One of the toughest recruitment competitive exams in the country, IAS (UPSC CSE) can be attempted by any graduate. Those who qualify are selected for bureaucratic posts in the central government in departments of IAS, IPS and IFoS.
In total, there are 51 optional subjects in an IAS Exam. From these, 26 subjects comprise Literature while the other 25 contain other subjects. Medical Science is a popular optional subject that is mostly opted by candidates having a medical or science background. Candidates with MBBS degrees or other similar graduate/postgraduate backgrounds choose this as well.
Previous years have seen over 300 candidates opting for Medical Science as an optional subject in IAS Exams. In addition, they have had a consistent success or passing rate as well. However, Medical Science has a huge syllabus that cannot be covered by candidates who are not familiar with the subject.
Like any other optional subject, there are a few advantages and disadvantages of Medical science. The following list will help you to understand why it is a good optional subject for aspiring doctors and those with a medical background.
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Generally, candidates can study for Medical Science from their graduate or postgraduate medical books. However, here are a few top books available for clearing the optional subject.
Book Name | Publisher/Author |
---|---|
Paper 1 | |
Biochemistry | U Satyanarayana |
Essentials of Medical Pharmacology | KD Tripathi |
Human Anatomy | BD Chaurasia |
Human Embryology | Inderbir Singh |
Microbiology | Dr Arora |
Pathology | Harsh Mohan |
Review of Medical Physiology | Ganong |
Textbook of Human Neuroanatomy | Inderbir Singh |
The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology | KS Narayan Reddy |
Paper 2 | |
Book on Skin | Uday Khopkar |
Clinical Surgery | S Das |
Essential Pediatrics | OP Ghai |
General Medicine | AOI, Davidson, Harrison, George Matthews and SN Chugh |
Gynecology | Shaw |
Manual of Surgery | Manipal |
Obstetrics | DC Dutta |
Preventive and Social Medicine | Park |
As stated earlier, Medical Science has a vast syllabus. Also, it is only suitable if chosen by candidates with a medical background. Therefore, you can study from your graduate or postgraduate books or study from online resources such as YouTube. Additionally, MBBS Books are a great help. All the topics from the syllabus can be found in MBBS and graduate/postgraduate books.
Check Best Books For UPSC CSE Prelims Exam 2021
Also check IAS (UPSC CSE) Medical Science Paper-I Question paper
Also check IAS (UPSC CSE) Medical Science Paper-II Question Paper
Medical Science can be a scoring subject for candidates who are pursuing MBBS or have relevant educational background due to graduate or postgraduate courses.
Due to its vast syllabus, there are various important topics for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. However, the important topics for Paper 1 overlap with the first year of MBBS or the primary years of a medical graduate degree.
The important topics for Paper 1 include the following -
Accordingly, the important topics for Paper 2 overlap with the final years of MBBS or medical graduate degree. These include the following -
Generally, the questions are direct and straightforward. However, there are some questions where you have to provide diagrams in your answers. Hence, you need to practice the diagrams as much as you can. Make sure that it is drawn neatly and is properly detailed during the Mains exams. As an added bonus, you can use color pencils to make the overall diagram look attractive. This can help you to score more.
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 have clinical and non-clinical topics. By studying both of them together, it can help you to brush up on the basic concepts of the subject.
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Try to study important topics like Biochemistry, Dermatology, Forensic Science and Pediatrics. These topics are easy but can get you high marks. Therefore, study and attempt these questions first before you move on to other harder topics. Also, make sure that you make important notes while studying. Practice previous year question papers
As stated earlier, the MBBS degree covers all the topics that appear in the Medical Science optional subject in IAS Exams. Therefore, you can study from the standard textbooks if you do not want to buy other study materials.
The presentation of your answers play a key role in the IAS Exams. Therefore, make sure that your answers are neat and well-structured. For this, you can follow the tips given below.
Check IAS Practice Papers
Emphasize on practicing your diagrams and study from both online resources and MBBS textbooks. Also, practice previous year question papers and make sure that you are able to complete the questions within the allotted time. Do not forget to make your answers look presentable and detailed with diagrams, subheadings and bullet points.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.