
MPSC Rajyaseva Prelims 2026, scheduled for 31 May, demands a smart and focused preparation strategy, especially for General Science. With around 20 questions in Paper 1, this section can significantly impact your overall score.
Many aspirants struggle to identify what to study and what to skip. General Science is divided into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with Biology carrying the highest weightage. Understanding the most important topics and preparing them strategically can help you maximise accuracy and boost your chances of clearing the prelims.
Find the most important General Science topics for the MPSC Rajyaseva exam.
Biology is a high-weightage section. Focus areas include Human Anatomy, Hygiene, Diseases, Plant and Animal Classification, and Nutrition. Students need to prepare these in detail to succeed in answering the questions in the examination.
Study the causative agents, treatments, and vaccination programs for human diseases. Knowledge of recombinant vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, is also important. The MPSC generally questions Plant Diseases more frequently than human diseases.
This topic covers carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, including their sources and functions. A deep understanding of Vitamins (types, sources, functions, and deficiency diseases) is essential. Malnutrition types like Marasmus and Kwashiorkor have also appeared in recent examinations, reflecting common health issues.
This is a most important topic, with a 99% chance of questions from one of its systems. Aspirants must prepare this area thoroughly. Coverage includes:
Respiration: Lungs and their function.
Circulation: Heart structure, blood vessels, and their functions.
Excretion: Kidney structure and function.
Digestion: Liver, intestine, and stomach structure and function.
Reproduction.
Control & Coordination: Brain and nervous system.
Hormones: A most probable area for questions, covering their origin of secretion, role, and functions.
Focus on basic understanding of cell types (Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells), DNA and RNA structure and function, and chromosome structure. A recent question addressed Eukaryotic cells.
These are among the most important topics in Biology, almost always featuring in the exam. Thorough preparation of classification is mandatory. Key areas include:
Systems of Classification: Two-Kingdom (Carolus Linnaeus) and Five-Kingdom (R.H. Whittaker).
Groups: All groups within these systems.
Examples: Specific examples for each group.
Characteristics: Common and specific features.
Related Diseases: If any, associated with specific groups.
Animal Classification: Cordates and Non-cordates (including their ten phyla and 6-7 groups of cordates, along with their subgroups and scientific names).
While genetics touches upon DNA/RNA structure (covered in Cell Biology), Biotechnology focuses on modern techniques and their applications. Genetically Modified Crops like Golden Rice, BT Cotton, and BT Brinjal are currently relevant and important topics.
Emphasis here is on Biofertilisers and, particularly, Plant Diseases, which are very important and frequently questioned by the MPSC.
Study blood, bones, and muscles as key animal tissues.
Based on previous MPSC Rajyaseva and Combined exam papers, five topics are most frequently asked and must not be skipped. These five topics (Optics, Electricity, Heat, Sound, and Radioactivity) require perfect preparation.
This includes all concepts, previous year questions (PYQs), and numericals, as mathematical problems are common in the Rajyaseva exam.
Covers all characteristics of light and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Questions on electricity are almost always asked.
These five topics (Optics, Electricity, Heat, Sound, and Radioactivity) require perfect preparation. This includes all concepts, previous year questions (PYQs), and numericals, as mathematical problems are common in the Rajyaseva exam.
6. Gravitation
Focus on force and gravitation concepts.
Many questions on Pressure have been asked recently, making this a high-priority topic. Key concepts include Bernoulli's Principle, Pascal's Law, and the relationship between Density and Pressure.
Chemistry questions have been increasing, with some exams featuring 7-8 questions, including numericals. Students are advised to understand both basic and applied aspects thoroughly. Focus on Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Acids/Bases/Salts, and Carbon compounds.
This is the most important topic, and along with Metals and Non-metals, accounts for the highest number of questions. Key areas include:
Atomic Theories: Dalton's, Rutherford's, Thomson's, Bohr's, and Chadwick's theories.
Concepts: Atomic number, atomic mass, and electron configuration.
Related Terms: Isotopes, Isobars, and Isotones.
This topic must be perfectly prepared to ensure accuracy.
This is also a most important topic, with a high frequency of questions. Coverage includes:
Important Metals: Iron, Aluminium, Copper.
Minerals/Ores: E.g., Hematite, Magnetite, Limonite, Siderite (for Iron); Bauxite (for Aluminium); and various ores for Copper.
Alloys: Formation, composition, and uses (e.g., Steel, Stainless Steel, Manganese Steel, Brass, Bronze, German Silver).
Study hydrocarbons, classified into Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes. Also, cover aromatic hydrocarbons like Benzene and the uses of hydrocarbons, such as Methane, Methyl Alcohol, and Ethyl Alcohol.
Focus on the theories of acids and bases (Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, Lewis, Pearson's). Understand the definition of pH and the pH scale. For salts, learn their types and common uses in daily life.
This topic is highly relevant. Cover pollution-related concepts, chemical fertilisers, greenhouse gases, and pesticides. A question on pollution and chemical fertilisers is often asked.
Explore the chemistry behind common products like soap, detergents, toothpaste, glass, and plastics. Also, understand the applications of nanotechnology and biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, energy, and genetic modifications.
Integrated within the section, often covering 2–4 questions on Space Technology and Nuclear Science.
1.Space Technology
ISRO Missions: Gaganyaan (Manned mission), Aditya-L1 (Solar), and Chandrayaan-4.
Launch Vehicles: Differences between PSLV (Workhorse), GSLV Mk-III/LVM3 (Heavy lift), and SSLV (Small satellites).
Satellite Systems: NavIC (Indian GPS) and Bhuvan (Geo-portal).
Orbits: LEO (Low Earth), GEO (Geostationary), and SSO (Sun-synchronous).
2. Nuclear Science
India’s 3-Stage Program: Stage 1 (PHWR), Stage 2 (Fast Breeder), Stage 3 (Thorium-based).
Reactors: Key plants like Tarapur, Kaiga, and Jaitapur.
Basics: Nuclear Fission vs. Fusion; Isotopes in medicine (Cobalt-60 for cancer).
3. IT & Emerging Tech
Connectivity: 5G/6G features, Li-Fi (Light-based), and Fiber Optics.
Computing: Supercomputers (PARAM series) and Quantum Computing basics.
New Tech: AI (ChatGPT/Bard), Blockchain, and IoT (Internet of Things).
A balanced approach between conceptual clarity and factual memorisation is required to perform well in the General Science MPSC Rajyaseva. Since the General Science section carries significant weightage, your strategy must prioritise high-yield Biology topics while maintaining a strong grip on current scientific advancements.
Master the State Board Fundamentals: Prioritise Maharashtra State Board (SSC) textbooks from Class 5 to 12. These are the primary sources for MPSC questions, especially for core Biology and Physics concepts.
Focus on High-Yield Biology: Allocate 60% of your science study time to Human Anatomy, Hygiene, and Diseases. MPSC frequently tests classification (Plant/Animal) and nutrition-related facts.
Track ISRO and DRDO Developments: Stay updated on India’s space and defense milestones from the last 18 months. Focus on mission names (e.g., Gaganyaan), launch vehicles used, and the specific purpose of the satellites.
Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Analyse papers from 2021 to 2025 to understand the depth of questions. Notice how the commission often repeats themes, such as the Three-Stage Nuclear Program or periodic table trends.