Most Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam
Important topics for UPSC Exam:- Preparing for the UPSC 2024-25 Civil Services Examination, one of India's most challenging and prestigious exams, requires a strategic focus on the most important topics for UPSC 2024-25 exam for both Prelims and Mains. These Important topics for the UPSC Exam include subjects essential for success, including history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science, and technology. Understanding and prioritising
These Important topics for the UPSC Exam allow aspirants to streamline their study efforts and enhance their performance.
This guide of “Most Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam provides a detailed breakdown of the crucial subjects and themes for excelling in both stages of the exam. It includes both static topics, which remain consistent over time, and current affairs, which are vital for a well-rounded understanding of the examination requirements. By concentrating on these areas, candidates can ensure they are thoroughly prepared for every aspect of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024
Preparing for UPSC Prelims 2024 requires a clear focus on the most important topics. These include key subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science and technology. Additionally, staying updated with current affairs is crucial. Get subject-wise important topics for the UPSC exam below. Also, check out the best books for UPSC Prelims.
Best Books for UPSC Prelims 2024-25
Important Topics for UPSC History
Understanding the important topics for UPSC History is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. Check out the Important Topics for UPSC History below:-
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History Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
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Ancient and Medieval History |
Modern History |
Art and Culture |
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Indus Valley Civilization |
Carnatic Wars |
Classical Dances |
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Gupta Period |
Revolt of 1857 |
Paintings |
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Bhakti and Sufi Movement |
Wood’s Dispatch |
Literature |
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Mauryan and Post Mauryan Era |
Tribal Revotls |
Hindustani and Carnatic Music |
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Vedic Period |
Pre-British Era |
Ancient Architecture |
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Palas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, etc. |
Early Phase of the Indian National Movement |
Coinage |
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Cholas |
Gandhian Era |
Ancient Sculpture |
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Delhi Sultanate |
INC Sessions |
Travellers |
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Vijayanagara |
Cabinet Mission |
Martial Art Forms |
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Mughal Empire |
Personalities |
Jainism and Buddhism |
Important Topics for UPSC Geography
Check out the Important Topics for UPSC Geography below:-
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Geography Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
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Interior of the Earth |
Drainage System |
Our Solar System |
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Earth’s Latitude |
Climatology |
Natural Vegetation |
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Longitude |
Physical features of India |
Energy Sources |
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Landforms |
Oceanography |
Agriculture (Irrigation, Cropping, etc.) |
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Minerals |
El Niño and La Niña |
Green Revolution |
Important Topics for UPSC Economics
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of India's toughest and most respected exams, requiring knowledge of many subjects. Economics is a key part of the UPSC syllabus and includes several important topics that candidates need to understand well.
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Important Topic of Economics for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
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Basics of Indian Economy |
Taxation |
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code |
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Economic Models |
Fiscal Policy and Union Budget |
MSME |
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Planning in India |
Inflation |
Financial Inclusion |
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Banking |
APMC Act, NAM, MSP, etc |
World Economy |
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GDP and GNP |
Agriculture Schemes |
HDI and other indexes |
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Money Supply |
GST |
IMF, World Bank, etc. |
Important Topics for UPSC Polity
Polity covers the structure and functions of the government, the Constitution of India, fundamental rights and duties, the Parliament, State Legislatures, the judiciary, and constitutional bodies.
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Important Polity Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
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Electoral Process |
Parliament |
Writs In Indian Constitution |
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Indian Constitution |
Fundamental Duties |
Emergency Provisions |
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Fundamental Rights |
Citizenship |
Quasi-judicial bodies |
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Executive |
Cabinet Committees |
Electoral Reforms |
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Legislature |
Constitutional Bodies |
Delhi Services Bill 2023 |
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Judiciary |
Non-Constitutional Bodies |
Anti Defection Law |
Important Topics for UPSC Environment
The environment is a vital part of the UPSC syllabus, covering key topics like ecology, ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, climate change, sustainable development, environmental laws, and international agreements. Check out the Important Topics for UPSC Environment below:-
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Important Environment Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
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Basics of Environment |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
Ozone Depletion |
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Ecosystems |
Population Ecology |
Ocean Acidification |
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Nutrient Cycle |
Biodiversity |
Global Warming |
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Pollution Types |
Critically Endangered Animals |
Indian Bio-Geographical Classification |
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Ecology |
Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives |
Carbon Mitigation Strategies |
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Environmental Degradation |
Environment Acts and Policies (WPA 1972) |
Climate Change Organisations |
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Waste Management |
Wildlife Sanctuary and National Parks |
Mangrove Sites |
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Environmental Conventions |
Project Tiger |
Animal and Plant species in News |
Important Topics for UPSC Science & Technology
Go through the Important Topics for UPSC Science & Technology below:-
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Important Science & Technology Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
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Basic Science |
Biomolecules |
IoT, AI, VR, etc. |
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Biotechnology |
5G |
LIGO India Project |
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Nanotechnology |
Geostationary v/s Geosynchronous |
GPS |
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Genetic Engineering |
Indian Missile System |
Mission Chandrayaan |
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Diseases |
Human Genome Project |
START |
Important Topics for UPSC Current Affairs
Current Affairs is a crucial component of the UPSC syllabus, covering many important topics that candidates need to stay updated on. Key areas include national and international events, government policies and schemes, economic developments, social issues, environmental concerns, and scientific advancements.
