UPSC Zoology Syllabus – PDF Download, Zoology Optional Syllabus for UPSC IAS 2023
By Balaji
Updated on: March 13th, 2023
UPSC Zoology Syllabus covers the list of topics based on cytology, species classification, genetics, etc., that are asked in Papers 1 and 2 in the Mains examination. Zoology is one of the optional subjects that students can opt for in the Mains exam, and there are two papers conducted under this subject for a total of 500 marks. All the topics included in the Zoology Optional Syllabus are related to theoretical and applied zoology. Candidates who have opted for zoology as their optional subject need to cover the complete UPSC Zoology Syllabus before appearing for the exam. Scoring well in this subject will play a major role in uplifting the ranking of the candidates.
Below we have mentioned the complete Zoology Syllabus for UPSC, along with providing a free PDF link, preparation strategy, and recommended books to help the students come up with a strategic approach to prepare the UPSC Zoology syllabus 2023.
Table of content
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1. UPSC Zoology Syllabus
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2. Zoology UPSC Syllabus PDF
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3. UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus Paper 1
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4. Zoology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2
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5. How to Prepare Zoology Syllabus for UPSC?
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6. Best Books for Zoology UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Zoology Syllabus
The Zoology Optional Syllabus would feel relevant to the candidates who have studied this subject in their curriculum. As we have mentioned above, there will be two papers, and below we have listed the topics covered in both papers and the structure of the UPSC zoology syllabus as well.
| UPSC Zoology Syllabus | Topics in Zoology Optional UPSC |
| Paper 1 | Non-chordata and Chordata, Ecology, Ethology, Economic Zoology, Biostatistics, Instrumentation Methods |
| Paper 2 | Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Systematics, Biochemistry, Physiology (with special reference to mammals), Developmental Biology |
Zoology UPSC Syllabus PDF
The UPSC Zoology optional syllabus can be downloaded from the official website of Union Public Service Commission along with the exam notification. As per the 2023 notification, the Mains paper will take place from 15 September 2023 onwards. Candidates are advised to prepare for Prelims and Mains simultaneously; otherwise, after clearing the Prelims exam, they will have very less time to cover the Mains syllabus. Here, we have given the direct link to download the UPSC Zoology optional syllabus PDF for free.
UPSC Zoology Syllabus PDF
It is recommended to keep the UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus PDF handy while preparing for the exam as it ensures that all the topics are covered comprehensively and helps you manage your time accordingly. Candidates preparing for the UPSC exam in Hindi can also download UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus PDF in Hindi. Also, check the following table to have a quick overview of the syllabus.
| UPSC Zoology Syllabus 2023 Overview | |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Paper and Pen mode) |
| Exam Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Number of Papers | 2 (Paper 1 and 2) |
| Number of Questions | 5 in each paper |
| Maximum Marks | 250 marks for each |
| Language | Hindi and English only |
| Maximum Time | 3 hours for each paper |
UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus Paper 1
Paper 1 of the UPSC zoology syllabus includes topics, namely Non-Chordata and Chordata, Ecology, Ethology, Economic Zoology, and Biostatistics. These topics are further divided into various subtopics, which are shown below.
Zoology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2
The UPSC zoology syllabus for Paper 2 is divided into 7 major topics, which are cell biology, evolution, genetics, biochemistry, systematics, developmental biology, and physiology. And then, multiple subtopics are covered under each of these areas, which must be studied carefully by the aspirants.
How to Prepare Zoology Syllabus for UPSC?
UPSC zoology syllabus can be covered efficiently if studied with a constructive approach. Most of the topics from zoology optional are easy to comprehend. Let’s have a look at what should be the preparation strategy to cover the UPSC zoology optional syllabus with proper and efficient time management and practice.
- This first step to ace this exam on the first attempt requires a thorough understanding of the Zoology Syllabus for UPSC.
- Don’t forget to glance through UPSC previous year question papers, as it will help you to understand the exam in-depth.
- The next step towards scoring high in this subject is to acquire basic books of zoology. It will help you to build a strong foundation of the topics included in the UPSC zoology syllabus.
- You must practice diagrams as it plays an important role in this subject. So practice as must as possible.
Best Books for Zoology UPSC Syllabus
Candidates can build a strong base by following these books for the UPSC zoology syllabus:
- Modern Zoology by Ramesh Gupta
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry – David Nelson, Michael Cox
- An Introduction to Embryology by AK Berry
- Ecology And Environment by PD Sharma
- Applied And Economic Zoology by VB Upadhyay and GS Shukla
- Animal Behaviour by Reena Mathur
- Modern Textbook Of Zoology: Vertebrates by RL Kotpal
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry – David Nelson, Michael Cox
- An Introduction to Embryology by AK Berry
- Ecology And Environment by PD Sharma
- Applied And Economic Zoology by VB Upadhyay and GS Shukla
To get the complete list of Zoology books for UPSC, click on the link shared here.
