UPPSC Examination Architecture
UP PCS Pattern & Syllabus
Uttar Pradesh Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services
The UPPSC Exam Pattern comprises three sequential stages: UPPSC Preliminary Examination, UPPSC Mains Examination, and UPPSC Personality Test (Interview). The Prelims Exam is objective and screening in nature. Candidates qualifying Prelims appear for the descriptive Mains Exam (1,500 Marks) followed by the Interview (100 Marks), leading to a combined final merit out of 1,600 Marks.
Stage 1
UP PCS Preliminary Examination Pattern
The UPPSC Prelims comprises two compulsory objective papers of 200 marks each. Paper-I marks decide shortlisting for Mains, while Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying with 33% passing marks.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies-I | 150 | 200 | 2 Hours (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM) | Yes (1/3rd) |
| Paper-II | General Studies-II (CSAT) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM) | Yes (1/3rd) |
Total Marks for Prelims: 400 (Paper II is qualifying in nature where candidates must secure at least 33% marks. Merit for Mains shortlisting is based purely on Paper-I marks).
Stage 2
UP PCS Main Examination Pattern
UPPSC Mains is a descriptive written examination comprising 8 papers of 3 hours duration each. All papers are compulsory and carry conventional descriptive questions.
| Sr. No | Paper Name | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Hindi | 3 Hours | 150 |
| 2 | Essay | 3 Hours | 150 |
| 3 | General Studies - I | 3 Hours | 200 |
| 4 | General Studies - II | 3 Hours | 200 |
| 5 | General Studies - III | 3 Hours | 200 |
| 6 | General Studies - IV | 3 Hours | 200 |
| 7 | General Studies - V (UP Specific) | 3 Hours | 200 |
| 8 | General Studies - VI (UP Specific) | 3 Hours | 200 |
| • | Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview) | - | 100 |
| Total Marks for Final Merit (Mains Written 1500 + Interview 100) | 1,600 Marks | ||
Preliminary Examination
UP PCS Preliminary Examination Detailed Syllabus
Complete official syllabus for Prelims Paper-I (General Studies) and Paper-II (General Studies-II / CSAT).
Paper-I
Duration: 2 HoursGeneral Studies-I (200 Marks • 150 Questions)
Current events of national and international importance
On Current Events of National and International Importance, candidates will be expected to have knowledge about them.
History of India and Indian National Movement
In History emphasis should be on broad understanding social, economic and political aspects of Indian History. In the Indian National Movement, the candidates are expected to have a synoptic view of nature and character of the freedom movement, growth of nationalism and attainment of independence.
India and World geography- Physical, Social, Economic geography of India and the World
In World Geography only general understanding of the subject will be expected. Questions on the Geography of India will relate to Physical, Social & Economic Geography of India.
Indian Polity and governance- Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues etc.
In Indian Polity, Economic and Culture, questions will test knowledge of the country's political system including Panchayati Raj and Community Development, broad features of Economic policy in India and Indian culture.
Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
The candidates will be tested with respect to problems and relationship between Population, Environment and Urbanisation.
General Issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change- that do not require subject specialization
General awareness of the subject is expected from candidates.
General Science
Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of Science including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be expected of a well educated person, who has not made a special study of any scientific discipline.
Note: Candidates are expected to have general awareness about the above subjects with special reference to Uttar Pradesh.
Paper-II (Qualifying 33%)
Duration: 2 HoursGeneral Studies-II / CSAT (200 Marks • 100 Questions)
Core Subject Areas
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision making and problem solving
General mental ability
Elementary Mathematics upto Class X level (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics)
General English upto Class X level
General Hindi upto Class X level
Detailed Topics Breakdown
Elementary Mathematics (Upto Class X Level)
Arithmetic: (i) Number systems: Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational numbers, Real numbers, Divisors of an Integer, prime Integers, L.C.M. and H.C.F. of integers and their Interrelationship. (ii) Average (iii) Ratio and proportion (iv) Percentage (v) Profit and Loss (vi) Simple and Compound Interests (vii) Work and Time (viii) Speed, Time and Distance.
Algebra: (i) Factors of polynomials, L.C.M. and H.C.F. of polynomials and their interrelationship, Remainder theorem, simultaneous linear equations, quadratic equations. (ii) Set Theory: Set, null set, subsets and proper subsets of a set, operations (Union, Intersections, difference, symmetric difference) between sets, venn diagram.
Geometry: (i) Constructions and theorems regarding triangle, rectangle, square, trapezium and circles, their perimeter and area. (ii) Volume and surface area of sphere, right circular cylinder, right circular Cone and Cube.
Statistics: Collection of data, Classification of data, frequency, frequency distribution, tabulation, cumulative frequency. Representation of data - Bar diagram, Pie chart, histogram, frequency polygon, cumulative frequency curves (ogives), Measures of Central tendency: Arithmetic Mean, Median and Mode.
General English Upto Class X Level
ComprehensionActive Voice and Passive VoiceParts of SpeechTransformation of SentencesDirect and Indirect SpeechPunctuation and SpellingsWords meaningsVocabulary & UsageIdioms and PhrasesFill in the Blanks
सामान्य हिन्दी (हाईस्कूल स्तर तक) के पाठ्यक्रम में सम्मिलित किये जाने वाले विषय
1. हिन्दी वर्णमाला, विराम चिन्ह
2. शब्द रचना, वाक्य रचना, अर्थ
3. शब्द-रूप
4. संधि, समास
5. क्रियाएं
6. अनेकार्थी शब्द
7. विलोम शब्द
8. पर्यायवाची शब्द
9. मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियां
10. तत्सम एवं तद्भव, देशज, विदेशी (शब्द भंडार)
11. वर्तनी
12. अर्थबोध
13. हिन्दी भाषा के प्रयोग में होने वाली अशुद्धियां
14. उ. प्र. की मुख्य बोलियां
Descriptive Mains Architecture
UP PCS Mains Examination Detailed Syllabus
Topic-by-topic micro-syllabus for General Hindi, Essay, and General Studies Papers I to IV.
