Mains Syllabus of UPSC Steno Exam 2024
General Studies (GS) Paper I
1. History
- Indian History:
- Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, Bhakti Movement, Sufism, etc.
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha Empire, etc.
- Modern India: British rule, Indian National Movement, Independence and Partition, Post-Independence India.
- World History:
- Ancient World: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc.
- Medieval World: Rise of Islam, Crusades, Renaissance, Reformation, etc.
- Modern World: Industrial Revolution, French Revolution, World Wars, Cold War, etc.
2. Geography
- Physical Geography:
- Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography, etc.
- Human Geography:
- Population, Settlement, Migration, Economic Geography, etc.
- Indian Geography:
- Physical features, Climate, Natural resources, Agriculture, Industry, etc.
3. Polity
- Indian Constitution:
- Features, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union-State relations, etc.
- Political System:
- Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj, etc.
- Public Administration:
- Principles, Theories, Organization, Functions, etc.
4. Economics
- Indian Economy:
- Structure, Growth, Development, Poverty, Inequality, etc.
- Economic Policies:
- Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Trade Policy, etc.
- International Economics:
- Globalization, WTO, IMF, World Bank, etc.
5. Environment and Ecology
- Environmental Issues:
- Climate Change, Pollution, Deforestation, Biodiversity loss, etc.
- Conservation and Management:
- National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Environmental Laws, etc.
6. Science and Technology
- Space Technology:
- ISRO, Satellites, Space exploration, etc.
- Information Technology:
- Computers, Internet, Cyber security, etc.
- Biotechnology:
- Genetic engineering, Biotechnology applications, etc.
7. Current Affairs
- National and International Events:
- Major events, developments, issues, etc.
General Studies (GS) Paper II
1. Comprehension and Composition
- Comprehension:
- Ability to understand and interpret given passages.
- Composition:
- Writing essays, précis, reports, etc.
2. General Knowledge
- Current Affairs:
- National and International events, developments, issues, etc.
- Static GK:
- History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science and Technology, etc.
3. Reasoning and Logical Ability
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies, Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding, etc.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Series, Analogy, Classification, etc.
- Logical Reasoning:
- Data Interpretation, Problem-solving, etc.
4. General Mental Ability
- Numerical Ability:
- Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, etc.
- Data Interpretation:
- Tables, Graphs, Charts, etc.
- Logical Ability:
- Problem-solving, Decision-making, etc.
General Studies (GS) Paper III
1. Indian History
- Ancient India:
- Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, Bhakti Movement, Sufism, etc.
- Medieval India:
- Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha Empire, etc.
- Modern India:
- British rule, Indian National Movement, Independence and Partition, Post-Independence India.
2. Indian Geography
- Physical Geography:
- Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography, etc.
- Human Geography:
- Population, Settlement, Migration, Economic Geography, etc.
- Indian Geography:
- Physical features, Climate, Natural resources, Agriculture, Industry, etc.
3. Indian Polity
- Indian Constitution:
- Features, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union-State relations, etc.
- Political System:
- Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj, etc.
- Public Administration:
- Principles, Theories, Organization, Functions, etc.
4. Indian Economy
- Indian Economy:
- Structure, Growth, Development, Poverty, Inequality, etc.
- Economic Policies:
- Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Trade Policy, etc.
- International Economics:
- Globalization, WTO, IMF, World Bank, etc.
5. Indian Culture
- Art and Culture:
- Music, Dance, Literature, Painting, Architecture, etc.
- Religion and Philosophy:
- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, etc.
6. Current Affairs
- National and International Events:
- Major events, developments, issues, etc.
General Studies (GS) Paper IV
1. English Language
- Reading Comprehension:
- Ability to understand and interpret given passages.
- Vocabulary:
- Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Phrases, etc.
- Grammar:
- Parts of speech, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, etc.
- Composition:
- Writing essays, précis, reports, etc.
2. Hindi Language
- Reading Comprehension:
- Ability to understand and interpret given passages.
- Vocabulary:
- Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Phrases, etc.
- Grammar:
- Parts of speech, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, etc.
- Composition:
- Writing essays, précis, reports, etc.
Stenography Test
- Dictation:
- Speed: 80 words per minute (wpm) for English and 100 wpm for Hindi.
