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Preliminary Examination 2024

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Preliminary Examination Syllabus

Paper – I: General Studies

Include mainly the General Studies for which the candidates have to update themselves with the static and dynamic parts of the syllabus.

Paper – II: Aptitude Test

Covers the analytical portion and is called as Aptitude Test. In this paper the candidate has to score at least 33% to qualify the Prelims exam.

Preliminary Examination Date: Sunday, 26.05.2024

According to UPSC’s calendar the Civil Services Preliminary examination will be held on 26 May . In all probability the syllabus for 2024 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023 will remain the same. You can have a look at the syllabus for your understanding.

About Paper I

General Studies

This includes areas like: Indian National Movement, Indian Policy, Basic Economic Understanding, Geography. While these are static part of the syllabus, the dynamic part includes Current Affairs and General Knowledge, thus making the syllabus quite vast.

About Paper II

Aptitude Test

Paper II is dynamic in nature and includes mathematics, reasoning, analytical ability, and interpersonal skills. All these areas require spot mental ability.

The Paper II is now of only qualifying nature and its mark is not counted while making the merit list. However, it is mandatory for the candidate to score minimum 33% in this paper to qualify the Prelims exam.

The question papers are set both in Hindi and English. Blind candidates are allowed extra time of twenty minutes for each paper.

The question papers are set both in Hindi and English. Blind candidates are allowed extra time of twenty minutes for each paper.

The Preliminary Examination shall now comprise of two compulsory Papers of 200 marks each and of two hours duration each.

Detailed below is the new syllabus and pattern of the Preliminary Examination, which is brought to the notice of the prospective candidates intending to appear at the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2011 onward.

GS (General Studies)

Paper I: 200 marks

Duration: Two hours

  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Indian and World Geography Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
  • Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc
  • Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc
  • General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization
  • General Science

General Studies Prelims (Previous Years Papers)

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CSAT (Civil Service Aptitude Test)

Paper I: 200 marks

Duration: Two hours

  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision making and Problem solving
  • General mental ability
  • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude etc, class 10th level)
  • Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data sufficiency etc. class 10th level)
  • English language comprehensions skills – class 10th level

Prelims Book List

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Pattern for Prelims Exam

Paper I

General Studies

This paper will be counted for qualifying to write the Civil Services Mains exam.

Paper I: 200 marks
Duration: Two hours

Paper II

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

This paper is of qualifying nature, but candidate must score at least 33% marks in this paper. However, marks of this paper are not counted for writing the Mains examination.

Paper II: 200 marks
Duration: Two hours

Note 1

The questions in both Paper-I (current affairs) and Paper-II (aptitude test) will be of multiple choice, objective type for 200 marks each and the time allotted for each paper is two hours.

Note 2

The CSAT aptitude test or Paper-II will be a qualifying paper only with a minimum of 33% to be secured to qualify for the Mains exam.

Note 3

It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) examination. The candidate will be disqualified in case he or she appears in only one paper of the (Prelims) exam. So appearing in both the papers is mandatory for the evaluation of the (Prelims) exam.

More Details GS (Prelims) Upcoming Batches

Download Upcoming GS - Batches Information

Topic I (Physical Geography India & World)
  • Earth Motions
  • Origin of Earth, Solar Systems
  • Crustal Deformation
  • Plate Boundaries
  • Atmosphere and Temperature
  • Atmosphere Circulation Moisture
  • World Climate
  • Ocean, Coastal Landforms
  • Mountains, Plateaus
  • Erosion Processes
  • Upper air winds
  • Salinity
  • Tides, Ocean Currents
  • World/Regional Geography
  • Indian Physical Geography
  • Indian Climate
Topic II (Environment & Climate Change)
  • Earth Motions
  • Origin of Earth, Solar Systems
  • Crustal Deformation
  • Plate Boundaries
  • Atmosphere and Temperature
  • Atmosphere Circulation Moisture
  • World Climate
  • Ocean, Coastal Landforms
  • Mountains, Plateaus
  • Erosion Processes
  • Upper air winds
  • Salinity
  • Tides, Ocean Currents
  • World/Regional Geography
  • Indian Physical Geography
  • Indian Climate
Topic III (Socio-Economic-Development)
  • Fundamental of Human Geography
  • Demographic Aspects of World
  • Demographic Aspects of India
  • Ethnic characteristics World & India
  • Agriculture Development
  • Mineral Resources Distribution
  • Mineral Policy/ Power Sectors
  • Major Transport Network
  • Communication Technology
  • Human Development
  • World Development Report /ADB
  • Economic Survey
  • Indian budget (General Outlook)
  • Social Sectors Programme
  • Hunger Index: Economic Outlook/ Central Public Sector Enterprises