Prelims Syllabus of ias Exam 2024

Table of Contents

Prelims Syllabus of IAS Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Indian Polity and Governance

1.1. Constitution of India

Salient features of the Constitution: This includes understanding the fundamental principles like federalism, parliamentary democracy, separation of powers, and judicial review.
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy: Analyze the relationship between these two pillars of the Constitution and their impact on governance.
Union and State Governments: Examine the structure, powers, and functions of both levels of government, including the role of the President, Prime Minister, Governor, and Chief Minister.
Parliament and State Legislatures: Understand the legislative process, the role of different committees, and the relationship between the legislature and the executive.
Judiciary: Analyze the structure, powers, and functions of the Indian judiciary, including the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Independent Constitutional Bodies: Explore the role and significance of institutions like the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Finance Commission.
Amendments to the Constitution: Understand the process of amending the Constitution and the significant amendments made over the years.

1.2. Governance

Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors: Analyze the impact of government policies on different sectors like agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Issues related to poverty, inequality, and development: Examine the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality, and the government’s efforts to address these issues.
Role of civil services in a democracy: Understand the role and responsibilities of the civil services in implementing government policies and ensuring good governance.
Citizens’ Charter, Right to Information, and Public Grievances: Analyze the significance of these mechanisms in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Challenges to democracy: Examine the various threats to democracy, including corruption, communalism, and political violence.

2. History of India

2.1. Ancient India

Indus Valley Civilization: Explore the key features, achievements, and decline of this ancient civilization.
Vedic Period: Analyze the social, economic, and religious aspects of the Vedic period, including the emergence of Hinduism.
Rise of Major Empires: Examine the rise and fall of empires like the Mauryan, Gupta, and Chola dynasties, highlighting their contributions to art, architecture, literature, and administration.
Buddhism and Jainism: Understand the origins, teachings, and spread of these religions, and their impact on Indian society.
Social and Economic Life: Analyze the social structure, economic activities, and cultural practices of ancient India.

2.2. Medieval India

Delhi Sultanate: Examine the establishment, expansion, and decline of the Delhi Sultanate, including the contributions of different dynasties.
Mughal Empire: Analyze the rise, expansion, and decline of the Mughal Empire, highlighting its cultural and architectural achievements.
Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Understand the emergence and impact of these religious movements on Indian society.
Regional Kingdoms: Explore the rise and significance of regional kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Maratha Confederacy.
Trade and Commerce: Analyze the role of trade and commerce in the medieval period, including the impact of foreign trade.

2.3. Modern India

British Colonial Rule: Examine the establishment, consolidation, and impact of British colonial rule in India, including the various policies and events.
Indian Nationalism: Analyze the rise and growth of Indian nationalism, highlighting the contributions of different leaders and movements.
Independence Movement: Examine the various phases of the Indian independence movement, including the role of Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders.
Partition of India: Analyze the causes and consequences of the partition of India and Pakistan.
Post-Independence India: Examine the challenges and achievements of India after independence, including economic development, social reforms, and foreign policy.

3. Geography of India

3.1. Physical Geography

Physiographic Divisions: Understand the major physiographic divisions of India, including the Himalayas, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.
Climate: Analyze the different climatic regions of India, including the monsoon system, and the impact of climate change.
Soils: Understand the different types of soils found in India and their suitability for different crops.
Natural Vegetation: Analyze the different types of vegetation found in India, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Wildlife: Examine the rich biodiversity of India, including the different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

3.2. Human Geography

Population: Analyze the demographic features of India, including population growth, distribution, and density.
Agriculture: Examine the different agricultural practices in India, including the Green Revolution and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Industry: Analyze the different industrial sectors in India, including the role of public and private sectors.
Infrastructure: Examine the development and challenges of infrastructure in India, including transportation, communication, and energy.
Urbanization: Analyze the process of urbanization in India, including the challenges of urban planning and development.

4. Economic Development

4.1. Indian Economy

Structure of the Indian Economy: Understand the different sectors of the Indian economy, including agriculture, industry, and services.
Economic Reforms: Analyze the impact of economic reforms initiated in 1991, including liberalization, privatization, and globalization.
Planning in India: Examine the role of planning in India, including the Five-Year Plans and the National Development Council.
Poverty and Inequality: Analyze the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in India, and the government’s efforts to address these issues.
Infrastructure: Examine the development and challenges of infrastructure in India, including transportation, communication, and energy.

