Medical Science Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Medical Science Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Paper I
1. Human Anatomy
Applied Anatomy
- Blood and nerve supply of upper and lower limbs
- Joints of shoulder, hip and knee
- Gross anatomy and blood supply of tongue, thyroid, mammary gland
- Anatomy of 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
- Common congenital abnormalities
Nervous System
- Ventricles of brain and cerebrospinal fluid circulation
- Neural pathways and lesions
- Cranial nerves distribution
- Components of autonomic nervous system
2. Human Physiology
Nervous System
- Impulse conduction and transmission
- Mechanism of contraction
- Neuromuscular transmission and reflexes
- Control of equilibrium and posture
- Functions of cerebellum and basal ganglia
- Physiology of sleep and consciousness
Endocrine System
- Mechanism of hormone action
- Pancreas and pituitary gland functions
- Reproductive system physiology
- Pregnancy and lactation
Blood and Cardiovascular
- Blood cell development and regulation
- Cardiac output and blood pressure
- Cardiovascular function regulation
3. Biochemistry
Organ function tests - liver, kidney, thyroid
Protein synthesis
Vitamins and minerals
Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Radio-immunoassays (RIA)
4. Pathology
Inflammation and repair
Growth disturbances and cancer
Rheumatic and ischaemic heart disease
Diabetes mellitus
Cancer types and differentiation
Specific cancer pathogenesis
Cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis, tuberculosis
5. Microbiology
Humoral and cell mediated immunity
Diseases and Laboratory Diagnosis
- Meningococcus and Salmonella
- Shigella, Herpes, Dengue, Polio
- HIV/AIDS, Malaria
- E. Histolytica, Giardia
- Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus
6. Pharmacology
Drug Mechanisms and Side Effects
- Antipyretics and analgesics
- Antibiotics
- Antimalarial and antikala-azar drugs
- Antidiabetics
- Antihypertensive and antidiuretics
- Vasodilators
- Antiviral and antiparasitic drugs
- Antifungal and immunosuppressants
- Anticancer drugs
7. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Forensic examination of injuries and wounds
Blood and seminal stain examination
Poisoning investigation
Death investigation (hanging, drowning, burns)
DNA and fingerprint analysis
Paper II
1. General Medicine
Infectious Diseases
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- AIDS
- Dengue
- Kala-azar
- Japanese Encephalitis
System Disorders
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Pulmonary diseases
- Liver disorders
- Kidney diseases
- Endocrine disorders
- Neurological conditions
Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound
- Echocardiogram
- CT scan
- MRI
2. Paediatrics
Immunization
Baby friendly hospital
Congenital heart diseases
Respiratory conditions
IMNCI classification
Malnutrition management
ARI and Diarrhea management
3. Dermatology
Psoriasis
Allergic dermatitis
Scabies
Eczema
Vitiligo
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Lichen Planus
4. General Surgery
Oral and facial conditions
Vascular diseases
Endocrine tumors
Breast conditions
Gastrointestinal disorders
Urological conditions
Surgical procedures and techniques
5. Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Pregnancy diagnosis and management
Labor complications
Newborn care
Pregnancy complications
Family planning
Gynecological disorders
Legal aspects of medical termination
6. Community Medicine
Epidemiology principles
Nutrition and related disorders
Health information management
National health programs
Healthcare delivery system
Reproductive and child health
Hospital waste management
Note: This syllabus requires a strong foundation in medical sciences and clinical knowledge. Focus on understanding concepts, their clinical applications, and current developments in healthcare. Special attention should be given to community medicine and national health programs.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books
- • Gray's Anatomy
- • Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
- • Robbins Basic Pathology
- • Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- • Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine
Reference Materials
- • Medical Journals and Publications
- • Clinical Practice Guidelines
- • WHO Guidelines and Reports
- • National Health Program Documents
- • Recent Research Papers
Online Resources
- • Medical Video Lectures
- • Clinical Case Studies
- • Interactive Anatomy Tools
- • Medical Research Databases
- • Healthcare Statistics Portals
Practice Materials
- • Previous Year Question Papers
- • Clinical Case Discussions
- • MCQ Collections
- • Diagnostic Approach Guides
- • Treatment Protocol Summaries