What is UPSC Economics Syllabus?

The UPSC Economics Syllabus covers the Indian economy, microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economy, and more. Economics is a big part of the UPSC syllabus as questions from this subject in Prelims, Mains, and it is also a part of optional subjects. Economics Books for UPSC Economics Notes

Is NCERT enough to cover the economics syllabus for UPSC?

There is no doubt that the NCERT books are a must to strengthen the foundation . However, only following the NCERT books won’t be enough to cover the economics syllabus for UPSC. candidates need to follow other books and resources as well.

What are the topics covered in the UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus?

Economics is a part of all stages of the UPSC selection process as it is a part of UPSC Mains syllabus and Prelims syllabus. The topics covered in the Economics Optional Syllabus for UPSC are Indian Economy , Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Money-Banking and Finance, International economy, etc. Economy vs Economics Difference between Micro and Macro Economics

How vast is the UPSC Economics Syllabus?

Economics is a part of all stages of the UPSC exam, and it is not too vast . It would be easier for the candidates who have studied economics at their UG or PG level. Those who belong to other backgrounds won’t face much difficulty as well.

Is covering the UPSC Economics Syllabus Enough for the Economics Section of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus?

The economics section in the UPSC Prelims syllabus has fewer topics as compared to the UPSC economics optional syllabus. Additionally, the topics are not common in both of these syllabi. So you need to stick to the syllabus of prelims while covering the economics section.

How to Complete the UPSC Economics Syllabus in 6 months?

The candidates need to have a solid strategic approach to cover the Economics optional syllabus in 6 months. In the case of the UPSC Economics Syllabus, the candidates need to clear their concept, follow the right book, check the previous year’s question papers, and maintain a good study schedule.

Is Economics optional syllabus for UPSC difficult?

Economics subject can be difficult for those who do not find it to be interesting. There are many terminologies and factual details one must remember. But studying Economics optional syllabus for UPSC can be of extra advantage as it will help you cover a part of the General Studies Paper-3 Syllabus.

How to Prepare Economics for UPSC?

Economics optional is a highly demanding optional paper chosen by several candidates. To prepare for Economics for the UPSC exam, you must study last year’s question papers and refer to relevant Economics books. Enhance your basics by frequently reading NCERT books . Economics questions are generally influenced by Current Affairs and not asked from the subject’s core. Utilize books like Ramesh Singh’s Indian Economy while learning the fundamentals. Aspirants should develop a profound understanding of every topic of the Economics optional syllabus and merge their preparation with the GS paper of UPSC.

From where can I download the UPSC Economics Syllabus PDF?

Economics is regarded as a precise Science subject. Candidates must be cautious while using technical terms and phrases. If you have decided to opt for this subject as your optional subject for the UPSC exam, you can download the full UPSC Economics Syllabus from the below links. UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus PDF Economics Syllabus for UPSC PDF in Hindi

What are the Best Books to Cover the Indian Economy Section from the Economics Syllabus for UPSC?

Indian economy is a big part of the economics syllabus for UPSC and candidates need to be well-versed in it. The best books to cover the Indian economy section are: Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh Indian Economy: Performance and Policies By Uma Kapila Indian Economy Key Concepts by Sankar Ganesh Karuppiah.

Home/
IAS/
Article

UPSC Economics Syllabus – Economics Syllabus for UPSC Prelims and Mains

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 20th, 2023

UPSC Economics Syllabus is an unavoidable part of the Mains as well as the Prelims examination. In addition, it is also one of the optional subjects in the UPSC Syllabus. The syllabus can be found in the General Studies 3 paper of the UPSC Mains exam. Economics is included in all stages of the IAS exam, and it makes it one of the popular optional subjects among the aspirants. The questions asked from the economics syllabus for UPSC will be based on recent development, trade, agriculture, transportation, etc.

The UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus covers a wide range of topics that introduces the candidates to the Indian economy, development & growth. Gaining knowledge from these topics would be a great addition to future administrators Furthermore, questions from the UPSC Economics Syllabus are also asked during the interview process.

Table of content

1. UPSC Economics Syllabus
2. UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus PDF
3. Economics Syllabus for UPSC Prelims
4. UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus: Mains
5. Weightage of UPSC Economics Syllabus
6. UPSC Economics Syllabus: Paper 1
7. UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus: Paper 2
8. How to Prepare Economics Syllabus for UPSC?
9. UPSC Economics Syllabus – Booklist

UPSC Economics Syllabus

As we have mentioned above, the economics syllabus for UPSC is a big part of the selection process. The reason is, questions from this subject will be asked in all stages i.e. prelims, mains, and interview rounds. Additionally, the UPSC economics optional syllabus has two papers namely Paper 1, and Paper 2 and each paper carries 250 marks and a total of 500.