4.2. Issues Related to Economic Development

Agriculture: Analyze the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including low productivity, dependence on monsoon, and lack of access to credit.
Industry: Examine the challenges faced by the industrial sector, including lack of competitiveness, high cost of production, and inadequate infrastructure.
Employment: Analyze the challenges of unemployment and underemployment in India, and the government’s efforts to create employment opportunities.
Inflation: Understand the causes and consequences of inflation, and the government’s measures to control it.
Fiscal and Monetary Policies: Analyze the role of fiscal and monetary policies in managing the Indian economy.

5. Environment and Ecology

5.1. Environmental Issues

Pollution: Analyze the different types of pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, and their impact on human health and the environment.
Climate Change: Understand the causes and consequences of climate change, and the government’s efforts to mitigate its impact.
Biodiversity Loss: Examine the threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss, poaching, and invasive species.
Natural Disasters: Analyze the different types of natural disasters, including floods, droughts, earthquakes, and cyclones, and the government’s disaster management strategies.
Environmental Laws and Policies: Understand the different environmental laws and policies in India, including the National Environment Policy and the Forest Conservation Act.

5.2. Conservation

Conservation of Forests and Wildlife: Analyze the different strategies for conserving forests and wildlife, including protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks.
Sustainable Development: Understand the concept of sustainable development and its importance in addressing environmental challenges.
Environmental Movements: Examine the role of environmental movements in raising awareness and advocating for environmental protection.
International Environmental Conventions: Understand the significance of international environmental conventions, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

6. General Science

6.1. Physics

Basic Concepts of Physics: Understand the fundamental concepts of physics, including motion, force, energy, heat, light, and sound.
Modern Physics: Analyze the key concepts of modern physics, including relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics.
Applications of Physics in Daily Life: Understand the applications of physics in various fields, including technology, medicine, and communication.

6.2. Chemistry

Basic Concepts of Chemistry: Understand the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including matter, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and chemical bonding.
Inorganic Chemistry: Analyze the properties and reactions of different elements and compounds.
Organic Chemistry: Understand the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds.
Applications of Chemistry in Daily Life: Understand the applications of chemistry in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and industry.

6.3. Biology

Basic Concepts of Biology: Understand the fundamental concepts of biology, including cells, tissues, organs, and systems.
Plant and Animal Kingdom: Analyze the classification, structure, and functions of plants and animals.
Human Physiology: Understand the structure and functions of the human body, including the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Genetics and Evolution: Analyze the principles of genetics and evolution, including the role of DNA and natural selection.
Ecology and Environment: Understand the concepts of ecology and the impact of human activities on the environment.

6.4. Space Science

Solar System: Understand the structure and composition of the solar system, including the Sun, planets, and moons.
Space Exploration: Analyze the history and achievements of space exploration, including the role of different space agencies.
Applications of Space Technology: Understand the applications of space technology in various fields, including communication, navigation, and remote sensing.

7. Current Events of National and International Importance

National Events: Analyze the major events and developments in India, including political, economic, social, and cultural issues.
International Events: Understand the major events and developments in the world, including political, economic, social, and environmental issues.
Important International Organizations: Analyze the role and functions of important international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
India’s Foreign Policy: Examine the key aspects of India’s foreign policy, including its relations with neighboring countries, major powers, and international organizations.

8. Reasoning and Comprehension

8.1. Reasoning

Logical Reasoning: Analyze and solve problems involving logical reasoning, including syllogisms, analogies, and critical thinking.
Analytical Reasoning: Understand and solve problems involving analytical reasoning, including data interpretation, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Verbal Reasoning: Analyze and solve problems involving verbal reasoning, including word analogies, sentence completion, and reading comprehension.

8.2. Comprehension

Reading Comprehension: Analyze and understand different types of texts, including passages, articles, and reports.
Interpretation of Data: Analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, including tables, charts, and graphs.
Critical Thinking: Analyze and evaluate information, arguments, and perspectives.

