The UPSC includes Zoology as an optional subject in the list of optional subjects containing 48 subjects in total. This subjects’ syllabus for UPSC is highly specialised and covers classification, ecology, cytology and genetics. The topics included in this subject are related to theoretical and applied Zoology. Civil Services Mains exam consists of Zoology as one of the Optional Subjects with two papers (Paper I and Paper II). The mains examination is a part of IAS Exam, which has three stages- Prelims, Mains and Interview.
For details on similar optional subjects syllabus, check the linked article.
This article provides you with the UPSC Zoology syllabus for Optionals.
UPSC Zoology Syllabus:-Download PDF Here
IAS aspirants who have opted for Zoology as their optional subject may also check UPSC Zoology Strategy in the linked article.
Zoology Syllabus for IAS
Each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks. These two optional papers are a part of UPSC Mains Examination that takes place after IAS Preliminary exam. Zoology Optional, though, not a popular subject in IAS Mains exam but if a candidate has graduated with this subject, can opt for this subject.
Complementing your UPSC preparation with right books is equally important; hence, check UPSC Zoology Optional Booklist in the linked article.
In the past many IAS Toppers have opted for Zoology as an optional and UPSC aspirants can check the Zoology syllabus for IAS mains below:
IAS Zoology Syllabus for Optionals (Paper-I)
IAS aspirants who are targeting UPSC 2022 may check the linked article to refer to the civil services exam pattern, notifications and more.
IAS Zoology Syllabus for Optionals (Paper-II)
IAS aspirants should note that Zoology for UPSC can potentially increase their chances of selection due to the low competition and specialised nature of the syllabus. So, preparation should be thorough to be able to score well in this paper. Also, candidates should solve more questions from previous years’ UPSC question papers as well as from mock tests to be able to crack the UPSC Zoology exam.
UPSC Zoology Syllabus:-Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions on Zoology Syllabus UPSC
Q 1. What is the syllabus of UPSC Zoology?
Q 2. Is Zoology a good optional for UPSC?
Q 3. What are the total marks for the UPSC Zoology paper?
Q 4. What are some important books for Zoology optionals in UPSC?
Ans. Some important Zoology optionals books for UPSC are :
- Modern Zoology by Ramesh Gupta
- Organic Evolution (Evolutionary Biology) by Veer Bala Rastogi
- Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology
- Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
- Cell Biology by CB Powar
- Genetics by PK Gupta
- Modern Textbook of Zoology – Invertebrates by RL Kotpal
- Modern Textbook Of Zoology: Vertebrates by RL Kotpal.
Aspirants must also review the UPSC Syllabus for the prelims and mains examination, and also analyse the comprehensive list of topics included in the optional subjects for the second phase of exam.
Kickstart your UPSC 2023 preparation now!
You can also check the articles relevant to UPSC Zoology Syllabus and also UPSC exam preparation
