UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus & Preparation Strategy

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus & Strategy

General Studies-I. General Studies (GS) Paper 1 is often the first exam encountered in competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE). It tests a broad range of subjects, aiming to assess a candidate’s foundational knowledge and understanding of the world around them.it is a subjective type of paper consisting of the following subjects (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society). it includes 10 questions for 10 marks in 150 words and 10 questions for 15 marks in 250 words.

Table of Content

Indian Society
World History
Geography
Indian Heritage and Culture
Post-Independence Consolidation
Modern History
Standard Books to Prepare for GS Paper-1
UPSC GS Paper Preparation Tips
FAQs related to GS Paper 1

INDIAN SOCIETY

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus defined by UPSC:

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women’s organisations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, and their problems and their remedies, Effects of globalisation on Indian society, Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus – Sub Topics for Indian Society:

Topic 1. Salient features of Indian society

What is Indian society?
Is it a mental construct or a living reality?
Features of Indian society
Changes within Indian society and their repercussions
Causes of changes
Coping mechanisms derived
Indian society today

2. Diversity of India

What is diversity?
Types of diversities in India
Can diversity be equated with difference?
The unity in diversity- a reality or a delusion
Some examples
Manner of reconciliation

3. Role of women’s organisations

What are Women’s organisations?
Women’s organisations in Indian history
Types of women’s organisations
Level of penetration
Women’s organisation – a ray of hope, few case studies
Should women’s organisation be female centrist or a positive change in the structure is the need of the hour- an appraisal?
Problems faced by women’s organisations
Is a larger vocal role possible and ways to achieve the same?

4. Poverty and development issues

Poverty – Definition and concept
Concept of development
Development and poverty – the matrix
Sen vs Bhagwati model
Crisis of development
Certain case studies
Is filling the chasm possible- and how so
Government’s initiatives and the five year plans
Role of civil society organisations
An assessment

5. Population and associated issues

What is population- meaning and concept
Different components of population
Problem of IMR, MMR and TFR
International Targets (MDGs) and India’s story
The government’s initiatives for the same
Family planning and the problems
Demographic dividend and the way to capitalise it

6. Urbanisation, their problems and remedies

Urbanisation introduction through Census 2011
Urbanisation and issues
Transport
Waste disposal
Rural-urban migration
Sanitation
Environment
Housing
Water depletion
Pollution
Steps taken by GOI
Issues and reforms needed

7. Effects of globalisation on Indian society

What is the meaning of globalisation?
Meaning of Indian society
Kinds of the impact of globalisation – economic, political, developmental, and socio-cultural
Is the impact solely positive or negative an assessment?

8. Social empowerment

Meaning and concept of social empowerment
Why do we need social empowerment?
Specific sections for whom social empowerment is the lifeblood
Social empowerment through the five-year plans
Government’s initiatives for empowerment
Empowerment in reality and India’s experience
Other approaches /players/tools for social empowerment and some case studies on the same

9. Communalism

Meaning and concept of communalism
Historicity of communalism
Is it an ideology or just some random events a re look?
Recent incidents
Role of third parties in inciting/perpetrating communalism
Communalism under the law
Can communalism be eradicated from the Indian society completely?
Way forward

10. Secularism

Meaning and concept of secularism
Secularism through the vantage point of the Indian Constitution
Comparisons of models
Gandhi Ji on religion
Indian philosophy on secularism
Threats on the Secular Spirit
Is the Indian democracy mature enough to handle the gravity of secularism in the light of the Lok-Sabha election results in 2024?
Do we need to work on the Indian brand of secularism and how is that going to be possible?

11. Regionalism

Meaning and concept of regionalism
Why regionalism?
Theories on regionalism
Regionalism in its various manifestations
Role of various players
Recent incidents causing a wave of flurry
Possible ways to tackle the same

WORLD HISTORY –

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus Defined by UPSC:

History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redraw of national boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus -Sub Topics for World History:

1. Industrial Revolution

Decline of feudalism
Beginning of Renaissance
Pre-industrial Europe
Agricultural Revolution
Factors that led to industrial revolution
Impact of industrial revolution

2. French Revolution

Causes
The revolution in France
France under Napoleon
Impact of Revolution
Significance of Revolution

3. Nationalism in Europe

Rise of the nation- state system
Unification of Italy
Unification of Germany

4. Colonialism and Imperialism

Colonialism
The age of Imperialism (1870-1914)
Imperialism in Asia
Analysis of Colonialism