9. General Studies Paper – II (CSAT)

Comprehension and Composition: Analyze and understand different types of texts, including passages, articles, and reports.
Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Analyze and solve problems involving logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and decision-making.
Quantitative Aptitude: Analyze and solve problems involving basic mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Data Interpretation: Analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, including tables, charts, and graphs.
General Mental Ability: Analyze and solve problems involving general mental ability, including reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

10. Table of Important Dates for IAS Exam 2024

Event	Date
Notification Release	February 2024 (Tentative)
Online Application	February 2024 – March 2024 (Tentative)
Prelims Exam	May 2024 (Tentative)
Prelims Result	June 2024 (Tentative)
Mains Exam	September 2024 (Tentative)
Mains Result	December 2024 (Tentative)
Interview	January 2025 – March 2025 (Tentative)
Final Result	May 2025 (Tentative)

11. Table of Important Books for IAS Exam 2024

Subject	Book	Author
Indian Polity	Indian Polity for Civil Services Examination	M. Laxmikanth
History of India	India’s Struggle for Independence	Bipin Chandra
Geography of India	Certificate Physical and Human Geography	Goh Cheng Leong
Economic Development	Indian Economy	Ramesh Singh
Environment and Ecology	Environment and Ecology	Shankar IAS Academy
General Science	NCERT Textbooks	NCERT
Current Events	The Hindu, Indian Express	–
Reasoning and Comprehension	A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal
CSAT	CSAT Paper 2	Arihant Publications

Note: This is a general guide and the syllabus may vary slightly from year to year. It is recommended to refer to the official UPSC notification for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for IAS Exam 2024 Prelims Syllabus

1. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?

Federalism: Power sharing between the Union and States.
Parliamentary Democracy: Elected representatives form the government.
Separation of Powers: Independent judiciary, legislature, and executive.
Fundamental Rights: Guarantees basic freedoms for citizens.
Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines for social and economic development.

2. What are the main differences between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?

Fundamental Rights: Enforceable in courts, protect individual liberties.
Directive Principles: Not enforceable, guide government policies for social welfare.

3. What is the role of the Election Commission of India?

Conduct free and fair elections for the Parliament, State Legislatures, and President.

4. What are the major challenges to democracy in India?

Corruption, communalism, political violence, and lack of public participation.

5. What are the key features of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Urban planning, advanced sanitation systems, standardized weights and measures, and unique art and artifacts.

6. What were the major contributions of the Gupta Empire?

Golden Age of Indian culture, advancements in art, architecture, literature, science, and mathematics.

7. What is the significance of the Bhakti and Sufi movements?

Emphasized personal devotion to God, challenged social hierarchies, and promoted religious tolerance.

8. What were the major consequences of the Partition of India?

Mass displacement, communal violence, and the creation of two new nations: India and Pakistan.

9. What are the major physiographic divisions of India?

Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, and Islands.

10. What are the key features of the Indian monsoon system?

Seasonal winds bringing rainfall to India, crucial for agriculture, and influenced by factors like the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

11. What are the major challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India?

Low productivity, dependence on monsoon, lack of access to credit, and fragmented landholdings.

12. What are the key features of the economic reforms initiated in 1991?

Liberalization, privatization, and globalization, aimed at boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investment.

13. What are the major types of pollution in India?

Air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution.

14. What are the key aspects of India’s foreign policy?

Maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, strategic partnerships with major powers, and active participation in international organizations.

15. What are the key concepts of modern physics?

Relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.

16. What are the key concepts of biology?

Cells, tissues, organs, systems, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

17. What are the major applications of space technology?

Communication, navigation, remote sensing, weather forecasting, and scientific research.

18. What are the key components of the CSAT exam?

Comprehension and Composition, Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and General Mental Ability.

19. What are some important books for preparing for the IAS exam?

Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra, Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong, and Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh.

20. What are the key dates for the IAS exam 2024?

Notification release, online application, prelims exam, prelims result, mains exam, mains result, interview, and final result.

Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The actual questions asked in the exam may vary. It is important to study the syllabus thoroughly and refer to reliable study materials.