- Strategy / Planner for 2024
- Exam Dates
- Syllabus: Prelims
- Prelims Answerkey-Discussion
- Mains Exam Structure
- Mains-Answekey Dussion with Downloadable PPT
- Mains Syllabus: GS Paper 1234 with Booklist
- Cutoff Prelims
- Cutoff Mains
- Cutoff Interview
- Cutoff Final Selection
Strategy / Planner for 2024
Watch 3 videos in this playlist
Exam Dates for 2024 cycle
(tentative NOT final)
| UPSC Notification-2024 | 2024-Feb-14 |
|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims-2024 Exam | 2024-May-26 |
| UPSC Prelims-2024 Result | 2024-Jun-middle |
| UPSC Mains-2023 Exam | 2024-Sep-20 |
Syllabus: Prelims
| Paper-1 General Studies (2 hrs) | Paper-II Aptitude (2 hrs) |
| – 100 MCQs x 2 marks = 200 marks. They’re counted for shortlisting candidates for the Mains exam stage. | – 80 MCQs x 2.5 marks = 200 marks. Since 2015 exam-reform, you need to score only 33% qualifying marks (i.e. 67 marks), and they’re not counted while shortlisting candidates for the Mains exam stage. |
| – Current events of national and international importance.
– History of India, Indian National Movement. – Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geo.of India, 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. (Covered in my Economy course) – General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change . – 7. General Science. |
– Comprehension.
– Logical reasoning and analytical ability. – 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). – **Interpersonal skills including communication skills. – **Decision-making and problem-solving. – ** while they’re part of syllabus but not asked since 2015 due to protests by the Hindi-belt aspirants. |
Prelims Answerkey Discussion
- 2022 Ki Answerkey https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYR7WJw1-QWM20GrDqFKPbK4j95HZlMG
- 2023 ki Answerkey https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSVABdpsEegkxJv0hNxNDwWtcWPpGgjIM
Mains Exam Structure
| Paper | Subject Name | Marks |
| (1) English language paper & (Not counted in Merit)
(2) regional language paper e.g. Gujarati/hindi/Punjabi/Marathi etc (Not counted in Merit) |
N/A | |
| Paper-1 | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-2 | General Studies–I (Indian Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-3 | General Studies –II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) | 250 |
| Paper-4 | General Studies –III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-5 | General Studies –IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-6 | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper-7 | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
| Sub Total (Written test) | 1750 | |
| INTERVIEW/ Personality Test | 275 | |
| Grand Total | 2025 |
Mains-2022 Answer Discussion with Downloadable PPT
Watch this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYR7WJw1-QWw2l-GA5DVW0EThFRkORf8
Mains Syllabus: GS Paper 1234 with Booklist
- Mrunal Comments: Possible that other teachers / toppers may prescribe different sources. I accept. There are more than one way to crack the exam.
- UA Notes = Unacademy Notes.
| Paper | Code | Topic | Booklist |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSM1 | 1c | 1) Salient aspects of Art, Architecture,
2) literature from Ancient to Modern Times |
1. ✋Literature ke naap pe some PDF walla giving long list of author-book in hindi literature, but no one asked in real exam!
2. UA-Notes (OR Lecture PPT) |
| GSM1 | 1i | Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); Freedom Struggle (various stages, important contributors from different parts of the country) | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. UA-Notes OR 2. Plassey to partition |
| GSM1 | 1pi | Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country) | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. UA-Notes OR 2. Koi bhi Cheap THIN book / PDF |
| GSM1 | 1w | 18th century events (e.g. Ind’l revo, WWs, redrawn boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effect on society | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. UA-Notes OR 2. Koi bhi SASTI THIN book / PDF |
| GSM1 | 2c | Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment | NCERT [Socio, PolSci] |
| GSM1 | 2p | Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues | NCERT [Eco11, Socio, PolSci] UA-Notes |
| GSM1 | 2s | Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; Globalisation (effects on Indian society) | NCERT [ Socio, PolSci] &
UA-Notes, CA-PDF |
| GSM1 | 2w | Role of women and women’s organisation; | NCERT [ Socio, PolSci] &
UA-Notes, CA-PDF |
| GSM1 | 3c | Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects therof) | UA-Notes, CA-PDF |
| GSM1 | 3f | Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India, world) | https://mrunal.org/tag/gsm1-geo-location?order=asc
Just a glance over it. Do not do PhD. |
| GSM1 | 3p | Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location; | UA-Notes |
