Presents

UPSC BEGINNERS
GUIDE

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 About UPSC & Eligibility Criteria

2 UPSC Prelims exam Pattern & Syllabus

4 - 12 UPSC Mains exam Pattern & Syllabus

13 List of optional subjects

14 About interview process

15 Posts Under UPSC Exam

16 - 19 Salary & Perks

20 -23 Booklist
 UPSC BEGINNERS GUIDE

About UPSC

competitive and prestigious exams, civil services, is conducted by the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC), India’s major regulating body. UPSC also conducts a
number of competitive exams to fill-in various civil service vacancies for the government
of India.

The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), popularly known as IAS (Indian
Administrative Service) exam. It is conducted in two phases namely- UPSC Prelims and
UPSC Mains. The prelims exam comprises objective-type questions, while the questions
asked in mains need descriptive and essay-type answering. The UPSC is responsible for
conducting various examinations for the post like IAS, IPS, IFS etc.

Eligibility criteria

• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India.

• Age Limit:
o The candidate’s age must be between 21 and 32 years. There are age
relaxations for certain categories, including:
▪ OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Up to 35 years
▪ SC/ST: Up to 37 years
▪ General category with benchmark disability: Up to 42 years
▪ OBC category with benchmark disability: Up to 45 years
▪ SC/ST category with benchmark disability: Up to 47 years
• Number of Attempts:
o The number of attempts allowed depends on the candidate’s category:
o General Category: 6 attempts
o OBC Category: 9 attempts
o SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts
• Educational Qualifications:
o The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
or institution. Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply, but
they must provide proof of passing before the Main Examination.

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UPSC Exam Pattern

Stage 1: UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern

The UPSC exam pattern for the Preliminary stage consists of two papers, conducted on
one day. Both the papers comprise objective type questions with multiple choice of
answers. The prelims examination is a qualifying stage to filter candidates for the mains
exam. The marks secured at this stage are not counted towards the final merit list,
though candidates have to prepare well for this exam as cut-offs are unpredictable and
depend on the average score every year. The details of UPSC prelims pattern is given
below:

Civils Exam Pattern – Prelims

No. of UPSC Total Negative

Paper Type Duration
questions Marks marks

General Studies
Objective 100 200 2 hours Yes
I

General Studies
Objective 80 200 2 hours Yes
II (CSAT)

Total UPSC
400 (where GS Paper II is qualifying in nature with minimum
marks for
qualifying marks fixed at 33%)
Prelims

Prelims Syllabus

1. General Studies Paper-I Syllabus

It has 100 questions broadly covering the following topics, carrying a maximum of 200
marks to be solved in 2 hours.

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• Current events of National & International importance.

• History of India & Indian National Movement.
• Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India &
the World.
• Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj,
Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion,
Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change – that
do not require subject specialization.
• General Science.

2. General Studies Paper-II Syllabus

It comprises of 80 questions from the following topics carrying a maximum of 200 marks
to be solved in 2 hours.

• Comprehension.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
• Logical reasoning & analytical ability.
• Decision making & problem solving.
• General mental ability.
• Basic numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X
level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class
X level)

➢ General Studies Paper-II of IAS Exam is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying
marks fixed at 33%.

➢ It is mandatory for a candidate to appear in both the Papers of IAS Prelim Exam for
the purpose of evaluation.

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Stage 2: UPSC CSE Mains Exam Pattern

The UPSC exam pattern for the Mains stage consists of 9 papers conducted over 5-7
days. Only those candidates who secure at least the declared cut off in General Studies
I and 33% in General Studies II in Prelims will be allowed to appear for the Mains
Examination.

