About UPSC – CSE

UPSC-CSE

About UPSC- CSE

UPSC Civil Service Exams (CSE) is regarded as one of the toughest examinations due to its vast syllabus, intense competition, and multi-stage process. Aspiring candidates undergo rigorous preparation devoting significant time and effort to succeed in this examination and serve the nation in various administrative and leadership roles. Conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a constitutional body, it recruits candidates for prestigious roles in All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS), Group A services (like IRS, IAAS), and Group B services, covering around 24 services. The official notification, released typically in February / March, details the number of vacancies and other specifics.

The exam consists of three stages:

Success requires rigorous preparation, often spanning years, due to the extensive…

UPSC Civil Services as a Career :

Civil Services form the backbone of India’s administrative system. Bureaucrats play a pivotal role in drafting policies and laws, which are then presented by ministers for legislative approval. Like veins in the human body, civil servants ensure the smooth flow of governance by implementing these policies. They serve as a vital link between the government and the public, facilitating the delivery of welfare schemes and initiatives. Beyond public service, the role offers significant authority and attractive perks, making it a uniquely prestigious and fulfilling career choice.

List of the UPSC CSE Posts :

	All India Services
	Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
	Indian Forest Services (IFoS)
	Indian Police Services (IPS)

	Group 'A' Services
	Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
	Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service
	Indian Audit and Accounts Service
	Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise)
	Indian Defence Accounts Service
	Indian Revenue Service (l. T.)
	Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Assistant Works Manager, Administration)
	Indian Postal Service
	Indian Civil Accounts Service
	Indian Railway Traffic Service
	Indian Railway Accounts Service
	Indian Railway Personnel Service
	Post of Assistant Security Commissioner in Railway Protection Force
	Indian Defence Estates Service
	Indian Information Service (Junior Grade)
	Indian Trade Service
	Indian Corporate Law Service
	Indian Revenue Service (CBEC)

	Group 'B' Services
	Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (Section Officer’s Grade)
	Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service
	Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service
	Pondicherry Civil Service
	Pondicherry Police Service

The prestige and esteem associated with Civil Services make it one of India’s most coveted and rewarding career paths. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is tasked with conducting the Civil Services Exam at the national level, while state-level recruitment for government positions is handled by respective State Public Service Commissions (PSCs).

UPSC Eligibility Criteria

Civil Services Exam Eligibility

To become an IAS and the IPS officer the candidate should possess citizenship of India. However except these two services a candidate belonging to India or any other country can join other services. Though the eligibility have some specific clauses that should be met by the nationals of another country.
The age of a candidate should lie between 21 to 32 years on the 1st of August of examination year. The upper age-limit has been relaxed in some case. For an example relaxation of maximum of 5 years has been given to SC/STs candidates and 3 years has been given to OBC candidates. Age relaxation is also applicable for Ex-Defense personnel and candidates with certain disability. The number of attempts for general category students have been fixed at 6 however for other backward classes (OBC) the attempts have been kept at 9 or 35 years of age or whichever is earlier .No attempt bar has been put for SC/ST candidates while upper age limit has been kept at 37 years.
A candidate must hold a Universities degree, or possess an equivalent qualification for appearing in Civil Services Examination. Candidates who have appeared in the final year of degree examination and also the candidates who intend to appear at such a qualifying examination will also be eligible for admission to the Preliminary Examination. But such candidates have to produce proof of passing the requisite examination before appearing in Civil Services (Main) Examination.

A candidate who got appointed as an IAS or IFS officer in earlier examination and continues to be a member of that service will not be eligible to compete at this examination. Moreover, a candidate who is appointed to the Indian Police Service will not be eligible to opt for the Indian Police Service in the next exam.

UPSC IAS Exam Pattern

The marks obtained in Prelims exam is for qualifying exam only and are not added in the final mark sheet.
The mains exam is subjective in nature and it comprise of 4 General Studies Papers, 2 optional Papers, One Essay paper, One Hindi and English paper. However the marks of Hindi and English are not added in the final marks they are of qualifying nature
The last round is personality test that is oral in nature and the purpose of this exam is to ascertain mental alertness and presence of mind of candidate.

Candidates who clear all the three stages of the civil services exam enter into the prestigious civil services of the country, and become officers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and a host of other services.

Although CSE is considered as one of the toughest exams in the country, with the right approach and strategy, an aspirant can crack the civil services examination in the very first attempt. The first and foremost thing for any aspirant is to know and understand the requirements of the civil services exam, such as the UPSC Syllabus for IAS Exam (Prelims and Mains), pattern, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and other such significant details before kick-starting the preparations. Here, we present all the details relevant to UPSC Exam IAS Exam Pattern.

