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Chemistry Optional Syllabus, Download PDF!

Aditi Sinha July 01, 2023 10:39 15673 0

Master the Chemistry Optional for UPSC with comprehensive syllabus coverage, top-notch resources, previous year question papers, and expert strategies. Download the PDF syllabus now and embark on your journey towards UPSC success!

Chemistry Optional Syllabus, Download PDF!

Exploring Chemistry for UPSC: Your Path to Success! This article unlocked pathways to clear concepts, Topper Notes & previous year questions. Let’s conquer UPSC together!

Introduction to Chemistry Optional 

Choosing Chemistry Optional for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) offers a strategic advantage to candidates with a strong foundation in chemical sciences. Chemistry is a subject that demands a deep understanding of concepts, theories, and their applications in the real world. 

It covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the basics of atomic structure to complex chemical reactions and their implications on the environment and technology. Opting for Chemistry as an optional can be particularly beneficial for candidates with a background in science or engineering, as it allows them to leverage their analytical and problem-solving skills.  

This article aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for candidates considering Chemistry Optional Syllabus. It will delve into the nuances of the exam syllabus, highlighting the key areas of focus within physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. 

Additionally, it will provide access to past year question papers (PYQs) to give aspirants a sense of the types of questions asked and the level of difficulty to expect.  Furthermore, the article will recommend essential books and resources that are indispensable for mastering Chemistry as an optional subject. 

Chemistry Optional  Syllabus for UPSC Mains 2024

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam offers Chemistry as an optional subject, consisting of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. The syllabus for Chemistry covers a wide range of topics from Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, aligning with the foundational knowledge required in scientific and technological developments, environmental issues, and their applications in everyday life. This makes it relevant not only to the optional subject itself but also enriches content for General Studies papers, particularly in areas related to science and technology, environmental conservation, and economic development through scientific advancements.

Benefits of Selecting Chemistry Optional Subject for the UPSC Mains Examination:  

  • Strong Foundation and Conceptual Clarity: Chemistry’s scientific and objective nature ensures that answers can be precise and to the point, reducing ambiguity in responses and evaluations. 
  • Overlap with General Studies: Chemistry has considerable relevance to several topics covered in the General Studies papers, particularly in Science and Technology, Environmental Issues, and Health. 
  • Availability of Resources: There are numerous textbooks, reference books, journals, and online resources available that cover the UPSC syllabus comprehensively. 
  • High Scoring Potential: The subject allows for precise, clear, and well-structured answers that can fetch high scores, making it an attractive option for those with a background in Chemistry or related fields.  
  • Relevance to Contemporary Issues: Chemistry plays a crucial role in addressing many of today’s global challenges, such as climate change, pollution control, sustainable energy, and drug discovery. 

Chemistry Optional Syllabus for UPSC CSE  

Each of the Chemistry optional papers in the UPSC CSE exam carries 250 marks, totaling 500 marks for the optional subject. Chemistry Optional syllabus in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) encompasses a wide range of topics across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, reflecting the subject’s comprehensive and detailed nature. Below is a broad outline of the syllabus:

Chemistry Optional Syllabus of Optional Paper I: 

The Table below contains the Chemistry Optional syllabus for the UPSC Optional Paper I:

 

Chemistry Optional Syllabus of Optional Paper II: 

The Table below contains Chemistry Optional syllabus for the UPSC Optional Paper II:

