The UPSC GS 1 Syllabus is the part of UPSC Mains Syllabus and is one of the four GS papers in the UPSC Mains exam stage. As a result, having a full understanding of the UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus is critical for all the eligible candidates. The UPSC General Studies (GS) Paper 1 syllabus covers a vast array of subjects, each contributing to a holistic understanding of our world. From Ancient and Modern History to Geography, Art and Culture, and Current Affairs, this GS 1 Syllabus offers a well-rounded exploration of diverse topics. With a focus on India's heritage, society, and global perspectives, GS Paper 1 Syllabus ensures candidates are well-equipped to tackle a wide spectrum of questions in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Candidates can also download the UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus PDF for free from this article below.

Along with GS 1 Syllabus, candidates can also check out other GS Paper syllabi by clicking on the links given below.

• UPSC GS Paper 2 Syllabus
• UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus
• UPSC GS Paper 4 Syllabus

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Subjects Covered In UPSC GS 1 Syllabus 2024

Have a look at the table below to understand the list of subjects covered in the UPSC GS 1 Syllabus.

Check out UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus in Hindi here.

UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus

GS Paper 1 is designed to assess aspirants' knowledge of India's heritage, society, and the global world. Mastering this syllabus lays the foundation for a comprehensive approach to cracking the UPSC examination.

Art & Culture

• Classical dances
• Temple architecture
• Themes of ancient
• Indian history
• Literature
• Music and musical instruments

Modern History

• Four important agitations/movements:
  • Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
  • Khilafat and Non-cooperation movement,
  • Civil Disobedience Movement, and,
  • Quit India movement.
• Social/Religious reform movements: Personalities and their contributions
• Contributions of important personalities (Indian and foreign)

India After Independence & Political Philosophies

• Admission of princely states
• Role of important personalities
• Communism
• Important movements after 1947
• Socialism
• Capitalism

World History

• American, French, Russian and Industrial Revolution
• World War I and II
• Current affairs
• International pages of The Hindu and The Indian Express

Society of India

• Diversity in India
• Women Empowerment
• Issues in Indian Society

Geography

• Natural Resources
• Cyclones, hurricanes, earthquakes
• Location of industries in India
• Water bodies
• Climate change

UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus PDF - Download Now

Candidates can download the GS Paper 1 Syllabus PDF and refer to it later while preparation. This UPSC GS 1 Syllabus PDF consists of detailed topics and sub-topics that are included as per the official UPSC notification. Click on the link given in the table below to download the UPSC GS 1 Syllabus PDF for free.

UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2023

Candidates who will be appearing for the exam should know the detailed UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2023 beforehand. The prelim paper has a general studies paper and an aptitude test which is of a total of 400 marks. 

UPSC mains exam will consist of several papers including the UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus paper. Check the exam pattern for the same below:

Detailed Structure Of UPSC Mains GS Paper 1

The structure of IAS GS Paper-1 is given as per the 2023 notification. The official 2023 notification came out on 1st February 2023. 

• There are 20 mandatory questions that must be answered in the language chosen on the application form (Hindi or English). Questions answered in a language other than English are not evaluated.
• The General Studies Paper 1 is for a total of 250 marks.
• The word limit for 10-mark questions is 150 words, while for 15-mark questions, it is 250 words.
• The UPSC History Syllabus places a strong emphasis on modern history subjects, with questions ranging from the American Revolution to the Indian Renaissance and related sub-topics.
• The emphasis of the UPSC Geography Syllabus is on current affairs issues as well as static sub-topics.
• The questions are drawn from the Indian Society syllabus and cover subjects such as women's empowerment, secularism, Indian society culture, and so on.

Check the detailed UPSC Exam Pattern here.

How To Prepare For The UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus?

The GS Paper 1 Syllabus covers Indian Heritage and Culture, World History and Geography, and Society in general, and their topic-wise preparation tips have been mentioned below:

Indian Arts and Culture

• Aside from these crucial themes, Musical Instruments, Religion, and Indian Philosophy should all be studied.
• It's easy to become perplexed when it comes to art and culture. So, when you're trying to remember the definitions of each term, keep this in mind.
• Begin your study with the NCERT books.
• You should look for art and culture-related topics and take notes on each one.
• Along with the NCERT books mentioned above, you should start reading the book on art and culture, as it has all of the knowledge about art and culture in one spot.

Indian History and World History

• History questions are some of the most straightforward and straightforward questions asked in the Mains Exam.
• With a comprehensive reading of Spectrum's book, about 70% of the questions given in Prelims from post-1857 history can be tried. As a result, you can prepare for the IAS Prelims by studying this module.
• History will always be the subject in GS I that demands you to devote more time than others.
• Candidates should practise the previous year's question papers after completing each section.
• Revision is seen as an important aspect of historical preparation.
• Short notes should be prepared and the most significant points should be jotted down. This will come in handy during your last-minute revision.
• IAS Mains is a type that is used to describe something. As a result, when composing answers, it is important to include exact dates for events and battles.
• Keep up with current events to learn about new research and breakthroughs.

Economy and Social Development

• NCERT books are a good place to start your preparation. These books will help you understand the fundamental concepts, even if they appear to be quite elementary.
• TMH's Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh or Sanjeev Verma's book is good book to read for individuals who have studied some degree of economics.
• The economics component of the UPSC Prelims is also very essential. As a result, you can time your preparation for this section to coincide with the UPSC IAS prelims.
• Aside from literature, study economic surveys and newspapers that focus on economic growth and decline.
• This section will have a lot of conceptual questions, so you'll need to know a lot of stuff.
• Economics is a science that requires precision. Make sure you're using the right technical terms. Don't say income when you mean revenue, for example.
• Make use of the graph.
• It will be highly advantageous to acquire more scores in IAS Mains if you include recent updates and economic terms in your responses.

Geography and Environment

• Candidates can always start their preparation using NCERT books, but with the help of other books, they can compile their own notes.
• Make an effort to recall and practise the definitions and terms used in this section. Both the IAS Mains and Prelims will be lucrative for them.
• Keep up with current events and the newest news about cyclones and the countries affected, as well as the disasters they produce.
• While writing replies, use graphical maps and draw them if necessary.
• Also, practise maps in both India and the rest of the world to gain a better understanding of the geographical situation.
• Although geography is a non-technical subject, it is founded on facts.

Current Affairs

• Begin studying at least 7 to 6 months before the exam.
• Do not trust every source you come across. Keep your sources to a minimum. It is impossible to cover all of the sources accessible on the market.
• Look for sources that provide as much expertise and information about India as possible.
• Set aside a specific amount of time to prepare. Depending on your intellectual capacity and educational background, 30 to 45 minutes every day is sufficient.
• Make a list of crucial details. This will aid you in your revisions leading up to the exam.
• Online reading is also an excellent source of information, and making notes from online sources is simple.
• Focus on facts and issues, as well as new legislation revisions, disasters, or other events that are related to facts, rather than political news or minor local issues caused by political parties.
• Last but not least, find a source that is comfortable for you; don't focus on the language but rather on the facts.

Get more expert tips to prepare for UPSC General Studies here.

Best Books For UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus

To plan UPSC Paper 1 Syllabus and Preparation Tips, candidates ought to get ready with a few reference books. Candidates must choose the right UPSC Books for them after researching the subject topics and the books available.

Here is a list of books to which the candidates can refer for their preparation for the UPSC General Studies Paper I Syllabus:

Check more UPSC General Studies Books List here.

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