UPSC Prelims 2024 Overview:
- Date of Examination: June 16, 2024
- Objective: First stage of selection for prestigious civil services in India (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)
- Exam Format: Objective, comprising two papers: General Studies and Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT)
- General Studies Paper: Covers Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science, and technology.
- CSAT Paper: Tests reasoning ability, comprehension, and decision-making skills.
Latest Update:
- UPSC Prelims 2024 rescheduled to June 16, 2024, from May 26, 2024, due to Lok Sabha elections.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan.
- Age: Minimum 21 years, maximum 32 years (as of August 1st of the examination year) for General category. Age relaxations for reserved categories.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final year students eligible, but must provide proof of passing before Mains Exam.
Exam Pattern:
- General Studies Paper -1: 200 marks, 100 questions, 1/3rd negative marking.
- General Studies Paper-2 (CSAT): 200 marks, 80 questions, 1/3rd negative marking.
Syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2024:
Paper I – General Studies Paper 1 (200 marks):
- Current 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, Biodiversity and Climate Change.
- General Science.
Paper II – CSAT (200 marks):
- Comprehension.
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision making and problem solving.
- General mental ability.
- Basic numeracy (Class X level).
- Data interpretation (Class X level).
How to Apply for UPSC CSE Prelims?
- Visit the official https://upsc.gov.in/
- Click on “Apply Online” tab.
- Follow instructions for Civil Services Part-I registration.
- Fill Part I application with basic information.
- Proceed to Part II application, fill required details, upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Review and submit application.
Application Fee:
- General and OBC candidates: INR 100
- SC/ST candidates: NIL
- Women candidates of all categories: NIL
Recommended Books for UPSC Prelims Preparation:
History:
- NIOS course books for classes XI and XII
- India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma
- History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
- History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra
Geography:
- Certificate Physical & Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- NCERTs from Class 6th to 12th
Indian Polity:
- Constitution of India at Work (Class XI) NCERT Publication
- Indian Polity by Laxmikanth
International Relations:
- India’s Foreign Policy Since Independence by V.P. Dutt
Indian Economy:
- Indian Economic Development XI Standard NCERT
- Indian Economy by Jayant Parikshit
Ecology & Environment:
- Certificate Physical & Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- XII Standard NCERT Book on Biology
Science & Technology:
- VIII, IX, X Standard NCERT books on Biology
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers: Helps understand exam pattern and strengths/weaknesses.
UPSC Prelims Cut Off: Minimum marks needed to qualify for Mains Exam, varies by category.
UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer Key: To be released after the exam, helps estimate scores.
How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims 2024?
- Understand syllabus and exam pattern.
- Collect relevant study materials.
- Make a realistic study plan.
- Start studying early.
- Be consistent in studying.
- Regularly revise.
- Solve previous year’s papers for practice.