Complete Official UPPSC Syllabus for PCS Exam Preparation 2023

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) examination every year to recruit eligible candidates for various administrative positions in the Uttar Pradesh government. The UPPSC PCS exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in the state.

To prepare for the exam, candidates must have a good understanding of the UPPSC PCS syllabus. The syllabus is extensive, and candidates need to prepare accordingly to score well in the UPPSC exam. In this article, we will discuss the complete UPPSC syllabus for the 2023 year exam.

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The UPPSC exam is divided into two stages – the Prelims Exam and the Mains Exam. The syllabus for both sections of the UPPSC exam is given in below sections-

UPPSC Prelims 2023 Syllabus

Prelims are the first stage of the UPPSC exam. Moreover, it is a screening test that aims to shortlist eligible candidates for the Mains Exam.

Paper	Subjects	Marks	Questions	Duration
I	General Studies I	200	150	2 hours
II	General Studies II (CSAT)	200	100	2 hours

Detailed UPPSC PCS Prelims Exam Syllabus

(a) General Studies Paper-I Syllabus

Paper-I is the General Studies, and it covers various subjects, including Indian History, Indian National Movement, Indian Polity, Geography, Indian Economy, General Science, and Current Events.

S. No	UPPSC PCS 2023 Prelims Paper 1 Syllabus
1.	Current events of national and international importance
2.	History of India and National Movement
3.	India and World Geography – Physical, Social, and  Economic geography of India and the World
4.	Indian Polity and governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues etc.
5.	Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
6.	General Issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
7.	General Science

Note: Candidates are expected to have general awareness about the above subjects with special reference to Uttar Pradesh.

(b) General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) Syllabus

Paper-II, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). It covers various subjects, including Elementary Mathematics, General English, General Hindi and Mental Reasoning.

Subject	UPPSC PCS 2023 Prelims Paper 2 (CSAT) Syllabus
General Studies-II	Comprehension
	Interpersonal skills including communication skills
	Logical reasoning and analytical ability
	Decision making and problem-solving
	General mental ability
	Elementary Mathematics upto ClassX level-Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics
	General English upto Class X level
	General Hindi upto Class X level
Elementary Mathematics	Arithmetic (i) Number systems: Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational numbers, Real numbers, Divisors of an Integer, prime Integers, L.C.M. and H.C.F. of integers and their Interrelationship. (ii) Average (iii) Ratio and proportion (iv) Percentage (v) Profit and Loss (vi) Simple and Compound Interests (vii) Work and Time (viii) Speed, Time and Distance
	Algebra (i) Factors of polynomials, L.C.M. and H.C.F. of polynomials and their interrelationship, Remainder theorem, simultaneous linear equations, quadratic equations. (ii) Set Theory:- Set, null set, subsets and proper subsets of a set, operations (Union, Intersections, difference, symmetric difference) between sets, Venn diagram.
	Geometry (i) Constructions and theorems regarding triangle, rectangle, square, trapezium and circles, their perimeter and area. (ii) Volume and surface area of sphere, right circular cylinder, right circular Cone and Cube.
	Statistics Collection of data, Classification of data, frequency, frequency distribution, tabulation, cumulative frequency. Representation of data – Bar diagram, Pie chart, histogram, frequency polygon, cumulative frequency curves (ogives), Measures of Central tendency: Arithmetic Mean, Median and Mode
General English	Comprehension
	Active Voice and Passive Voice
	Parts of Speech
	Transformation of Sentences
	Direct and Indirect Speech
	Punctuation and Spellings
	Words meanings
	Vocabulary & Usage
	Idioms and Phrases
	Fill in the Blanks
सामान्य हिंदी	हिंदी वर्णमाला, विराम चिन्ह
	शब्द रचना, वाक्य रचना, अर्थ
	शब्द-रूप
	संधि, समास
	क्रियायें
	अनेकार्थी शब्द
	विलोम शब्द
	पर्यायवाची शब्द
	मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ
	देशज, तत्सम एवं तद्भव, विदेशी (शब्द भंडार)
	वर्तनी
	अर्थबोध
	हिन्दी भाषा के प्रयोग में होने वाली अशुद्धियाँ
	उ.प्र. की मुख्य बोलियाँ

UPPSC Mains Syllabus

Mains are the second stage of the UPPSC exam. Moreover, it is a descriptive type of exam to test the candidate’s understanding and knowledge of various subjects and topics.

