UPSC Medical Science Syllabus - Are you passionate about the field of medical science and have dreams of serving as an IAS officer? If yes, then you can choose Medical Science as an optional subject in the mains stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam. The Medical Science Optional Syllabus for UPSC offers a fascinating journey into the field of medical knowledge, exploring diverse topics & sub-topics such as clinical medicine, pharmacology, pathology, preventive and social medicine, and more. By opting for Medical Science as your optional subject, you not only deepen your understanding of medical concepts but also gain a unique perspective on tackling administrative challenges from a healthcare standpoint. Check out the Medical Science Syllabus for UPSC and unlock a world of opportunities to combine your passion for medicine with the aspirations of serving the nation through the prestigious IAS cadre. In this article, we will be looking at the UPSC Medical Science Syllabus in detail. So, make sure you read this article till the end!

Also, have a look at the detailed UPSC Exam Syllabus here.

UPSC Medical Science Syllabus 2023

Candidates appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam 2023 should go through the syllabus before they start their preparation. The Medical Science Optional Syllabus has been mentioned in detail in the official UPSC notification. For easy access, we have mentioned the detailed UPSC Medical Science Syllabus, candidates can have a look in the below sections.

Medical Science Syllabus For UPSC Optional Paper 1

Have a look at the UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus for Paper 1 below.

Human Anatomy

• Applied anatomy including blood and nerve supply of upper and lower limbs and joints of shoulder, hip and knee.
• Gross anatomy, blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the tongue, thyroid, mammary gland, stomach, liver, prostate, gonads and uterus.
• Applied anatomy of the diaphragm, perineum and inguinal region.
• Clinical anatomy of kidney, urinary bladder, uterine tubes, vas deferens.
• Embryology: Placenta and placental barrier. Development of heart, gut, and kidney. uterus, ovary, testis and their common congenital abnormalities.
• Central and Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: Gross and clinical anatomy of ventricles of the brain, circulation of cerebrospinal fluid; Neural pathways and lesions of cutaneous sensations, hearing and vision; Cranial nerves distribution and clinical significance; Components of the autonomic nervous system.

Human Physiology

• Conduction and transmission of impulse, mechanism of contraction, neuromuscular transmission, reflexes, control of equilibrium, posture and muscle tone, descending pathways, functions of the cerebellum, basal ganglia, Physiology of sleep and consciousness.
• Endocrine System: Mechanism of action of hormones; formation, secretion, transport, metabolism, function and regulation of secretion of pancreas and pituitary gland.
• Physiology of Reproductive System: Pregnancy menstrual cycle, lactation, pregnancy.
• Blood: Development, regulation and fate of blood cells.
• Cardio-vascular, cardiac output, blood pressure, regulation of cardiovascular functions.

Biochemistry

• Organ function tests—liver, kidney, thyroid Protein synthesis
• Vitamins and minerals
• Restriction fragment length
• Polymorphism (RFLP)
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Radio-immunoassays (RIA)

Pathology

• Inflammation and repair, disturbances of growth and cancer, Pathogenesis and histopathology of rheumatic and ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. Differentiation between benign, Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply malignant, primary and metastatic malignancies, Pathogenesis and histopathology of bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma breast, oral cancer, cancer cervix, leukaemia, Etiology, pathogenesis and histopathology of—cirrhosis liver, glomerulonephritis, tuberculosis, acute osteomyelitis."

Microbiology

• Humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
• Diseases caused by and laboratory diagnosis of - Meningococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Herpes, Dengue, Polio, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, E. Histolytica, Giardia Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action and side effects of the following drugs: Antipyretics and analgesics, Antibiotics, Antimalaria, Antikala-azar, Antidiabetics, Antihypertensive, Antidiuretics, General and cardiac vasodilators, Antiviral, Antiparasitic, Antifungal, Immunosuppressants Anticancer

Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

• Forensic examination of injuries and wounds; Examination of blood and seminal stains; Poisoning, sedative overdose, hanging, drowning, burns, DNA and fingerprint study.

Medical Science Syllabus For UPSC Optional Paper 2

Given below is the detailed Medical Science Optional Syllabus for Paper 2.

