3-Year UPSC GS Foundation Roaster (Year-wise Detailed Plan)
Year 1: NCERT Foundation + Concept Clarity (Months 1 to 12)
Objective: Build strong conceptual foundations using NCERTs and basics of UPSC subjects. Ideal for college students or first-time aspirants.
Focus: NCERTs + Current Affairs + CSAT + Light Answer Writing
Months 1–6: NCERT Phase (Basic Concept Building)
Begin reading NCERTs (Class 6 to 12) for all core subjects:
History: Class 6–12 (Old and New NCERTs)
Geography: Class 6–12
Polity: Class 9–12 (Political Science)
Economy: Class 9–12 (Economics + Macroeconomics)
Science: Class 6–10 (General Science), Class 11–12 (as needed)
Sociology & Society: Class 11–12 (for GS I base)
Read daily newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) – start building awareness
Make basic notes for each subject
Start weekly MCQ practice for Prelims (50–100 questions/week)
Introduce light CSAT prep: Arithmetic, Comprehension, Reasoning – twice a week
Months 7–12: Basic Standard Book Coverage + Light Answer Writing
Begin standard reference books:
History: Spectrum for Modern India
Geography: GC Leong + India Physical Environment
Polity: Laxmikanth (start from basics)
Economy: Start with Ramesh Singh or Sriram IAS economy notes
Weekly current affairs note-making (monthly magazine optional)
Start basic answer writing (1 question every alternate day)
Weekend revision + self-test (at-home MCQ or subjective tests)
Continue CSAT and newspaper reading
Year 2: GS Mains Coverage + Optional Subject Introduction (Months 13 to 24)
Objective: Start deep dive into GS Mains syllabus and begin Optional subject preparation. Focus on essay writing, ethics, and structured answer writing.
Months 13–18: GS Mains Core + Essay Writing
GS Paper I Topics:
Indian Society: Salient features, diversity, social issues
Modern Indian History (detailed) and Freedom Struggle
World History (basic)
Art and Culture (Nitin Singhania)
GS Paper II Topics:
Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Federalism
Governance, e-Governance, RTI, NGOs
International Relations basics
Start Essay writing practice – one essay every 2 weeks
Weekly answer writing for GS (3–5 questions)
Begin Optional Subject Paper I (e.g., PSIR/Sociology/Geography)
Introduce Mains PYQ analysis (topic-wise)
Months 19–24: GS Paper III & IV + Optional Paper II
GS Paper III Topics:
Indian Economy (advanced), Agriculture, Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth
Environment and Ecology (Shankar IAS)
Science & Technology (current-linked)
Disaster Management & Internal Security
GS Paper IV – Ethics:
Basics of ethics, integrity, aptitude, emotional intelligence
Start practicing case studies
Continue Optional Paper II preparation
Focused answer writing for Optional + GS IV
Revise and consolidate current affairs for past 1 year
Join Mains Test Series (if possible) or take one test every 2 weeks
Year 3: Prelims + Mains Revision + Test-Based Preparation (Months 25 to 36)
Objective: Strengthen exam readiness through full revision, test practice, mock interviews, and current affairs integration. Final year of consolidation and performance.
Months 25–30: Prelims-Focused Preparation
Complete revision of all static GS topics:
Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science
Take Prelims Test Series (2 full-length tests per week)
Revise last 1.5 years of current affairs using compilations
Practice CSAT full-length papers weekly (alternate days if weak in CSAT)
Continue light optional subject revision
Appear for UPSC Prelims (Month 30)
Months 31–34: Mains-Focused Intensive Preparation
GS I–IV and Essay Practice:
Daily answer writing (3–5 questions)
Weekly full-length GS and essay mock
Optional Subject Final Revision:
Write full-length optional mock tests
Revisit difficult concepts, improve presentation
Practice diagram/map-based answers for Geography, GS I, and Essay
Revise case studies, quotes, and current events examples
Months 35–36: Interview Preparation (If Qualified for Personality Test)
Prepare DAF-based questions and expected themes
Read latest Budget, Economic Survey, and major government schemes
Join mock interview panels (online/offline)
Refine body language, tone, and confidence
If not selected for interview – start preparation for next cycle (Prelims/Mains again)
UPSC Prelims Syllabus (General Studies Paper I)
GS Paper I – (Objective Type – 200 Marks)
Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization
General Science
Note:
This paper is qualifying in nature; marks are not counted for the final merit list.
It is only for screening purposes (minimum 33% qualifying marks required).
UPSC Mains GS Syllabus
The Mains includes 4 General Studies Papers (each 250 marks).
GS Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
Indian culture – Art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian history (from the 18th century), significant events, personalities, issues
Freedom struggle – stages, key contributors, and their ideologies
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization
History of the world – events from the 18th century (industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.)
Indian society – diversity, role of women, population issues, poverty, urbanization, globalization, and social empowerment
Geography – physical geography, resources, geophysical phenomena, and changes in critical geographical features (e.g., water bodies, ice caps, flora and fauna)
GS Paper II –
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges
Judiciary, executive, constitutional and statutory bodies
Governance – transparency, accountability, e-governance
Role of NGOs, SHGs, civil society, pressure groups
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
Issues related to health, education, human resources
International relations – India and its neighborhood, bilateral, regional, and global groupings, international institutions
GS Paper III – Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Indian economy – planning, growth, development, employment
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Government budgeting
Major crops, irrigation, agricultural marketing, e-technology in agriculture
Industry, infrastructure, investment models
Science and Technology – developments, applications, and effects
Environment – conservation, pollution, EIA
Biodiversity and climate change
Internal security – challenges, role of agencies, cyber security, money laundering, etc.