As per the exam pattern of UPSC Mains, all of the papers consist of descriptive
answer type questions. It is an exhaustive phase and the total marks in UPSC mains can
directly affect your final scores. Thus, the UPSC exam marks for the mains phase are
extremely valuable as it acts as a key factor in merit declaration. The details of UPSC
syllabus with marks are given below:

UPSC CSE Exam Pattern – Mains

Paper Subject Duration IAS Total marks

Paper A Compulsory Indian language 3 hours 300

Paper B English 3 hours 300

Paper I Essay 3 hours 250

Paper II General Studies I 3 hours 250

Paper III General Studies II 3 hours 250

Paper IV General Studies III 3 hours 250

Paper V General Studies IV 3 hours 250

Paper VI Optional I 3 hours 250

Paper VII Optional II 3 hours 250

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All of the mains papers except for the language papers A and B are
of a merit ranking nature. Paper A and B are of qualifying nature and candidates must
score at least 25% in each for the marks from their Paper I – Paper VII to be given
weightage.

Paper A is not compulsory for candidates from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim as well as candidates with hearing

impairment, provided they can prove that they have been exempted from such 2nd or
3rd language courses by their concerned board or university. The Indian Language
paper covers any of the languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

The subjects which are covered by the General Studies Papers in Mains Exam are:

1. Paper‐I: (Essay) – 250 Marks

In Essay Paper, candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will
be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly
fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

2. Paper‐2: (General Studies 1) – 250 Marks.

General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below
major areas: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society. The detailed syllabus is given below:

Syllabus

INDIAN CULTURE

• Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to

modern times.

MODERN INDIAN HISTORY

• Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until
the present – significant events, personalities, and issues.

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•
• The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors
/contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

WORLD HISTORY

Events from the 18th century such as:

• industrial revolution
• world wars
• redrawal of national boundaries
• colonization
• decolonization
• political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc. – their
forms and effect on the society.

INDIAN SOCIETY

• Salient features of Indian Society

• Diversity of India
• Role of women and women’s organization
• Population and associated issues
• Poverty and developmental issues
• Urbanization: their problems and their remedies
• Effects of globalization on Indian society
• Social empowerment: communalism, regionalism & secularism.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

• Salient features of the world’s physical geography

• Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia
and the Indian subcontinent)
• Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India)
• Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic
activity, cyclones etc.
• Geographical features and their location
• Changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-
caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

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3. Paper‐3: (General Studies 2) – 250 Marks

General Studies 2 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below
major areas: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations.
The detailed syllabus is given below:

POLITY

• Indian Constitution
• historical underpinnings
• evolution
• features
• amendments
• significant provisions and
• basic structure
• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
• Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
• Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
• Separation of powers between various organs
• Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
• Parliament and State Legislatures
• Structure
• Functioning
• Conduct of business
• Powers & privileges and
• Issues arising out of these

• Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

• Ministries and Departments of the Government
• Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
• Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act

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• Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and

responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
• Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies

GOVERNANCE

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

and issues arising out of their design and implementation
• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs,
SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and
other stakeholders
• Important aspects of governance
• Transparency and accountability
• e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential
• Citizen’s charters
• Transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
• Role of civil services in a democracy

SOCIAL JUSTICE

• Issues relating to poverty and hunger

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and
States and the performance of these schemes
• Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and
betterment of these vulnerable sections
• Issues relating to the development and management of Social
Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• India and its neighbourhood- relations

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India
and/or affecting India’s interests
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India’s interests

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• Indian Diaspora
• Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure,
mandate
• India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy

4. Paper‐4: (General Studies 3) – 250 Marks

General Studies 3 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the
below major areas: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment,
Security and Disaster Management. The detailed syllabus as provided by UPSC is as
below:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of

resources, growth, development and employment.
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting.
• Land reforms in India.
• Effects of liberalization on the economy
• Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• Investment models.

AGRICULTURE

• Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country

• Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage
• Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related
constraints
• e-technology in the aid of farmers
• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support
prices
• Public Distribution System– objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping;

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• issues of buffer stocks and food security

• Technology missions
• economics of animal-rearing.
• Food processing and related industries in India– scope and significance,
location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain
management.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

• Achievements of Indians in Science & technology
• Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology,
bio-technology
• Issues relating to intellectual property rights.

BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT

• Conservation
• environmental pollution and degradation
• environmental impact assessment

DISASTER AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

• Disaster and disaster management

INTERNAL SECURITY

• Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal
security.
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks
• Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
• Basics of cyber security
• Money-laundering and its prevention
• Security challenges and their management in border areas

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• Linkages of organized crime with terrorism

• Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

5. Paper‐5: (General Studies 4) – 250 Marks

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of
the below major areas: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. Details of the syllabus as provided
by UPSC is as below: This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude
and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving
approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions
may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad
areas will be covered:

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

ETHICS AND HUMAN INTERFACE:

• Ethics and Human Interface

• Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human actions
• Dimensions of ethics
• Ethics in private and public relationships

HUMAN VALUES

• Human Values
• Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and
administrators
• Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values

ATTITUDE

• Attitude: content, structure, function

• Attitude and its influence and relation with thought and behaviour
• Moral and political attitudes
• Social influence and persuasion

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APTITUDE

• Aptitude
• Foundational Values for Civil Service
• Integrity
• Impartiality and non-partisanship
• Objectivity
• Dedication to public service
• Empathy
• Tolerance
• Compassion towards the weaker sections

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

• Emotional intelligence – concepts

• Utilities and application of Emotional Intelligence in administration and
governance

MORAL THINKERS AND PHILOSOPHERS

• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world

CIVIL SERVICE VALUES

• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and

problems
• Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
• Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
• Accountability
• Ethical governance
• Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
• Ethical issues in international relations and funding
• Corporate governance.

PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE

• Probity in Governance

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• Concept of Public Service

• The philosophical basis of governance and probity;
• Information sharing and transparency in government,
• Right to Information,
• Codes of Ethics
• Codes of Conduct
• Citizen’s Charters
• Work culture
• Quality of service delivery
• Utilization of public funds
• Challenges of corruption

CASE STUDIES

• Case Studies on the above issues.

6. Paper‐6: (Optional Subject Paper 1) – 250 Marks

7. Paper‐7: (Optional Subject Paper 2) – 250 Marks

The Optional subjects for Paper VI and VII of the mains examination have to be any one
of the subjects from the following list:

Animal
Husbandry and
Agriculture Anthropology Botany Chemistry
Veterinary
Science
Civil Commerce and Electrical
Economics Geography
Engineering Accountancy Engineering
Geology History Law Management Mathematics
Mechanical Political Science
Medical Science Philosophy Physics
Engineering and

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International
Relations
Public
Psychology Sociology Statistics Zoology
Administration
The literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo,
Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri,
Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and
English.

All the papers except the Language papers A and B can be answered in English or
any of the languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India. The optional
papers can be answered in English even if none of the other papers has been answered
by the candidate in English.

Stage 3: UPSC CSE Pattern for Interview

This is the final stage of the IAS Exam before the final results are declared. Officially
it is called the Interview/Personality Test and counted as a part of the Mains Examination
for merit ranking purposes. From a preparation standpoint, it is considered the third
stage as preparation strategies for the written and interview stages are different. As per
the IAS exam pattern, this consists of an interview by the UPSC board to assess the
candidates’ suitability for a civil services career and associated responsibilities. The
board consists of competent and unbiased observers who have a record of the
candidates’ career. The board would judge the candidates mental and social traits by
asking questions of general interest. Some of the qualities that the board looks for are
mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, a balance
of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership,
intellectual and moral integrity.

UPSC Interview Total Marks 275

The total marks of the UPSC interview stage is 275, thus bringing the total marks
for UPSC Mains and Interview for the merit list consideration to 2025.