General Medicine

• Etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management (including prevention) of - Typhoid, Rabies, AIDS, Dengue, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis.
• Etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management of : Ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Pleural effusion, tuberculosis, Malabsorption syndromes; acid peptic diseases, Viral hepatitis and cirrhosis of liver.
• Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, renovascular hypertension, complications of diabetes mellitus, coagulation disorders, leukaemia, Hypo and hyperthyroidism, meningitis and encephalitis.
• Imaging in medical problems, ultrasound, echo-cardiogram, CT scan, MRI
• Anxiety and Depressive Psychosis and schizophrenia and ECT.

Paediatrics

• Immunization, Baby friendly hospital, congenital cyanotic heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, broncho-pneumonia, kernicterus. IMNCI classification and management, PEM grading and management. ARI and Diarrhea of under five and their management.

Dermatology

• Psoriasis, Allergic dermatitis, scabies, eczema, vitiligo, Stevan Johnson’s syndrome, Lichen Planus

General Surgery

• Clinical features, causes, diagnosis and principles of management of cleft palate, harelip.
• Laryngeal tumour, oral and esophageal tumours
• Peripheral arterial diseases, varicose veins, coarctation of aorta.
• Tumours of Thyroid, Adrenal, Glands.
• Abscess cancer, fibroadenoma and adenosis of the breast.
• Bleeding peptic ulcer, tuberculosis of the bowel, ulcerative colitis, cancer of the stomach.
• Renal mass, cancer prostate.
• Haemothorax, stones of the Gallbladder, Kidney, Ureter and Urinary Bladder.
• Management of surgical conditions of Rectum, Anus and Anal canal, Gall bladder and Bile ducts.
• Splenomegaly, cholecystitis, portal hypertension, liver abscess, peritonitis, carcinoma head of pancreas.
• Fractures of the spine, Colles’ fracture and bone tumors.
• Endoscopy
• Laparoscopic Surgery.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology including Family Planning

• Diagnosis of pregnancy.
• Labour management, complications of 3rd stage, Antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage, resuscitation of the newborn, Management of abnormal life and difficult labour. Management of small for date or premature newborns.
• Diagnosis and management of anaemia. Preeclampsia and Toxemia of pregnancy, Management of Post- menopausal Syndrome.
• Intrauterine devices, pills, tubectomy and vasectomy. Medical termination of pregnancy including legal aspects.
• Cancer cervix.
• Leucorrhoea, pelvic pain; infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), amenorrhoea, Fibroid and prolapse of the uterus.

Community Medicine (Preventive and Social Medicine)

• Principles, methods, approach and measurements of Epidemiology.
• Nutrition, nutritional diseases/disorders and Nutrition Programmes.
• Health Information collection, Analysis and Presentation
• Objectives, components and critical analysis of National programmes for control/eradication of Malaria, Kala-azar, Filaria and Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, STDs and Dengue.
• Critical appraisal of Health care delivery system
• Health management and administration; Techniques, Tools, Programme Implementation and Evaluation.
• Objectives, Components, Goals and Status of Reproductive and Child Health, National Rural Health Mission and Millennium Development Goals.
• Management of hospital and industrial waste.

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UPSC Medical Science Optional Exam Pattern 2023

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

UPSC mains exam will consist of several papers including the Medical Science papers. Check the exam pattern for the same below:-

• UPSC Medical Science consists of two papers (paper I and paper II) in the UPSC Mains Exam.
• Both papers are descriptive and each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks.
• These 2 optional papers are a part of the UPSC Mains Examination that takes place after the IAS Preliminary exam.

Check the detailed UPSC IAS Exam Pattern here.

How To Prepare For the UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus?

Here are some preparation tips for the UPSC Optional Medical Science Syllabus which the candidates can incorporate so as to confirm their names on the UPSC IAS Merit List.

• Candidates must be familiar with the Medical Science syllabus. Covering the entire syllabus before the exam is necessary. To know about the syllabus, candidates must go through the UPSC official notification.
• Diagrams are one of the most important aspects of the UPSC Optional Medical Science Syllabus. Wherever asked, draw neat and labelled diagrams. Diagrams are a must even in forensic medicine.
• Paper II will contain case studies hence it is recommended that candidates refer to a few PG books to have an idea of the situation.

Best Books For Medical Science Optional Syllabus

Here is a list of books to which the candidates can refer for their preparation for the UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus.

The above article on UPSC Medical Science Syllabus is intended to guide the candidates preparing for the exam. To boost your preparations, join the Testbook community right now by downloading the Testbook App!