How to register for UPSC CSE exam

Know the Online Registration Process of UPSC Application form

Candidates are required to apply Online using the official website of UPSC that is www.upsconline.nic.in.
Candidates need to complete the Online Application Form containing two stages viz. Part-I and Part-II as per the instructions available in the above mentioned website.
The candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs.100/- Rupees One Hundred only) [excepting SC/ST/ Female/Persons with Benchmark Disability candidates who are exempted from payment of fee] either by depositing the money in any branch of State Bank of India by cash, or by using net banking facility of State Bank of India or by using any UPI/Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/ Debit Card
Before start filling up Online Application form, a candidate must have his/her photograph and signature duly scanned in the jpg format in such a manner that each file should not exceed 40 KB and must not be less than 3 KB in size for the photograph and 1 KB for the signature.
Applicants should avoid submitting multiple applications. In case of multiple applications, the applications with higher Registration ID will be considered by the Commission.
The applicants must ensure that while filling their Application Form, they are providing their valid and active E-Mail IDs as the Commission may use electronic mode of communication while contacting them at different stages of examination process.

Detailed Step By Step Process:

Step-by-step process to fill the Part I of UPSC CSE application form

Go to the UPSC official website – www.upsconline.nic.in.
Click on the Exam Notifications.
Then, click on Apply Online.
Click on Civil Services Part-I registration
Read the instructions carefully and then, click on ‘Yes’.
Enter all the basic information in part-I of the application form such as Name, DOB, Category, Gender, Email ID, Contact number, Permanent address, Marital status, Parents’ names, Community, Educational qualifications, etc.
After filling in all the details, click on ‘Continue’. Check all details in the online form carefully
Finally, click on ‘Submit’.

Step-by-step process to fill Part II of the UPSC CSE application form

You can Pay the UPSC application fee in online mode (through SBI Net Banking/ debit card/ credit card) or offline mode (by cash through SBI bank challan) mode. (Fee – Female/ SC/ ST/ PwBD – Nil; all other candidates – Rs 100)
Now, Upload the scanned images of the photograph, signature and photo ID card as per the UPSC demands.
Enter the information related to fee payment details and the examination centre.
Read the declaration and click on the ‘I Agree’ button.
Now a page with a registration number will be generated. Note down the registration number and take a printout of the page.

Click Here to get List of Free NCERT Books PDF For UPSC CSE Exam Preparation

UPSC CSE: Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC Annual Calendar 2025

Candidates can get a glimpse of various exam that will be conducted by UPSC in 2025 from the table given below:

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION PROGRAMME OF EXAMINATIONS/RECRUITMENT TESTS (RTS)

Sl. NO.	Name of Examination	Duration of Exam
1.	Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination	2 DAYS
2.	Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025	1 DAY
3.	Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025	1 DAY
4.	CBI (DSP) LDCE	2 DAYS
5.	CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2025	1 DAY
6.	N.D.A. & N.A. Examination 2025	1 DAY
7.	C.D.S. Examination (l), 2025	1 DAY
8.	Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025	1 DAY
9.	Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 through CS(P) Examination 2025	1 DAY
10.	Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination	2 DAYS
11.	I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2025	3 DAYS
12.	Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2025	2 DAYS
13.	Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2025	1 DAY
14.	Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination	2 DAYS
15.	Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025	1 DAY
16.	Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2025	1 DAY
17.	Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination	2 DAYS
18.	Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025	5 DAYS
19.	N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2025	1 DAY
20.	C.D.S. Examination (II), 2025	1 DAY
21.	Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination	2 DAYS
22.	Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination	2 DAYS
23.	Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025	7 DAYS
24.	S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE	2 DAYS
25.	Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination	2 DAYS

Note: The dates of notification, commencement and duration of Examinations/ RTs are liable to alteration, if the circumstances so warrant.

UPSC Syllabus (Prelims & Mains Syllabus)

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

UPSC Syllabus for Prelims is the first and most important step in your Civil Services journey. It encompasses two papers- General Studies Paper I, and CSAT (Paper II), both of which one needs in order to appear in the Mains. A concise Prelims syllabus can make you concentrate on the topics with high weightage such as Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs.

No. of Papers	General Studies Paper-I, General Studies Paper-II (CSAT)
Type of Questions	Objective (MCQ) Type
Number of Questions asked in GS Paper-I	100
Number of Questions asked in CSAT	80
Total Marks	400 (200 marks each paper)
Negative Marking	1/3 of the total marks allotted to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer
Medium of Exam	Hindi & English
Time Allotted	GS Paper-I – 2 Hours (9:30 AM -11:30 AM), CSAT – 2 Hours (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM), 20 Minutes Per Hour Extra Time for Blind Candidates & Candidates with Locomotor Disability & Cerebral Palsy (Minimum 40% Impairment)

General Studies Paper - I Syllabus

The overall purpose of this paper is to assess the candidates on their knowledge and familiarity with a variety of issues. The following areas are on the syllabus:

Current Events: Of national and international significance, events, issues, and developments.
History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian history.
Geography: Physical, Human, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
Polity: Indian constitution, rules, and politics.
Economy: Fundamental notions of economics, government plans, as well as regulations.
Environment: ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and so forth.
Science and Technology: Advances in science and technology, advancements, and their applications.
General Knowledge: Random information that is important.

