1. Strategy / Planner for 2024
  2. Exam Dates
  3. Syllabus: Prelims
  4. Prelims Answerkey-Discussion
  5. Mains Exam Structure
  6. Mains-Answekey Dussion with Downloadable PPT
  7. Mains Syllabus: GS Paper 1234 with Booklist
  8. Cutoff Prelims
  9. Cutoff Mains
  10. Cutoff Interview
  11. 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

 

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