UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus For IAS Mains Exam

Ritesh Kumar June 29, 2023 04:39 11212 0

With Medical Science Optional, you can efficiently prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Look into the syllabus, recommended books, success rates, and expert strategies to ace the exam.

UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus For IAS Mains Exam

Medical Science Optional is one of the 48 optional subjects for UPSC CSE and focuses on the candidate’s understanding of basic concepts and whether the candidate can apply his knowledge to solve the patient’s problem. Candidates planning to take Medical Science Optional can go through this article to understand basic requirements, syllabus, strategy etc.

Medical Science Optional for UPSC

Medical Science is a discipline of science that is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. The subject requires prior knowledge of medicine and hence suitable for candidates having previous experience of studying.

Medical science is suitable for candidates who have studied Medicine in their undergraduate degree or have already worked as doctors, biomedical engineers, pharmacists, or nurses.

The whole syllabus has been divided into two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, which carry 250 marks each. Each paper consists of eight questions, divided into two sections, having four questions each. 

Time allowed for each paper is three hours. Candidates have to attempt any five questions. Question 1 and Question 5 in the question paper are compulsory. Out of the remaining six questions, three have to be attempted, choosing at least one question from each section. Here is the exam pattern for Medical Science optional UPSC:

Medical Science Optional UPSC Exam Pattern

Paper 1 250 Marks
Paper 2 250 Marks
Total 500 Marks
Time Allowed 3 Hours for each Paper

UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus

Medical Science is a popular option for candidates with a medical background. Aspirants who choose Medical Science as a UPSC Mains Optional Subject must understand the entire UPSC Medical Science Syllabus before they start their UPSC preparation.

Medical Science Optional Syllabus: Paper 1

1. Human Anatomy 
  1. Applied anatomy including blood and nerve supply of upper and lower limbs and joints of shoulder, hip and knee. 
  2. Gross anatomy, blood supply and lymphatic drainage of tongue, thyroid, mammary gland, stomach, liver, prostate, gonads and uterus. 
  3. Applied anatomy of diaphragm, perineum and inguinal region. 
  4. Clinical anatomy of kidney, urinary bladder, uterine tubes, vas deferens. 
  5. Embryology: Placenta and placental barrier. Development of heart, gut, kidney. uterus, ovary, testis and their common congenital abnormalities. 
  6. Central and Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: Gross and clinical anatomy of ventricles of brain, circulation of cerebrospinal fluid; Neural pathways and lesions of cutaneous sensations, hearing and vision; Cranial nerves distribution and clinical significance; Components of autonomic nervous system.
2. Human Physiology
  1. Conduction and transmission of impulse, mechanism of contraction, neuromuscular transmission, reflexes, control of equilibrium, posture and muscle tone, descending pathways, functions of cerebellum, basal ganglia, Physiology of sleep and consciousness. 
  2. Endocrine System: Mechanism of action of hormones; formation, secretion, transport, metabolism, function and regulation of secretion of pancreas and pituitary gland. 
  3. Physiology of Reproductive System: Pregnancy menstrual cycle, lactation, pregnancy. 
  4. Blood: Development, regulation and fate of blood cells. 
  5. Cardio-vascular, cardiac output, blood pressure, regulation of cardiovascular functions.
3. Biochemistry 
  1. Organ function tests—liver, kidney, thyroid Protein synthesis. Vitamins and minerals. 
  2. Restriction fragment length. 
  3. Polymorphism (RFLP). 
  4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Radio-immunoassays (RIA).
4. Pathology 
  1. Inflammation and repair, disturbances of growth and cancer, Pathogenesis and histopathology of rheumatic and ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. Differentiation between benign, malignant, primary and metastatic malignancies, Pathogenesis and histopathology of bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma breast, oral cancer, cancer cervix, leukaemia, Etiology, pathogenesis and histopathology of—cirrhosis liver, glomerulonephritis, tuberculosis, acute osteomyelitis.
5. Microbiology 
  1. Humoral and cell mediated immunity. 
  2. Diseases caused by and laboratory diagnosis of — 
    1. Meningococcus, Salmonella 
    2. Shigella, Herpes, Dengue, Polio  
    3. HIV/AIDS, Malaria, E. Histolytica, Giardia 
    4. Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus.
6. Pharmacology
  1. Mechanism of action and side effects of the following drugs:
    1. Antipyretics and analgesics, Antibiotics
    2. Antimalaria, Anti kala-azar, Antidiabetics
    3. Antihypertensive, Antidiuretics, General and cardiac vasodilators, Antiviral, Antiparasitic, Antifungal, Immunosuppressants
    4. Anticancer.
7. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
  1. Forensic examination of injuries and wounds; Examination of blood and seminal stains; Poisoning, sedative overdose, hanging, drowning, burns, DNA and fingerprint study.

