UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus
The General Studies Paper 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination evaluates candidates’ knowledge and understanding of Indian heritage, culture, history, and geography of the world and society. This syllabus encompasses various aspects, including ancient and medieval Indian history, art and culture, world history, Indian society, diversity, and globalization. It also covers topics like Indian and world geography, environmental ecology, biodiversity, and disaster management. Familiarity with the GS1 syllabus enables candidates to comprehend and analyze historical, cultural, and geographical aspects, providing a holistic understanding of India’s rich heritage, global perspectives, societal dynamics, and environmental challenges. It equips candidates to appreciate the complexities of the world and contribute to nation-building with a well-rounded perspective.
For detailed trend analysis and topic-wise questions of GS1 Paper click here
General Studies 1: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Indian Heritage and Culture
- Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History
- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
- The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
World History
- History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Indian Society
- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
- Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
- Effects of globalization on Indian society.
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Physical Geography
- Salient features of world’s physical geography.
- Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
It is important to note that the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is vast, and candidates are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the topics mentioned above. In addition to the syllabus, candidates should also focus on current affairs and develop critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively answer questions in the GS1 paper.
