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UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025, Download Paper 1 and Paper 2 PDF

Candidates must explore the UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus in-depth and understand it thoroughly. Read out the below to get a complete detail on the syllabus and how to prepare it.
authorImageAnil Solonki22 Sept, 2025
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UPSC Botany Syllabus

UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025: UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus comprises two papers, each carrying 250 marks. Candidates appearing for UPSC mains must select optional subjects, and Botany is one of the 26 optional subjects. It is known as ‘ the eldest daughter of medicine ’, which offers a deep understanding of plants. So, if you have selected Botany, then it is crucial for you to understand the UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025. In the section below, we'll provide all about the syllabus, exam papers, and why opting for botany could be your pathway to success.

UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025

The Botany Optional Subject in the civil services examination consists of two papers - Paper I and Paper II, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. In the UPSC Mains, there are nine subjective papers, and candidates can opt for an optional subject. Here, we provide a detailed UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Botany Optional.

UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025 For Paper I

The UPSC Botany Optional for Paper I offers a comprehensive exploration into the world of plants, their biology, physiology, and ecology. This paper is designed to assess an aspirant's understanding and command over the fundamental concepts of Botany, including plant systematics, plant anatomy, and various aspects of plant life. Check the complete UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus For Paper I from below:
UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025 For Paper I
  • Microbiology and Plant Pathology
  • Structure and reproduction/multiplication of viruses, viroids,  bacteria, fungi and mycoplasma; Applications of microbiology in agriculture, industry, medicine and in control of soil and water pollution; Prion and Prion hypothesis.
  • Important crop diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi and nematodes; Modes of infection and dissemination; Molecular basis of infection and disease resistance/defence; Physiology of parasitism and control measures. Fungal toxins. Modelling and disease forecasting; Plant quarantine.
  • Cryptogams
  • Algae, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, pteridophytes-structure and reproduction from evolutionary viewpoint; Distribution of Cryptogams in India and their ecological and economic importance.
  • Phanerogams
  • Gymnosperms : Concept of Progymnosperms. Classification and distribution of gymnosperms.  Salient features of  Cycadales, Ginkgoales, Coniferales and Gnetales, their structure and reproduction.
  • A general account of Cycadofilicales, Bennettitales and Cordiaitailes; Geological time scale; Type of fossils and their study techniques.
  • Angiosperms: Systematics, anatomy, embryology, palynology and phylogeny. Taxonomic hierarchy; International Code of Botanical Nomenclature; Numerical taxonomy and chemotaxonomy; Evidence from anatomy, embryology and palynology.
  • Origin and evolution of angiosperms; Comparative account of various systems of classification of angiosperms; Study of angiospermic families— Mangnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Brassicaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Apiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Verbenaceae, Solanaceae, Rubiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae,  Arecaceae, Liliaceae, Musaceae and Orchidaceae.
  • Stomata and their types; Glandular and non-glandular trichomes; Unusual secondary growth; Anatomy of C3 and C4 plants; Xylem and phloem differentiation; Wood anatomy.
  • Development of male and female gametophytes, pollination, fertilization; Endosperm—its development and function. Patterns of embryo development; Polyembroyony, apomixes; Applications of palynology; Experimental embryology including pollen storage and test-tube fertilization.
  • Plant Resource Development
  • Domestication and introduction of plants; Origin of cultivated plants, Vavilov’s centres of origin. Plants as sources for food, fodder, fibres, spices, beverages, edible oils, drugs, narcotics, insecticides, timber, gums, resins and dyes; latex, cellulose, starch and its products; Perfumery; Importance of Ethnobotany in the Indian context; Energy plantations; Botanical Gardens and Herbaria.
  • Morphogenesis
  • Totipotency, polarity, symmetry and differentiation; Cell, tissue, organ and protoplast culture. Somatic hybrids and Cybrids; Micropropagation; Somaclonal variation and its applications; Pollen haploids, embryo rescue methods and their applications.

UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025 For Paper II

UPSC Botany Optional Paper II takes the foundational knowledge established in Paper I and advances into more specialized areas of plant science, focusing on genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, and the economic significance of plants. Check out the complete UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus For Paper II from below:
 UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus 2025 For Paper II
  • Cell Biology
  • Techniques of cell biology. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells—structural and ultrastructural details; Structure and function of extracellular matrix (cell wall) and membranes-cell adhesion, membrane transport and vesicular transport; Structure and function of cell organelles (chloroplasts, mitochondria, ER, dictyosomes ribosomes, endosomes, lysosomes, peroxisomes; Cytoskeleton and microtubules; Nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear pore complex; Chromatin and nucleosome; Cell signalling and cell receptors; Signal transduction  Mitosis and meiosis; molecular basis of cell cycle. Numerical and structural variations in chromosomes and their significance; Chromatin organization and packaging of the genome; Polytene chromosomes; B-chromosomes—structure, behaviour and significance.
  • Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution
  • Development of genetics, and gene versus allele concepts (Pseudoalleles); Quantitative genetics and multiple factors; Incomplete dominance, polygenic inheritance, multiple alleles; Linkage and crossing over of gene mapping including molecular maps (idea of mapping, function); Sex chromosomes and sex-linked inheritance; sex determination and molecular basis of sex differentiation; Mutations (biochemical and molecular basis); Cytoplasmic inheritance and cytoplasmic genes (including genetics of male sterility)
  • Structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins; Genetic code and regulation of gene expression; Gene silencing; Multigene families; Organic evolution-evidences, mechanism and theories.
  • Role of RNA in origin and evolution.
  • Plant Breeding, Biotechnology and Biostatistics
  • Methods of plant breeding—introduction, selection and hybridization (pedigree, backcross, mass selection, bulk method); Mutation, polyploidy, male sterility and heterosis breeding. Use of apomixes in plant breeding; DNA sequencing; Genetic engineering—methods of transfer of genes; Transgenic crops and biosafety aspects; Development and use of molecular markers in plant breeding; Tools and techniques— probe, southern blotting, DNA fingerprinting, PCR and FISH. Standard deviation and coefficient of variation (CV). Tests of significance (Z-test, t-test and chi-square tests).  Probability and distributions (normal, binomial and Poisson). Correlation and regression.
  • Physiology and Biochemistry
  • Water relations, mineral nutrition and ion transport, mineral deficiencies. Photosynthesis— photochemical reactions, photophosphorylation and carbon fixation pathways; C3, C4 and CAM pathways; Mechanism of phloem transport, Respiration (anaerobic and aerobic, including fermentation)—electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation; Photorespiration; Chemiosmotic theory and ATP synthesis; Lipid metabolism; Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen metabolism. Enzymes, coenzymes; Energy transfer and energy conservation. Importance of secondary metabolites. Pigments as photoreceptors (plastidial pigments and phytochrome). Plant movements; Photoperiodism and flowering, vernalization, senescence; Growth substances—their chemical nature, role and applications in agri-horticulture; growth indices, growth movements. Stress physiology (heat, water, salinity, metal); Fruit and seed physiology. Dormancy, storage and germination of seed. Fruit ripening—its molecular basis and manipulation.
  • Ecology and Plant Geography
  • Concept of ecosystem; Ecological factors. Concepts and dynamics of community; Plant succession. Concepts of biosphere; Ecosystems;  Conservation; Pollution and its control (including phytoremediation); Plant indicators; Environment (Protection) Act.
  • Forest types of India—‘Ecological and economic importance of forests, afforestation, deforestation and social forestry; Endangered plants, endemism IUCN categories, Red Data Books; Biodiversity and its conservation; Protected Area Network; Convention of Biological Diversity, Farmers’ Rights; and Intellectual Property Rights; Concept of Sustainable Development; Biogeochemical cycles. Global warming and climatic change; Invasive species; Environmental Impact Assessment; Phytogeographical regions of India.

Pros & Cons Of Choosing Botany As An Optional Subject?

As Botany is a highly specialised subject , candidates who have studied it as part of their curriculum or have a strong background in plant biology should consider taking it as an optional subject. If you are a little confused about what to choose, here we have narrowed down some pros and cons of choosing Botany as a UPSC optional subject:

Pros Of Choosing Botany As An Optional Subject

  • It is objective, not subjective.
  • You can use diagrams and pictorials to score higher.
  • It is often seen as a " safe " option as the questions are usually easy, and you write straightforward good answers to score high.
  • The competition in this subject has been seen comparatively less.
  • Botany Optional Syllabus is mostly static with mirror changes over the years.

Cons Of Choosing Botany As An Optional Subject

  • Candidates with a background in botany or biotechnology are suggested to consider this subject.
  • Background does matter if you don’t have an interest in it. It will be challenging to complete the Botany Optional Syllabus.
  • The syllabus is quite vast and may require 5-6 months to cover thoroughly.
  • This subject demands precision as the questions are direct, leaving little room for error.
  • Botany overlaps with the General Studies papers and other topics that are related to current affairs.