| GSM1 | 3r | Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent) | UA-Notes |
| GSM1 | 3u | Urbanisation: problems and remedies | 10-15 good points logically divided. Recycle whatever they ask |
| GSM2 | 1basic | Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution | UA-Notes |
| GSM2 | 1bodies | Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies (powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies | UA-Notes, CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 1compare | Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries’ | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 1fed | Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; | CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 1lsr | Union and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) | Laxmikanth (Or UA-Notes),
CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 1rpa | Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 1seper | Separation of Powers (between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, institutions); Judiciary (structure, organisation functioning) | CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 1xo | Executive (structure, organisation, functioning); Ministries and Departments (of Union and State govts.) | 1. They’re not asking actual ministry dept but issues So, CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 2schemes | Welfare Schemes (centre, states; performance, mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for protection of vulnerable sections); Poverty and hunger issues | Mrunal-Handout, CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 2sector | Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) | Mrunal-Handout, CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 2services | Social Sector & Social Services (health, education, human resources – issues in development, management) | Mrunal-Handout, CA-PDF |
| GSM2 | 3acc | Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 3egov | E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 3gov | Important aspects of governance; | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 3grCS | Role of Civil Services in a democracy. | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 3grNGO | Development Processes & Development industry (role of NGOs, SHGs, groups & associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders) | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 3grPress | Pressure Groups & Formal, Informal associations (and their role in the polity) | ONLY 1 of Following: NOT all:
1. Kartikeyan ki Governance book OR 2. UA-Notes (governance) |
| GSM2 | 4aff | Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed and Developing countries on India (India’s interests, diaspora) | UA-Notes, |
| GSM2 | 4inst | Important International institutions, agencies, for a (structure, mandate); Bilateral, Regional, Global groupings & Agreements (involving and/or affecting India) | UA-Notes, |
| GSM2 | 4n | India and its Neighbourhood (relations) | UA-Notes, |
| GSM3 | 1bud | Government Budgeting | Mrunal-Economy-Handout |
| GSM3 | 1desi | Indian Economy (issues re: planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, employment); Inclusive growth and issues therein | Mrunal-Economy-Handout |
| GSM3 | 1fed-Local | Devolution of powers and finances to local levels; challenges therein | 6-8 good points on problems of PRI bodies.
Recycle whatever they ask. Source: Same as “1Compare” cell |
| GSM3 | 1inv | Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways); Investment models | Mrunal-Economy-Handout |
| GSM3 | 1lib | Effects of Liberalisation on the economy; Changes in Industrial policy & their effects on industrial growth | Mru-HDT AND Class11 NCERT |
| GSM3 | 2crop | Major Crops in various parts of country (cropping patterns, types of irrigation, irrigation systems) | NCERT Geo, Selective-Yojana/Kurukshetra-Summaries. |
| GSM3 | 2etech | e-technology to aid farmers; Technology missions; | We can prepare GK of App list but they’re not asking. just mugup some generic points about apps vs utilities: E-nam for selling, weather forcast, FARMS app for renting tracktor etc. |
| GSM3 | 2fpi | Food processing and related industries in India (scope & significance, location, upstream-downstream requirements, supply chain management); storage, transport & marketing of agro-produce and related issues & constraints; Economics of animal-rearing | Mrunal-Economy-Handout |
| GSM3 | 2land | Land Reforms in India | NCERT Class12 Sociology. Mrunal’s Model Ans. Classes
✋Bipan I don’t recommend for too long- too poor cost benefit |
| GSM3 | 2msp | Farm subsidies and MSP and issues therein (direct and indirect); PDS (objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks & food security) | Mrunal-Economy-Handout |
| GSM3 | 3dis | Disasters & Disaster Management | UA-Notes |
