Prelims Syllabus of UPSC CAPF Exam 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination for recruitment to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The exam is held twice a year, in February and November. The candidates who clear the CDS exam are eligible to appear for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) interviews.
The syllabus for the UPSC CAPF exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics. The exam is divided into two papers:
- Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
- Paper 2: General Studies
Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
This paper is designed to test the candidate’s reasoning ability, comprehension, and problem-solving skills. The syllabus for Paper 1 includes:
- Reasoning and Comprehension:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Comprehension
- General Knowledge:
- Current Events
- History
- Geography
- Economics
- Polity
- Science and Technology
- Numerical Ability:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
- Data Interpretation:
- Tables
- Graphs
- Charts
- English Language:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Composition
Paper 2: General Studies
This paper is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, economics, polity, and general science. The syllabus for Paper 2 includes:
- Current Events:
- National
- International
- Sports
- Culture
- Science and Technology
- History:
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Indian National Movement
- Geography:
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Indian Geography
- Economics:
- Indian Economy
- World Economy
- Economic Policies
- Polity:
- Indian Constitution
- Political System
- Governance
- General Science:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environment
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
1. Reasoning and Comprehension:
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies
- Classification
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Syllogisms
- Statement and Assumptions
- Statement and Conclusions
- Statement and Arguments
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Figure Series
- Analogy
- Classification
- Mirror Images
- Water Images
- Embedded Figures
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Analytical Reasoning:
- Data Sufficiency
- Critical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Logical Reasoning:
- Venn Diagrams
- Truth Tables
- Logical Connectives
- Quantifiers
- Comprehension:
- Reading Comprehension
- Paragraph Completion
- Sentence Completion
2. General Knowledge:
- Current Events:
- National and International Events
- Sports
- Culture
- Science and Technology
- Awards and Honors
- History:
- Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, etc.
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, etc.
- Modern India: British Rule, Indian National Movement, Independence, etc.
- Geography:
- Physical Geography: Earth’s Structure, Atmosphere, Oceans, Climate, etc.
- Human Geography: Population, Settlement, Migration, Resources, etc.
- Indian Geography: Physical Features, Climate, Vegetation, Resources, etc.
- Economics:
- Indian Economy: Growth, Development, Poverty, Unemployment, etc.
- World Economy: Globalization, Trade, Finance, etc.
- Economic Policies: Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, etc.
- Polity:
- Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, etc.
- Political System: Parliament, Judiciary, Executive, etc.
- Governance: Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Bodies, etc.
- Science and Technology:
- Physics: Basic Concepts, Electricity, Magnetism, etc.
- Chemistry: Basic Concepts, Acids, Bases, Salts, etc.
- Biology: Human Body, Plants, Animals, etc.
3. Numerical Ability:
- Arithmetic:
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Ratio and Proportion
- Averages
- Algebra:
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Inequalities
- Progressions
- Geometry:
- Lines and Angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Circles
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry:
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Trigonometric Identities
- Heights and Distances
- Statistics:
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Standard Deviation
- Probability
4. Data Interpretation:
- Tables:
- Reading and Interpreting Data from Tables
- Calculating Averages, Percentages, etc.
- Graphs:
- Line Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Histograms
- Charts:
- Flow Charts
- Tree Diagrams
5. English Language:
- Grammar:
- Parts of Speech
- Tenses
- Articles
- Prepositions
- Conjunctions
- Clauses
- Sentences
- Vocabulary:
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-Word Substitutions
- Comprehension:
- Reading Comprehension
- Paragraph Completion
- Sentence Completion
- Composition:
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
- Précis Writing
Paper 2: General Studies
1. Current Events:
- National:
- Politics
- Economy
- Social Issues
- Science and Technology
- Defence
- Environment
- International:
- Global Politics
- Economy
- Security
- Environment
- Science and Technology
- Sports:
- Major Sporting Events
- Indian Athletes
- Sports Policies
- Culture:
- Art, Literature, Music, Dance
- Heritage
- Festivals
- Science and Technology:
- Major Discoveries and Innovations
- Space Exploration
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
2. History:
- Ancient India:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic Period
- Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Chola Empire
- Religion and Philosophy
- Art and Architecture
- Medieval India:
- Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Empire
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Bahmani Sultanate
- Religious Movements
- Art and Architecture
- Modern India:
- British Rule
- Indian National Movement
- Independence
- Post-Independence Era
- Social Reforms
- Art and Literature
3. Geography:
- Physical Geography:
- Earth’s Structure
- Atmosphere
- Oceans
- Climate
- Landforms
- Natural Hazards
- Human Geography:
- Population
- Settlement
- Migration
- Resources
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Transportation
- Indian Geography:
- Physical Features
- Climate
- Vegetation
- Resources
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Transportation
4. Economics:
- Indian Economy:
- Growth
- Development
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Inflation
- Fiscal Policy
- Monetary Policy
- World Economy:
- Globalization
- Trade
- Finance
- International Institutions
- Economic Policies:
- Fiscal Policy
- Monetary Policy
- Industrial Policy
- Trade Policy
5. Polity:
- Indian Constitution:
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles
- Fundamental Duties
- Union Government
- State Government
- Judiciary
- Legislature
- Executive
- Political System:
- Political Parties
- Elections
- Pressure Groups
- Public Opinion
- Governance:
- Panchayati Raj
- Urban Local Bodies
- Civil Services
- Administrative Reforms
6. General Science:
- Physics:
- Basic Concepts
- Motion
- Force
- Work and Energy
- Heat
- Light
- Sound
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Chemistry:
- Basic Concepts
- Atoms and Molecules
- Chemical Bonding
- Acids, Bases, Salts
- Organic Chemistry
- Biology:
- Human Body
- Plants
- Animals
- Ecology
- Environment
- Biotechnology
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: The first step is to understand the syllabus thoroughly. Go through the syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 and make a list of all the topics that need to be covered.