1. दिये गए गद्य खण्ड का अवबोध एवं प्रश्नोत्तर।
2. संक्षेपण।
3. सरकारी एवं अर्धसरकारी पत्र लेखन, तार लेखन, कार्यालय आदेश, अधिसूचना, परिपत्र।
4. शब्द ज्ञान एवं प्रयोग: (अ) उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय प्रयोग, (ब) विलोम शब्द, (स) वाक्यांश के लिए एकशब्द, (द) वर्तनी एवं वाक्य शुद्धि।
5. लोकोक्ति एवं मुहावरे।
There will be three sections in the question paper of Essay. Candidates will have to select one topic from each section and they are required to write an essay in 700 words on each topic. In the three sections, topics of essay will be based on following sphere:
Section A (50 Marks)
- Literature and Culture
- Social sphere
- Political sphere
Section B (50 Marks)
- Science, Environment and Technology
- Economic Sphere
- Agriculture, Industry and Trade
Section C (50 Marks)
- National and International Events
- Natural Calamities, Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought etc.
- National Development programmes and projects
History of Indian Culture– Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian History (from A.D 1757 to A.D 1947)– Significant events, personalities and issues, etc.
Freedom Struggle– Its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
History of the world– will include events from 18th century to middle of the 20th century such as French Revolution of 1789, Industrial Revolution, World Wars, redraw of national boundaries, Socialism, Nazism, Fascism, etc. their forms and effects on the society
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country (till 1965 A.D.)
Salient features of Indian Society and culture
Role of Women in society and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Meaning of liberalization, privatization and globalization and their effects on economy, polity and social structure
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
Distribution of major natural resources of World- Water, Soils, Forests in reference to South and South-East Asia with special reference to India.
Factors responsible for the location of industries (with special reference to India)
Salient features of Physical Geography– Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone, Ocean Currents, winds and glaciers
Oceanic resources of India and their potential
Human migration– refugee problem of the World with focus on India
Frontiers and boundaries with reference to Indian sub-continent
Population and Settlements– Types and Patterns, Urbanization, Smart Cities and Smart Villages
Specific Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh– History, Culture, Art, Architecture, Festival, Folk dance, Literature, Regional languages, Heritage, Social Customs and Tourism
Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh Geography- Human and Natural Resources, Climate, Soils, Forest, Wild-Life, Mines and Minerals, Sources of Irrigation
Indian Constitution– Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure, Role of Supreme Court in evolution of basic provisions of Constitution
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States– Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Role of Finance Commission in Centre-State financial relations
Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions, Emergence and use of alternative dispute redressal mechanisms
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional scheme with that of other major democratic countries
Parliament and State Legislatures– Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and concerned issues
Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary– Ministries and Departments of the Government, Pressure Groups, and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity, Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Salient features of the Representation of People's Act
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and their responsibilities
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies including NITI Aayog, their features and functioning
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design, implementations and Information Communications Technology (ICT)
Important aspects of governance– Transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations and potential, citizens, charters and institutional measures
Role of Civil Services in democracy in the context of emerging trends
Development processes– The role of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes, mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Issues relating to poverty and hunger, their implication on body politic
India and its relationship with neighbouring Countries;
Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and / or affecting India's interest
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests- Indian diaspora
Important International Institutions, Agencies their structure, mandate and functioning
Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh regarding Political, Administrative, Revenue and Judicial System
Current affairs and events of Regional, State, National and International importance
Economic planning in India, objectives and achievements, Role of NITI Aayog, Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Issues of Poverty, Unemployment, Social Justice and Inclusive growth
Components of Government Budgets and Financial System
Major Crops, Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce, e-technology in the aid of farmers
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices, Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, Limitations, revamping, Issues of buffer stocks and food security, Technology missions in agriculture
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
Land reforms in India since independence
Effects of liberalization and globalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
Infrastructure– Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
Science and Technology– Developments and applications in everyday life and in National Security, India's Science and Technology policy
Achievements of Indians in science & technology, indigenization of technology. Developments of New technologies, transfer of technology, dual and critical use of technologies
Technology– Awareness in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Space Technology, Computers, Energy resources, nano-technology, microbiology, biotechnology
Issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR), and digital rights
Environmental security and Ecosystems, Conservation of Wild life, Biodiversity, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster as a Non-traditional security and safety challenge, disaster mitigation and management
Challenges of International Security– Issues of Nuclear proliferation, Causes and spread of extremism, Communication networks, role of media and social networking, Basics of cyber security, money laundering and human trafficking
India's internal security challenges– Terrorism, corruption, insurgency and organized crimes
Role, kind and mandate of security forces, Higher defence organizations in India
Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh Economy–State Budgets, Importance of Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure and physical resources, Human Resources and Skill Development, Government Programmes and Welfare Schemes.
Issues in State’s Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry
Law and Order and Civil Defence with special reference to Uttar Pradesh
Ethics and Human Interface– Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human action, dimensions of ethics, Ethics in private and public relationship, Human Values
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators, role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
Attitude– Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour, moral and political attitudes, social influence and persuasion
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public services, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections
Emotional Intelligence– concept and dimensions, its utility and application in administration and governance
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world
Public/Civil Service values and ethics in Public Administration– status and problems, ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions, laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance, accountability and ethical governance, strengthening of moral values in governance, ethical issues in international relations and funding, corporate governance
Probity in Governance– concept of public service, philosophical basis of governance and probity, information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, citizen's charter, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
Case studies on above issues
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