The UPSC Agriculture Optional Subject syllabus covers a wide range of topics related to agriculture. It is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of various aspects of agriculture, including plant breeding and genetics, agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural economics, and agricultural extension.


This paper focuses on the fundamental principles and practices of crop production and agricultural sciences. It includes topics such as crop physiology, crop ecology, cropping systems, precision farming, and sustainable agriculture. The syllabus also covers important aspects of agricultural sciences, such as agricultural meteorology, agricultural microbiology, and agricultural biotechnology.


This paper is dedicated to the field of agricultural engineering and farm machinery. It covers topics related to agricultural machinery and equipment, including their design, operation, maintenance, and management. The syllabus also includes aspects of agricultural engineering, such as soil and water conservation, irrigation, drainage, and post-harvest technology.


This paper focuses on plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. It covers topics such as principles of plant breeding, methods of crop improvement, and breeding for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The syllabus also includes aspects of genetics, such as Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, and genomics. Additionally, it covers the applications of biotechnology in agriculture, including genetic engineering, tissue culture, and marker-assisted selection.


This paper is dedicated to the field of crop protection. It covers topics related to plant pathology, entomology, and nematology. The syllabus includes the identification and management of plant diseases, insect pests, and nematodes. It also covers aspects of integrated pest management, biological control, and chemical control of pests and diseases.


This paper focuses on the relationship between agriculture and the environment. It covers topics such as agro-ecology, environmental pollution, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The syllabus also includes aspects of climate change and its impact on agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and environmental policies and regulations.

Overall, the UPSC Agriculture Optional Subject syllabus is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of agriculture. It covers both theoretical and practical aspects of crop production, agricultural engineering, plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, crop protection, and environmental science. Candidates are expected to have a deep knowledge of these topics to excel in the examination.