Prelims Syllabus of ukpsc lower pcs Exam 2024

UKPSC Lower PCS Exam 2024: Prelims Syllabus Breakdown

The UKPSC Lower PCS Exam is a highly competitive examination for recruitment to various Group B and C posts in the Uttarakhand state government. The Prelims stage is the first hurdle, and a strong understanding of the syllabus is crucial for success. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Prelims syllabus for the 2024 exam, covering each subject in depth.

General Studies (Paper-I)

1. History

• Ancient India:
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Features, major sites, and significance.
  • Vedic Period: Social, economic, and religious life.
  • Mauryan Empire: Ashoka’s reign, administrative system, and cultural achievements.
  • Gupta Period: Golden Age of India, art, literature, and science.
  • Post-Gupta Period: Rise of regional kingdoms, decline of the Gupta Empire.
• Medieval India:
  • Delhi Sultanate: Political, social, and economic aspects.
  • Mughal Empire: Akbar’s reign, administrative system, and cultural achievements.
  • Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Impact on Indian society.
  • Rise of Maratha Power: Shivaji Maharaj and his successors.
• Modern India:
  • British Colonial Rule: Impact on Indian society, economy, and culture.
  • Indian National Movement: Key leaders, phases, and strategies.
  • Independence and Partition: Causes and consequences.
  • Post-Independence India: Major challenges and achievements.

2. Geography

• Physical Geography:
  • Earth’s Structure, Atmosphere, and Oceans.
  • Geomorphology: Landforms, weathering, and erosion.
  • Climatology: Climate types, factors influencing climate, and climate change.
  • Biogeography: Plant and animal distribution, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Indian Geography:
  • Physiography: Major landforms, rivers, and drainage systems.
  • Climate: Monsoon system, rainfall distribution, and climate change impacts.
  • Natural Resources: Minerals, forests, water, and energy resources.
  • Population: Distribution, density, growth, and migration.
• Geography of Uttarakhand:
  • Physical features: Himalayas, rivers, and valleys.
  • Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variations.
  • Natural resources: Forests, minerals, and water resources.
  • Population: Distribution, density, and socio-economic characteristics.

3. Indian Polity and Governance

• Constitution of India:
  • Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties.
  • Union, State, and Local Governments: Structure, powers, and functions.
  • Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, and their role.
  • Election Commission: Role and functions.
• Political System:
  • Parliamentary system, federalism, and secularism.
  • Political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion.
  • Panchayati Raj Institutions: Structure, functions, and challenges.
• Governance and Public Administration:
  • Administrative reforms, e-governance, and good governance.
  • Public policy formulation and implementation.
  • Corruption and its control.

4. Economy

• Indian Economy:
  • Structure and features of the Indian economy.
  • National Income: Concepts, measurement, and trends.
  • Agriculture: Importance, challenges, and reforms.
  • Industry: Sectors, growth, and challenges.
  • Services: Role and growth.
• Economic Reforms:
  • Liberalization, privatization, and globalization.
  • Impact of reforms on the Indian economy.
• Financial System:
  • Banking, insurance, and capital markets.
  • Monetary policy and inflation.
• Economic Development:
  • Poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
  • Sustainable development and environmental issues.

5. General Science

• Physics:
  • Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, and work.
  • Heat, light, sound, and electricity.
  • Modern physics: Atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear energy.
• Chemistry:
  • Matter and its properties.
  • Chemical reactions and equations.
  • Acids, bases, and salts.
  • Organic chemistry: Basic concepts and applications.
• Biology:
  • Cell structure and functions.
  • Human body systems: Digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.
  • Plant kingdom: Classification and importance.
  • Ecology and environment: Ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental issues.

6. Current Events

• National and International:
  • Major events in India and the world.
  • Current affairs related to politics, economy, society, and culture.
  • Important personalities and their contributions.
• Uttarakhand:
  • Current events related to Uttarakhand state.
  • Development initiatives and challenges.
  • Important issues and policies.

7. Uttarakhand Specific Topics

• History of Uttarakhand:
  • Ancient and medieval history of the region.
  • British rule and the Garhwal and Kumaon kingdoms.
  • Uttarakhand movement and statehood.
• Culture and Heritage:
  • Folk traditions, music, dance, and art.
  • Religious sites and pilgrimage centers.
  • Literature and language.
• Environment and Ecology:
  • Himalayan ecosystem, biodiversity, and environmental challenges.
  • Climate change impacts and mitigation strategies.
  • Conservation efforts and sustainable development.
• Economy and Development:
  • Agriculture, tourism, and industries.
  • Infrastructure development and challenges.
  • Socio-economic issues and development initiatives.

General Studies (Paper-II)

1. Reasoning and Mental Ability

• Logical Reasoning:
  • Analogies, classifications, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, and direction sense.
  • Syllogisms, statement and assumptions, and statement and conclusions.
• Analytical Reasoning:
  • Data interpretation, charts, graphs, and tables.
  • Problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.
• Verbal Reasoning:
  • Synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
  • Sentence completion, paragraph comprehension, and reading comprehension.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning:
  • Figure series, analogy, classification, and mirror images.
  • Spatial reasoning, cubes, and paper folding.

