UPSC IAS Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - Detailed Syllabus for Paper 1 & 2

UPSC IAS Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - Detailed Syllabus for Paper 1 & 2

Edited By Soujanya K | Updated on Feb 14, 2024 05:51 PM IST | #UPSC CSE

UPSC released the UPSC IAS Agriculture Syllabus in the official notification. It can be downloaded in the form of a pdf from UPSC.gov.in. The IAS Agriculture optional Syllabus contains a list of important topics that will be covered in the UPSC Agriculture optional paper of the IAS 2024 Exam. It is advised to go through the IAS Agriculture 2024 Syllabus to better prepare for this optional exam.

This Story also Contains
  1. UPSC Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - For IAS Mains Paper 1
  2. UPSC Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - For IAS Mains Paper 2
  3. UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2024 - For Prelims & Mains Exam
UPSC IAS Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - Detailed Syllabus for Paper 1 & 2
UPSC IAS Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - Detailed Syllabus for Paper 1 & 2

Candidates are encouraged to prepare a thorough UPSC CSE Study plan based on the topics presented in the UPSC CSE Syllabus. Going through the UPSC IAS exam pattern 2024 will also help candidates draft an effective preparation strategy for the IAS Exam. For further information regarding the IAS exam, such as IAS eligibility criteria, and information about other optional subjects, Candidates can refer to the official notification.

The IAS Agriculture optional is one of the 48 optional exams conducted by the UPSC for the Civil services exam. Candidates must refer to the Agriculture optional Syllabus to gain a better understanding of the topics that will be covered by the exam. For more details about the UPSC Agriculture optional Syllabus, Candidates can go through the materials below.

UPSC Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - For IAS Mains Paper 1

According to the Agriculture Syllabus for UPSC, the IAS mains exam for Agriculture subject has 2 papers. The Syllabus for IAS Agriculture Paper 1 has topics like soil, ecology, cropping, farming, fertilizer, minerals and more which cover a wide range of topics within. To know more about the UPSC Agriculture Syllabus for mains Paper 1 check the table below.

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UPSC Subject-wise Questions for Various Subjects

UPSC Agriculture Syllabus 2024 for Paper 1

Topics

Principles of soil fertility, Problem soils and their reclamation, Mineral & organic constituents of soils, Losses of nitrogen in soil, Processes & factors of soil formation, Essential plant nutrients & other beneficial elements in soils and plants, nitrogen-use efficiency in submerged rice soils, nitrogen fixation in soils, Soil - physical, chemical & biological properties, Soils of India, Efficient phosphorus and potassium use, Soil factors affecting greenhouse gas emission, integrated nutrient management Biofertilizers

Agro ecology, Cropping pattern related to environment, Physical and social environment as factors of crop distribution & production, International conventions and global initiatives, Animals and humans, natural resources, sustainable management & conservation, Environmental pollution & associated hazards to crops, Climate change, Ecology

Impact of high-yielding & short-duration varieties on shifts in cropping patterns, Cropping patterns in different climatic zones, Concepts of various cropping, and farming systems. Organic and precision farming, Package of practices for production

Important features, the scope of various types of forestry plantations such as social forestry, agroforestry, natural forests, and Propagation of forest plants. Forest products. Agro-forestry and value addition. Conservation of forest flora and fauna

Weeds and their characteristics, dissemination and its association with various other crops; their Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply. multiplications, cultural, biological, and chemical control of weeds

Status of big, small & marginal farmers & landless agricultural labourers', Agricultural extension, its role and importance, methods of evaluation of extension programmes, Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVK) in dissemination of Agricultural technologies, Training programmes for extension workers, Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and Self-Help Group (SHG) approach for rural development. Socio-economic survey

Soil conservation, integrated watershed management (IWM). Soil erosion & its management. Dry land Agriculture and its problems. Technology for stabilizing Agriculture production in rainfed areas

Water use efficiency in relation to crop production, Drainage of waterlogged soils, Rainwater harvesting. Drip and sprinkler irrigation, Quality of irrigation water, effect of industrial effluents on soil and water pollution. Irrigation projects in India, Criteria for scheduling irrigations, ways and means (W & M) of reducing runoff losses of irrigation water

Marketing management strategies for development, Price fluctuations; Farm management, scope, importance and characteristics, farm planning, Crop Insurance, Types & systems of farming, Optimum resource use and budgeting, Factors affecting farming, Role of cooperatives in agricultural economy; Economics of different types of farming systems. market intelligence, Agricultural price policy

Also read: UPSC Mock Tests Series for UPSC

UPSC Agriculture Syllabus 2024 - For IAS Mains Paper 2

According to the Agriculture optional UPSC Syllabus, IAS Agriculture mains Paper 2 exam has topics like cells, diseases and pests, plantation, molecules, history of plantation and more. To know more about the Syllabus of UPSC Agriculture Paper 2 mains exam check the table below.

