UPSC GK: Preparing For General Studies? Here's All You Need To Know!

The UPSC conducts nationwide exams for recruitment to candidates for several posts in Civil Services of the Government of India. The examination is held in three different levels: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interviews. UPSC preparations also help broaden your horizon of understanding.

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General Knowledge, or as it is commonly referred to as General Studies, involves questions and facts which can be included from literature, history, geography, political science, science, economy and the latest current affairs. UPSC has recently released the Civil Services 2019 Mains Exam Timetable on their official website http://upsc.gov.in.

Exam Pattern For Preliminary Test

The exam consists of 3 papers with two compulsory papers carrying 200 marks each. Each question will be marked 1/3 penalty for every wrong answer. The minimum cut off score changes every year and is different for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST etc).

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UPSC Syllabus (General Studies)

• Current Affairs: 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, Bio-diversity and Climate Change (subject specialization not required).
• General Science.

The Most Recommended Books for General Studies Preparation

• History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra.
• Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania.
• Indian Polity by Laxmikanth.
• Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong.
• Economics - NCERT of class 11 and 12
• For Science & Technology - Just read newspapers.

In addition to these, you should also consider referring the latest Economic Surveys.

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UPSC Exam - Question Paper Details

I. General Studies – This paper helps you qualify to write for the Civil Services Mains exam. It carries 200 Marks and is a 2-hour test.

II. Aptitude test (CSAT) – This is just a qualifying test. If you pass the aptitude test, you would qualify for the Mains. This is also a 2-hour test and consists of 200 marks.

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