- Gather Study Material: Once you have a clear understanding of the syllabus, start gathering study material. This can include textbooks, reference books, online resources, and previous year’s question papers.
- Create a Study Plan: It is important to create a study plan and stick to it. Divide your time wisely and allocate enough time for each subject.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is key to success in any competitive exam. Solve previous year’s question papers and mock tests to get a feel for the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
- Revision: Regular revision is essential to retain what you have learned. Make sure to revise all the topics before the exam.
Tips for Success
- Time Management: Time management is crucial in the UPSC CAPF exam. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time.
- Accuracy: Focus on accuracy rather than speed. It is better to answer fewer questions correctly than to answer more questions incorrectly.
- Stress Management: The UPSC CAPF exam can be stressful. Practice relaxation techniques and stay calm during the exam.
- Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in yourself.
- Stay Motivated: Stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Table 1: Important Topics for UPSC CAPF Exam
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Current Events | National and International Events, Sports, Culture, Science and Technology, Awards and Honors |
| History | Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Indian National Movement |
| Geography | Physical Geography, Human Geography, Indian Geography |
| Economics | Indian Economy, World Economy, Economic Policies |
| Polity | Indian Constitution, Political System, Governance |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environment |
Table 2: Recommended Books for UPSC CAPF Exam
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Studies | NCERT Textbooks, Spectrum’s Modern Indian History, India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra, Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Geography by Majid Husain, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Lucent’s General Knowledge |
| Reasoning and Comprehension | R.S. Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal, Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey |
| Numerical Ability | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Arun Sharma |
| English Language | Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar and Composition, Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis |
Conclusion
The UPSC CAPF exam is a challenging but rewarding exam. With proper preparation and hard work, you can achieve success in this exam. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and confident throughout your preparation journey. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for UPSC CAPF Exam 2024
General FAQs:
Q1: What is the eligibility criteria for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A1: Candidates must be a graduate from a recognized university and must be between 20-25 years of age. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Q2: How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A2: The number of attempts allowed varies based on the category. General category candidates have a maximum of 6 attempts, while reserved categories have more attempts.
Q3: What is the exam pattern for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A3: The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies). Both papers are objective type and carry 250 marks each.
Q4: What is the syllabus for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A4: The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including Current Events, History, Geography, Economics, Polity, General Science, Reasoning and Comprehension, Numerical Ability, Data Interpretation, and English Language.
Q5: How can I prepare for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A5: Focus on understanding the syllabus, gathering study material, creating a study plan, practicing regularly, staying updated with current affairs, and revising regularly.
Q6: What are some important tips for success in the UPSC CAPF exam?
A6: Time management, accuracy, stress management, positive attitude, and staying motivated are crucial for success.
Q7: What are some good books for preparing for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A7: NCERT textbooks, Spectrum’s Modern Indian History, India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra, Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Geography by Majid Husain, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Lucent’s General Knowledge, R.S. Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal, Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey, Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Arun Sharma, Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar and Composition, Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis are some recommended books.
Q8: What is the selection process for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A8: The selection process involves two stages: Prelims and Mains. Candidates who clear the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for the Mains exam. The final selection is based on the performance in both exams and the subsequent interview.
Q9: What are the career prospects after clearing the UPSC CAPF exam?
A9: Successful candidates are recruited as Assistant Commandants in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Q10: What are the benefits of joining the CAPFs?
A10: The CAPFs offer a challenging and rewarding career with good salary, allowances, and benefits. You get to serve the nation and contribute to its security.
Specific FAQs:
Q1: What are some important current events to focus on for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A1: Focus on national and international events, sports, culture, science and technology, awards and honors.
Q2: What are some important topics from Indian History for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A2: Focus on Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, and the Indian National Movement.
Q3: What are some important topics from Geography for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A3: Focus on Physical Geography, Human Geography, and Indian Geography.
Q4: What are some important topics from Economics for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A4: Focus on the Indian Economy, World Economy, and Economic Policies.
Q5: What are some important topics from Polity for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A5: Focus on the Indian Constitution, Political System, and Governance.
Q6: What are some important topics from General Science for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A6: Focus on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environment.
Q7: What are some important topics from Reasoning and Comprehension for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A7: Focus on Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Comprehension.
Q8: What are some important topics from Numerical Ability for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A8: Focus on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics.
Q9: What are some important topics from Data Interpretation for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A9: Focus on Tables, Graphs, and Charts.
Q10: What are some important topics from English Language for the UPSC CAPF exam?
A10: Focus on Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Composition.