- Transcription:
- Accuracy: 90% or above.
Table 1: Syllabus Distribution for GS Papers
| Paper | Subject | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| GS Paper I | History | 20% |
| GS Paper I | Geography | 20% |
| GS Paper I | Polity | 20% |
| GS Paper I | Economics | 20% |
| GS Paper I | Environment and Ecology | 10% |
| GS Paper I | Science and Technology | 10% |
| GS Paper II | Comprehension and Composition | 25% |
| GS Paper II | General Knowledge | 25% |
| GS Paper II | Reasoning and Logical Ability | 25% |
| GS Paper II | General Mental Ability | 25% |
| GS Paper III | Indian History | 15% |
| GS Paper III | Indian Geography | 15% |
| GS Paper III | Indian Polity | 15% |
| GS Paper III | Indian Economy | 15% |
| GS Paper III | Indian Culture | 15% |
| GS Paper III | Current Affairs | 25% |
| GS Paper IV | English Language | 50% |
| GS Paper IV | Hindi Language | 50% |
Table 2: Important Books for UPSC Steno Exam Preparation
| Subject | Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| History | India’s Struggle for Independence | Bipin Chandra |
| History | A Brief History of Modern India | Rajiv Ahir |
| Geography | NCERT Geography Textbooks (Class 6-12) | |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography | Goh Cheng Leong |
| Polity | Indian Polity for Civil Services Examination | M. Laxmikanth |
| Polity | The Constitution of India | P.M. Bakshi |
| Economics | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Economics | Economic Survey | Ministry of Finance |
| Environment and Ecology | Environment and Ecology | Shankar IAS Academy |
| Science and Technology | Science Reporter | CSIR |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu | |
| Current Affairs | Indian Express | |
| Reasoning and Logical Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Mental Ability | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| English Language | Wren & Martin | |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Hindi Language |
Note: This is just a sample syllabus and book list. The actual syllabus and books may vary depending on the specific exam notification. It is always advisable to refer to the official notification for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UPSC Steno Exam 2024
General FAQs:
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- You must be a graduate from a recognized university.
- Age limit varies depending on the category.
2. What is the exam pattern for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- The exam consists of two stages:
- Written Exam: Objective type questions on General Studies (GS) and language papers.
- Stenography Test: Dictation and transcription in English and Hindi.
3. What is the syllabus for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, Reasoning, and Language proficiency.
4. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- The number of attempts is limited and varies based on age and category.
5. What is the selection process for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the written exam and stenography test.
- Final selection is based on merit and availability of vacancies.
6. What are the important books for UPSC Steno Exam preparation?
- Refer to standard textbooks for each subject, including NCERT books, and current affairs magazines.
7. How can I prepare for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Join coaching classes, refer to study materials, practice mock tests, and stay updated on current affairs.
8. What are the career prospects after clearing the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Successful candidates are appointed as Stenographers in various government departments.
9. What is the salary and benefits for a Stenographer in the government?
- The salary and benefits vary depending on the department and experience.
10. What are the important tips for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Focus on understanding the syllabus, practice regularly, manage time effectively, and stay motivated.
Subject-Specific FAQs:
1. What are the important topics in Indian History for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Focus on major dynasties, movements, and events in ancient, medieval, and modern India.
2. What are the important topics in Geography for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Understand physical features, climate, natural resources, and human geography of India.
3. What are the important topics in Polity for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Focus on the Indian Constitution, political system, and public administration.
4. What are the important topics in Economics for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Understand the Indian economy, economic policies, and international economics.
5. What are the important topics in Environment and Ecology for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Focus on environmental issues, conservation, and management.
6. What are the important topics in Science and Technology for the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Understand advancements in space technology, information technology, and biotechnology.
7. How can I prepare for the Current Affairs section of the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated on national and international events.
8. What are the important tips for the Stenography Test?
- Practice dictation and transcription regularly, improve your typing speed and accuracy.
9. What are the important resources for preparing for the English and Hindi language papers?
- Refer to grammar books, vocabulary builders, and practice writing essays and précis.
10. What are the important strategies for managing time during the UPSC Steno Exam?
- Plan your time effectively, prioritize important topics, and avoid spending too much time on any single question.