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Posts under UPSC Exam

UPSC Posts: The distribution of services to successful candidates is determined on their

exam scores. After being selected for service, a candidate is assigned to several posts
(during the course of his career) within that service, with the exception of some
circumstances where he or she may be delegated to another service’s department.

UPSC Posts – 3 Types of Civil Services

All India Civil Services

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
Group ‘A’ Civil Services
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
• Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
• Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
• Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
• Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
• Indian Information Service (IIS)
• Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
• Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS)
• Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
• Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)
• Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)
• Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Indian Trade Service (ITS)
• Railway Protection Force (RPF)
Group ‘B’ Civil Services
• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
• DANICS

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• DANIPS
• Pondicherry Civil Service
• Pondicherry Police Service

Salary and perks

UPSC Salary For IAS

To support government employees, including IAS officers, the 7th Pay Commission
was instituted by the Government of India. The commission designed a compensation
structure that helps IAS officers maintain their social standing in line with their job profile.

As per the 7th Pay Commission, Apex Scale employees are entitled to a monthly
payment of Rs 225,000, while Cabinet Secretaries and other positions at the same level
should receive Rs 250,000 per month.

IAS Officers Pay Scale & Grade Pay

IAS Officer pay scale and grade pay has previously been revised as part of the 7th
Pay Commission. IAS officials' remuneration is divided into eight scales, ranging from
Junior Scale to Cabinet Secretariat. After at least 33 years of service with the Government
of India, an IAS officer is promoted to the position of Cabinet Secretary.
A cabinet secretary's salary and emolument are equivalent to those of a chief of the
army staff, but his ranking is higher than that of any other government officer, including
those from the armed services. The pay scale and grade pay of an IAS officer at different
levels are as follows:
Years of Basic Pay Grade
Grade/Scale Pay Level
Service (INR) Pay
Junior or Lower Time
Pay Level 10 1-4 15600-39100 5400
Scale
Senior Time Scale Pay Level 11 5-8 15600-39100 6600
Junior Administrative Pay Level 12 9-12 15600-39100 7600
37400-
Selection Grade Pay Level 13 13 – 16 8700
67000

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37400-
Super Time Scale Pay Level 15 16 – 24 8700
67000
Above Super Time 37400-
Pay Level 16 Varies 12000
Scale 67000
80000
Apex Scale Pay Level 17 Varies __
(Fixed)
Cabinet Secretary 90000
Pay Level 18 Varies __
Grade (Fixed)

IAS Officers' Basic Pay (Post-Wise)

The IAS officers work at three levels - District Administration, State Secretariat, and
Central Secretariat. The basic pay of an IAS officer at all three levels is tabulated below:

Basic Pay
Post
(INR)
Central
District Administration State Secretariat
Secretariat
Sub-Divisional Assistant
Undersecretary 56100
Magistrate (SDM) Secretary
Additional District
Deputy Secretary Undersecretary 67,700
Magistrate (ADM)
District Magistrate
Joint Secretary Deputy Secretary 78,800
(DM)
District Magistrate Special Secretary-
Director 1,18,500
(DM) cum-Director
Divisional Secretary-cum-
Joint Secretary 1,44,200
Commissioner Commissioner
Divisional Additional
Principal Secretary 1,82,200
Commissioner Secretary
Additional Chief
__ __ 2,05,400
Secretary
__ Chief Secretary Secretary 2,25,000

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Cabinet Secretary
__ __ 2,50,000
of India