UPSC Botany Optional Booklist

To navigate through the vast Botany syllabus and enhance your preparation, we have curated a list of essential books that cover all the key topics. Refer to the books below to build a strong foundation and grasp the comprehensive knowledge required for excelling in the Botany optional papers.
Subject
Recommended Book(s)
Cell Biology
De Robertis & Ambrose
  Easy or Powar
Ecology, Microbiology, Animal Behaviour, Pollution and Toxicology
Dr. Veer Bala Rastogi (B.Sc. Part III, Paper III)
Cryptogams B.R. Vasista
Pteridophyta (Vascular Cryptogams) P.C. Vashishta
Economic Botany
Economic Botany in the Tropics – S. L. Kochhar
Embryology of Angiosperms S. P. Bhatnagar
Genetics Strickberger
 
Elements of Genetics – Dr. Veer Bala Rastogi
Plant Anatomy B.P. Pandey
  Esau
Microbiology Powars
Pathology Singh’s Book
 
A foreign author (not specified)
Physiology and Biochemistry
Salisbury and Ross or Fritz and Noggle
Taxonomy R. Nair
 

Paper-wise Books List for UPSC Botany Optional

NCERT Books for UPSC Botany Optional: NCERT Biology Std. XI and XII textbooks for conceptual clarity and basic understanding of topics. Refer following reference books for a detailed understanding of this subject.
Standard Books for UPSC Botany Optional Paper I Standard Books for UPSC Botany Optional Paper II
Prescott's Microbiology Plant Pathology by George N Agrios A Text Book of Botany by Singh, Pandey and Jain Gymnosperms by S. P. Bhatnagar, Alok Moitra Plant Systematics by Gurucharan Singh Plant Anatomy by Dr. B. P. Pandey The Embryology of Angiosperms by Sant Saran Bhojwani and S. P. Bhatnagar Plant Tissue Culture: Theory and Practice by S.S. Bhojwani, M.K. Razdan Economic Botany: A Comprehensive Study by SL Kochhar Karp's Cell Biology by Karp Gerald Concepts of Genetics by Klug and Cummings Plant Breeding: Principles and Methods by B D Singh Biotechnology: Expanding Horizons by B D Singh Fundamentals of Biostatistics by Veer Bala Rastogi Plant Physiology and Development by Eduardo Zeiger, Lincoln Taiz Ecology and Environment by Dr. P D Sharma + Resources from Newspapers, Magazines and Web resources

UPSC Botany Previous Year Question Paper Download PDF 

UPSC Botany Previous Year Question Paper Link
UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper  2018 Paper I Paper II
UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2019 Paper I Paper II
UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2020 Paper I Paper II
UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2022 Paper I Paper II

How to Cover Botany Optional Syllabus?

Preparing for botany optional requires a strategic approach that encompasses understanding concepts, regular practice, and effective time management. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare efficiently:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the topics by thoroughly understanding the botany optional syllabus.
  2. Break down the topics into manageable sections and prioritize areas that require more attention.
  3. Gather study materials, including textbooks, reference Botany optional books , lecture notes, and UPSC Online resources .
  4. Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to cover each topic in the syllabus.
  5. Focus on understanding fundamental concepts rather than memorizing facts.
  6. Use diagrams, flowcharts, and mnemonics to visualize complex processes.
  7. Solve previous years'  Botany optional question paper to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, question format, and difficulty level.
  8. Analyze your performance by practising Botany optional PYQs and identifying areas of weakness to target during revision.
  9. Review Botany notes, diagrams, and summaries regularly to ensure retention of information.
  10. Keep yourself updated with the latest developments and advancements in botany.

By following these tips and strategies, you can effectively prepare for the exam and cover the extensive Botany optional syllabus.

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UPSC Botany Syllabus FAQs

Is botany optional a scoring subject?

Yes, botany can be a scoring subject if approached with thorough understanding and conceptual clarity.

Who are the Botany optional toppers in UPSC?

Here are some toppers with Botany optional: Gopala Sundera Raj (2011, Rank 5), Stuti Charan (2012, Rank 3), Dibya Jyoti Parida (2015, Rank 26), and Nikhil Thawal (2017, Rank 799).

How should I prepare the complete Botany optional syllabus?

Start by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern. Make a structured study plan, and decide the time to cover each topic.

Can botany optional help in other competitive exams?

If you have a strong foundation in botany, then it can be advantageous in various competitive exams such as UPSC, state PSCs, and NET exams.

What is the success rate of the Botany exam?

As per the date of 2019, the success rate of Botany was around 7.10%.
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