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UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper: Strategies, Trends, and Success Insights

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Unlock Success Strategies, Trends, and Insights for UPSC Chemistry Optional. Access 2018-2022 Question Papers for Effective Prep. Assess Pros and Cons Before Choosing Chemistry as Your Optional Subject.

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper: Strategies, Trends, and Success Insights

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper: Optimal Strategies and Chemistry Optional Analysis

The UPSC IFS mains include a total of six papers with a total of 1400 marks. Out of 6 papers  one paper is of English and one on General Knowledge. The remaining four papers (Paper I, Paper II, Paper III and Paper IV) cover optional subjects that candidates have chosen during the application form filling process. Although Paper I and Paper II have a maximum of 300 marks each, the remaining 800 marks of the mains examination depend on the optional subjects. It becomes very crucial to choose the right optional subject and adopt the right strategy so that candidates can score as much as possible. So in this article we will first explore the importance and weightage of optionals, and then we will analyze UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper.

 

Download IFS 2023 Chemistry Optional Paper-01
Download IFS 2023 Chemistry Optional Paper-02

 

Key Role of Optional Subjects in UPSC IFS Mains: Aiming for Success

In UPSC IFS mains examination  candidates have to choose two optional subjects from the list specified in the official notification unlike UPSC IAS mains exam in which candidate has to choose only one optional subject. In IFS exam optional subjects have very high scoring potential because after Paper I and Paper II which consist of  600 marks optional have 800 marks so here optional plays a decisive role in determining your selection as well as to achieve a good rank.

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper

It is evident that in the entire selection process, the optional subject plays a crucial role in preparing for the UPSC IFS exam, as it accounts for almost 48% of the total marks. This substantial portion contributes significantly to the overall evaluation of the entire exam.

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper

Upon further magnification, we can conclude that in the IFS mains examination, the optional section carries almost 58% of the total mains marks. Therefore, scoring well in the optional section, along with Paper I and Paper II, will result in higher overall marks in the exam.

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper Format: Strategies for Success

  • UPSC Chemistry Optional Subjects (Papers III, IV, V and VI): Choosing Chemistry  Optional Subjects for Papers III-VI
    • Candidates have the flexibility to choose optional subjects based on their preferences and expertise. 
    • These selections play an important role in Papers III,IV,V and VI shaping the content and focus of these segments.
    • Understanding each paper and how optional subjects fit in helps you get ready for the UPSC IFS Mains Exam.
    • Total number of questions in the question papers of optional subjects will be eight. 
    • Every question alloted equal marks. Each paper will be divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, each part containing four questions. 
    • Out of eight questions, five questions are to be attempted. One question in each part will be compulsory. Candidates will be required to answer three more questions out of the remaining six questions, taking at least one question from each Part. 
    • In this way, at least two questions will be attempted from each Part i.e. one compulsory question plus one more.

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper: Chemistry Optional Papers I & II Guide

In the UPSC IFS Mains examination, UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper include two papers, specifically Paper I and Paper II. Each of these papers have a maximum weightage of 200 marks, which makes a total of 400 marks for this optional subject. Among the various optional subjects mentioned by UPSC in IFS, Chemistry is one of the 14 optional subjects available to candidates.

