India’s independence movement and the key contributions made by leaders and participants from different regions of the country.
Post-Independence History	Focuses on the process of consolidation and reorganization within India from the time of independence up to the year 1965 A.D.
World History	Covers significant global events from the 18th century to the mid-20th century, including the French Revolution (1789), the Industrial Revolution, both World Wars, the redrawing of national boundaries, and the rise and societal impact of Socialism, Nazism, and Fascism.
Indian Society and Culture	Deals with the defining and salient features of Indian Society and its rich and diverse cultural dimensions.
Role of Women and Related Issues	Encompasses the role and status of women in society, the functioning of women’s organizations, population-related concerns, poverty and developmental challenges, and the problems arising from rapid urbanization along with their possible solutions.
Economic Reforms and Impact	Focuses on the policies of Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) and their wide-ranging effects on the economy, political landscape, and social structure of India.
Social Issues	Covers themes of social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism as they manifest in contemporary Indian society.
Natural Resource Distribution	Examines the distribution of water, soils, and forests across South and South-East Asia with a particular focus on India, along with the various factors that influence the location of industries within the country.
Physical Geography	Includes the study of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, ocean currents, wind patterns, and glaciers.
Oceanic Resources of India	Assesses the vast potential and significance of India’s oceanic and marine resources.
Human Migration	Addresses refugee challenges and migration issues at the global level, with special emphasis on the Indian context.
Indian Sub-Continental Boundaries	Focuses on the frontiers and boundary-related issues of the Indian sub-continent.
Population and Settlements	Covers the types and patterns of population settlements, alongside the themes of Urbanization, Smart Cities, and Smart Villages.

General Studies – Paper II

Topic	Details
Indian Constitution	Covers the historical foundations, evolutionary process, distinctive features, significant amendments, key provisions, and the basic structure of the Constitution, including the role of the Supreme Court in shaping its fundamental provisions.
Union and State Functions	Deals with the respective functions and responsibilities of the Union and States, issues within the federal structure, and the devolution of powers and financial resources to local-level bodies.
Finance Commission	Examines the role and significance of the Finance Commission in regulating and managing Centre-State financial relations.
Separation of Powers	Covers dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions, along with the emergence and increasing use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Comparison of Constitutional Schemes	Involves a comparative analysis of the Indian constitutional framework with that of other major democratic nations across the world.
Parliament and State Legislatures	Includes the structure, functioning, conduct of legislative business, powers, privileges, and related issues pertaining to both Parliament and State Legislatures.
Executive and Judiciary	Covers the structure, organization, and functioning of the executive and judicial branches, including Ministries, Departments, pressure groups, associations, and Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Representation of People’s Act	Highlights salient features of the Act along with provisions related to appointments to Constitutional posts and their associated powers and responsibilities.
Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-Judicial Bodies	Includes a study of bodies such as NITI Aayog, covering their features and operational functioning.
Government Policies and Interventions	Focuses on policies designed for developmental purposes across various sectors, issues arising during design and implementation, and the role of Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Development Processes	Examines the contributions of NGOs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), donors, charitable organizations, institutional stakeholders, and other civil society actors.
Welfare Schemes	Covers schemes designed for vulnerable sections of society, their performance outcomes, and the mechanisms, laws, and institutions established for their protection.
Social Sector and Services	Addresses issues related to the development and management of health, education, and human resources.
Poverty and Hunger	Deals with issues of poverty and food insecurity and their broader implications for the body politic.
Governance	Encompasses themes of transparency, accountability, e-governance models and applications, citizen charters, and institutional measures for improved public service delivery.
Civil Services	Examines the evolving role of Civil Services within a democratic framework, with reference to emerging trends and challenges.
India and Neighbouring Countries	Covers India’s bilateral and diplomatic relationships with its neighboring nations.
Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings	Focuses on agreements and groupings involving India and those that have a bearing on India’s strategic and economic interests.
Global Policies and Politics	Examines how the policies and political decisions of developed and developing countries impact India’s national interests, including the role of the Indian diaspora.
International Institutions and Agencies	Covers important global institutions, their organizational structure, mandate, and functioning.
Current Affairs	Encompasses regional, national, and international events of contemporary importance and relevance.

