The Comprehensive Guide to the 9 Subjects in IAS Mains Exam

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Mains exam is a crucial component in the journey towards becoming a civil servant in India. The exam consists of 9 papers which are categorized into two main sections: qualifying papers and merit papers. Understanding the structure of the exam is essential for candidates aiming to succeed. In this guide, we will delve into each subject and explain their significance.

Qualifying Papers

Qualifying papers are designed to ensure that candidates have a foundational understanding of the subjects. These are:

Paper A: Indian Language

Candidates are required to select one Indian language from the list provided by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to answer Paper A. This subject is optional and is chosen based on the language proficiency of the candidate. For example, if a candidate opts for Hindi, he or she will face questions in Hindi.

Paper B: English

This is a compulsory paper for all candidates. It tests candidates' proficiency in the English language, which is crucial for communication and understanding official documents.

Merit Papers

Merit papers are where candidates demonstrate their analytical, critical, and comprehensive understanding of various subjects. These are:

Paper I: Essay

The essay paper is a subjective paper that requires candidates to write a well-structured essay on a given topic. This paper evaluates the candidate's writing skills and ability to present arguments coherently.

Paper II: General Studies I - Indian Heritage and Culture History and Geography of the World and Society

This paper covers a broad spectrum of topics including Indian history, culture, geography of the world, and society. It tests the candidate's knowledge of the historical and cultural context of India and the world.

Paper III: General Studies II - Governance Constitution Polity Social Justice and International relations

This paper focuses on governance, the Indian Constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. It tests the candidate's understanding of the political system and the principles of governance in India.

Paper IV: General Studies III - Technology Economic Development Bio-diversity Environment Security and Disaster Management

This paper covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management. It is designed to test the candidate's knowledge of current and emerging issues that affect society.

Paper V: General Studies IV - Ethics Integrity and Aptitude

This paper evaluates the candidate's ethical standards, integrity, and aptitude. It tests the candidate's understanding of moral principles and their application in different scenarios.

Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper I

For this paper, candidates choose one of the optional subjects from a list provided by UPSC. This subject is chosen based on the candidate's interest and expertise. For instance, if a candidate chooses Geography, they will answer questions from Paper VI and Paper VII.

Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper II

This paper is the second part of the optional subject chosen by the candidate. It expands on the knowledge covered in Paper VI and requires a deeper understanding of the subject.

Understanding the Structure of the IAS Mains Exam

It's important to note that out of the 9 papers, only 7 hold value for merit. These 7 papers are:

General Studies I (GS-1) General Studies II (GS-2) General Studies III (GS-3) General Studies IV (GS-4) Essay English Optional Subject Papers (Paper VI and Paper VII)

Each of these papers carries 250 marks, with an additional 225 marks for the interview, totaling 1750 marks for the written examination. The essay and English papers are mandatory and form part of the qualifying papers.

Choosing the Right Optional Subject

The optional subject is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. Candidates must choose a subject in which they have a strong academic background or a keen interest. For instance, Geography can be a suitable option as it covers a broad range of topics from environmental science to human geography. Other options include subjects like Economics, Sociology, and Psychology.

The UPSC provides a comprehensive list of optional subjects, which includes:

Economics Geography History Law Literature Polity Sociology Psychology Geography Public Administration

By understanding the structure and the importance of each paper, candidates can better prepare for the IAS Mains exam and increase their chances of success.