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UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus and exam pattern will help the candidates know about what all they will have to include in their preparation so as to cover the syllabus. Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the detailed UPSC Environmental Science 2023 Syllabus. UPSC Environment and Ecology topic is a part of General Studies 3 of prelims and mains, and is considered to be a scoring subject. 

It is of utmost importance for the aspirants to assess their aptitude in the particular subject and then pick it as an optional subject. Here, in this article, we present in detail the UPSC Environment and Ecology syllabus, exam pattern, best reference books and exam preparation tips.

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UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus for IAS Exam

Initial preparation of the exam starts with a thorough knowledge of the syllabus and the exam pattern. 

Mentioned below is the UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus for General Studies-III:

TOPIC SUB-TOPIC
Introduction 
  • Definition, principles and scope of Environmental Science.
  • Earth, Man and Environment. Ecosystems, Pathways in Ecosystems.
  • Physico-chemical and Biological Factors in the Environment.
  • Geographical classification and zones.
  • Structure and composition of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Mass and Energy transfer across the various interfaces, material balance. 
  • First and Second law of thermodynamics, heat transfer processes. The scale of Meteorology, pressure, temperature, precipitation, humidity, radiation and wind. Atmospheric stability, inversions and mixing heights, windroses.
  • Natural resources, conservation and sustainable development.
Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry
  • Stoichiometry, Gibb’s energy, chemical potential, chemical equilibria, acid-base reactions, solubility product, the solubility of gases in water, the carbonate system, unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbons, radionuclides.
  • Chemical composition of Air: Classification of elements, chemical speciation. Particles, ions and radicals in the atmosphere. Chemical processes for the formation of inorganic and organic particulate matter. Thermochemical and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. Oxygen and ozone chemistry, Chemistry of air pollutants, Photochemical smog.
  • Water Chemistry: Chemistry of water, the concept of DO, BOD, COD, sedimentation, coagulation, filtration, Redox potential.
  • Soil Chemistry: Inorganic and organic components of soil, Nitrogen pathways and NPK in soils.
  • Toxic Chemicals in the Environment: Air, Water & Pesticides in water. Biochemical aspects of Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Carbon Monoxide, Os and PAN Pesticides, Insecticides, MIC, carcinogens in the air.
  • Principles of Analytical Methods: Titrimetry 
  • Gravimetry, Colourimetry, Spectrophotometry, Chromatography
  • Gas Chromatography, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, GLC, HPLC, Electrophoresis. X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Flame photometry.
Biodiversity 
  • Definition, Principles and scope of ecology, Human ecology and Human settlement, Evolution, Origin of life and speciation.
  • Ecosystems:
  • Structure and functions, Abiotic and Biotic components, energy flows, Food chains, Food web, Ecological pyramids, types and diversity.
  • Ecological Succession, Population, Community ecology and Parasitism, Prey – predator relationships.
  • Common flora and fauna in India:
  • Aquatic: Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Macrophytes.
  • Terrestrial: Forests
  • Endangered and Threatened Species:
  • Biodiversity and its conservation: Definition, ‘Hotspots of Biodiversity, Strategies for Biodiversity conservation. National Parks and Sanctuaries. Gene pool.
  • Microflora of Atmosphere: Air Sampling techniques. Identification of aeroallergens. Airborne diseases and allergies.
  • Environmental Biotechnology: Fermentation Technology, Vermiculture technology, Biofertilizer technology.
Environmental Geosciences: Fundamental concepts
