One of the first steps in clearing the IAS (Indian Administrative Services) Examination is to have a thorough understanding of the IAS syllabus. It goes without saying that the IAS exam is one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. Therefore any edge a candidate can get is crucial.
This article will give a brief detail about the IAS Syllabus 2021 in general while providing tips on how to master it with ease.
Understanding the IAS Syllabus
Understanding the IAS Syllabus helps in eliminating wasteful efforts such as learning about topics which are not covered in the syllabus, thereby keeping the candidate aligned to the expectations of the exam from the beginning itself.
It is known that the IAS Exam consists of Prelims and Mains stages. The syllabus is divided as per the prelims and mains stages.
The Syllabus for Prelims consists of two papers. They are as follows:
Syllabus for Prelims Paper-I
- 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
Syllabus for Prelims Paper-II
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)
Syllabus for IAS Mains
- Paper- I: Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s choice)
- Paper- II: General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of World
- Paper – III: General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)
- Paper – IV: General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management)
- Paper – V: General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
- Paper VI – Optional Subject – Paper I
- Paper VII – Optional Subject – Paper II
Tips to Master IAS Syllabus 2021
Since a general idea of the IAS Syllabus has been given, candidates can get tips on how they can complete the syllabus at great ease.
Tip#1: Filter Relevant content
The IAS syllabus is extensive thus it is important to carefully read and go through it in order to effectively mind-mapping the relevant content. This way it would optimise the efforts a candidate would put in for its IAS preparation.
Tip#2: Keep a PDF or a Micro List of IAS Syllabus handy
Keeping a copy of the IAS syllabus in a PDF form or any other type of list will be helpful as it will help in referring to the syllabus easily and remembering them from time to time.
Tip#3: Strengthen your foundation
In order to cover the IAS syllabus, it is important to have a strong foundation regarding the subjects. For this NCERT books will help for all standard subjects. The NCERT books will play a crucial role in covering most of the topics that are covered in the syllabus.
Tip#5: Keep Revising
Revision is really the key to the IAS syllabus It helps in conceptual clarity and concept retention. Make it a habit to revise whatever you read on a particular day at night. Dedicate specific days in your weekly and monthly planner specifically to revision. In the end it is not about how much you will study for the IAS Exam but rather how much you will be able to retain it.
IAS is the most prestigious exam in India, as IAS full form is Indian Administrative Services the profession is considered as the most respectable one in the country.