5. Emergence of USA

Foundation of American Colonies
The Independence of United States of America
The American Revolutionary War
What was the impact of American Revolution?
Political Effects of the Revolution
How did the American Revolution influence the French Revolution?
US Civil War
Impact of Civil War on USA
Global Impact of US Civil War
Impact on India

6. World War-I

Major causes of the war
Course of the war
Analysis of major events of the war
Consequences of World War I
Aftermath of World War I
League of Nations

7. Russian Revolution

Major events in pre-revolution Russia
Causes
Course of Revolution
Consequences
Aftermath of the war
Post-Lenin Russia

8. Inter-War Years (1919 To 1939)

The Great Depression
The Great Depression- an economic perspective
Rise of Fascism in Italy
Rise of Nazism in Germany
Soviet Union (USSR)

9. World War- II

Foundations of the war
Course of the war
Aftermath of war
Analysis of the war
Decolonization phase

10. Development in Middle East

Democratic reforms in Middle East
Arab nationalism
Israel & Palestine Issue

11. Cold War

Political philosophies
Capitalism
Socialism
Communism

12. World After Cold-War

Global issues since 1991
Integration of Europe
European integration- a timeline
Rise of global Islamic terrorism
Rise of China

GEOGRAPHY-

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus defined by UPSC:

Salient features of 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.

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus – Sub Topics for Geography:

1. Salient features of world’s physical geography

Geo-morphology
Meaning & Scope of Geo-morphology
Internal Structure of Earth
The Theory of Continental Drift
Plate Tectonics theory
Rocks
Classification of Forces affecting the land-forms
Mountain Building
Earthquakes & Tsunamis
Volcanism
Plains and Plateau
Oceanography
Ocean Bottom Relief
Temperature and Salinity of Ocean Waters
Ocean Currents
Tides
Coral Reefs
Geopolitical importance of Indian Ocean
Climatology
Earth’s Atmosphere
Weather and Climate
Air Mass, Fronts & Cyclones
Climatic division of India

2. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent)

Distribution of soil
Distribution of minerals
Distribution of rivers
Distribution of crops

3. Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)

Introduction
Primary sector and locations
Secondary sector and locations
Tertiary sector and locations
Issues in industrial development
GOI steps
Recommendations

4. Important Geophysical phenomena

Earthquakes
Tsunami
Volcanic activity
European integration- a timeline
Rise of global Islamic terrorism
Rise of China

5. Geographical features and their location

Mountains
Plains
Plateaus
Other features
Degradation due to human activities

6. Changes in critical geographical features

Human impact on geographical features as climate change, ocean acidification, water depletion, pollution, deforestation, desertification, erosion.

INDIAN HERITAGE & CULTURE-

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus defined by UPSC:

Indian Heritage culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus-Sub Topics for Indian Heritage & Culture:

Palaeolithic art
Art & culture during Indus Valley civilisation
Religion and Indian philosophy
Architecture and sculpture Since Mauryan age
Indian paintings
Classical forms of dance
Folk dance forms
Classical music
Musical instruments
Drama/theatre
Puppet forms of India
Indian pottery
Indian literature
Government institutions related to art and culture
Culture and social change

POST-INDEPENDENCE CONSOLIDATION

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus-Syllabus defined by UPSC:

Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country.

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus-Sub Topics for Post-Independence Consolidation:

1. Reorganisation of states

Status on the eve of independence
Factors that lead to merger
Accession of the princely states
Accession of States under France and Portuguese
Accession of Sikkim
Rehabilitation of the Refugees
Federal crisis
State reorganisation
Need for Second State Reorganisation
Formation of Telangana
Issue of Linguistic Regionalism

2. Issue related to vulnerable section

Tribal Issue
Caste and Communalism Women’s empowerment
Issue of linguistic minorities

3. Overview of economic development since

independence
Planning in India
Agriculture development
Manufacturing sector
Service sector
New economic policy and its impact

MODERN HISTORY-Syllabus defined by UPSC:

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.

Sub Topics for Modern History:

1. British Conquest of India

Decline of the Mughal Empire
Rise of regional politics
India in the Eighteenth Century
Advent of Europeans
Factors that led to the conquest of India by the British
Conquest of regional powers
Resistance of Indian powers and causes of failure
Evolution of British paramountcy over princely states

2. British Administration

British Colonialism in India
British policies in India
British Economic Policies and their impact
Rise of the capitalist class
Activities of Christian Missionaries
Governors- Generals and administration till 1857
Colonial administration till 1857

3. Early Resistance to British Rule

Tribal revolts
Various tribal movements in India
Civil rebellions and peasant revolts
Nature and significance of civil rebellions
Various peasant movements in India
The revolt of 1857 and the personalities associated