UPSC Agriculture Syllabus for Paper 2

Topics

Cell structure, function and cell cycle. Synthesis, structure and function of genetic material. Laws of heredity. Chromosome structure, chromosomal aberrations, linkage and cross-over, and their significance in recombination breeding

Genetically modified crop plant heterosis and its exploitation. Somatic hybridization. Breeding for disease and pest resistance. Role of interspecific and intergeneric hybridization. Role of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology in crop

Major fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, Package practices of major horticultural crops, spices and flower crops, Protected cultivation and high-tech horticulture, Landscaping and commercial floriculture. Medicinal and aromatic plants, Post-harvest technology & value addition of fruits and vegetables

IPR issues, Seed production and processing technologies. Seed certification, Seed testing and storage, WTO issues and their impact on Agriculture, DNA fingerprinting and seed registration

Origin, evolution & domestication of crop plants, History of plant breeding. Modes of reproduction, selfing and crossing techniques, centre of origin, crop genetic resources conservation & utilization, the law of homologous series

Pure line selection, mass and recurrent selections, Molecular markers and their application in plant improvement, pedigree, combining ability, its significance in plant breeding

Polyploidy, euploidy and aneuploidy. Mutation and their role in crop improvement. Heritability, sterility & incompatibility, classification and their application in crop improvement. Cytoplasmic inheritance, sex-linked, sex-influenced and sex-limited characters

Epidemiology & forecasting of major crop pests and diseases, Biological control of pests and diseases, Plant quarantine measures, Pesticides, their formulation & modes of action

Food-based dietary approaches to eliminate hunger. Nutrient deficiency such as Micro nutrient deficiency: Protein Energy Malnutrition or Protein Calorie Malnutrition (PEM or PCM), Micro nutrient deficiency and HRD in the context of the work capacity of women and children. Food grain productivity and food security

Food production and consumption trends in India. Food security and growing population—vision 2020. Reasons for grain surplus. National and International food policies. Production, procurement, and distribution constraints. Availability of food grains, per capita expenditure on food. Trends in poverty

Relation of food production to National Dietary Guidelines, Public Distribution System and Below Poverty Line population, Targeted Public Distribution System (PDS), Food consumption pattern, and policy implementation in context to globalization. Processing constraints,

Role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, Diagnosis of pests & diseases of field crops, vegetables, Integrated pest and diseases management, orchard and plantation crops & their economic importance, Classification of pests and diseases and their management, Storage pests & their management

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Also read: How to crack different Government Exams

UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2024 - For Prelims & Mains Exam

As per the official UPSC CSE Exam notification, the IAS prelims exam has multiple choice questions whereas the IAS mains exam is descriptive in nature. The prelims CSE is of 400 marks in total whereas IAS mains is of 2350 marks. For more details on the prelims and mains, IAS exam pattern 2024 check the tables below.

IAS prelims exam pattern

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General Studies 1

200

2 hrs

Paper 2

General Studies 2

200

2 hrs

UPSC IAS mains exam pattern

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General English

300

3 hrs

Paper 2

Language (regional language)

300

3 hrs

Paper 3

Essay

250

3 hrs

Paper 4

General Studies 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 5

General Studies 2

250

3 hrs

Paper 6

Optional subject 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 7

Optional subject 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 8

Optional subject 2

250

3 hrs

Paper 9

Optional subject 2

250

3 hrs

Also read: Information about category-wise career exams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many stages are there in the UPSC IAS examination?

The IAS exam has three stages - Prelims, Mains and The Interview round.

2. When is the UPSC IAS application form 2024 going to be released?

IAS 2024 application form has been released on February 14, 2024.

3. Is there any negative marking in the IAS exam?

Yes, there is negative marking in the UPSC IAS prelims exam.

4. What is the academic qualification required to appear for the UPSC IAS exam?

The minimum academic qualification needed to appear for the UPSC CSE exam is graduation in any discipline.

5. Is agriculture a good optional for UPSC?

While what qualifies as a good optional varies from person to person, the UPSC Agriculture Optional is considered a good choice for those having a background in subjects like biology, agriculture, botany etc.

6. What is the syllabus of the UPSC Agriculture optional paper?

The UPSC Agriculture Syllabus 2024 contains topics such as soil, ecology, cropping, farming, fertilizer, minerals, diseases and pests, plantation, molecules, history of plantation and many more.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

Steps to become an IAS officer


Graduation


You should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a known university

Arts: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

Commerce: Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies

Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination:


Study the Syllabus: Learn the syllabus for Preliminary and Main exams.

Choose Elective Subjects: Take elective subjects that you enjoy and have expertise in

Study Material: Reference textbooks, handouts distributed during the coaching and internet resources.