  • The earth systems and Biosphere: Conservation of matter in various geospheres – lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Energy budget of the earth. Earth’s thermal environment and seasons. Ecosystems flow of energy and matter. Coexistence in communities-food websEarth’s Major ecosystems terrestrial and aquatic. The general relationship between landscape, biomes and climate. Climates of India, Indian Monsoon, El Nino, Droughts. Tropical cyclones and Western Disturbances.
  • Earth’s Processes and Geological Hazards: Earth’s processes; the concept of residence, time and rates of natural cycles. Catastrophic geological hazards. Study of floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanism and avalanches. Prediction and perception of the hazards and adjustments to hazardous activities.
  • Mineral Resources and Environment: Resources and Reserves, Minerals. and Population. Oceans as new areas for the exploration of mineral resources. Ocean ore and recycling of resources. Environmental impact of exploitation, processing and smelting of minerals.
  • Water Resources and Environment: Global Water Balance. Ice sheets and fluctuations of sea levels. Origin and composition of seawater. Hydrological cycle. Factors influencing surface water. Types of water. Resources of oceans. Ocean pollution by toxic wastes. Human use of surface and groundwaters & Groundwater pollution.
  • Land Use Planning: The land use plan. Soil surveys in relation to land use planning. Methods of site selection and evaluation.
  • Environmental Geochemistry: Concept of major, trace and REE. Classification of trace elements, Mobility of trace elements, Geochemical cycles. Biogeochemical! factors in environmental health. Human use, trace elements and health. Possible effects of imbalance of some trace elements. Diseases induced by human use of land
  • Principles of Remote sensing and its application of Environmental Sciences. Application of GIS in Environmental Management.
The environmental implication of energy
  • Sun as a source of energy; solar radiation and its spectral characteristics; Fossil fuels-classification, composition, physicochemical characteristics and energy content of coal, petroleum and natural gas. Principles of generation of hydroelectric power, tidal, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, wind, geothermal energy; solar collectors, photovoltaics, solar ponds; nuclear energy – fission and fusion; magnetohydrodynamic power, bio-energy-energy from biomass and biogas, anaerobic digestion; energy use pattern in different parts of the world.
  • The environmental implication of energy use; C02 emissions, global warming; air and thermal pollution; radioactive waste and radioactivity from nuclear reactors; impacts of large-scale exploitation of Solar, Wind, Hydro and Ocean energy.
Air
  • Natural and anthropogenic sources of pollution. Primary and Secondary pollutants. Transport and diffusion of pollutants. Gas laws governing the behaviour of pollutants in the atmosphere. Methods of monitoring and control of air pollution SOz, NOx, CO, SPM. Effects of pollutants on human beings, plants, animals, materials and climate. Acid Rain. Air Quality Standards.
  • Water: Types, sources and consequences of water pollution. Physicochemical and Bacteriological sampling and analysis of water quality. Standards, sewage and wastewater treatment and recycling. Water quality standard.
  • Soil: Physicochemical as bacteriological sampling as analysis of soil quality. Soil Pollution Control. Industrial waste effluents and heavy metals, their interactions with soil components. Soil microorganisms and their functions, degradation of different insecticides, fungicides and weedicides in soil. Different kinds of synthetic fertilizers  ( NP & K ) and their interactions with different components of soil.
  • Noise: Sources of noise pollution, measurement of noise and Indices, the effect of meteorological parameters on noise propagation. Noise exposure levels and standards. Noise control and abatement measures. Impact of noise on human health.
  • Marine: Sources of marine pollution and control. Criteria employed for disposal of pollutants in marine system-coastal management.
  • Radioactive and Thermal Pollution.
Introduction to environmental impact analysis
  • Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Management Plan.
  • EIA guidelines 1994, Notification of Government of India.
  • Impact Assessment Methodologies.
  • A generalized approach to impact analysis.
  • Procedure for reviewing Environmental impact analysis and statement. Guidelines for Environmental audit.
  • Introduction to Environmental planning.