Topic Detailed Syllabus
  • Atomic Structure
  1. Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle Schrodinger wave equation (time independent); Interpretation of wave function, particle in one- dimensional box, quantum numbers, hydrogen atom wave functions; Shapes of s, p, and d orbitals.
  • Chemical bonding
  1. Ionic bond, characteristics of ionic compounds, lattice energy, Born-Haber cycle; covalent bond and its general characteristics, polarities of bonds in molecules and their dipole moments; Valence bond theory, the concept of resonance and resonance energy; Molecular orbital theory (LCAO method); bonding H2 +, H2 He2 to Ne2, NO, CO, HF, CN–, Comparison of valence bond and molecular orbital theories, bond order, bond strength, and bond length.
  • Solid State
  1. Crystal systems; Designation of crystal faces, lattice structures, and unit cell; Bragg’s law; X-ray diffraction by crystals; Close packing, radius ratio rules, calculation of some limiting radius ratio values; Structures of NaCl, ZnS, CsCl, CaF2; Stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric defects, impurity defects, semiconductors.
  • Gaseous State and Transport Phenomenon
  1. Equation of state for real gases, intermolecular interactions, critical phenomena, and liquefaction of gases; Maxwell’s distribution of speeds, intermolecular collisions, collisions on the wall and effusion; Thermal conductivity and viscosity of ideal gases.
  • Liquid State
  1. Kelvin equation; Surface tension and surface energy, wetting and contact angle, interfacial tension, and capillary action.
  • Thermodynamics
  1. Work, heat, and internal energy; first law of thermodynamics.
  2. Second law of thermodynamics; entropy as a state function, entropy changes in various processes, entropy-reversibility and irreversibility, Free energy functions; Thermodynamic equation of state; Maxwell relations; Temperature, volume and pressure dependence of U, H, A, G, Cp, and Cv, and; J-T effect and inversion temperature; criteria for equilibrium, relation between equilibrium constant and thermodynamic quantities; Nernst heat theorem, the introductory idea of the third law of thermodynamics
  • Phase Equilibria And Solutions 
  1. Clausius-Clapeyron equation; phase diagram for a pure substance; phase equilibria in binary systems, partially miscible liquids—upper and lower critical solution temperatures; partial molar quantities, their significance and determination; excess thermodynamic functions and their determination
  • Electrochemistry
  1. Debye-Huckel theory of strong electrolytes and Debye-Huckel limiting Law for various equilibrium and transport properties
  2. Galvanic cells, concentration cells; electrochemical series, measurement of e.m.f. of cells and its applications fuel cells and batteries
  3. Processes at electrodes; double layer at the interface; rate of charge transfer, current density; overpotential; electroanalytical techniques: amperometry, ion selective electrodes, and their uses
  • Chemical Kinetics
  1. Differential and integral rate equations for zeroth, first, second, and fractional order reactions; Rate equations involving reverse, parallel, consecutive, and chain reactions; Branching chain and explosions; effect of temperature and pressure on rate constant. Study of fast reactions by stop-flow and relaxation methods. Collisions and transition state theories
  • Photochemistry
  1. Absorption of light; decay of excited state by different routes; photochemical reactions between hydrogen and halogens and their quantum yields
  • Surface Phenomena and Catalysis
  1. Adsorption from gases and solutions on solid adsorbents; Langmuir and B.E.T. adsorption isotherms; determination of surface area, characteristics, and mechanism of reaction on heterogeneous catalysts.
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  1. Metal ions in biological systems and their role in ion transport across the membranes (molecular mechanism), oxygen-uptake proteins, cytochrome, and ferredoxins.
  • Coordination Chemistry
  1. Bonding in the transition of metal complexes. Valence bond theory, crystal field theory, and its modifications; applications of theories in the explanation of magnetism and electronic spectra of metal complexes.
  2. Isomerism in coordination compounds; IUPAC nomenclature of coordination compounds; stereochemistry of complexes with 4 and 6 coordination numbers; chelate effect and polynuclear complexes; trans effect and its theories; kinetics of substitution reactions in square-planar complexes; thermodynamic and kinetic stability of complexes.
  3. EAN rule, Synthesis structure and reactivity of metal carbonyls; carboxylate anions, carbonyl hydrides, and metal nitrosyl compounds.
  4. Complexes with aromatic systems, synthesis, structure, and bonding in metal olefin complexes, alkyne complexes, and cyclopentadienyl complexes; coordinative unsaturation, oxidative addition reactions, insertion reactions, fluxional molecules, and their characterization; Compounds with metal—metal bonds and metal atom clusters.
  • Main Group Chemistry
  1. Boranes, borazines, phosphazenes, cyclic phosphazene, silicates, silicones, Interhalogen compounds; Sulphur—nitrogen compounds; noble gas compounds.
  • General Chemistry of ‘f’ Block Element
  1. Lanthanides and actinides: separation, oxidation states, magnetic and spectral properties; lanthanide contraction.

Chemistry Optional Exam Pattern for UPSC Mains

The exam pattern for the Chemistry Optional in the UPSC Mains Exam is designed as follows:

  • The Chemistry Optional in the UPSC Mains Exam comprises two papers (Paper-1 and Paper-2), with each paper carrying 250 marks, totaling 500 marks for the optional subject.
  • In each of the papers, candidates are required to attempt a total of FIVE questions. Questions 1 and 5 are compulsory in each paper. 
  • Candidates must choose and answer THREE additional questions from the remaining ones. It is mandatory to select at least one question from each section within the paper.

