Syllabus for Civil Services Preliminary Exam: CSAT

 The syllabus for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is divided into two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT - Civil Services Aptitude Test). Here's a detailed overview of the syllabus for each paper:

### General Studies Paper I:

1. **Current events of national and international importance:** This includes events from the fields of politics, economy, science and technology, environment, sports, etc.

2. **History of India and Indian National Movement:** Topics cover ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history along with the freedom struggle and the contributions of various leaders.

3. **Indian and World Geography:** It includes physical, social, and economic aspects of geography such as landforms, climate, population, resources, industries, transport, etc. Both Indian and world geography are covered.

4. **Indian Polity and Governance:** This section covers the Constitution of India, political systems, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues, etc.

5. **Economic and Social Development:** It includes topics related to sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives, etc.

6. **General Science:** Basics of science and technology, including physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and related topics.

### General Studies Paper II (CSAT):

1. **Comprehension:** Understanding passages and answering questions based on them.

2. **Interpersonal skills including communication skills:** Assessing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively and handle interpersonal situations.

3. **Logical reasoning and analytical ability:** Problem-solving, logical deduction, data interpretation, etc.

4. **Decision-making and problem-solving:** Evaluating the candidate's decision-making skills in various situations.

5. **General mental ability:** Basic numeracy, data interpretation, and English language comprehension.

Note: General Studies Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature, and candidates need to score a minimum qualifying mark as prescribed by UPSC.

It's important for candidates to have a thorough understanding of these topics and regularly update their knowledge with current affairs. Practice with previous years' question papers and mock tests can also be helpful in familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern and improving time management skills.