General Studies Paper - II Syllabus

CSAT is also a qualifying paper that measures the ability and reasoning of the candidates. The curriculum consists of:

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 -2027

The UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 isn’t just a list of topics; it’s a roadmap for how UPSC wants you to think, write, and analyse. The exam that covers Papers I to IV of GS, Essay, and Optional subject requires detailed insight, coherence, and organized delivery. That is why knowledge of the Mains syllabus of IAS is a non-negotiable factor in case you wish to write answers that can fetch scores.

Qualifying Papers	Subject	Marks
Paper-A	One of the Indian languages to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution	300
Paper-B	English	300
Paper-I	Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s choice)	250
Paper-II	General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society)	250
Paper-III	General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)	250
Paper-IV	General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management)	250
Paper-V	General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)	250
Paper-VI	Optional Subject – Paper I	250
Paper-VII	Optional Subject – Paper II	250

UPSC Syllabus for Qualifying Papers (Indian Languages and English)

Qualifying Paper I – Indian Language (300 Marks)

Nature: Qualifying only (marks not counted for ranking; passing is mandatory)

Standard : Matriculation level or equivalent

Syllabus Includes:

Current Events: Of national and international significance, events, issues, and developments.
History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian history.
Geography: Physical, Human, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
Polity: Indian constitution, rules, and politics.
Economy: Fundamental notions of economics, government plans, as well as regulations.
Environment: ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and so forth.
Science and Technology: Advances in science and technology, advancements, and their applications.
General Knowledge: Random information that is important.

Important Notes:

Qualifying Paper II – English (300 Marks)

Nature: Qualifying only (marks not counted for ranking; passing is mandatory)

Objective: To assess the candidate’s ability to understand serious prose and express ideas clearly in English

Syllabus Includes:

UPSC Essay Syllabus

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

UPSC GS 1 Syllabus (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
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.
History of the World will include events from the 18th century, such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on 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.
Salient features of the World’s Physical Geography.
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); 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.
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.

UPSC GS 2 Syllabus (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations)

Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels, and Challenges Therein.
Separation of Powers between various organs, Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
Salient Features of the Representation of the People’s Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, Regulatory, and various Quasi-judicial Bodies
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability, and institutional and other measures.
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
India and Its Neighborhood- Relations
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Important International Institutions, agencies, and fora - their Structure, Mandate.

UPSC GS 3 Syllabus (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development, and Employment.
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, - Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System - Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
Land Reforms in India.
Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment Models.
Science and Technology- Developments and Their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology, and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Disaster and Disaster Management.
Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security, Money-Laundering and its prevention.
Security Challenges and Their Management in Border Areas - Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism
Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

GS Paper 4 Syllabus (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in - Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics in Private and Public Relationships. Human Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
Case Studies on the above issues.

UPSC Optional – GROGRAPHY Syllabus:

JC’s IAS – Best in south India for Geography Optional

PAPER-I: PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY

Physical Geography

Geomorphology: Factors controlling landform development; endogenetic and exogenetic forces; Origin and evolution of the earth’s crusts; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Physical conditions of the earth’s interior; Geosynclines; Continental drift; Isostasy; Plate tectonics; Recent views on mountain building; Volcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development; Denudation chronology; Channel morphology; Erosion surfaces; Slope development; Applied Geomorphology; Geomorphology, economic geology, and environment.
Climatology: Temperature and pressure belts of the world; Heat budget of the earth; Atmospheric circulation; Atmospheric stability and instability. Planetary and local winds; Monsoons and jet streams; Air masses and fronts; Temperate and tropical cyclones; Types and distribution of precipitation; Weather and Climate; Koppen’s Thornthwaite’s and Trewartha’s classification of world climate; Hydrological cycle; Global climatic change, and role and response of man in climatic changes Applied climatology and Urban climate.
Oceanography: Bottom topography of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans; Temperature and salinity of the oceans; Heat and salt budgets, Ocean deposits; Waves, currents, and tides; Marine resources; biotic, mineral, and energy resources; Coral reefs coral bleaching; Sea-level changes; Law of the sea and marine pollution.
Biogeography: Genesis of soils; Classification and distribution of soils; Soil profile; Soil erosion, Degradation, and conservation; Factors influencing world distribution of plants and animals; Problems of deforestation and conservation measures; Social forestry, agro-forestry; Wildlife; Major gene pool centers.
Environmental Geography: Principle of ecology; Human ecological adaptations; Influence of man on ecology and environment; Global and regional ecological changes and imbalances; Ecosystem their management and conservation; Environmental degradation, management, and conservation; Biodiversity and sustainable development; Environmental policy; Environmental hazards and remedial measures; Environmental education and legislation.