For those selecting Chemistry as an optional subject in the UPSC exam, having the right books is crucial for a thorough understanding of the subject and covering the syllabus effectively. Chemistry, with its branches of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, requires a diverse set of books to cover the entire scope. Below is a curated list of essential books for Chemistry Optional Paper I and Paper II, aimed at assisting candidates in their preparation.

Chemistry Optional Books: Paper I

S.No. Book Author(s)
1 Physical Chemistry P.W. Atkins
2 Concise Inorganic Chemistry J.D. Lee
3 Organic Chemistry Morrison & Boyd
4 Quantum Chemistry Ira N. Levine
5 Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis Richard I. Masel
6 Solid State Chemistry and its Applications Anthony R. West
7 Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds P.S. Kalsi

Chemistry Optional Books: Paper II

S.No. Book Author(s)
1 Advanced Organic Chemistry Francis A. Carey & Sundberg
2 Inorganic Chemistry C. Housecroft & A.G. Sharpe
3 The Elements of Physical Chemistry P.W. Atkins
4 Modern Electrochemistry John O’M. Bockris & Amulya K.N. Reddy
5 Molecular Quantum Mechanics Atkins & Friedman
6 Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach Stuart Warren & Paul Wyatt
7 Industrial Chemicals W.L. Faith, D.B. Keyes & R.L. Clark

Chemistry Optional Strategies for UPSC CSE Preparation

To excel in Chemistry optional, developing a focused and strategic preparation plan is crucial to effectively cover the extensive syllabus. Here are some tailored strategies and tips designed to help you succeed in Chemistry as your optional subject:

  • Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Start your preparation by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II. 
  • Establish Clear Concepts: Chemistry is a subject deeply rooted in fundamental principles across its various branches, including Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. It’s imperative to build a strong conceptual understanding of these areas, as they are essential for tackling both theoretical questions and practical applications.
  • Utilize Quality Reference Books: Opting for authoritative and well-regarded texts in the field of Chemistry will ensure you have access to in-depth knowledge and critical insights necessary for the exam.
  • Make Your Own Notes for Revision Purpose: Crafting personalized notes is invaluable for efficient revision. 
  • Practice with Previous Year’s Papers: Engaging with past years’ question papers is a strategic way to familiarize yourself with the UPSC’s questioning pattern, the marking scheme, and the expected level of application. 
  • Prioritize Revision and Answer-Writing Practice: Consistent revision is crucial for keeping the broad syllabus of Chemistry active in your memory. 
  • Attempt Full-Length Tests: Participating in test series or practicing full-length tests under exam-like conditions can be a game-changer. 

Previous Year Question Papers for Chemistry Optional

The table below contains the direct PDF links of the Previous Year Question Papers of Chemistry Optional Paper I and Paper II:

UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2023
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2023) UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2023)
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2022
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2022) UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2022)
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2021
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2021) UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2021)
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2020
UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2020) UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2020)

 

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

 

UPSC Chemistry Syllabus FAQs

The Chemistry Optional encompasses a wide range of topics across three main branches: Physical Chemistry (covering thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, etc.), Organic Chemistry (including reaction mechanisms, biomolecules, and synthetic applications), and Inorganic Chemistry (which covers chemical bonding, coordination compounds, organometallics, etc.) for both Paper I and Paper II.

Chemistry Optional offers a logical and scientific approach to problem-solving, which can be advantageous in the UPSC exam. It provides a strong foundation in scientific concepts relevant to environmental, technological, and public health issues, enhancing an aspirant's performance in both the mains and interview stages. The precise and objective nature of the subject allows for clear, concise answers that can help in scoring well.

Important books for Paper I include "Physical Chemistry" by P.W. Atkins, "Concise Inorganic Chemistry" by J.D. Lee, and "Organic Chemistry" by Morrison & Boyd. These texts offer comprehensive coverage of the fundamental and advanced topics necessary for the UPSC syllabus.

The Chemistry Optional consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. Candidates are required to attempt five questions, with questions 1 and 5 being compulsory in each paper. There is a choice among the remaining questions, with at least one question to be attempted from each section.

Key strategies include a deep understanding of the syllabus, building a strong conceptual foundation across all branches of chemistry, referring to recommended textbooks and resources, making personalized notes for revision, practicing extensively with PYQs, focusing on revision and answer-writing, and engaging in full-length mock tests under exam conditions. These approaches help in consolidating knowledge and improving exam performance.
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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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