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper Syllabus of UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper
Paper I of UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper
  1. Atomic structure Quantum theory, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Schrödinger 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.
  2. Chemical bonding Ionic bond, characteristics of ionic compounds, factors affecting stability 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, concept of resonance and resonance energy. Molecular orbital theory (LCAO method); bonding in homonuclear molecules: H2+, H2 to Ne2, NO, CO, HF, CN, CN-, BeH2 and CO2. Comparison of valence bond and molecular oribtal theories, bond order, bond strength and bond length.
  3. SOLID STATE Forms of solids, law of constancy of interfacial angles, crystal systems and crystal classes (crystallographic groups). Designation of crystal faces, lattice structures and unit cell. Laws of rational indices. 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, CdI2 and rutile. Imperfections in crystals, stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric defects, impurity defects, semi-conductors. Elementary study of liquid crystals.
  4. The gaseous state Equation of state for real gases, intermolecular interactions, liquification of gases and critical phenomena, Maxwell’s distribution of speeds, intermolecular collisions, collisions on the wall and effusion.
  5. Thermodynamics and statistical thermodynamics Thermodynamic systems, states and processes, work, heat and internal energy; first law of thermodynamics, work done on the systems and heat absorbed in different types of processes; calorimetry, energy and enthalpy changes in various processes and their temperature dependence. Second law of thermodynamics; entropy as a state function, entropy changes in various process, entropy-reversibility and irreversibility, Free energy functions; criteria for equilibrium, relation between equilibrium constant and thermodynamic quantities; Nernst heat theorem and third law of thermodynamics. Micro and macro states; canonical ensemble and canonical partition function; electronic, rotational and vibrational partition functions and thermodynamic quantities; chemical equilibrium in ideal gas reactions.
  6. Phase equilibria and solutions Phase equilibria in pure substances; 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.  
  7. Electrochemistry: Debye-Huckel theory of strong electrolytes and Debye-Huckel limiting Law for various equilibrium and transport properties. Galvanic cells, concentration cells; electrochemical series, measurement of e.m.f. of cells and its applications fuel cells and batteries. Processes at electrodes; double layer at the interface; rate of charge transfer, current density; overpotential; electroanalytical techniques-voltametry, polarography, amperometry, cyclic-voltametry, ion selective electrodes and their use.
  8. Chemical kinetics Concentration dependence of rate of reaction; defferential and integral rate equations for zeroth, first, second and fractional order reactions. Rate equations involving reverse, parallel, consecutive and chain reactions; effect of temperature and pressure on rate constant. Study of fast reactions by stop-flow and relaxation methods. Collisions and transition state theories.
  9. Photochemistry Absorption of light; decay of excited state by different routes; photochemical reactions between hydrogen and halogens and their quantum yields.
  10. Surface phenomena and catalysis Adsorption from gages and solutions on solid adsorbents, adsorption isothermsLangmuir and B.E.T. isotherms; determination of surface area, characteristics and mechanism of reaction on heterogeneous catalysts.
  11. Bio-inorganic chemistry Metal ions in biological systems and their role in ion-transport across the membranes (molecular mechanism), ionophores, photosynthesis-PSI, PSII; nitrogen fixation, oxygen-uptake proteins, cytochromes and ferredoxins.
  12. Coordination chemistry
    1. Electronic configurations; introduction to theories of bonding in transition metal complexes. Valence bond theory, crystal field theory and its modifications; applications of theories in the explanation of magnetism and electronic spactra 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-planer complexes; thermodynamic and kinetic stability of complexes.
    3. Synthesis and structures 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.
  13. General chemistry of ‘f’ block elements Lanthanides and actinides; separation, oxidation states, magnetic and spectral properties; lanthanide contraction.
  14. Non-Aqueous Solvents Reactions in liquid NH3, HF, SO2 and H2SO4. Failure of solvent system concept, coordination model of non-aqueous solvents. Some highly acidic media, fluorosulphuric acid and super acids.
Paper II of UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper
  1. Delocalised covalent bonding : Aromaticity, anti-aromaticity; annulenes, azulenes, tropolones, kekulene, fulvenes, sydnones. 
    1. Reaction mechanisms : General methods (both kinetic and non-kinetic) of study of mechanism or organic reactions illustrated by examples-use of isotopes, cross-over experiment, intermediate trapping, stereochemistry; energy diagrams of simple organic reactions-transition states and intermediates; energy of activation; thermodynamic control and kinetic control of reactions.
    2. Reactive intermediates : Generation, geometry, stability and reactions of carbonium and carbanium ions, carbanions, free radicals, carbenes, benzynes and niternes.
    3. Substitution reactions : SN1, SN2, SNi, SN1′, SN2′, SNi’ and SRN1 mechanisms; neighbouring group participation; electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions of aromatic compound including simple heterocyclic compounds-pyrrole, thiophene, indole.
    4. Elimination reactions : E1, E2 and E1cb mechanisms; orientation in E2 reactions-Saytzeff and Hoffmann; pyrolytic syn elimination-acetate pyrolysis, Chugaev and Cope eliminations.
    5. Additional reactions : Electrophilic addition to C=C and C=C; nucleophilic addition to C=O, C=N, conjugated olefins and carbonyls.
    6. Rearrangements : Pinacol-pinacolune, Hoffmann, Beckmann, Baeyer-Villiger, Favorskii, Fries, Claisen, Cope, Stevens and Wagner-Meerwein rearrangements. 
  3. Pericyclic reactions : Classification and examples; Woodward-Hoffmann rulesclectrocyclic reactions, cycloaddition reactions [2+2 and 4+2] and sigmatropic shifts [1, 3; 3, 3 and 1, 5] FMO approach.
  4. Chemistry and mechanism of reactions : Aldol condensation (including directed aldol condensation), Claisen condensation, Dieckmann, Perkin, Knoevenagel, Witting, Clemmensen, Wolff-Kishner, Cannizzaro and von Richter reactions; Stobbe, benzoin and acyloin condensations; Fischer indole synthesis, Skraup synthesis, BischlerNapieralski, Sandmeyer, Reimer-Tiemann and Reformatsky reactions.
  5. Polymeric Systems
    1. Physical chemistry of polymers : Polymer solutions and their thermodynamic properties; number and weight average molecular weights of polymers. Determination of molecular weights by sedimentation, light scattering, osmotic pressure, viscosity, end group analysis methods.
    2. Preparation and properties of polymers : Organic polymers-polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon, nylon, terylene, synthetic and natural rubber. Inorganic polymers-phosphonitrilic halides, borazines, silicones and silicates.
    3. Biopolymers : Basic bonding in proteins, DNA and RNA. 6. Synthetic uses of reagents : OsO4, HIO4, CrO3, Pb(OAc)4, SeO2, NBS, B2H6, NaLiquid NH3, LiA1H4, NaBH4 n-BuLi, MCPBA. 7. Photochemistry : Photochemical reactions of simple organic compounds, excited and ground states, singlet and triplet states, Norrish-Type I and Type II reactions.
  6. Principles of spectroscopy and applications in structure elucidation.
    1. Rotational spectra-diatomic molecules; isotopic substitution and rotational constants.
    2. Vibrational spectra-diatomic molecules, linear triatomic molecules, specific frequencies of functional groups in polyatomic molecules.
    3. Electronic spectra : Singlet and triplet states. N->π* and π->π* transitions; application to conjugated double bonds and conjugated carbonyls-Woodward-Fieser rules.
    4. Nuclear magnetic resonance : Isochronous and anisochronous protons; chemical shift and coupling constants; Application of H1 NMR to simple organic molecules.
    5. Mass spectra : Parent peak, base peak, daughter peak, metastable peak, fragmentation of simple organic molecules; £-cleavage, McLafferty rearrangement. 
    6. Electron spin resonance : Inorganic complexes and free radicals. 

