UPSC Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) Syllabus
The Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) is one of the Group A services in the Indian Civil Services. The examination for ICAS is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The selection process for ICAS generally follows the pattern of the Civil Services Examination, and the syllabus is similar to that of the IAS exam with some specific focus areas.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus, which is applicable for ICAS:
Preliminary Examination
Paper I: General Studies (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
- General Science – Environment, Ecology, Climate Change, General Science
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (200 marks)
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy (Numbers and their Relations, Orders of Magnitude, etc.)
- Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables, etc.)
Main Examination
Paper I: Essay (250 marks)
- Candidates are required to write an essay on a topic from a list of topics provided.
Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks)
- Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks)
- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks)
- Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management
Paper V: General Studies IV (250 marks)
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Paper VI and VII: Optional Subjects (2 papers, 250 marks each)
- Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by UPSC. Each optional subject consists of two papers.
Interview/Personality Test (275 marks)
- The Interview assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the Indian Civil Services.
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Ensure you cover all the topics listed in the syllabus.
- Regular Updates: Stay updated with current events and developments.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past question papers and take mock tests.
- Focus on Core Areas: Pay special attention to subjects like Governance, Ethics, and your optional subject.
- Balanced Preparation: Allocate time effectively between General Studies, Optional Subjects, and Personality Test preparation.
