Allocation of Marks in UPSC Botany Optional Subject Exam

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the Civil Services Examination, which includes an optional subject paper. One of the optional subjects available to candidates is Botany. The Botany Optional Subject Exam carries a total of 500 marks, which are divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II.

1. Paper I:
Paper I of the Botany Optional Subject Exam carries a total of 250 marks. It consists of a comprehensive coverage of various topics related to botany. The paper is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

The marks allocation in Paper I is as follows:
- Section A: Microbiology and Plant Pathology - 50 marks
- Section B: Cryptogams, Phanerogams, and Plant Anatomy - 50 marks
- Section C: Cell Biology and Genetics - 50 marks
- Section D: Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, and Tissue Culture - 50 marks
- Section E: Physiology and Biochemistry - 50 marks

Each section carries an equal weightage of 50 marks, totaling 250 marks for Paper I.

2. Paper II:
Paper II of the Botany Optional Subject Exam also carries a total of 250 marks. It covers a wide range of topics related to botany, including ecology, plant diversity, and evolution. The paper aims to assess the candidate's in-depth understanding and application of botanical concepts.

The marks allocation in Paper II is as follows:
- Section A: Ecology and Plant Geography - 50 marks
- Section B: Plant Taxonomy and Embryology - 50 marks
- Section C: Anatomy and Embryology - 50 marks
- Section D: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry - 50 marks
- Section E: Genetics, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology - 50 marks

Similar to Paper I, each section in Paper II carries an equal weightage of 50 marks, totaling 250 marks for Paper II.

Therefore, the Botany Optional Subject Exam in UPSC carries a total of 500 marks, with Paper I and Paper II each carrying 250 marks. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly prepare each section of both papers to maximize their scoring potential in the examination.