IAS Salary - Other Perks & Benefits

Candidates selected by UPSC for positions such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and others receive a
variety of perks and benefits such as official residence, official transportation facilities
such as a vehicle with a paid driver, security, study leaves for higher specialized
education, and other post-retirement benefits. Detailed information on the perks and
benefits of an IAS officer can be found below:
Dearness Allowance: Government employees receive Dearness Allowance as a cost-
of-living adjustment allowance. A regular increase in this component makes it a crucial
part of an IAS officer's compensation.
Medical Allowance: IAS salaries include a medical allowance that can be refunded to
employees when medical treatment is required.
Travel Allowance: The IAS salary also includes a travel allowance. Additionally, IAS
officers receive subsidized accommodation in government lodges when they are away
on official and non-official trips.
Study Leaves: IAS officers would be granted two years of paid leave to further their
studies. They will be unable to quit from service for three years after returning to work.
However, they must have served for at least nine years. Officers belonging to the north-
east cadre are required to serve six years in the service to avail study leave.
Post-Retirement Benefits: After retirement, IAS officers may be appointed to
commissions or tribunals. Government entities may request their assistance even after
they have retired. They are well compensated for their work. Many IAS personnel are
sought after by private firms due to their high-end task execution skills.

IPS Officer Salary

After IAS, the most sought-after job position is that of an IPS officer. The IPS officer's
salary structure is roughly the same as that of an IAS official. Candidates with a strong
inclination for the IPS job position should look into the IPS salary as per the 7th pay
commission.

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Salary
Indian Police Officer Posts
(INR)

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) 56,100

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) 67,700

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) 78,800
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) 1,31,100

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) 1,44,200

Director-General of Police (DGP) 2,05,400

Director - Intelligence Bureau (IB) or Central Bureau of

2,25,000
Investigation (CBI)

IRS Officer Salary

IRS Officer salaries are determined by the ranks to which they are appointed. After
being selected for an IRS officer position, candidates go through training and are initially
assigned to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. The final and highest
level of position attainable to an IRS official is Principal Chief Commissioner of Income
Tax, with a pay scale of INR 80,000. (Fixed).
IRS Ranks Pay Scale Grade Pay

Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax 15,600-39,100 5,400

Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax 15,600-39,100 6,600

Joint Commissioner of Income Tax 15,600-39,100 7,600

Additional Commissioner of Income Tax 37,400-67,000 8,700

Commissioner of Income Tax 37,400-67,000 10,000

Principal Commissioner of Income Tax 75,500-80,000 __

Chief Commissioner of Income Tax 75,500-80,000 __

Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax 80,000 (fixed) __

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IFS Officer Salary

The IFS salary has witnessed a substantial hike after the implementation of the 7th
pay commission by the Government of India. Candidates who are appointed as IFS
officers in India will receive a range of benefits. Aside from that, the Indian government
offers Special Foreign Allowances to applicants who are deployed outside of the nation.
Grade Rank Basic Pay Grade Pay
Under
Junior Time Scale Rs.8000 Rs 5400
Secretary
Under
Senior Time Scale Rs.10700 Rs 6600
Secretary
Deputy
Junior Administrative Scale Rs.12750 Rs 7600
Secretary
Counselor
Selection Grade Rs.15100 Rs 8700
Director
Senior Administrative Scale Joint Secretary Rs.18400 Rs 10,000
High Foreign Rs.26000
Commissioner/Ambassador Secretary (Fixed)

Booklist
1. CURRENT AFFAIRS:
Important Sources (Follow any one newspaper for news items (preferably The Hindu);
one for editorial (best Indian Express); and one Business newspaper – only editorials
(best is Livemint).

• The Hindu
• The Indian Express
• Press Information Bureau (keep checking the Features section for imp articles and
• PRS (only for recent Bills and articles related to them)
• IDSA: Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (keep checking every 2-3 days for
in-depth IR articles)
• Yojana and Kurukshetra (no need to read all articles – read selectively)
• Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Debates

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2. HISTORY
Modern India

• NCERT – Class 8th (New) – ‘Our Pasts – III’

• NCERT-Class 12th ‘Modern India’ (OLD)
• Tamil Nadu Edition- Class 12th

OR

• Spectrum Modern India – Rajiv Ahir

Reference Book: India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipin Chandra; Plassey to Partition
by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay

Medieval India

• NCERT – Class 7th (New) –‘Our Pasts –II’