Paper	Marks	Duration
Essay	150	3 hours
General Hindi	150	3 hours
General Studies – I	200	3 hours
General Studies – II	200	3 hours
General Studies – II	200	3 hours
General Studies – IV	200	3 hours
Optional Paper – 1	200	3 hours
Optional Paper – 2	200	3 hours

Detailed UPPSC PCS Mains Exam Syllabus

(a) General Studies Paper – I Syllabus

S. No.	UPPSC PCS 2023 Mains GS-I Syllabus
1.	History of Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
2.	Modern Indian History (from A.D 1757 to A.D 1947)– Significant events, personalities and issues, etc.
3.	Freedom Struggle – Its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
4.	History of the world – will include events from 18th century to middle of the 20th century, such as French Revolution of 1789, Industrial Revolution, World Wars, redraw of national boundaries, Socialism, Nazism, Fascism, etc. their forms and effects on the society
5.	Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country (till 1965A.D.)
6.	Salient features of Indian Society and culture
7.	Role of Women in society and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies
8.	Meaning of liberalization, privatization and globalization and their effects on economy, polity and social structure
9.	Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
10.	Distribution of major natural resources of World – Water, Soils, Forests in reference to South and South-East Asia with special reference to India.
11.	Factors responsible for the location of industries (with special reference to India)
12.	Salient features of Physical Geography – Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone, Ocean Currents, winds and glaciers
13.	Oceanic resources of India and their potential
14.	Human migration – refugee problem of the World with focus on India
15.	Frontiers and boundaries with reference to Indian sub-continent
16.	Population and Settlements – Types and Patterns, Urbanization, Smart Cities and Smart Villages
17.	Specific Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh – History, Culture, Art, Architecture, Festival, Folk dance, Literature, Regional languages, Heritage, Social Customs and Tourism
18.	Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh Geography – Human and Natural Resources, Climate, Soils, Forest, Wild-Life, Mines and Minerals, Sources of Irrigation

(b) General Studies Paper – II Syllabus

S. No.	UPPSC PCS 2023 Mains GS-II Syllabus
1.	Indian Constitution – Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure, Role of Supreme Court in evolution of basic provisions of Constitution
2.	Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States – Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
3.	Role of Finance Commission in Centre-State financial relations
4.	Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions, Emergence and use of alternative dispute redressal mechanisms
5.	Comparison of the Indian Constitutional scheme with that of other major democratic countries
6.	Parliament and State Legislatures – Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and concerned issues
7.	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, Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
8.	Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
9.	Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities
10.	Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies including NITI Aayog, their features and functioning
11.	Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design, implementations and Information Communications Technology (ICT)
12.	Important aspects of governance – Transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations and potential, citizens, charters and institutional measures
13.	Development processes – The role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
14.	Role of Civil Services in democracy in the context of emerging trends
15.	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
16.	Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources
17.	Issues relating to poverty, hunger and their implication on the body
18.	India and its relationship with neighbouring Countries
19.	Bilateral, Regional, and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interest
20.	Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests- Indian diaspora
21.	Important International Institutions, Agencies their structure, mandate, and functioning
22.	Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh (Political, Administrative, Revenue and Judicial System)
23.	Current affairs and events of Regional, State, National and International importance

