UPSC IDAS (Indian Defence Accounts Service) is a prestigious Civil Service job that is highly sought after by many candidates. To crack the UPSC IDAS exam, it is essential to know the syllabus, exam pattern and the marking scheme. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the UPSC IDAS syllabus.
The UPSC IDAS exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains and Interview. The syllabus for each stage is as follows:
- Preliminary Exam:
The preliminary exam is a screening test which consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II.
Paper I: General Studies
This paper includes topics such as Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy, Indian Geography, Indian History, Indian National Movement, Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity, General Science and Current Affairs.
Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
This paper checks the candidate’s comprehension, communication, analytical, decision-making and problem-solving abilities, basic numerical aptitude, and general mental ability.
- Mains Exam:
The Mains exam is the second stage of the UPSC IDAS exam. This exam has nine papers, out of which seven papers are compulsory and two are optional. The compulsory papers are:
Paper I: Essay Writing
It includes topics of national and international relevance, contemporary social, economic and political issues, and a comprehension or précis writing.
Paper II: General Studies I
This paper consists of Indian Heritage and Culture, World History, Indian Society, Indian Geography, and International Relations.
Paper III: General Studies II
This paper includes Indian Polity and Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, International Relations, and Governance issues.
Paper IV: General Studies III
This paper contains topics of Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, Economic Development, and Security.
Paper V: General Studies IV
This paper evaluates Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. It includes topics of Aptitude, Civil Service Values, Public Interest and Governance, Probity, and Integrity in Public Life.
Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper I
Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper II
The candidates need to select two optional subjects from the given list of subjects. The optional subjects available are Accounting, Auditing, Commerce, Economics, Management, Public Administration, Law and Computer Science.
- Personality Test:
Candidates who clear the mains exams will be eligible for the final stage – the Personality Test. It is conducted by the UPSC board to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall confidence.
