UPSC » UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus, Books & Preparation Tips

UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus, Books & Preparation Tips

One of the four GS Papers is the UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus for the UPSC Mains. The Mains phase of the UPSC Examination consists of eight more papers in addition to UPSC Mains GS Paper 1. The questions from the GS 1 Syllabus for UPSC are often straightforward, unlike those from previous General Studies examinations. The applicant must link the static GS Paper 1 Syllabus with contemporary events. The GS 1 Syllabus is described on this page, along with specific subjects that must be addressed for the IAS Examination.

General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Mains

The GS 1 Syllabus for UPSC Mains clarifies that the paper will include geography, art & culture, and history in general. To complete GS Paper 1 of the Mains test, one must thoroughly understand every topic taught in the course. This will allow students to interlink and aid them while writing their essays.

World History

 

Beginning of the Modern WorldWorld War IWorld War IIWorld Between the Two WarsDecolonisation & Redrawal of National Boundaries
  • American War of Independence
  • Counter-Reformation
  • Discovery of Sea Routes
  • European Nations Settle North America
  • French Revolution
  • Industrial Revolution
  • Nationalism in Europe
  • Reformation
  • Renaissance
  • Rise of Capitalism, Colonialism & Imperialism
  • Rise of Slave Trade
  • Causes of the War
  • Consequences of the War
  • End of the War & Peace Treaties
  • League of Nations
  • Russian Revolution
  • Scope & Course of the War
  • After-effects of the War
  • Fascist Aggression & Response of Western Democracies
  • Global Nature of the War
  • The outbreak of the War
  • Resistance Movements
  • The Holocaust
  • Theatres of the War
  • US Entry into the War
  • The emergence of the Soviet Union
  • Europe After the War – Fascism & Nazism
  • Nationalist Movements in Asia & Africa
  • The Great Depression
  • US as a Strong Power
  • Cold War
  • The collapse of the Soviet Union
  • Cuban Crisis
  • Developments in West Asia & North Africa
  • Europe after World War II
  • Korean War
  • Rise of Asia & Africa
  • Spread of Communism
  • Vietnam War

Indian Society

All these topics are covered in the GS 1 syllabus for Indian society. Therefore, read and understand every topic given below.

  • 19th Century Social Reforms Movements and Early Women’s Organisations – Agrarian Struggles and Revolt, Participation in Freedom Struggle
  • Basic Demography of India
  • Causes and Effects of Over Population
  • Causes of Communalism, Poverty and Regionalism
  • Challenges faced by Secularism in India, Women’s Organisations and Population Explosion
  • Challenges posed by Diversity
  • Changing Age Structure of the Indian Population
  • Communalism – Its Characteristics
  • Communalism in Contemporary India
  • Communalism in India in the Past
  • Concept of Development and Poverty, Region & Regionalism, Secularism and’ Sons of Soil’
  • Consequences of Communalism, Poverty and Regionalism
  • Contemporary Women’s Issues & Organisation Response
  • Demographic Dividend: Boon or Bane for India
  • Different Forms of Regionalism
  • Dimensions of Social Empowerment
  • Diversity – caste, linguistic, social and religious, race, tribe and ethnicity, culture
  • Does Globalisation Cause Poverty?
  • Factors Driving Globalisation and Urbanisation
  • Family System
  • Federalism & Regionalism
  • Globalisation & Culture – Homogenisation vs. Glocalisation
  • Globalisation & India
  • Government Initiatives to Aide Social Empowerment
  • Impact of Globalisation on India – Socio-cultural, economic, women, agricultural sector, etc.
  • Impact of Urbanisation in Rural Areas
  • Indian Model of Secularism
  • India’s Population Policy & Initiatives
  • Inequality
  • Inequality and Exclusion
  • Measurement of Poverty – Poverty Line
  • Measures to Contain Regionalism and Control & Eradicate Communalism
  • Steps to Make India Truly Secular
  • Nature & Practice of Secularism in India
  • Pluralism
  • Population Aging in India
  • Population Trends in India and their Implications
  • Poverty Alleviation Initiatives
  • Poverty as a Social Problem
  • Problems of Slums
  • Problems of Urban Areas
  • Reforms Required and Government Initiatives Taken So Far
  • Regionalism in India
  • Regionalism in the International Sphere
  • Relation between Poverty Reduction and Development: Poverty-Inequality-Development Nexus
  • Role of Regional Parties
  • Secularism as an Antidote to Communalism
  • Secularism in India
  • Social Consequences of Urbanisation
  • Socio-economic Spread of Poverty
  • State of Service Delivery and Challenges posed by Urbanisation
  • The policy shift from Trickle Down Economics to Inclusive or Pro-poor Development to Reduce Poverty
  • The problem of Rising Urban Poverty
  • The resurgence of Women’s Movement in the 70s: Emergence of New Organisations, Approaches, and Issues
  • Types of Poverty
  • Understanding Globalisation – Its Different Dimensions
  • Uniform Civil Code
  • Unity
  • Unity in Diversity
  • Urban Planning and Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
  • Urbanisation Trends in India and Their Implications – Demographic and Social Dimensions
  • Which are the Socially Disadvantaged Groups?
  • Who is worst affected by Poverty?
  • Women’s Organisations – Empowerment through Action
  • Women’s Organisations and SHGs
  • Women’s Organisations Post 1947