Medical Science Optional Syllabus: Paper 2

1. General Medicine
  1. Etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management (including prevention) of—Typhoid, Rabies, AIDS, Dengue, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis. 
  2. Etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management of: 
  3. Ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism. 
  4. Bronchial asthma. 
  5. Pleural effusion, tuberculosis, Malabsorption syndromes; acid peptic diseases, Viral hepatitis and cirrhosis of liver. 
  6. Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, renovascular hypertension, complications of diabetes mellitus, coagulation disorders, leukaemia, Hypo and hyperthyroidism, meningitis and encephalitis. 
  7. Imaging medical problems, ultrasound, echo- cardiogram, CT scan, MRI. 
  8. Anxiety and Depressive Psychosis and schizophrenia and ECT.
2. Paediatrics
  1. Immunization, Baby friendly hospital, congenital cyanotic heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, broncho— pneumonias, kernicterus. IMNCI classification and management, PEM grading and management. ARI and Diarrhea of under-five and their management.
3. Dermatology
  1. Psoriasis, Allergic dermatitis, scabies, eczema, vitiligo, Steven Johnson’s syndrome, Lichen Planus.
4. General Surgery
  1. Clinical features, causes, diagnosis and principles of management of cleft palate, harelip. 
  2. Laryngeal tumour, oral and oesophageal tumours. 
  3. Peripheral arterial diseases, varicose veins, coarctation of aorta. 
  4. Tumours of Thyroid, Adrenal, Glands. 
  5. Abscess cancer, fibroadenoma and adenosis of breast. 
  6. Bleeding peptic ulcer, tuberculosis of bowel, ulcerative colitis, cancer of the stomach. 
  7. Renal mass, cancer prostate. 
  8. Haemothorax, stones of Gall bladder, Kidney, Ureter and Urinary Bladder. 
  9. Management of surgical conditions of Rectum, Anus and Anal canal, Gall bladder and Bile ducts. 
  10. Splenomegaly, cholecystitis, portal hypertension, liver abscess, peritonitis, carcinoma head of pancreas. 
  11. Fractures of spine, Colles’ fracture and bone tumours. 
  12. Endoscopy. 
  13. Laparoscopic Surgery.
5. Obstetrics and Gynaecology including Family Planning
  1. Diagnosis of pregnancy. 
  2. Labour management, complications of 3rd stage, Antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage, resuscitation of the new-born, Management of abnormal life and difficult labour. Management of small for date or premature new-born. 
  3. Diagnosis and management of anemia. Preeclampsia and Toxemia of pregnancy, Management of Post-menopausal Syndrome. 
  4. Intra-uterine devices, pills, tubectomy and vasectomy. Medical termination of pregnancy including legal aspects. 
  5. Cancer cervix. 
  6. Leucorrhoea, pelvic pain; infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), amenorrhoea, Fibroid and prolapse of uterus.
6. Community Medicine (Preventive and Social Medicine)
  1. Principles, methods, approach and measurements of Epidemiology. 
  2. Nutrition, nutritional diseases/disorders and Nutrition Programmes. 
  3. Health information Collection, Analysis and Presentation. 
  4. Objectives, components and critical analysis of National programmes for control/eradication of: 
  5. Malaria, Kala-azar, Filaria and Tuberculosis, 
  6. HIV/AIDS, STDs and Dengue. 
  7. Critical appraisal of Health care delivery system. 
  8. Health management and administration; Techniques, Tools, Programme Implementation and Evaluation. 
  9. Objectives, Components, Goals and Status of Reproductive and Child Health, National Rural Health Mission and Millennium Development Goals. 
  10. Management of hospital and industrial waste.