| GSM3 | 3eia | Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental Impact Assessment | UA-Notes AND CA-PDF |
| GSM3 | 3indst | Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenisation of technology & development of new technology | Lately they have not asked anything specific from this part. prepare 10-12 Generic points around Corona, ISRO etc. |
| GSM3 | 3st | S&T developments and everyday applications & effects; Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotech, Biotech, IPR issues | CA-PDF |
| GSM3 | 4$$ | Linkages of Organised crime and Terrorism; Moneylaundering & Prevention | UA-Notes AND CA-PDF |
| GSM3 | 4border | Border Areas (securite challenges and management thereof); Security forces & agencies (mandate); Role of External State & Non-State actors in creating internal security challenges | UA-Notes AND CA-PDF |
| GSM3 | 4cyb | Basics of Cyber Security; Role of media and social-networking sites in internal security challenges; Internal security challenges through communication networks | UA-Notes AND CA-PDF |
| GSM3 | 4lwe | Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism; | UA-Notes AND CA-PDF |
| GSM4 | 1basic | 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; | UA-Notes OR
Any Ethics Book |
| GSM4 | 1EQ | Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 1thinkers | Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 21familyRole | Role of Family in Inculcating Values. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 22socialinfluence | Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 2Attitude | Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 3Compassion | Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 3neutralIAS | Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 3office | Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 41THEORY | Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 42CODE | Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 44Corruption | Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 45RTI | Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 5CSR | Corporate Governance. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | 5IR | Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
| GSM4 | No seprt code | Case Studies on above issues. | 1) UA-Notes OR Any Ethics Book AND
2) UA-Model Ans File <When released. Abhi nahi. Wait for it> |
Cutoff Prelims
| Prelims | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PH (various categories) | Total Marks |
| 2022 | 88.22 | 82.83 | 87.54 | 74.08 | 69.35 | 40.40-58.59 | 200 |
| 2021 | 87.54 | 80.14 | 84.85 | 75.41 | 70.71 | 43.09-68.02 | 200 |
| 2020 | 92.51 | 77.55 | 89.12 | 74.84 | 68.71 | 40.82-70.06 | 200 |
| 2019 | 98 | 90 | 95.34 | 82 | 77.34 | 40.66-53.34 | 200 |
| 2018 | 98 | N/A | 96.66 | 84 | 83.34 | 40 to 73.34 | 200 |
| 2017 | 105.34 | N/A | 102.66 | 88.66 | 88.66 | 40 to 85.34 | 200 |
| 2016 | 116 | N/A | 110.66 | 99.34 | 96 | 40 to 75.34 | 200 |
| 2015 | 107.34 | N/A | 106 | 94 | 91.34 | 40 to 90.66 | 200** |
| 2014 | 205 | N/A | 204 | 182 | 174 | 113 to 167 | 400* |
| 2013 | 241 | N/A | 222 | 207 | 201 | 163 to 199 | 400* |
***from here onwards, CSAT Paper-2 became qualifying/passing marks only. Hence 200m
**at that time CSAT Paper-2 was counted for Pre2Mains. Hence 400m
*at that time CSAT Paper-2 was counted for Pre2Mains. Hence 400m
Cutoff Mains
| Mains | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PH (Various categories) | Total Marks |
| 2022 | 748 | 715 | 714 | 699 | 706 | 351-706 | 1750 |
| 2021 | 745 | 713 | 707 | 700 | 700 | 388-712 | 1750 |
| 2020 | 736 | 687 | 698 | 680 | 682 | 300-699 | 1750 |
| 2019 | 751 | 696 | 718 | 706 | 699 | 374-698 | 1750 |
| 2018 | 774 | N/A | 732 | 719 | 719 | 460-711 | 1750 |
| 2017 | 809 | N/A | 770 | 756 | 749 | 578 -734 | 1750 |
| 2016 | 787 | N/A | 745 | 739 | 730 | 545-740 | 1750 |
| 2015 | 676 | N/A | 630 | 622 | 617 | 504-627 | 1750 |
| 2014 | 678 | N/A | 631 | 631 | 619 | 449-609 | 1750 |
| 2013 | 564 | N/A | 534 | 518 | 510 | 410-510 | 1750 |
Cutoff Interview
| General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | |
| Marks out of 275
for 2021 (derived) |
208 | 203 | 203 | 186 | 183 |
Cutoff Final Selection
| Final Selection Mains+Interview |
General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PH (Various categories) | Total Marks |
| 2022 | 960 | 926 | 923 | 893 | 900 | 590-913 | 2025 |
| 2021 | 953 | 916 | 910 | 886 | 883 | 689-932 | 2025 |
| 2020 | 944 | 894 | 907 | 875 | 876 | 465 to 910 | 2025 |
| 2019 | 961 | 909 | 925 | 898 | 893 | 653-890 | 2025 |
| 2018 | 982 | N/A | 938 | 912 | 912 | 718-908 | 2025 |
| 2017 | 1006 | N/A | 968 | 944 | 939 | 830-948 | 2025 |
| 2016 | 988 | N/A | 951 | 937 | 920 | 817-951 | 2025 |
| 2015 | 877 | N/A | 834 | 810 | 801 | 697-830 | 2025 |
| 2014 | 889 | N/A | 844 | 830 | 811 | 713-816 | 2025 |
| 2013 | 775 | N/A | 742 | 719 | 707 | 613-725 | 2025 |