Dynamic Micro Syllabus
A dynamic, topic-wise breakdown of the UPSC syllabus with current affairs integration.
General Studies Paper I
Indian Heritage and Culture
Foundational Topics
- Harappan Architecture
- Temple Architecture (Nagara, Dravida, Vesara)
- Cave Architecture (Ajanta, Ellora)
- Indo-Islamic Architecture (Sultanate & Mughal)
- Colonial & Modern Architecture
Current Affairs Linkages
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in news (e.g., Dholavira, Ramappa Temple)
- GI Tags for traditional crafts (e.g., Thanjavur Pith Works)
- Preservation of monuments (e.g., new findings at Rakhigarhi)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi & Sahitya Akademi awards and awardees (2024-2025)
Foundational Topics
- Vedic & Upanishadic Literature
- Sangam Literature
- Buddhist & Jain Literature
- Sanskrit Literature (Kalidasa)
- Six Schools of Indian Philosophy
- Bhakti & Sufi movements and literature
Current Affairs Linkages
- Jnanpith Award winners and their contributions
- Government initiatives to promote classical languages
- Anniversaries of major philosophers/saints (e.g., Ramanujacharya)
Modern Indian History
Foundational Topics
- Decline of the Mughal Empire
- Rise of regional powers (Marathas, Sikhs, Bengal)
- Major European powers in India
Current Affairs Linkages
- Debates on historical interpretations
- Anniversaries of key battles (e.g., Plassey, Buxar)
Foundational Topics
- Revolt of 1857: Causes, Nature, Consequences
- Moderate & Extremist Phases of INC
- Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India
- Role of revolutionaries
- Contributions of women
Current Affairs Linkages
- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiatives and their significance
- Declassification of historical files and new perspectives
- Tributes to unsung heroes of the freedom struggle
Foundational Topics
- Consolidation of India: Integration of princely states
- Linguistic reorganization of states
- Nehruvian era policies
- Wars with Pakistan and China
Current Affairs Linkages
- Ongoing border issues and their historical context (e.g., Shimla Agreement)
- Discussions on the legacy of post-independence leaders
- Statehood demands and regionalism in news
Society & Geography
Foundational Topics
- Diversity of India
- Features of caste, family, kinship
- Effects of Globalization
- Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism
Current Affairs Linkages
- Latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data
- Laws and schemes related to women empowerment (e.g., Women's Reservation Bill)
- Reports on social harmony and communal incidents
- Impact of social media on Indian society
Foundational Topics
- Distribution of key natural resources
- Location factors for industries
- Geophysical phenomena (Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Cyclones)
Current Affairs Linkages
- Recent cyclones and changing patterns (e.g., Biparjoy)
- Discovery of new resource deposits (e.g., Lithium in J&K)
- Impact of geopolitical events on supply chains
- Schemes like PM Gati Shakti influencing industrial location
- Landslide events in Himachal Pradesh and their geographical context
General Studies Paper II
Polity and Constitution
Foundational Topics
- Basic Structure Doctrine
- Fundamental Rights & DPSPs
- Federalism: Issues & Challenges
- Parliament & State Legislatures
- Judiciary: Structure & Functioning
Current Affairs Linkages
- Recent landmark Supreme Court judgments (e.g., on Article 370, electoral bonds)
- Debates on cooperative vs. competitive federalism (e.g., GST council meetings)
- Functioning of Parliament: bills passed, number of sittings
- Discussions on judicial appointments (Collegium vs. NJAC)
Foundational Topics
- Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies
- Role of civil services
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
Current Affairs Linkages
- Performance of key bodies like NITI Aayog, NHRC
- Mission Karmayogi for civil service reform
- Performance audit of major schemes: Jal Jeevan Mission, PM-KISAN, MGNREGA
- Right to Information (RTI) Act in news
Social Justice & IR
Foundational Topics
- Issues of poverty and hunger
- Management of Social Sector (Health, Education)
- Mechanisms for protection of vulnerable sections
Current Affairs Linkages
- Latest Global Hunger Index / Multidimensional Poverty Index reports
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation progress
- Ayushman Bharat scheme performance
- Legislations for transgender and disabled persons
Foundational Topics
- India and its neighborhood
- Bilateral and global groupings (BRICS, SCO, G20)
- Indian Diaspora
- Effect of policies of developed countries
Current Affairs Linkages
- India's G20 Presidency outcomes
- Current state of India-China/Pakistan relations
- New groupings like I2U2, Quad, and their progress
- India's stance on global conflicts
- New trade agreements (e.g., with Australia, UAE)
General Studies Paper III
Indian Economy
Foundational Topics
- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
- Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
