Topics You Have to Mug up for UPSC Prelims Exam

You have to score the minimum required mark in the prelims to be able to take the mains and in the IAS mains, you have to get the required cut-off to get the summons for the UPSC interview. If you clear this final hurdle and get the required rank, you will get into the civil services of the country. This article briefly covers the pattern of the UPSC Civil Service Prelims examination and the topics which one may have to mug up, these topics are usually static in nature and the scope for change in those is very remote unlike dynamic topics that are covered in UPSC Civil Service exam.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam.

The prelims exam is an objective type exam where you have only MCQs. There are two papers here. The following table gives the details:

The CSAT paper is a qualifying one in which you have to score a minimum of 33%. Only your marks in the GS paper I will be counted for the cut-off required for the UPSC mains.

Download the UPSC Prelims Exam Syllabus PDF.

There are certain things you have to learn by heart for the IAS prelims exam. Generally, a decent memory coupled with a good ability to analyse concepts and current events are needed to crack the UPSC exam.

This article gives you a list of a few topics that you have to remember/learn by rote to clear the IAS prelims.

CSAT Paper

1. Mathematics formula – you have to remember certain basic formulae so that you save time during the exam. Remembering a few things like squares of numbers till 25 will also serve you in good stead.
2. Certain word meanings – this will help you in the English comprehension passage sections.
3. Certain basic grammar rules if you are not well-versed in English grammar.

GS Paper I

Geography

1. Location of rivers, national parks, biosphere reserves, physiographic features, etc.
2. Highways in India and the cities they connect.
3. Inter-state river water disputes in India.
4. Major crops in India.
5. Major local winds around the globe.
6. Important monuments/pilgrimages in India and their locations.
7. Rivers and their tributaries in India.
8. The national animal/bird/flower/song/anthem and other national symbols of India.

Take a look at the following question asked in the 2015 UPSC prelims GS paper I:

1. Q) Which of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

1. Saltwater crocodile
2. Olive Ridley turtle
3. Gangetic dolphin
4. Gharial

Answer: (3)

History

1. Important dynasties and kingdoms of ancient India.
2. Freedom movement-related information like formation of INC, various reformers and their movements, various British-led reforms (Montague-Chelmsford, Morley-Minto, etc.), different pacts (Gandhi-Irwin Pact), missions, Acts, etc.
3. Medieval/ancient names of regions and rivers and their corresponding modern names in India.
4. Historical monuments and their features/styles.

Polity

1. The schemes and policies of the Indian government and their purposes/functions.
2. Various government committees and their purposes.

International Affairs

1. Important headquarters of international organisations.
2. Reports published by international organizations.
3. Important prizes and awards are given by the Indian government and their recipients.

Candidates preparing for UPSC 2022 can visit the link for more information.

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