Psychology Optional Syllabus for UPSC

Here is the detailed syllabus for Psychology optional in UPSC:

Paper-I: Foundations of Psychology

1. Introduction:
   • Definition of Psychology
   • Methods of Psychology
   • Applications of Psychology
2. Methods of Psychology:
   • Experimental, observational, participant, and non-participant methods
   • Correlational methods
   • Clinical and counseling methods
   • Techniques of data collection
3. Research Methods:
   • Experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs
   • Methods of data collection: observation, psycho-physiological, questionnaire, and tests
4. Development of Human Behavior:
   • Growth and development
   • Factors influencing development
   • Dimensions of development
5. Sensation and Perception:
   • Sensory processes and thresholds
   • Attention and perception
   • Nature of perceptual organization
6. Learning:
   • Classical conditioning
   • Operant conditioning
   • Observational learning
7. Memory:
   • Types of memory
   • Factors affecting memory
   • Memory improvement techniques
8. Thinking and Problem Solving:
   • Nature and theories of thinking
   • Problem-solving and decision-making

Paper-II: Psychology in Indian Context

1. Motivation and Emotion:
   • Biological, social, and cultural determinants of motivation and emotion
   • Measurement of motivation and emotion
2. Intelligence and Aptitude:
   • Theories and measurement of intelligence
   • Aptitude and its measurement
3. Personality:
   • Theories of personality
   • Assessment of personality
4. Social Psychology:
   • Social perception and cognition
   • Attitudes, values, and beliefs
   • Prejudice and discrimination
5. Attitudes, Values, and Interests:
   • Concept and structure of attitudes
   • Measurement of attitudes
   • Theories of values
6. Application of Psychology:
   • Psychology in organizations
   • Health Psychology
   • Environmental Psychology
   • Community Psychology
7. Psychology and Challenges in Indian Society:
   • Poverty and deprivation
   • Women and marginalised sections
   • The elderly and the differently-abled
8. Mental Disorders:
   • Classification and symptoms
   • Therapeutic approaches
   • Rehabilitation of mentally ill

This syllabus is intended to provide candidates with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of psychology. It’s advisable to refer to the official UPSC notification and syllabus for the most accurate and updated information.