UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus: Physics Syllabus PDF

UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus Overview

Covering the UPSC physics syllabus requires a high level of proficiency, that’s why candidates who have opted for physics should start their preparation early. While preparing for this subject candidates should have a complete UPSC physics optional syllabus on their table so that they won’t miss out on crucial topics. Let’s check out the complete paper-wise UPSC physics syllabus as per UPSC exam guidelines below.

Each paper of the UPSC physics syllabus holds 250 marks, and a total of 500 marks. Candidates must come up with a solid preparation strategy score big in both papers.

UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus	Topics
UPSC physics optional syllabus paper 1	Mechanics of Particles Waves and Optics Electricity and Magnetism Electromagnetic Waves and Blackbody Radiation Thermal and Statistical Physics
UPSC physics optional syllabus paper 2	Quantum Mechanics Atomic and Molecular Physics Nuclear and Particle Physics Solid State Physics, Devices, and Electronics

UPSC Physics Syllabus PDF Download

UPSC physical optional syllabus can be downloaded from the official website of UPSC. However, candidates can also download the syllabus from the direct link we have provided below.

UPSC Physics Syllabus Paper 1

The UPSC physics optional syllabus is divided into 5 topics that we have mentioned above in the table. Below we are going to discuss the sub-topics covered under those topics.

UPSC Physics Syllabus Paper 2

Paper 2 of the UPSC physics optional syllabus has 4 topics, and it is further divided into sub-topics.

Strategy to Cover the UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus

The UPSC physics syllabus is vast, but the candidates who have done effective preparation won’t face any problems. Let’s uncover the preparation strategy that will help you to fetch good marks in the Physics optional.

Make notes of all topics mentioned in the UPSC Physics Syllabus. Be through with the concept, and build a solid problem-solving skill that is required to score good marks.
Practice as much as possible, and multiple methods to solve the questions should be known for paper 1 of the UPSC physics optional syllabus. Paper 2 has more theoretical questions so you must develop knowledge in both classical and modern physics.
You can practice the previous year's question papers along with covering the UPSC physics optional syllabus.
Make a 20-30 pages summary of the entire UPSC physics syllabus for the revision on the way before the final day.

Recommended Books to Cover the UPSC Optional Syllabus

If you want smooth completion of the UPSC Optional Syllabus, then choose the highly referred books by the IAS toppers. We have prepared a booklist that would help you to easily comprehend the UPSC physics syllabus.

Books for Paper 1 of UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus

Mechanics By D S Mathur
Optics By Brijlal and Subrahmaniyam
Electrodynamics & EM Theory: David Griffiths
Thermal & Statistical Physics by Garg, Bansal and Ghosh

Books for Paper 2 of UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus

Quantum Physics: Resnick & Eisberg
Concepts of Modern Physics: Arthur Beiser
Solid State Physics: S.O. Pillai
Electronics: B L Thareja Vol. IV

List of UPSC Optional Subjects Syllabus
UPSC Agriculture Syllabus	UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus
UPSC Anthropology Syllabus	UPSC Botany Syllabus
UPSC Chemistry Syllabus	UPSC Civil Engineering Syllabus
UPSC Commerce and Accountancy Syllabus	UPSC Economics Syllabus
UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus	UPSC English Literature Syllabus
UPSC Geography Syllabus	UPSC Geology Syllabus
UPSC Hindi Literature Syllabus	UPSC History Syllabus
UPSC Law Syllabus	UPSC Management Syllabus
UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus	UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus
UPSC Medical Science Syllabus	UPSC Philosophy Syllabus
UPSC CSAT Syllabus	UPSC Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Optional Syllabus
UPSC Psychology Syllabus	UPSC Public Administration Syllabus
UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus	UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus
UPSC Statistics Syllabus	UPSC Zoology Syllabus

UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus FAQs

What is the UPSC physics optional syllabus?

Physics is one of the optional subjects in the UPSC mains exam. The UPSC physics syllabus contains topics namely Mechanics of Particles, Waves and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Waves and Blackbody Radiation, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic, and Molecular Physics etc.

What are the topics covered in paper 1 of the UPSC physics syllabus?

There are two papers on the optional subject namely, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 of the UPSC Physics syllabus includes topics such as mechanics of Particles, Waves and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Waves and Blackbody Radiation etc.

Is there any similarity between the UPSC Mains science syllabus and UPSC Physics optional syllabus?

Science, and technology are a part of UPSC mains syllabus, but there is no major portion of the UPSC physics optional syllabus, that overlaps with the syllabus of mains exam.

How to cover the UPSC physics syllabus in 6 months?

To cover the entire UPSC physics optional syllabus you need to work hard, practice both paper 1 and paper 2, and enhance problem-solving skills. Additionally, Solve multiple UPSC question papers for physics optional to practice answer writing as soon as you finish a topic.

What is the best book to cover the quantum physics section of the UPSC physics optional syllabus?

Quantum physics is a part of paper 2 of the UPSC physics optional syllabus, and Quantum Physics: Resnick & Eisberg is a highly recommended book to cover this section.

Can I use a calculator for the UPSC physics optional syllabus?

Candidates are allowed the use of Scientific Non-Programmable type calculators for the examination. However, the use of the calculator is not allowed in essay-type papers.

UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus: Download Latest Syllabus PDF