 

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Papers 2018-2022: Download PDFs for Effective Preparation

UPSC Chemistry Optional Question Papers from 2018 to 2022 are readily available for aspirants seeking to enhance their preparation. We provided access to the UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation.

Year  Paper of UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper
UPSC IFS Chemistry Optional Question Paper  2018 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Chemistry Optional Question Paper 2019 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Chemistry Optional Question Paper 2020 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Chemistry Optional Question Paper 2021 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Chemistry Optional Question Paper 2022 Download Paper I

Download Paper II

 

UPSC IFS Mains Chemistry Exam 2023 Overview: Optimize Success with Chemistry Optional paper

Candidates appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) IFS examination must make a thoughtful decision while selecting their optional subject, as it holds substantial weightage in the evaluation process. With a total of 800 marks allotted, the optional subject carry approximately 48% of the combined marks for both the written exam and the personality test (interview).

UPSC Chemistry Optional Success Rates in IFS Exam: A Comprehensive View

The table below offers a comprehensive overview of the success rate achieved by candidates who opted for UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper as their optional.

Year Number of Candidates for UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper
Appeared in Interview Recommended Passing (%)
2015 14 7 50
2016 18 8 44.4
2017 18 9 50
2018 22 8 36.4
2019 8 1 12.5
2020 12 6 50

 

UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper

By examining the past papers of the Chemistry Optional, we can identify a trend in the types of questions asked. There is also a noticeable shift in the themes of the questions. Understanding the UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper Trend Analysis is advantageous, as it allows candidates to streamline their preparation effectively and enhance their performance in this optional subject.

