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UPSC Medical Science is among the 48 optional subjects offered by the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Know more about the subject, including its syllabus, strategies, pros & cons.
authorImageAnil Solonki4 Apr, 2024
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Medical Science Syllabus for UPSC

UPSC Medical Science Optional : The Medical Science Optional provides an opportunity for candidates with a background or interest in medicine and allied fields to leverage their expertise and excel in the examination. It is one of the 48 optional UPSC IAS Mains exam papers, comprising two papers - Paper I & Paper II , each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks out of a total of 1750 marks of the UPSC mains exam.

Therefore, choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination is a critical decision that can significantly impact a candidate's overall performance and ranking . So, if you are also going to appear for the UPSC Mains exam and wondering which subject to select, explore the key insights of UPSC Medical Science optional, along with the syllabus , pros and cons , recommended books , and strategies to prepare effectively for this paper.

UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus For IAS Mains

The Medical Science optional syllabus equips aspirants with the knowledge required to tackle medical-related questions in the UPSC examinations effectively. The syllabus is divided into two papers, Paper I and Paper II . Here's a detailed overview of the UPSC Medical Science optional syllabus for each paper:

UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus for Paper I

Paper I of the Medical Science optional covers fundamental concepts and principles of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and forensic medicine. Candidates can expect questions from the following topics:
1. Human Anatomy
  • Applied anatomy including blood and nerve supply of upper and lower limbs and joints of shoulder, hip and knee.
  • Gross anatomy, blood supply and lymphatic drainage of tongue, thyroid, mammary gland, stomach, liver, prostate, gonads and uterus.
  • Applied anatomy of the diaphragm, perineum and inguinal region.
  • Clinical anatomy of kidney, urinary bladder, uterine tubes, vas deferens.
  • Embryology: Placenta and placental barrier. Development of heart, gut, and kidney. uterus, ovary, testis and their common congenital abnormalities.
  • Central and Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: Gross and clinical anatomy of ventricles of the brain, circulation of cerebrospinal fluid; Neural pathways and lesions of cutaneous sensations, hearing and vision; Cranial nerves distribution and clinical significance; Components of the autonomic nervous system.
2. Human Physiology
  • Conduction and transmission of impulse, mechanism of contraction, neuromuscular transmission, reflexes,
control of equilibrium, posture and muscle tone, descending pathways, functions of the cerebellum, basal ganglia, Physiology of sleep and consciousness.
  • Endocrine System: Mechanism of action of hormones; formation, secretion, transport, metabolism, function and regulation of secretion of pancreas and pituitary gland.
  • Physiology of Reproductive System: Pregnancy menstrual cycle, lactation, pregnancy.
  • Blood: Development, regulation and fate of blood cells. Cardio-vascular, cardiac output, blood pressure, regulation of cardiovascular functions.
3. Biochemistry
  • Organ function tests—liver, kidney, thyroid Protein synthesis, Vitamins and minerals,
  • Restriction fragment length,
  • polymorphism (RFLP),
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Radio-immunoassays (RIA).
4. Pathology
  • 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
  • Humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
  • Diseases caused by and laboratory diagnosis of —
    • Meningococcus, Saimonella
    • Shigella, Herpes, Dengue, Polio
    • HIV/AIDS, Malaria, E. Histolytica, Giardia
    • Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus.
6. Pharmacology
  • Mechanism of action and side effects of the following drugs :
    • Antipyretics and analgesics, Antibiotics,
    • Antimalaria, Antikala-azar, Antidiabetics,
    • Antihypertensive, Antidiuretics, General and cardiac vasodilators, Antiviral, Antiparasitic, Antifungal, Immunosuppressants,
    • Anticancer.
7. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
  • Forensic examination of injuries and wounds; Examination of blood and seminal stains; Poisoning, sedative overdose, hanging, drowning, burns, DNA and fingerprint study.

UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus for Paper II

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

Medical Science Optional UPSC Exam Pattern

The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers Medical Science as one of its optional subjects, comprising two papers, Paper I and Paper II. These papers are among the nine detailed papers in the UPSC Mains examination. Get key highlights of the optional UPSC exam structure for Medical Science from below:
Particular Details
Mains Paper Paper VI and Paper VII
Subjects Medical Science Optional Paper-I Medical Science Optional Paper-II
Total Marks 500 (250 Each)
Time allowed 3 Hours for each paper
Sections Section A and Section B
Questions Total 8 questions with subparts
Compulsory Question Question No. 1 and 5
Marks Distribution 10, 15, and 20 marker questions

Pros and Cons of Medical Science Optional UPSC Subject

Opting for Medical Science as an optional subject in the UPSC examination comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here's a look at the pros and cons of choosing Medical Science as an optional subject:

Pros of UPSC Medical Science Optional Subject:

  • Candidates with a background in medicine or allied fields have a natural advantage in understanding and mastering the subject.
  • The syllabus overlaps with topics covered in the general studies papers, providing a holistic approach to preparation.
  • Medical Science is a scoring subject for the candidates with a thorough understanding of the concepts.
  • Studying Medical Science enhances candidates' knowledge and understanding of health-related issues, which is beneficial for future administrators.