4. Nationalism in India

Rise of nationalism in India
Social Basis of Indian Nationalism
Rise and growth of the Indian National Congress
Policies and programs of early nationalists
Role of literature and News media in freedom struggle
Intensification of the nationalist movement
Home Rule League
Militants and Revolutionaries
Gadar movement

5. Indian Freedom Struggle Under Gandhi

Gandhi in South Africa
Non- cooperation Movement
Civil Disobedience Movement
Round Table Conference
Poona Pact
1939 Tripuri Session
August Offer
Individual Satyagraha 1940-41
Quit India Movement
British Official response to national movement

6. Social Reforms in British India

Regeneration, reform and renaissance in India
Social reformers in India
Reforms in western India
Reforms in South India
Role of reformers
Nature and limitation of 19th-century renaissance
Reasons of rise
Caste movement in south India
Caste movements in northern and eastern India

7. Struggle by the Masses

Trade union movement in India
Peasant movements in modern India
The states people’s movements
Socialists and left bloc in congress
Indian National Army
Naval mutiny of 1946

8. Partition of India

Rise and growth of communalism
Partition of India and attainment of freedom
Wavell Plan
Cabinet Mission Plan
Mountbatten Plan

Standard Books Recommended by PulsePhse.in

History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
India After Independence by Bipan Chandra
India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Indian Heritage and Culture-Dr. PK Agrawal (NCERT)
World Geography by DR Khullar
Oxford Atlas for Geography
Geography NCERTs (Class VI and XII) Old / New (old book has better content)
Geography of India by Majid Hussain
Ancient India by RS Sharma
Central Physical and Human Geography by GC Leong
From Plassey To Partition and After by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay

Conquering UPSC GS Paper 1: Top 10 Preparation Tips by IAS Toppers

UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) requires a strategic approach & dedication to crack general studies paper-1. Below are the top 10 tips to excel your IAS Exam preparation.

1. Understand the GS Syllabus:

Before diving in, thoroughly grasp the official syllabus provided by UPSC.
Identify the weightage for each section and prioritise accordingly.

2. Build a Strong Foundation:

Read NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12) for History, Geography to form a solid base.
Focus on understanding core concepts rather than rote memorisation.

3. Standard Reference IAS Study Materials:

Supplement NCERTs with standard reference books recommended by toppers or coaching institutes.
These provide in-depth analysis and cover advanced topics.

4. Master the Art of Note-Making:

Develop a note-taking method that works for you.
Include key points, diagrams, and important data for efficient revision.

5. Current Affairs are Key:

Stay updated on national and international news through reliable sources like newspapers, news websites, and government publications.
Link current events to relevant sections of the syllabus for comprehensive understanding.

6. Practice Answer Writing:

Regularly practice writing answers in the UPSC format.
Focus on clarity, structure, content, and answer presentation.
Mock test series can provide valuable feedback and timed practice.

7. Previous Year Question Papers:

Analysing past UPSC question papers is crucial.
Identify recurring themes, question formats, and the level of expected analysis.
Practice answering these papers under exam conditions.

8. Discussion and Debate:

Discuss topics with fellow aspirants or join study groups.
Sharing perspectives and engaging in healthy debate clarifies concepts and strengthens your analytical skills.

9. Time Management is Essential:

Create a realistic study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each section.
Factor in revision and breaks to avoid burnout.

10. Stay Motivated:

The UPSC journey can be long.
Surround yourself with positive influences and maintain a healthy balance between studies and personal well-being.

Remember, consistent effort, the right approach, and the use of these tips will equip you to tackle GS Paper 1 effectively and move closer to your UPSC dream. Wish You All the best -Pulse phase Team.

FAQs About GS Paper 1 Syllabus

Q 1. What are the topics covered in GS Paper 1?

Answer: Topics covered in UPSC GS paper-1 are as follows Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography, Indian Society, General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change and Current events of national and international importance.

Q 2. What is the best way to prepare for GS Paper 1?

Answer: You can Focus on analytical thinking and developing the ability to form well-informed opinions on various issues, Practice map skills, especially for the geography section, pay attention to developing a strong vocabulary and clear writing style, regularly review your progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Q 3. Which reference books should I use for GS Paper 1?

Answer: Reference books are mentioned above. Please check Books to Read for GS Paper Preparation in our recommendation section.

Q 4. Where can I find the previous year’s question papers for GS Paper 1?

Answer: Download UPSC’s previous Questions paper from our Study Material Section.

Q 5. What are some common mistakes to avoid in GS Paper 1?

Answer: Attempt all the questions of paper and give answers in point format not give time more than 7-8 minutes.