The Indian Armed Services (IAS) is the administrative arm of the All India Services of the Government of India. IAS is one of the three all-India services along with the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Department. Members of these three services work for the Government of India and various states. IAS officers also serve in various government institutions such as constitutional bodies, staff and related bodies, subsidiaries, civil services and regulatory bodies.
- General Studies
- The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination.
- This test is intended to test the general awareness of a candidate in a wide range of subjects that include: Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations and associated UPSC current affairs.
- Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (Generally conducted between 2:30 PM and 04:30 PM)
- This UPSC Prelims syllabus for CSAT intends to assess the aptitude of the candidate in solving ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions, apart from ‘Reading Comprehension’ and the occasionally asked ‘Decision Making’ questions.
- The ‘Decision Making’ based questions are generally exempt from negative marks.
- 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, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation.
- General Science
Known as one of the toughest examinations of the country, Civil Services Examination has a comprehensive syllabus. The UPSC syllabus is designed in such a way that it tests candidates’ knowledge, not in one but multiple areas of interest. Given the length and breadth of the IAS syllabus, it is usually considered to be on the tough end. However, with a proper strategy, it can be covered in a due span of time.