The IPS examination is conducted in three stages, the preliminary examination, the main examination and the interview. The preliminary examination is divided into two papers they are general studies and optional subject. The syllabus covered under preliminary examination is precisely given below:
General Studies:
Under the general studies paper, the syllabus covered is history of India and Indian National Movement, general mental ability, Indian and world geography, current events of national and international importance, Indian polity and economy. For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-gen.htm
Optional subjects:
Agriculture:
Some of the topics covered under agriculture are factors determining geographical distribution and agro ecological zones of crop plants, cultural practices for pulses, cereal, scientific basis for crop rotations, importance of crop plants, etc…For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-agri.htm.
Animal husbandry and veterinary science:
Some of the topics covered under this subject are role of livestock in human health and Indian economy, nutrition, animal production, genetics and breeding, infections in animals, etc… For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-ani.htm.
Botany:
Some of the topics covered under this subject are cell biology, biodiversity, plant genetic resources, plant and environment, methods of reproduction and seed biology, plant physiology, etc… For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-btny.htm.
Chemistry:
Chemistry is divided into three sections inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry. For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-chem.htm.
Civil Engineering:
Some of the topics covered under civil engineering are engineering mechanics, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, etc… For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-cvlengg.htm.
Commerce:
Some of the topics covered under this subject are accounting and auditing, company law, management, different types of business organizations like partnership, sole proprietorship, etc… For detailed syllabus the candidates can visit http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/syll-prel/cspr-com.htm.
For more detailed syllabus for both preliminary examination and main examination the candidates can visit the following link: http://upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/csp2009/sec3-syll.htm.