• NCERT – Class 11th ‘Medieval India’ (OLD)- Satish Chandra
• Tamil Nadu Edition-Class 11th
• Ancient and Medieval India – Poonam Dalal Dahiya

Ancient India

• NCERT– Class 11th ‘Ancient India’ (OLD)- R.S. Sharma

• NCERT– Class 12th ‘Themes in Indian History- Part I’ (NEW)- Chapters 1 to 6
• Tamil Nadu Edition – Class 11th
• Ancient and Medieval India – Poonam Dalal Dahiya

NOTE: Most part of ‘Culture’ section overlaps with Ancient and Medieval History. Apart
from the above-mentioned books, you can refer the below link for more information on
Culture.

You need to study CCRT Website – CCRT ; Performing Arts and Literary Arts

3. GEOGRAPHY

• NCERT Social Science, Class 6th (New) ‘The Earth Our Habitat’
• NCERT Social Science, Class 7th (New) ‘Our Environment’
• NCERT Social Science, Class 8th (New) ‘ Resource and Development’
• NCERT Social Science, Class 9th (New) ‘Contemporary India’

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• NCERT Social Science, Class 10th (New) ‘Contemporary India-Part II’

• NCERT – Class 11th (New)

o Fundamentals of Physical Geography

o India physical environment

• NCERT – Class 12th (New)

o Fundamentals of Human Geography
o India – People and Economy

• Atlas: Orient Black Swan School Atlas (or) Oxford School Atlas

Reference Book: Certificate Physical and Indian Geography – Goh Cheng Leong; OLD
NCERT Geography – Class 11th and 12th

4. POLITY

• NCERT – 6th to 8th (for basic understanding)

• NCERT- Class 9th to 12th (for understanding more on democracy and federalism)
• Indian Polity – M Lakshmikanth

Reference Book: Introduction to Indian Constitution – D.D.Basu

5. ECONOMICS

• Macroeconomics- Class 12th , NCERT

• NCERT 11th – Indian Economic Development
• NCERT- Class 9thand 10th (for basics)
• Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh-Selective (Chapters on)

➢ Introduction (GDP, GNP, growth etc.)

➢ Evolution of the Indian economy
➢ Banking
➢ Inflation & Business Cycle
➢ Agriculture
➢ India and the Global Economy (include chapters relating to it)
➢ Human development
➢ Technology and environment

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 UPSC BEGINNERS GUIDE

For understanding concepts refer to either of these:

• Mrunal.org Economy Section

• Khan Academy Macroeconomics videos
• Investopedia – University (also read basics of Microeconomics from here)
• Sriram’s IAS Economics Notes

6. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• The Hindu-Monday Edition (not technical news, only application-based science &
Tech)
• NCERT- Class 6th to 10th
• NCERT – Biology – 11th (Unit IV & V only – read basic concepts not technical details)
• NCERT Biology – 12th (Chapters 4, 5 and rest from 7 to 16 – all important – read line
by line except technical details)
• NCERT – Biology – 12th (OLD) – Chapter 9 onwards
• NCERT – Physics – 11th (Chap 1,5 & 8) and 12th (Chap 15 only)
• NCERT – Chemistry – 11th (Chap 1 & 14 only) and 12th (Chap 14 & 16 only)
• Science reporter- Selectively

7. ENVIRONMENT

• ICSE Board- Environmental studies- Class 10th and 11th

• NCERT- Geography Books (in 6th to 12th there are lot of chapters on Environment)
• Science NCERT books mentioned above
• Shankar IAS Notes
• Current affairs
• downtoearth.org.in

Reference material : Shankar IAS notes on Environment

8. SOCIAL ISSUES & NEW POLICIES/SCHEMES

• vikaspedia.in (lists all schemes Ministry and sector wise with details)
• India yearbook
• NCERT books mentioned above
• Current affairs (also keep checking our weekly PIB Gists – very important)

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