Scoring well in this subject will make a huge difference in the overall Mains merit list. Topics from the UPSC Economics Syllabus can be easily comprehended by candidates from both arts and science backgrounds. So, combining its flexibility with success rate in recent years has attracted more students to opt for this subject. Let’s take a look at the topics that come from the UPSC Economics optional syllabus in the stages of the exam.

UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus PDF

Candidates can download the UPSC Economics Syllabus directly from the links provided in English and Hindi languages. The entire syllabus focuses on the candidates’ knowledge of the fundamental ideas and application of understanding to developmental challenges and infrastructure planning for sustainable growth.

A clear understanding of the topics covered under the syllabus would help the candidates to prepare a strategy to score optimum marks in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Economics Syllabus for UPSC Prelims

The economics optional syllabus for UPSC includes topics like Economics, Social Development, Poverty, Sustainable Development, Demographics, Poverty, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

The question that will be asked in Prelims will be of the difficulty level of moderate to tough. Let’s look at the important areas to cover from the UPSC Economics Syllabus for Prelims.

Economics Syllabus for UPSC Prelims (Important Areas to Cover)

Economic Growth and Development
Poverty
Inclusion
Demographics
Fiscal Policy
Social issues
Trending news related to the above-mentioned topics

UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus: Mains

The economics syllabus for UPSC mains is included in the General Studies Paper-III. This syllabus covers economic development, inclusive growth, budgeting, land reforms, effects of liberalization, the Indian economy, and issues related to growth and employment.

Covering these topics from the Economics optional syllabus for UPSC Mains would help the candidates to fetch good marks, and uplift their chances of qualifying for this exam. Below we have mentioned some highly recommended books that would help you to cover the Economics UPSC optional syllabus for Mains.

UPSC Economics Syllabus – Booklist

NCERT textbook classes X, XI, XII
Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh
Indian Economy – Sanjeev Verma
Budgets
Administrative Reforms Commissions (ARC) Reports
PIB
Newspapers
Ministry websites of water, power, etc.
Economic Survey 2023

Weightage of UPSC Economics Syllabus

The UPSC economics optional syllabus overlaps with the General Studies for both Prelims and Mains and this makes it an ideal choice for an optional subject. Also, the candidates who have studied economics in their graduation and postgraduate would find the UPSC economics optional syllabus easier to comprehend. In addition, economics, trade compliance, trade professionals, and finance manager also take economics as their optional.

There will be two papers in the economics syllabus for UPSC optional, and each of them holds 250 marks. That is why the score of the optional subject plays a crucial role in the success of a candidate in the UPSC exam. Below we will be covering the detailed Economics syllabus for UPSC optional.

Economic Optional Syllabus

Topics

Marks

UPSC Economics Syllabus Optional Paper 1

Advanced Microeconomics;

Advanced Macroeconomics;

Money-Banking and Finance;

International Economics;

Growth and Development

250

UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus Paper 2

The Pre-liberalization Era;

The Post- liberalization Era

250

UPSC Economics Syllabus: Paper 1

Paper 1 of the Economics syllabus for UPSC optional is divided into 5 topics, and those topics are further divided into multiple subtopics.

UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus: Paper 2

The economics syllabus for UPSC optional paper 2 includes the Pre-liberalization Era and Post-liberalization Era as the main topics. Further sub-topics are included under these broad topics.

How to Prepare Economics Syllabus for UPSC?

Candidates need a solid preparation strategy to cover the economics syllabus for UPSC as the questions asked from the economics section are more in the Economics optional exam.

So, let’s uncover the preparation strategy to cover the syllabus of Economics optional for UPSC in every stage of the exam.

Candidates need to study according to the Economics UPSC Syllabus, as it will help them to avoid unnecessary topics;
Scanning through the updated information on the current happenings is a must;
Students need to follow the UPSC previous year’s question papers;
Candidates must attempt mock tests as much as possible to strengthen their grip on this subject;
Begin with NCERTs books, and have a strong understanding of the topics covered in the UPSC Economics Syllabus;
Read IGNOU notes, and NIOS notes to understand some key points of the Economy;
Cover all the fundamental and advanced books.

UPSC Economics Syllabus – Booklist

Apart from the below-mentioned books, candidates must study from additional resources like The Hindu and Economic Times Newspaper, Publications like Kurukshetra, Yojna, and India Year Book.

Following are some books that would help the aspirants to cover the Economics syllabus for the optional papers:

NCERTs (Class X, XI, and XII)
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Indian Economy: Performance and Policies By Uma Kapila
Indian Economy Key Concepts by Sankar Ganesh Karuppiah
NIOS Notes and IGNOU notes

UPSC Articles
PSIR Optional Syllabus	Sociology Optional Syllabus
Agriculture Syllabus	Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus
Commerce and Accountancy Syllabus	Electrical Engineering Syllabus
Law Syllabus for UPSC	UPSC Management Syllabus
Medical Science Syllabus	Philosophy Syllabus
Statistics Syllabus	Zoology Syllabus