Practice: Previous years' question paper, mock tests, etc

Coaching Institutes: Join a good coaching institute for formal guidance 3. UPSC Civil Services Examination:

Prelims Exam: An objective-type qualifying test that will make you eligible to appear in the Main examination.

Main Exam: Very subjective test which includes all subjects.

Interview: Personality test by a panel of experts.

Important Tips:


Start Early: Better preparation starts early.

Time Management: Manage your time very efficiently.

Consistency: Follow a regular study routine.

Stay Updated: Current affairs and news.

Seek Guidance: Who have an experience can be consulted upon for guidance.

Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's paper and mock tests.

Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and work hard.

Hence, with these steps and dedication and perseverance, you're sure to achieve your end as an IAS officer.

Hello,

Yes, while IAS (Indian Administrative Services) preparation requires a graduation degree, here are steps you can take to start your IAS journey after completing your 11th standard (BiPC):

  1. Focus on Graduation : Choose a stream for your higher studies that aligns with your interest. Graduation is a mandatory qualification for IAS eligibility.
  2. Early Preparation : Start building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science, which are part of the IAS syllabus.
  3. Develop General Knowledge : Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs magazines to stay updated with national and international news.
  4. Improve Language Skills : Enhance your proficiency in English and one Indian language as per the Civil Services syllabus.
  5. Join Study Circles or Coaching : Enroll in pre-IAS foundation courses available for school students for a head start.
  6. Time Management : Create a balanced study schedule alongside your schoolwork to gradually prepare for the IAS exam.
  7. Participate in Competitions : Engage in essay writing and debates to boost your analytical skills and confidence.

To get more help, you can visit : https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer

Hope it helps 1

Hello there,

Becoming both an IAS officer and a doctor is achievable but requires dedication and clear planning, as each career has distinct educational and examination paths. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve both:

1. Complete Your MBBS to Become a Doctor

  • Enroll in an MBBS Program : First, you need to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission to a medical college.

  • Complete Your Medical Degree : The MBBS program typically takes 5.5 years, including an internship.

  • Gain Experience (Optional) : You may choose to practice medicine for a few years to gain clinical experience, but it’s not mandatory if your goal is to pursue IAS right after MBBS.

    2. Prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

  • Understand the UPSC Exam Structure : The UPSC CSE has three stages—Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. You can start preparing while in medical school or after completing MBBS.

  • Choose Your Optional Subject : As a doctor, you may consider taking medical science as your optional subject, though it’s not mandatory.

  • Develop a Study Plan : Balance your medical studies or job with UPSC preparation. Many doctors manage both by allocating dedicated study time each day.

  • Appear for the Exam : With a systematic approach, crack the UPSC exam and qualify for the IAS position.

    3. Career Path as a Doctor-IAS

  • IAS Training and Posting : After clearing UPSC, complete your training and take up your role as an IAS officer. You’ll have a broad scope to influence healthcare, public policy, and social development.

  • Consider Government Health Roles : In administrative roles, you could use your medical background to work in health-related departments, where your knowledge of medicine would be a unique asset.

    Additional Pathways

  • Alternative Approach : You could also join as a doctor in a government hospital and then transition to administration by appearing for the UPSC exam when ready.

  • Health Policy and Administration : Use your medical background in policy formulation or in roles within the Ministry of Health, combining both careers for impactful healthcare reforms.

This dual career path is ambitious but can be very rewarding, allowing you to serve in both the medical and administrative fields.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant, The answer to this question is no. Both of these areas require your complete commitment and dedication. You can not manage both of these together. Also it is not allowed to do any other profession while performing duties as a IAS officer. If you want to practice medical profession then you have to leave your job.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello,

When choosing an IAS coaching institute, it's important to consider factors such as faculty quality, study materials, success rate, infrastructure, fees, and student support. Here are some highly regarded IAS coaching institutes in India:

1. Vajiram & Ravi

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, high success rate.
  • Cons: Relatively expensive.

2. ALS IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in various cities.
  • Pros: Good faculty, structured programs, and regular tests.
  • Cons: Can be costly, and the quality may vary across branches.

3. Vision IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Detailed study materials, current affairs updates, regular mock tests.
  • Cons: Some students find the pace fast.

4. Sriram IAS

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Strong emphasis on comprehensive understanding, quality teaching.
  • Cons: Limited branches compared to others.

5. Drishti IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with a few branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Affordable fees, good study material, and supportive faculty.
  • Cons: Infrastructure might be less impressive.

6. Upkar Institute

  • Location: Multiple cities.
  • Pros: Focus on affordable coaching, quality materials.
  • Cons: Less known compared to the top-tier institutes.

7. The Hindu Zone

  • Location: Online coaching.
  • Pros: Flexibility of online classes, good faculty, and resources.
  • Cons: Online learning might not suit everyone.

Hope it helps !

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