General Studies – Paper III

Topic	Details
Economic Planning in India	Covers objectives, achievements, the role of NITI Aayog, and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Poverty and Unemployment	Addresses challenges of poverty, unemployment, social justice, and the pursuit of inclusive growth.
Government Budgets and Financial System	Examines the components and overall structure of government budgets and the financial system.
Agriculture	Covers major crops, irrigation types and systems, storage, transport, marketing of agricultural produce, and e-technology tools supporting farmers.
Farm Subsidies and Food Security	Includes direct and indirect subsidies, minimum support prices, Public Distribution System (PDS), buffer stocks, food security measures, and technology missions in agriculture.
Food Processing Industries	Covers the scope, significance, locational factors, upstream and downstream requirements, and supply chain management of food processing.
Land Reforms	Examines the history and outcomes of land reforms implemented in India since independence.
Liberalization and Globalization	Focuses on economic impacts, changes in industrial policy, and their effect on overall industrial growth.
Infrastructure	Covers energy infrastructure, ports, road networks, airports, railways, and related developmental aspects.
Science and Technology	Addresses developments and their practical applications in daily life and national security, along with India’s policy stance and achievements in this domain.
Indigenization and Technology Transfer	Covers the indigenization of technology, development of new and critical technologies, and mechanisms of technology transfer.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)	Encompasses awareness of ICT, space technology, computing, energy resources, nano-technology, microbiology, biotechnology, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and digital rights.
Environmental Security and Ecosystems	Covers wildlife and biodiversity conservation, pollution control, environmental degradation, and environmental impact assessment.
Disaster Management	Examines disaster as a non-traditional security challenge and covers strategies for mitigation and effective management.
International Security Challenges	Includes nuclear proliferation, extremism, communication networks, role of media and social networking, cyber security, money laundering, and human trafficking.
India’s Internal Security Challenges	Covers terrorism, corruption, insurgency, and organized crime as internal threats to national security.
Security Forces and Defence Organizations	Examines the role, types, mandate of security forces, and the structure of higher defense organizations in India.
Agriculture and Allied Fields	Addresses issues across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and animal husbandry.

General Studies – Paper IV

Topic	Details
Ethics and Human Interface	Covers the essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human action, dimensions of ethics, and their application in private and public relationships. Draws lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators, and examines the role of family, society, and educational institutions in nurturing values.
Attitude	Examines the content, structure, and function of attitudes, their influence on thought and behavior, and the role of social influence and persuasion in shaping moral and political attitudes.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service	Covers core civil service values including integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion toward weaker sections.
Emotional Intelligence (EI)	Addresses the concept, dimensions, utility, and practical application of Emotional Intelligence in the contexts of administration and governance.
Moral Thinkers and Philosophers	Examines the contributions of significant moral thinkers and philosophers from both India and around the world.
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration	Covers ethical concerns, dilemmas in government and private institutions, sources of ethical guidance, accountability, and ethical challenges in international relations and corporate governance.
Probity in Governance	Encompasses the philosophical basis of governance and probity, transparency, Right to Information, codes of ethics and conduct, citizen’s charter, public fund utilization, and challenges related to corruption.
Case Studies	Involves the application of ethical concepts and frameworks to real-life situations, issues, and dilemmas encountered in public administration.