  • Baseline information and predictions (land, water, atmosphere, energy, etc.).
  • Restoration and rehabilitation technologies.
  • Land Use policy for India.
  • Urban planning for India.
  • Rural planning and land use pattern.
  • Concept and strategies of sustainable development.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis.
  • Environmental priorities in India and sustainable development.
Waste Management
  • Sources and generation of solid wastes, their characterization, chemical composition and classification. Different methods of disposal and management of solid wastes (Hospital Wastes and Hazardous Wastes) Recycling of waste material. Waste minimization technologies.
  • Hazardous Wastes Management and Handling Rules, 1989, Resource Management, Disaster Management and Risk analysis.
  • Environment protection issues and problems, International and National efforts for Environment Protection, Provision of Constitution of India regarding Environment (Article 48A and 58A).
  • Environmental Policy Resolution, Legislation, Public Policy Strategies in Pollution Control, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 amended 1991, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Indian Forests Act ( Revised ) 1982, Air ( Prevention and Control of Pollution ) Act, 1981 as amended by Amendment Act, 1987 and Rule 1982, Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, The Water ( Prevention and Control of Pollution ) Act, 1974 as amended up to 1988 and Rules 1975, The Environment ( Protection ) Act, 1986 and Rules 1986.
  • Scheme of labelling of environmentally friendly products (Ecomark), Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and Rules 1991.
Introduction to environmental system analysis
  • Basic elements and tools of statistical analysis; Probability, sampling, measurement and distribution of attributes; Distribution-Normal, t and x* Poisson and Binomial; Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic means; moments; matrices, simultaneous linear equations; tests of hypothesis and significance.
  • Introduction to environmental system analysis; Approaches to the development of models; linear simple and multiple regression models, validation and forecasting. Models of population growth and interactions – Lotka – Volterra model, Leslie’s matrix model, point source stream pollution model, box model, Gaussian plume model.
Environmental Education and Awareness
  • Environmental Ethics and Global imperatives.
  • Global Environmental problems-ozone depletion, global warming and climatic change.
  • Current Environmental issue in India.
  • Context: Narmada Dam, Tehri Dam, Almatti Dam, Soil Erosion, Formation and reclamation of Usar, Alkaline and Saline Soil.
  • Wastelands and their reclamation.
  • Desertification and its control.
  • Vehicular pollution and urban air quality.
  • Depletion of Nature resources.
  • Biodiversity conservation and Agenda – 21.
  • Waste disposal, recycling and power generation, Fly ash utilization. Water Crises-Conservation of water. Environmental Hazards.
  • Eutrophication and restoration of Indian lakes. Rainwater harvesting. Wetlands conservation.
Conservation
  • What is Biodiversity?
  • Types of Biodiversity – Genetic, Species, Ecosystem, etc.
  • Importance of Biodiversity – Ecosystem Services, BioResources of Economic Importance, Social Benefits, etc.
  • Reasons for Loss of Biodiversity
  • Conservation:
  • In-situ & Ex-Situ
  • Eco-Sensitive Areas
  • Ecological Hotspots
  • National Guidelines, Legislations & Other Programmes.
  • International Agreements & Groupings
Environmental Pollution & Degradation
  • Types of Pollution & Pollutants
  • Impact of Pollution & Degradation
  • Ozone Layer Depletion and Ozone Hole
  • Greenhouse Gas Effect & Global Warming
  • Eutrophication
  • Desertification
  • Acid Rain
  • Hazardous Waste, etc.
  • Causes/Sources of Pollution & Degradation</span
  • Prevention & Control of Pollution & Degradation</span
  • National Environment Agencies, Legislations and Policies
  • International Agreements & Groupings
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  • What is EIA?
  • Indian Guidelines & Legislations
  • EIA Process
  • Need & Benefits of EIA
  • Shortcomings of EIA in India
  • Measures to Make EIA Effective
Disaster Management
  • Types of Disasters
  • Management of Disasters
  • Community Level Disaster Management
  • Government Initiatives on Disaster Management</span