Human Geography

Perspectives in Human Geography: Areal differentiation; regional synthesis; Dichotomy and dualism; Environmentalism; Quantitative revolution and locational analysis; Radical, behavioral, human, and welfare approaches; Languages, religions, and secularisation; Cultural regions of the world; Human development index.
Economic Geography: World economic development: measurement and problems; World resources and their distribution; Energy crisis; the limits to growth; World agriculture: a typology of agricultural regions; Agricultural inputs and productivity; Food and nutrition problems; Food security; famine: causes, effects, and remedies; World industries: location patterns and problems; Patterns of world trade.
Population and Settlement Geography: Growth and distribution of world population; Demographic attributes; Causes and consequences of migration; Concepts of the over-under-and optimum population; Population theories, world population problems and policies, Social well-being and quality of life; Population as social capital. Types and patterns of rural settlements; Environmental issues in rural settlements; Hierarchy of urban settlements; Urban morphology; Concept of primate city and rank-size rule; Functional classification of towns; Sphere of urban influence; Rural-urban fringe; Satellite towns; Problems and remedies of urbanization; Sustainable development of cities.
Regional Planning: Concept of a region; Types of regions and methods of regionalization; Growth centers and growth poles; Regional imbalances; regional development strategies; environmental issues in regional planning; Planning for sustainable development.
Models, Theories and Laws in Human Geography: System analysis in Human geography; Malthusian, Marxian and demographic transition models; Central Place theories of Christaller and Losch; Perroux and Boudeville; Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location; Weber’s model of industrial location; Ostov’s model of stages of growth. Heartland and Rimland theories; Laws of international boundaries and frontiers.

PAPER-II: GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA

Physical Setting: Space relationship of India with neighboring countries; Structure and relief; Drainage system and watersheds; Physiographic regions; Mechanism of Indian monsoons and rainfall patterns; Tropical cyclones and western disturbances; Floods and droughts; Climatic regions; Natural vegetation, Soil types and their distributions.
Resources: Land, surface and ground water, energy, minerals, biotic and marine resources, Forest and wildlife resources and their conservation; Energy crisis.
Agriculture: Infrastructure: irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, power; Institutional factors; land holdings, land tenure and land reforms; Cropping pattern, agricultural productivity, agricultural intensity, crop combination, land capability; Agro and social-forestry; Green revolution and its socio-economic and ecological implications; Significance of dry farming; Livestock resources and white revolution; Aquaculture; Sericulture, Agriculture and poultry; Agricultural regionalisation; Agro-climatic zones; Agroecological regions.
Industry: Evolution of industries; Locational factors of cotton, jute, textile, iron and steel, aluminum, fertiliser, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, automobile, cottage, and ago-based industries; Industrial houses and complexes including public sector undertakings; Industrial regionalisation; New industrial policy; Multinationals and liberalisation; Special Economic Zones; Tourism including ecotourism.
Transport, Communication, and Trade: Road, railway, waterway, airway, and pipeline networks and their complementary roles in regional development; Growing importance of ports on national and foreign trade; Trade balance; Trade Policy; Export processing zones; Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on economy and society; Indian space programme.
Settlements: Types, patterns, and morphology of rural settlements; Urban developments; Morphology of Indian cities; Functional classification of Indian cities; Conurbations and metropolitan regions; Urban sprawl; Slums and associated problems; Town planning; Problems of urbanisation and remedies.
Regional Development and Planning: Experience of regional planning in India; Five Year Plans; Integrated rural development programmes; Panchayati Raj and decentralised planning; Command area development; Watershed management; Planning for backward area, desert, drought-prone, hill tribal area development; Multi-level planning; Regional planning and development of island territories.
Political Aspects: Geographical basis of Indian federalism; State reorganization; Emergence of new states; Regional consciousness and inter-state issues; International boundary of India and related issues; Cross-border terrorism; India’s role in world affairs; Geopolitics of South Asia and Indian Ocean realm.
Contemporary Issues: Ecological issues: Environmental hazards: landslides, earthquakes, Tsunamis, floods and droughts, epidemics; Issues related to environmental pollution; Changes in patterns of land use; Principles of environmental impact assessment and environmental management; Population explosion and food security; Environmental degradation; Deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion; Problems of agrarian and industrial unrest; Regional disparities in economic development; Concept of sustainable growth and development; Environmental awareness; Linkage of rivers; Globalisation and Indian economy.