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Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 – Current Affairs |
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Economy |
Environment |
Polity |
IR and Social Issues |
Science and Technology |
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Project Amber |
COP28 |
National Security Act |
OPEC and OPEC+ |
Molecular Motors |
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D-SIBs |
Plastigomorate |
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) |
C+C5 |
Organ on Chips |
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Financial Inclusion Index |
Brazzaville Summit |
Section 6A of Citizenship Act |
Mekong Ganga Cooperation |
Immune Imprinting |
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Vostro Accounts |
Cloud Seeding |
Disqualification of Lawmaker |
IFC-IOR |
Web 3.0 |
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RBI’s Report |
Montreal Protocol |
Compassionate Appointment |
Rasht-Astara Railway Line |
Monoclonal Antibodies |
Important Topics for UPSC CSAT
Here are the Important Topics for UPSC CSAT that candidates need to focus on for UPSC 2024-25:-
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Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 – CSAT |
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Quantitative Aptitude |
Reasoning |
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Average |
Statements, Assumptions, and Conclusions |
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HCF and LCM |
Inference |
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Probability |
Direction Sense |
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Age Related Questions |
Coding – Decoding |
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Number Series |
Venn Diagram |
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Linear Equations |
Blood Relations |
Important Topics for UPSC Mains 2024
For UPSC Mains 2024, candidates should concentrate on essential topics including Indian Polity, Economic Development, Social Issues, International Relations, and many more. Get the Important Topics for UPSC Mains 2024-25 below. Also, check out the best materials for your UPSC Mains 2024-25.
Best UPSC Mains Combo for 2024-25
General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture; and History and Geography of the World and Society
Go through the important topics of GS I from the below table:-
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General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture; and History and Geography of the World and Society |
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Literature - Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, Sangam, Mughal, etc. |
Vijayanagar Empire |
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Art and Architecture - IVC, Mauryan, Gupta, Dravidian, Mughal, etc. |
Socio-religious Reforms |
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Geography - physical features, natural resources, phenomena like volcanism, etc. |
Mountbatten Plan |
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Indian Society - features, issues, etc. |
Indian Independence Act, 1947 |
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Rowlatt Act |
Land Revenue System |
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Civil Disobedience Movement |
Home Rule Movement |
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Modern India - Personalities, Events, etc. |
Revolt of 1857 |
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Indian Freedom Struggle - several stages, leaders, etc. |
Partition of Bengal |
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Gandhi-Irwin Pact |
Charter Acts - 1813, 1833, etc. |
General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Master GS II with the following UPSC Mains important topics below;-
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General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations |
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Constitution of India — historical underpinnings, evolution, etc. |
Government Policies |
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Constitution of other countries like USA, UK, Japan, etc. |
NGOs, SHGs, etc. |
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Separation of Powers - Organs of Government |
Welfare schemes for vulnerable groups |
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Union and States - federalism, etc. |
Health, Education, and Human Resources |
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Parliament and State legislatures - functions, powers, etc. |
Poverty and Hunger issues |
General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Check out the GS III topics below:-
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General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management |
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Indian Economy - planning, resource mobilization, employment, etc. |
IT, Computers and Space Technology |
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Growth and Development |
Robotics, Nanotechnology and Biotechnology |
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Inclusive Growth |
Intellectual Property Rights |
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Government budgeting |
Environment - conservation, pollution, degradation, etc. |
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Major crops and cropping patterns |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
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Irrigation types - Drip, Sprinkler, etc. |
Disaster Management |
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Farm subsidies - PMKISAN, etc. |
Internal Security |
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Food Security and MSP |
Extremism and Role of External Actors |
Also Check:- Top Books for UPSC
General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Go through the GS IV important topics from the below table:-
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General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude |
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Ethics and Human Interface |
Conscience |
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Essence, Determinants, and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions |
Accountability |
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Dimensions of Ethics in Private and Public Relationships |
Ethical Governance |
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Human Values from Leaders' Lives, Role of Family, Society, and Education |
Ethical Issues in International Relations |
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Public/Civil Service Values |
Public Funds' Utilization |
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Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas |
Corruption Challenges |
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Ethical Guidance from Laws, Rules, etc. |
Case Studies on the above issues |
Important topics for UPSC Exam FAQs
Q1. How should I start preparing for the UPSC exam?
Ans. Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Make a timetable, focus on basic NCERT books, current affairs, and standard reference books. Regular revision and answer writing practice are crucial.
Q2. What is the syllabus for the UPSC exam?
Ans. The syllabus includes topics like Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, and Aptitude & Mental Ability. It covers a wide range of subjects.
Q3. Which newspapers and magazines should I read for UPSC preparation?
Ans. Newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline are recommended. They provide comprehensive coverage of current affairs and analysis.
Q4. How important is current affairs for the UPSC exam?
Ans. Current affairs play a vital role, especially in Prelims and Mains. Focus on issues of national and international importance, government schemes, reports, etc.
Q5. What are the best optional subjects for the UPSC exam?
Ans. Choose optional subjects based on interest, availability of study material, and scoring potential. Popular optional subjects include History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, etc.