(c) General Studies Paper – III Syllabus

S. No.	UPPSC PCS 2023 Mains GS-III Syllabus
1.	Economic planning in India, objectives and achievements, Role of NITI Aayog, Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2.	Issues of Poverty, Unemployment, Social Justice and Inclusive growth
3.	Components of Government Budgets and Financial System
4.	Major Crops, Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce, e-technology in the aid of farmers
5.	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 in agriculture
6.	Food processing and related industries in India – scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
7.	Land reforms in India since independence
8.	Effects of liberalization and globalization on the economy changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
9.	Infrastructure – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
10.	Science and Technology – Developments and applications in everyday life and in National Security, India’s Science and Technology policy
11.	Achievements of Indians in science & technology -, indigenization of technology. Developments of New technologies, transfer of technology, dual and critical use of technologies
12.	Technology – Awareness in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Space Technology, Computers, Energy resources, nano-technology, microbiology, and biotechnology
13.	Environmental security and Ecosystems, Conservation of Wildlife, Biodiversity, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
14.	Disaster as a Non-traditional security and safety challenge, disaster mitigation and management
15.	Issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR), and digital rights
16.	Challenges of International Security – Issues of Nuclear proliferation, Causes and spread of extremism, Communication networks, role of media and social networking, Basics of cyber security, money laundering and human trafficking
17.	India’s internal security challenges – Terrorism, corruption, insurgency and organized crimes
18.	Role, kind and mandate of security forces, Higher defence organizations in India
19.	Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh Economy –State Budgets, Importance of Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure and physical resources, Human Resources and Skill Development, Government Programmes and Welfare Schemes.
20.	Issues in State’s Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry
21.	Law and Order and Civil Defence with special reference to Uttar Pradesh

(d) General Studies Paper – IV Syllabus

S.No.	UPPSC PCS 2023 Mains GS-IV Syllabus
1.	Ethics and Human Interface – Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human action, dimensions of ethics, Ethics in private and public relationship, Human Values
2.	Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders  reformers and administrators, role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
3.	Attitude – Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour, moral and political attitudes, social influence and persuasion
4.	Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public services, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections
5.	Emotional Intelligence – concept and dimensions, its utility and application in administration and governance
6.	Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
7.	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 moral values in governance, ethical issues in international relations and funding, corporate governance
8.	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 charter, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
9.	Case studies on the above issues

(e) General Hindi Syllabus

S.No.	UPPSC PCS 2023 Mains Syllabus for General Hindi
1.	गद्य खण्ड का अवबोध एवं प्रश्नोत्तर
2.	संक्षेपण
3.	सरकारी एवं अर्धसरकारी पत्र लेखन, तार लेखन, कार्यालय आदेश, अधिसूचना, परिपत्र
4.	शब्द ज्ञान एवं प्रयोग (उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय प्रयोग, विलोम शब्द, वाक्यांश के लिए एकशब्द, वर्तनी एवं वाक्य शुद्धि)
5.	लोकोक्ति एवं मुहावरे

(f) Essay Syllabus

Section	Topics
A.	Literature and Culture, Social sphere, Political sphere
B.	Science, Environment and Technology, Economic Sphere, Agriculture, Industry and Trade
C.	National and International Events, Natural Calamities, Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought, etc., National Development programmes and projects

(g) Optional Subjects

The commission allows candidates to choose one optional subject for the UPPSC Exam. The optional subject consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 200 marks. The choice of the optional subject depends on the candidate’s academic background and interests.

The UPPSC offers a wide range of optional subjects, including-

UPPSC Optional Subjects
Agriculture & Veterinary Science	Arabic Literature
Chemistry	Hindi Literature
Defence Studies	Persian Literature
Management	Sanskrit Literature
Political Science & International Relations	Geology
Geography	Psychology
History	Civil Engineering
Social Work	Medical Science
Agricultural Engineering	Philosophy
Mechanical Engineering	Botany
Law	English Literature
Zoology	Urdu Literature
Statistics	Public Administration
Physics	Sociology
Mathematics	Anthropology
Commerce & Accountancy	Electrical Engineering
Economics	Animal Husbandry

In conclusion, candidates who wish to appear for the UPPSC PCS 2023 exam must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. Apart from the syllabus, candidates should also focus on UPPSC current affairs, UPPSC previous year question papers, and UPPSC mock tests to boost their preparation. With the right preparation strategy and consistent efforts, candidates can clear the UPPSC exam and secure a job in the government services of Uttar Pradesh.

UPPSC PCS Syllabus: Frequently Asked Questions