There are many books that cover UPSC Medical Science Optional subjects. Following is a list containing some important books for UPSC Medical Science Optional:

Paper 1 Paper 2
  • Human Anatomy by B D Chaurasia
  • Human Physiology by Ganong; Guyton and A.K. Jain 
  • Microbiology by D R Arora
  • Biochemistry by U. Satyanarayana 
  • Textbook of Pathology by Harsh Mohan
  • Essentials of Medical Pharmacology by K D Tripathi
  • Illustrated Reviews Pharmacology by Lippincott
  • Essentials of Forensic medicine and Toxicology by Dr K S Narayan Reddy
  • Pathology by Robbins and Cotran
  • Embryology from I B Singh
  • General Medicine textbook of medicine by S N Chugh
  • Essential pediatrics by O P Ghai, Paul and Bagga.
  • Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases by Dr Neena Khanna.
  • Manipal Manual of Surgery by K. Rajgopal Shenoy
  • Emergency medicine by S N Chugh
  • Medicine: Prep Manual for Undergraduates by George Mathews
  • Clinical surgery by S Das.
  • Practical Aspects of Pediatrics by Dr Mayoor K Chheda

UPSC Medical Science Optional PYQs

Candidates preparing for UPSC Medical Science Optional have to analyse the previous year question paper to get an idea about preparation. Following table consists of links to download PYQs:

Year Question Paper
2023 Paper 1: Medical Science Optional
Paper 2: Medical Science Optional
2022 Paper 1: Medical Science Optional
Paper 2: Medical Science Optional
2021 Paper 1: Medical Science Optional
Paper 2: Medical Science Optional
2020 Paper 1: Medical Science Optional
Paper 2: Medical Science Optional
2019 Paper 1: Medical Science Optional
Paper 2: Medical Science Optional

Medical Science Optional UPSC Success Rate

Analysis of trends from the past few years has shown that UPSC Medical Science Optional success rate is quite high, compared to other subjects. This has acted as a factor in attracting students to pursue medical science as an optional. The following table provides the success rate of UPSC medical Science Optional:

Year of examination Number of Candidates Appearing Number of Students Qualifying Success Rate
2017 313 32 10.2%
2015 327 66 20.2%
2014 356 71 19.9%
2013 293 48 16.4%
2012 235 55 23.4%
2011 205 48 23.4%
2010 149 28 18.8%

Strategies for UPSC Medical Science Optional Preparation

Every Student has his/her own strategy for approaching a subject. However, there are some specific tips that help candidates in their preparation. The candidate preparing for UPSC Medical Science Optional can follow the give strategy:

  • Subject Basics: Candidates have to have clarity of subject basics so that they can study to build upon the existing knowledge.
  • Notes-making: Notes-making is a universal strategy that helps candidates to prepare for the exam in a more appropriate way.
  • Practicing Diagrams: Diagrams are important components of medical science optional and carry high weightage. It is advised for candidates to practice diagrams.
  • Identifying Important Topics: There are some topics that are more important than others. Candidates must recognise those topics and prepare in a better way.
  • Recognise Questions to Attempt: Candidates can attempt those questions that are directly asked rather than those that are dynamic.
  • Test Series: A test series will help a candidate to recognise their strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to build upon their existing capacity.
  • Analyse PYQs: No subject can be prepared without analysing questions from previous years. This will help in deciding a candidate’s approach.

Conclusion:

Candidates having previous knowledge of the subject are advised to consider choosing UPSC Medical Science as optional for preparation. Candidates can use their previous knowledge and acquired knowledge to obtain good marks in the examination.

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

UPSC Medical Science Syllabus FAQs

Yes. There are no restrictions on professional background for choosing an optional subject. However, individuals studying the subject for the first time are likely to face difficulty.

Yes. Diagrams form the basics of medical science optional preparation. Candidates are advised to practice diagrams regularly to score good marks in the examination.

Yes. A dentist can choose medical science as an optional subject for UPSC preparation. Some parts of the subject may overlap with their undergraduate course.

It depends on the candidate’s knowledge and ability to grasp knowledge. Those having a solid base in medical science need not take coaching.

Medical science has one of the highest success rates among UPSC optional, between 10% to 25%. This is the reason many candidates opt for medical science optional.
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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