Cons of UPSC Medical Science Optional Subject:

  • The syllabus is vast which requires comprehensive preparation and in-depth understanding of multiple disciplines within medicine.
  • Candidates without a background in medicine may find certain topics challenging to grasp.
  • The dynamic nature of medical science necessitates keeping stay updated on recent developments and advancements, which can add to the preparation workload.

Strategic Approach to Prepare for  UPSC Medical Science Optional

Preparing for the Medical Science optional requires a systematic and focused approach. Here are some strategies to help candidates prepare effectively for the examination:
  • Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC Medical Science optional syllabus and identify key areas of focus.
  • Select the Right Resources: Choose standard textbooks and online UPSC courses recommended by experts in the field. You can use UPSC medical science optional solved papers to practice well.
  • Make Notes: Create concise notes summarizing important concepts, diagrams, and clinical correlations to aid in revision.
  • Practice Answer Writing: Regularly practice writing answers to previous years' question papers and online UPSC mock tests to improve time management and answer presentation skills.
  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of recent developments and advancements in the field of medicine through journals, websites, and other reliable sources.
  • Revise Regularly: Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and ensure retention.

Medical Science Optional Question Paper

Previous year's question papers in Medical Science are invaluable resources for candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. You can analyze these papers to get better insights into the subject's requirements and highlights. Here are the links to download the previous year's Medical Science optional question papers:
Paper Year Download Link
Medical Science Optional Paper I 2022 Link
Medical Science Optional Paper II 2022 Link
Medical Science Optional Paper I 2021 Link
Medical Science Optional Paper II 2021 Link
Medical Science Optional Paper I 2020 Link
Medical Science Optional Paper II 2020 Link

Medical Science Optional UPSC Books for IAS Mains

Selecting the right books and study materials is crucial for effective preparation. Here's a list of recommended UPSC Medical Science optional UPSC books to help candidates prepare for the examination:

UPSC Medical Science For Paper I

  • Anatomy: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, Gray's Anatomy for Students.
  • Physiology: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology.
  • Biochemistry: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry.
  • Pathology: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Goljan Rapid Review Pathology.
  • Pharmacology: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics.
  • Microbiology: Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, Murray's Medical Microbiology.
  • Forensic Medicine: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by V.V. Pillay, Modi's Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology.

UPSC Medical Science For Paper II

  • Clinical Medicine: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine.
  • Surgery: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, Schwartz's Principles of Surgery.
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology.
  • Pediatrics: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Ghai Essential Pediatrics.
  • Preventive and Social Medicine: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, Public Health and Community Medicine by Rajvir Bhalwar.
  • Psychiatry: Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, Essentials of Psychiatry by Neel Burton.
  • Radiology: Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology by William E. Brant and Clyde A. Helms, Radiology Review Manual by Wolfgang Dahnert.

Other Important Links

UPSC 2024 Exam Date UPSC Eligibility Criteria
Online UPSC Coaching Batches UPSC Prelims Syllabus
UPSC 2024 Mains Syllabus UPSC Application Form Guide

Medical Science Syllabus for UPSC 2024 FAQs

Is Medical Science a scoring subject in UPSC Mains?

Yes, Medical Science is considered a high-scoring optional subject in the UPSC examination for candidates with a strong understanding of medical concepts and principles.

How can I balance preparation for Medical Science optional and UPSC prelims?

Balancing preparation for both Medical Science optional and UPSC prelims requires effective time management and prioritization. Start by covering common topics in both syllabi, then allocate specific time for focused preparation for each exam.

Can I choose Medical Science optional subject without a background in medicine?

While having a background in medicine or allied fields is advantageous, candidates from other backgrounds can also opt for Medical Science as an optional subject. However, they may need to put in extra effort to grasp the concepts and cover the syllabus comprehensively.

What's the difficulty level of the Medical Science optional in UPSC?

The difficulty level of the Medical Science optional is often considered slightly lower than the professional MBBS exam. 

How to prepare for Medical Science optional in 6 months?

Candidates can prepare well by adopting a strategic approach, including understanding the syllabus, selecting the right resources, and regular practice.
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