World Geography

Topics in World Geography include:

  • Salient features of the World’s Physical Geography
  • Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent)
  • 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 Tsunami, Volcanic activity, earthquakes, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location changes in critical geographical features (including Water-bodies and Ice-caps) and flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

Books for GS paper 1

Here is a list of books suggested for reading for UPSC GS 1 Syllabus preparation. In addition, check out some notable books aspirants often use for their preparation, which is listed below.

  1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong. (Geography)
  2. Geography of India – Majid Husain. (Geography)
  3. History Of Modern India – Bipan Chandra. (History)
  4. India After Gandhi – Ramchandra Guha (History – GS1)
  5. India’s Ancient Past – R.S. Sharma. (Culture)
  6. India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra. (History)
  7. Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania. (Culture)
  8. Norman Lowe OR History of Modern World – Jain and Mathur (World History – GS1)
  9. Oxford School Atlas – Oxford. (Geography)
  10. Social Problems In India – Ram Ahuja. (Indian Society – GS1)
  11. The Wonder That Was India – A.L. Basham. (Culture)

Tips to Prepare UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus

The UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus is extensive; however, if the principles are understood, it may be highly beneficial. A clear and comprehensive UPSC preparation strategy for the General Studies Paper 1 syllabus might help applicants get above-average marks and land the desired position. The following tips would help you pass UPSC Mains GS Paper 1:

  • It is crucial to get acquainted with the UPSC examination pattern. So, one is aware of where to put their attention. There are three parts to the UPSC exam: the UPSC prelims, the UPSC mains, and the interview stage.
  • You must be familiar with the UPSC Syllabus as a UPSC candidate.
  • The booklist and other materials should be kept to a minimum and periodically revised when preparing for the UPSC. 
  • Study the UPSC prior year’s question papers a lot if you want to ace the UPSC examination.
  • Current Affairs, which are featured in newspapers and Current Events Videos, should be the focus of aspirants.
  • The General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus is more static than dynamic; however, the answer may be prepared by tying it to current events and credible research.
faq

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prepare for GS 1 Syllabus?

Answer: One source should be kept and read again. Note key points on the subto...Read full

How can one begin GS 1 Syllabus IAS preparation?

Answer: Beginners should read all of the NCERT textbooks for grades VI through...Read full

How many papers are in the UPSC Mains?

Answer: Nine papers comprise the UPSC Mains Exam, four General Studies, two op...Read full

Which essay writing technique works best for UPSC?

Answer: The entire UPSC Mains score might be made or broken by how well your e...Read full

Is picking a degree topic for the UPSC necessary?

Answer: One of the most difficult exams in the nation is the UPSC civil services examination. And as a result, many ...Read full