Disaster and disaster management
Linkages between development and extremism
GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Ethics and human interface – essence, determinants, and consequences
Human values – role of family, society, and educational institutions
Attitude – content, structure, function; moral and political attitudes
Aptitude and foundational values for civil services – integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, compassion
Emotional intelligence – concepts and utilities
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers
Public/Civil service values and ethics in public administration
Probity in governance, code of conduct, work culture, corruption challenges
Case studies on above issues.
OPSC OCSE Exam Syllabus – New Pattern
Stage I: Preliminary Examination
You must appear in both Objective-type papers.
General Studies Paper I (Prelims – 200 marks):
Current events (national & international)
History of India and the Indian freedom struggle
History of Odisha and Odia nationalism
Geography of India and Odisha (physical, social, economic)
Indian polity and governance; public policy and constitutional issues
Economic and social development: poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives
Ecology, biodiversity, climate change (basic level)
General Science
General Studies Paper II – CSAT (Prelims – 200 marks, Qualifying):
Comprehension and communication skills
Logical reasoning, decision-making, and analytical ability
General mental ability and data interpretation (Class 10 level)
Basic numeracy (Class 10 level)
Minimum 33% required; marks not counted toward merit
Stage II: Mains Examination (Descriptive)
You must qualify Papers I & II to have the merit-based papers evaluated.
Part I – Qualifying Papers (Total 500 marks):
Paper I – Odia Language (250 marks, 3 hours):
Comprehension, précis, translation (Eng→Odia and vice versa), grammar, vocabulary, short essays
Paper II – English Language (250 marks, 3 hours):
Comprehension, précis, translation (Odia → English), grammar, vocabulary, short essays
Part II – Merit Papers (Total 1750 marks):
Paper III – Essay (250 marks):
Essays on national and Odisha-specific themes, structured and analytical writing
Paper IV – General Studies‑I (250 marks):
Indian heritage & culture, Odisha heritage & culture, history & world geography, society studies and social welfare issues
Paper V – General Studies‑II (250 marks):
Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, inter-state and international relations
Paper VI – General Studies‑III (250 marks):
Economic development, technology, biodiversity, environment, internal security, disaster management
Paper VII – General Studies‑IV (250 marks):
Ethics, integrity, aptitude, emotional intelligence, challenges in public administration
Paper VIII & IX – Optional Subjects (2 Papers, 250 marks each):
Choose one subject and complete both papers (each 3 hours). Available subjects include Anthropology, History, PSIR, Geography, Sociology, Odia Literature, Law, Public Administration, etc.
Stage III: Personality Test / Interview (250 Marks)
The interview evaluates mental alertness, analytical ability, leadership traits, clarity of expression, knowledge of Odisha, current issues, and personality suitability for administrative roles.
OPSC OCSE Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
2. Age Limit (as on January 1 of the exam year)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 38 years
This means the candidate must not have been born earlier than 2nd January 1987 and not later than 1st January 2004.
Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit)
SEBC / SC / ST / Women: +5 years (up to 43 years)
Persons with Disabilities (PwD): +10 years (up to 48 years)
PwD candidates (SC/ST category): up to 53 years
Note: Proof of date of birth must match 10th certificate.
3. Educational Qualification
Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Must be able to read, write, and speak Odia language fluently.
4. Odia Language Requirement
A candidate must satisfy at least one of the following:
Passed Odia as a subject in Class 10 (HSC) or equivalent
Passed an Odia language exam equivalent to Middle English School standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department
Passed Class 7 or above in a school/educational institution recognized by the Government of Odisha with Odia as the medium of instruction
Passed Odia subject exam conducted by BSE Odisha (for those who didn’t study Odia in school)
5. Number of Attempts
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear as many times as they want within the age limit, subject to other eligibility conditions.
6. Physical Fitness
Candidates must be of sound physical and mental health.
A medical certificate may be required before appointment, especially for specific Group A services.
7. Other Conditions
Must possess a good moral character.
Should not have more than one living spouse, unless exempted by government approval.
Must not have been dismissed from government service or convicted of any offense involving moral.
FOR UPSC
Nationality
For IAS, IPS, and IFS:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
For other Civil Services:
A candidate must be either:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note:
Candidates falling under these categories (except Indian citizens) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. Educational Qualification
The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The degree can be in any discipline.
Candidates who are in the final year of their graduation or awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before appearing for the Mains examination.
3. Age Limit (As of 1st August of the examination year)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age:
General (UR): 32 years
OBC: 35 years
SC/ST: 37 years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD):
General: 42 years
OBC: 45 years
SC/ST: 47 years
Example:
If the exam year is 2026, the candidate must be at least 21 years old on 1st August 2026, and must not have attained the upper age limit as per their category on that date.
4. Number of Attempts
General (UR): 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (up to the age limit)
PwBD:
General: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
Note:
Appearing in any one paper of the Preliminary Examination is counted as an attempt.
If a candidate applies but does not appear for the exam, it is not counted as an attempt.
5. Restrictions on Applying
If a candidate is already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) after clearing a previous UPSC CSE, they are not eligible to apply for the exam again.
6. Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards for admission to various services (especially for IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service).
Medical tests are conducted after the Mains examination during the Personality Test stage.
