UPSC CSE Medical Science Optional Syllabus, 2026

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most challenging exams in India. Choosing the right optional subject is a crucial step towards success. Medical Science is a popular and unique optional subject for many aspirants, especially those with a background in medical science. This article provides a detailed overview of the UPSC CSE Medical Science Optional Syllabus, its structure, and key topics to focus on for a successful examination strategy.

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Structure of the UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus:

The Medical Science syllabus for the UPSC CSE is divided into two papers:

• Paper I: Focuses on Basic Medical Sciences.
• Paper II: Deals with Clinical Medicine, Surgery, and Specialized Topics.

Each paper carries 250 marks, making the total score for the Medical Science Optional 500 marks. A thorough understanding of both papers is essential for success.

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UPSC Medical Science Optional Paper I Syllabus:

UPSC Medical Science Optional Paper I deals with the foundational medical subjects. This paper focuses on the basic concepts and theoretical knowledge that form the basis of clinical practice.

Key Topics in Paper I:

• 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 diaphragm, perineum and inguinal region. 
  • Clinical anatomy of kidney, urinary bladder, uterine tubes, vas deferens.
  • Embryology: Placenta and placental barrier. Development of heart, gut, kidney, uterus, ovary, testis and their common congenital abnormalities.
  • Central and Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: Gross and clinical anatomy of ventricles of brain, circulation of cerebrospinal fluid; Neural pathways and lesions of cutaneous sensations, hearing and vision; Cranial nerves distribution and clinical significance; Components of autonomic nervous system.

• Human Physiology:
  • Conduction and transmission of impulse, mechanism of contraction, neuromuscular transmission, reflexes, control of equilibrium, posture and muscle tone, descending pathways, functions of 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.
• Biochemistry:
  • Organ function tests – liver, kidney, thyroid Protein synthesis.
  • Vitamins and minerals.
  • Restriction fragment length.
  • polymorphism (RFLP).
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • Radio-immunoassays (RIA).

• 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, leukemia, Etiology, pathogenesis and histopathology of – cirrhosis liver, glomerulonephritis, tuberculosis, acute osteomyelitis.
• 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.

• 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.
• Forensic Medicine and Toxicology:
  • Forensic examination of injuries and wounds; Examination of blood and seminal stains; Poisoning, sedative overdose, hanging, drowning, burns, DNA and finger print study.

UPSC Medical Science Optional Paper II Syllabus:

UPSC Medical Science Optional Paper II delves into the applied aspects of medical science, covering clinical and surgical practices, diagnostic techniques, and treatment methodologies. This paper focuses on the application of medical knowledge to real-world scenarios and patient care.

Key Topics in Paper II:

• General Medicine:
  • Etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management (including prevention) of—Typhoid, Rabies, AIDS, Dengue, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis.
  • Etiology, 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 liver.
  • Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, renovascular hypertension, complications of diabetes mellitus, coagulation disorders, leukaemia, Hypo and hyper thyrodism, meningitis and encephalitis.
  • Imaging in medical problems, ultrasound, echo- cardiogram, CT scan, MRI. 
  • Anxiety and Depressive Psychosis and schizophrenia and ECT.
• Paediatrics:
  • Immunization, Baby friendly hospital, congenital cyanotic heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, broncho— pneumonias, kernicterus. 
  • IMNCI classification and management, PEM grading and management. ARI and Diarrhea of under five and their management.

• Dermatology:
  • Psoriasis, Allergic dermatitis, scabies, eczema, vitiligo, Stevan Johnson’s syndrome, Lichen Planus.
• 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 breast.
  • Bleeding peptic ulcer, tuberculosis of bowel, ulcerative colitis, cancer stomach.
  • Renal mass, cancer prostatie.
  • Haemothorax, stones of 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 spine, Colles’ fracture and bone tumors.
  • Endoscopy.
  • Laprascopic Surgery.

• Obstetrics and Gynaecology including Family Planning:
  • Diagnosis of pregnancy.
  • Labour management, complications of 3rd stage, Antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, resuscitation of the newborn, Management of abnormal life and difficult labour. Management of small for date or premature newborn.
  • Diagnosis and management of anaemia. Preeclampsia and Toxaemias of pregnancy, Management of Post- menopausal 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.
• Community Medicine (Preventive and Social Medicine):
  • Principles, methods approach and measurements of Epidemiology.
  • Nutrition, nutritional diseases/diorders 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.

Conclusion:

The UPSC CSE Medical Science Optional Syllabus is vast and requires in-depth study and consistent revision. Candidates with a medical background will find this subject familiar, making it a viable option for those who are passionate about healthcare. Understanding both the theoretical foundation and practical application of the subject is essential for scoring well.

By adhering to a structured study plan, practicing answer writing, and staying updated on recent advancements in the medical field, aspirants can excel in this optional subject.

Beginners often benefit from a clear roadmap, and this guide on UPSC exam preparation helps build a strong foundation.

Sources:

1. https://upsc.gov.in/

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