UPSC Main: General Studies - Strategy & Suggested Reading

Strategy & Suggested Reading

IAS Main Examination- NEW SYLLABUS

The written examination will consist of the following papers:

Paper I 

• Section 1: Essay "200 Marks"
• Section 2: English Comprehension & English Precis (of Matriculation/ Xth Standard level) 100 Marks (Qualifying Paper)

Paper II

• General Studies–I "250Marks"
  (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Paper III

• General Studies –II "250 Marks"
  (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)

Paper IV

• General Studies –III "250 Marks"
  (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Paper V

• General Studies –IV "250Marks"
  (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

Paper- VI

• Optional Subject – Paper 1 "250Marks"

Paper VII

• Optional Subject – Paper 2 "250 Marks"

Sub Total (Written test) 1800 Marks

Personality Test 275 Marks

Grand Total 2025 Marks

Candidates may choose any one of the optional subjects from amongst the list of subjects given in Notification:

Suggested Reading Books for IAS Mains:

PAPER - II

• India’s struggle for freedom (BIPIN CHANDRA)
• India After independence (BIPIN CHANDRA)
• Globalization (PUSHPESH PANT)
• IGNOU notes on society
• Physical Geography (SAVINDER SINGH)
• Facts Indian culture spectrum
• Wonder that was India (A. L. BASHAM)
• World history (LAL BHADUR VERMA)
• Geography (D.R.KHULLAR
• Study Materials of IASEXAMPORTAL

IAS Mains General Studies Study Kit

Printed Study Material for IAS Pre General Studies (Paper-1)

PAPER - III

• Indian constitution & parliament ( S.C. KASHAYAP)
• Governance in India By M. Laxmikanth
• International relation (PUSHPESH PANT)
• International organization (PUSHPESH PANT)
• Study Materials of IASEXAMPORTAL

PAPER - IV

• Indian Economy By Ramesh Singh
• IGNOUs notes on environment & disaster management
• VIVAS PAONORMA SC&T
• Our scientist NBT
• Information Technology By TMH
• ECONOMY & POLITICAL WEEKLY, WORLD FOCUS (MAGAZINE)
• Study Materials of IASEXAMPORTAL

PAPER - V

• IGNOU notes on ethics
• Journals of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
• Public Administration by Mohit Bhattacharya
• Public Administration by Nicholas Henry
• Study Materials of IASEXAMPORTAL

IAS Mains General Studies Study Kit

Printed Study Material for IAS Pre General Studies (Paper-1)