2. Quantitative Aptitude

• Arithmetic:
  • Number systems, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed, distance, and time.
  • Ratio and proportion, partnership, and mixtures.
• Algebra:
  • Linear equations, quadratic equations, and inequalities.
  • Simplification, factorization, and surds and indices.
• Geometry:
  • Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles.
  • Mensuration: Area, perimeter, and volume.
• Trigonometry:
  • Basic trigonometric ratios, identities, and applications.

3. General Awareness

• Current Events:
  • National and international current affairs.
  • Major events, personalities, and issues.
• Static GK:
  • Indian history, geography, polity, and economy.
  • Science and technology, sports, and culture.
  • Important awards and honors.
• Uttarakhand Specific:
  • History, culture, geography, and economy of Uttarakhand.
  • Current events related to Uttarakhand state.

4. Computer Literacy

• Basic Computer Concepts:
  • Hardware and software components.
  • Operating systems, file management, and internet basics.
  • MS Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Computer Applications:
  • Email, web browsing, and social media.
  • Basic programming concepts and applications.
  • Cyber security and ethical hacking.

5. English Language

• Grammar:
  • Parts of speech, tenses, voice, and articles.
  • Prepositions, conjunctions, and sentence structure.
  • Error identification and correction.
• Vocabulary:
  • Synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
  • Idioms, phrases, and proverbs.
• Comprehension:
  • Reading comprehension passages and answering questions.
  • Paragraph writing and essay writing.

Preparation Strategy

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly analyze the syllabus and identify the key topics and sub-topics.
• Refer to Quality Study Material: Choose reliable textbooks, study guides, and online resources.
• Develop a Study Plan: Create a structured study plan that covers all subjects and allows for regular revision.
• Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on Current Events: Stay updated on current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
• Uttarakhand Specific Preparation: Pay special attention to Uttarakhand-related topics and current events.
• Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to complete the exam within the allotted time.
• Revision: Regular revision is crucial to retain information and improve recall.

Table 1: Subject-wise Weightage in Prelims Exam

Subject	Weightage
General Studies (Paper-I)	50%
General Studies (Paper-II)	50%

Table 2: Important Books for UKPSC Lower PCS Prelims

Subject	Book	Author
History	India’s Struggle for Independence	Bipin Chandra
Geography	NCERT Geography Textbooks (Class 6-12)
Indian Polity	Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Economy	Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
General Science	NCERT Science Textbooks (Class 6-10)
Reasoning and Mental Ability
Quantitative Aptitude
General Awareness
Computer Literacy
English Language

Note: This is a general guideline, and the specific weightage and syllabus may vary from year to year. It is recommended to refer to the official UKPSC notification for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UKPSC Lower PCS Prelims Exam 2024

1. What is the exam pattern for the UKPSC Lower PCS Prelims Exam?

The exam is conducted in two papers: General Studies (Paper-I) and General Studies (Paper-II). Both papers are objective type, with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each paper carries a total of 150 marks, making the total marks for the Prelims exam 300.

2. What is the duration of the Prelims exam?

Each paper is of 2 hours duration, making the total duration of the Prelims exam 4 hours.

3. What is the qualifying marks for the Prelims exam?

The qualifying marks for the Prelims exam are usually announced by the UKPSC in the official notification. However, generally, candidates need to secure a minimum percentage of marks to qualify for the Mains exam.

4. What is the syllabus for the General Studies (Paper-I) exam?

The syllabus for General Studies (Paper-I) covers a wide range of topics, including History, Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economy, General Science, Current Events, and Uttarakhand Specific Topics.

5. What is the syllabus for the General Studies (Paper-II) exam?

The syllabus for General Studies (Paper-II) focuses on Reasoning and Mental Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Literacy, and English Language.

6. What are some good books for preparing for the UKPSC Lower PCS Prelims exam?

There are many good books available for preparing for the UKPSC Lower PCS Prelims exam. Some popular choices include NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, and Science, Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, and various books for Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.

7. How can I prepare for the Current Events section of the exam?

To prepare for the Current Events section, it is important to stay updated on national and international news through newspapers, magazines, and online resources. You should also focus on current events related to Uttarakhand state.

8. What are some tips for time management during the exam?

Time management is crucial during the exam. It is important to allocate time for each section based on its weightage and your strengths and weaknesses. You should also practice mock tests to improve your time management skills.

9. How important is revision for the exam?

Revision is essential for retaining information and improving recall. You should allocate time for regular revision throughout your preparation.

10. What are some common mistakes to avoid during the exam?

Some common mistakes to avoid during the exam include not reading the instructions carefully, rushing through the questions, and not managing time effectively. It is also important to avoid making careless mistakes and guessing answers without proper knowledge.

Note: These are just a few frequently asked questions. The specific questions and answers may vary depending on the individual’s preparation level and the specific topics covered in the syllabus. It is always recommended to refer to the official UKPSC notification and syllabus for the most accurate and up-to-date information.