  • Shift towards In-Depth Knowledge: Environment and Diversity
    • According to the recent previous year question papers, the exam may test candidates’ depth of knowledge in various topics like, biochemistry, physiology, diversity conservation etc.
  • Influence of Previous Year Papers: Learn from Past Papers for Higher Scores
    • Many questions are indirectly related to topics previously asked in the preceding years. Therefore, solving questions from previous years will undoubtedly help candidates score well.
  • Current Affairs Impact on Optional Papers: Impact on Optional Paper Questions
    • In recent years, questions have been posed with relevance to current affairs topics. 
  • Back to the Basics Approach: UPSC Chemistry Question Paper Fundamental Advantage
    • In past Chemistry optional papers, questions haven’t been excessively difficult or beyond the syllabus. Candidates can score well if they have a command over the syllabus and a clear understanding of the subject’s basic fundamentals.

Pros of opting Chemistry as an optional Subject: A Strategic Choice for Exam Success

  • Prior Knowledge
    • If Candidate has a background in chemistry or has prior knowledge of chemistry then  choosing Chemistry as an optional can leverage your existing knowledge, making the preparation process more manageable. 
  • Syllabus alignment  with General Studies Paper
    • There is an overlap between the Chemistry optional syllabus and the general studies papers, especially in the domain of science and technology, geography and biochemistry; this overlap facilitates candidate’s preparation for the exam.
  • High Scoring Potential
    • Chemistry is often known as a good scoring optional subject. The questions are generally straightforward and to the point, and candidates with a good understanding of the subject can secure high marks.

Cons of opting as an Optional Subject: Syllabus, Complexity, and Career

  • Vast and detailed syllabus- The syllabus for chemistry considered to be vast and detailed like civil engineering. This might require a significant amount of time and effort to cover all the topics comprehensively.
  • Interest Factor: If Candidate does not have a genuine interest in Chemistry then it is advised to not go with this subject as it may become challenging to stay motivated and consistently prepare for it.
  • Complex concept- Some candidates find the theoretical and mathematical aspects of chemistry challenging. If Candidates are not comfortable with these aspects, it could pose a difficulty during the preparation and examination.

Please note that before selecting Chemistry Paper as your optional subject, carefully weigh these disadvantages against the advantages and consider your own background, interests, and the time you can dedicate to preparation.

Booklist for Chemistry Optional Paper

  • Atomic Structure by Principle of physical chemistry by Puri, Sharma & Pathwa 
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee 
  • Physical Chemistry by Ira N. Levine
  • Chemical Periodicity, Chemical bonding,Coordination compound by Maden, Malik, Tuli 
  • Theoretical principles of inorganic chemistry by G.S. Manku, 
  • Extradiction of metals, Principle of inorganic chemistry by Puri, Sharma, Jauhar. 
  • Rest all the chapters – An advanced inorganic chemistry by J.D. Lee 
  • Pollution and its control – A text book of environmental chemistry and pollution by S.S. Dara.
  • Principles of Physical Chemistry (Gaseous state, Thermodynamics, Phase rule, solutions, Colligative properties, Electro Chemistry, Catalysis, Colloids)  by Puri, Sharma & Pathawa
  • Chemical kinetics – Advance physical chemistry by Gurdeep Raj
  • Photo chScoring in any subject depends on many factors like availability of resources, guidance, prior knowledge and right strategy. If candidates have all these options accessible then yes any subject is scoring.emistry – A textbook of physical chemistry (Vol. – IV) by K.L. Kapoor
  • Advance physical chemistry by Gurdeep Raj
  • Bonding and shape of organic molecules, Stereochemistry of carbon compound – Reactions and reagents by O.P. Agarwal
  • A guide to mechanism in organic chemistry by Peter Sykes
  • Rest all the chapters – A textbook of organic chemistry by Bahl & Bahl
  • Environmental Chemistry by Stanley E. Manahan 
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

 

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UPSC IFoS Chemistry Optional Paper FAQs

There are a total 14 subjects mentioned in the official notification for IFoS main optional Papers.

Syllabus of chemical engineering optional paper is same to some extent but more than half of the syllabus is different.

There are two papers of optional subjects Paper III, Paper IV, Paper V, Paper VI.

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