- Government Budgeting process
Current Affairs Linkages
- Latest Union Budget (2025-26) and Economic Survey (2024-25) highlights
- 16th Finance Commission recommendations
- Reports on inequality (Oxfam)
- Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act review
Foundational Topics
- Major cropping patterns
- Irrigation systems
- Farm subsidies & MSP
- Public Distribution System (PDS)
- Food processing industry
- e-technology for farmers
Current Affairs Linkages
- Debates on MSP legal guarantee
- Performance of PM-KISAN & PM Fasal Bima Yojana
- Use of drones in agriculture (Drone Didi Scheme)
- Challenges of climate-resilient agriculture
- Food inflation trends
Foundational Topics
- Effects of liberalization on the economy
- Changes in industrial policy
- Investment models (PPP)
- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways
Current Affairs Linkages
- Performance of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes
- National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) & PM Gati Shakti progress
- National Logistics Policy
- India's Semiconductor Mission status
Science, Environment & Security
Foundational Topics
- S&T developments and their applications in everyday life
- Achievements of Indians in S&T
- Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-tech
- Issues relating to IPR
Current Affairs Linkages
- Gaganyaan Mission updates
- Aditya-L1 mission findings
- National Quantum Mission
- Policy and ethical debates on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Developments in 5G/6G technology
- New GI Tags awarded
Foundational Topics
- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Key international conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, Ramsar)
Current Affairs Linkages
- India's NDCs and climate action plan (post-COP meetings)
- Amendments to environmental laws (Forest Conservation, Biodiversity)
- National Green Hydrogen Mission
- Plastic Waste Management rules
Foundational Topics
- Linkages between development and spread of extremism (LWE)
- Role of external state and non-state actors
- Cyber security
- Money laundering
- Border management
- Security forces and their mandate
Current Affairs Linkages
- Theatre commands concept development
- Challenges of drone warfare and countermeasures
- Agnipath scheme review
- Data on LWE-affected districts
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act and its implications for security
Foundational Topics
- Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
- National Disaster Management Act, 2005
- Structure and mandate of NDMA/SDRF
Current Affairs Linkages
- Lessons from recent disasters (e.g., Joshimath land subsidence, Himachal floods 2023-24)
- National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project
- Urban flood management plans in news
General Studies Paper IV
Ethics & Foundational Values
Foundational Topics
- Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics
- Dimensions of ethics
- Ethics in private and public relationships
- Human Values from leaders, reformers, administrators
Current Affairs Linkages
- Ethical dilemmas in using AI in governance
- Corporate governance failures in news
- Role of family/society in shaping values amidst social media influence
Foundational Topics
- Attitude: content, structure, function
- Moral and political attitudes
- Social influence and persuasion
- Foundational values for Civil Service: integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy etc.
Current Affairs Linkages
- Case studies on public campaigns changing attitudes (e.g., Swachh Bharat)
- Analysis of civil servants demonstrating key values during crises
- Role of social media in shaping political attitudes
Governance & Probity
Foundational Topics
- Concepts of EI
- Utilities and application of EI in administration and governance
Current Affairs Linkages
- Case studies on conflict resolution by administrators using EI
- Importance of EI in managing public protests or team conflicts within bureaucracy
Foundational Topics
- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Gandhi, Ambedkar, etc.)
Current Affairs Linkages
- Applying Gandhian ethics to climate change
- Using Rawls' theory of justice to critique welfare schemes
- Kautilya's principles in modern statecraft
Foundational Topics
- Concept of public service
- Philosophical basis of governance
- RTI, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters
- Challenges of corruption
Current Affairs Linkages
- Effectiveness of Lokpal and Lokayuktas in recent years
- Recent amendments or significant judgments on the RTI Act
- Review of Citizen's Charters of key public services
Case Studies
Foundational Topics
- This section involves applying all the above concepts to hypothetical and real-life situations to test ethical and moral reasoning.
Current Affairs Linkages
- Case studies will be based on current and recurring issues such as: environmental trade-offs, managing public funds, dealing with political pressure, protecting whistleblowers, ethical issues in international funding, crises of conscience.