General Studies – Paper V

Topic	Details
History, Civilization, Culture, and Ancient Cities of UP	Provides an overview of the historical, civilizational, and cultural development of Uttar Pradesh, including its ancient cities.
Architecture of UP	Covers the architectural heritage of UP, along with its museums, archives, and archaeological significance.
Freedom Struggles	Examines Uttar Pradesh’s contributions to India’s freedom struggles both before and after the 1857 uprising.
Eminent Personalities	Focuses on notable freedom fighters and distinguished personalities who have roots in Uttar Pradesh.
Rural, Urban, and Tribal Issues	Covers the social structure, festivals, fairs, folk music, folk dances, literature, languages, dialects, and social customs of Uttar Pradesh.
Political System of UP	Examines governance structures including the Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, State Assembly, State Council, and Centre-State relations.
Public Service	Covers the Public Service Commission, auditing mechanisms, Advocate General, and the High Court along with its jurisdiction in Uttar Pradesh.
State Selection Criteria	Includes the official language, Consolidated Fund, Contingency Fund, political parties, and the State Election Commission of UP.
Local Self-Government	Covers urban local bodies, Panchayati Raj systems, public policy, and rights-related issues in Uttar Pradesh.
Good Governance	Encompasses anti-corruption measures, Lokayukta, citizen charters, e-governance initiatives, Right to Information, and grievance redressal mechanisms in UP.
Land Reforms	Examines the impact and outcomes of land reform policies in Uttar Pradesh.
Security Issues in UP	Covers the development-extremism linkage, roles of external and internal actors, cyber security, money laundering, organized crimes, and border security challenges.
Law and Order and Civil Defense	Addresses law and order management and civil defense-related issues specific to Uttar Pradesh.
Medical and Health Issues	Covers health challenges and the state of medical services in Uttar Pradesh.
Education System	Provides an overview of and examines issues within the state’s education system.
Development Contribution	Highlights Uttar Pradesh’s contributions to the broader developmental progress of India.
Current Affairs of UP	Covers regional updates and recent developments of significance in Uttar Pradesh.
Welfare Schemes	Covers the implementation of the Jal Shakti Mission and other centrally sponsored welfare schemes in Uttar Pradesh.
NGOs in UP	Examines the issues, contributions, and broader impacts of Non-Governmental Organizations operating in Uttar Pradesh.
Tourism in UP	Covers the challenges, prospects, and potential for tourism development within the state.
Innovation in UP	Highlights innovation across various sectors, its influence on employment generation, and its contribution to socio-economic development in Uttar Pradesh.

General Studies – Paper VI

Topic	Description
Overview of Economy of UP	Covers the main characteristics of the state’s economy, State Budget structure, infrastructure development, and the significance of physical resources.
Trade, Commerce, and Industries of UP	Provides an overview of the trade and industrial sectors operating within Uttar Pradesh.
UP Government Schemes and Projects	Covers planned developmental initiatives for public welfare, human resource development, and skill-building programs.
Investment in UP	Examines investment-related issues and their impact on the state’s economic development.
Public Finance and Fiscal Policy	Covers tax and economic reforms along with the One District One Product Policy of the UP Government.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Resources	Focuses on the planning and management of diverse energy resources within Uttar Pradesh.
Demography and Population	Covers population statistics, demographic trends, and relevant census data for Uttar Pradesh.
Agricultural Commercialization	Examines the commercialization of agriculture and patterns of agricultural crop production in the state.
UP New Forest Policy	Covers the details, objectives, and significance of Uttar Pradesh’s updated forest policy.
Agro and Social Forestry in UP	Examines forestry-related initiatives and their role in supporting sustainable development goals.
Agricultural Diversity and Problems	Addresses the specific challenges and complexities of agriculture in Uttar Pradesh along with potential solutions.
Developmental Indices of UP	Covers key performance indicators and indices reflecting progress across various sectors in the state.
Geography of UP	Examines the geographical location, relief and structure, climate, irrigation systems, mineral resources, drainage patterns, and vegetation of Uttar Pradesh.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries	Covers conservation efforts and biodiversity hotspots located within the boundaries of Uttar Pradesh.
Transport Network in UP	Provides an overview of the transportation infrastructure and connectivity across the state.
Power Resources and Industrial Development	Covers the state’s energy infrastructure and the trajectory of its industrial growth.
Pollution and Environmental Issues in UP	Addresses pollution challenges, environmental concerns, and the regulatory role of the Pollution Control Board in UP.
Natural Resources of UP	Covers natural resources including soil, water, air, forests, grasslands, and wetlands found within the state.
Climate Change and Weather Forecasting	Examines climate change-related issues and recent advancements in weather prediction and forecasting relevant to Uttar Pradesh.
Habitat and Ecosystem	Covers the structure, function, adaptation, flora, and fauna of habitats and ecosystems with specific reference to Uttar Pradesh.
Science and Technology	Addresses issues, advancements, and state-specific efforts and initiatives in the field of science and technology.
Aquaculture, Viticulture, Sericulture, Floriculture, Horticulture, and Arboriculture in UP	Examines these agricultural and allied activities and their contributions to the socioeconomic development of Uttar Pradesh.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP)	Covers the evolution, significance, and role of PPP models in driving Uttar Pradesh’s overall development agenda.