Check some more UPSC IAS Previous Year’s Question Papers for other subjects here!

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UPSC Environmental Science Exam Pattern 2021

Candidates who will be appearing for the exam should know the detailed UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus beforehand. The prelim paper has a general studies paper and an aptitude test which is of total 400 marks.

UPSC mains exam will consist of several papers including the UPSC Environmental Science syllabus papers. Check the exam pattern for the same below:-

Mains Papers  Subject  Marks 
Paper VI Optional Subject Paper-I 250
Paper VII Optional Subject Paper-II 250
Total  500
Time duration  3 hours (180 minutes)
  • The mains test is a total of 1750 marks and all the questions will be descriptive.
  • There will be two qualifying papers (English and Indian Language) and other seven papers will be merit based papers
  • UPSC Environmental Science consists of two papers (paper I and paper II) in the UPSC Mains Exam. Each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks. These 2 optional papers are a part of UPSC Mains Examination that takes place after IAS Preliminary exam.

Check UPSC Civil Services exam pattern and marking scheme here for prelims and mains in detail to prepare for the IAS exam.

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How to Prepare for the UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus for IAS Exam?

Environmental Science could be a scoring subject if prepared thoroughly and approached with the right strategy. Environmental Science is an accessible and easy subject, which can be a medium to escalate the overall merit of the candidates. 

  1. One of the most common and crucial steps is to prepare a thorough timetable by distributing topics with respect to time. This would help in covering the syllabus easily. 
  2. Having a thorough timetable would be of great benefit. Divide the time and topics in an efficient and weightage wise manner. 
  3. The candidates are recommended to focus more on solving previous years’ question papers, appear for various mock tests, and attempt the UPSC civil services test series.
  4. Reference books play a vital role. So, the aspirants must cling to a few but the best books, this helps in better understanding and efficient learning. 
  5. Candidates must keep a track of their errors in the test series, analyse their weak points and then must work on it accordingly.
  6. Issues like global warming and climate change have become some of the most major issues of the 21st century, hence, a thorough knowledge in this area would enable the potential bureaucrats to ensure they are able to implement their knowledge in policy-making.

Prepare for the exam using the UPSC IAS mains strategy here.

Books to Refer for UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus

Some of the best books to study the complete UPSC  Environmental Science optional subject are mentioned below:

  1. NCERT Textbooks (Science & Geography) 
  2. Environment by Shankar IAS 
  3. Textbook of Environmental Studies by Erach Barucha
  4. Environmental Studies Benny Joseph
  5. Ecology & Environment P.D. Sharma
  • The UPSC exam is a three-stage process. Candidates have to attempt a prelims exam, a mains and an interview.
  • UPSC Environmental Science focuses more on Biodiversity, Climate Changes and Global Warming.
  • The IAS Environmental Science is a compulsory subject and has a high weightage, especially in the prelims phase. 
  • UPSC offers other subjects such as Geography, Economics, etc., but Environmental Science is generally considered a scoring subject for the UPSC civil services exam.
Check Related UPSC Syllabus for Other Subjects
UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus UPSC Statistics Optional Syllabus
UPSC Psychology Syllabus UPSC Zoology Syllabus
UPSC Botany Syllabus UPSC Chemistry Syllabus
UPSC Civil Engineering Syllabus UPSC Commerce And Accountancy Syllabus
UPSC Philosophy Syllabus UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

This was a detailed article about the UPSC Environment and Ecology syllabus. To start the preparation for your examination, download the Testbook App and get access to world-class educations, mock tests, etc.

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UPSC Environmental Science Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2023 FAQs

Does UPSC Environmental Science include current affairs as well?

Yes, the UPSC Environmental Science includes National and International Current Affairs.

What are the total marks for the UPSC IAS Environmental Science paper?

The UPSC Environmental Science paper and every other General Science paper for the civil services exam is of 250 marks.

Is Environmental Science subject about the core environment and its problems?

Yes, environmental science comprises the core environment, its problems, Biodiversity, Global Warming and etc.

What is the duration of the UPSC General Studies III?

Every UPSC paper and general studies are allotted 3 hours of duration.

Are there any changes in the UPSC IAS Environmental Science syllabus as compared to the last year?

No, there has been no major change in the Environmental Science syllabus as compared to the previous years
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