Self-Learning Platform
For Psychology.

know more

About Us

PsyTopper.com is an initiative of IASPrepKit.com with an intent to facilitate self-learning to aspirants who have choosen Psychology as their optional subject for UPSC Civil Services Exam.

The aim of PsyTopper is to simplify the concepts and organize the study content from all the study resources at one place so that anyone, from any academic background is able to prepare for Psychology optional subject with ease and in the correct direction.

  • Accurate Strategy: The trends in Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and the Keywords in the syllabus are the foundational elements in all of our learning modules.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: The learning modules in PsyTopper include not just the exhaustive coverage of syllabus but also beyond it to cover all the topics which are asked in the PYQs but are not directly mentioned in the syllabus.
  • Revision Friendly Content: The language used in the learning modules of PsyTopper is very simple for everyone to understand and the content is organized logically (as per Syllabus and PYQs) in point-wise format (under headings and sub-headings) with minimal usage of words so that the learners can revise quickly and efficiently just before the exams.

Learning

Chapterwise Videos

Recorded videos to enable self-learning on the go and at the pace you are comfortable with. The videos are "not" lengthy in a hourly lecture format but are of short durations for each topic so that you can feel motivated to finish your targets everyday. (Coming soon, The videos for each chapter will be uploaded on a weekly basis, click on "chapterwise videos" above to see the latest updates)

Chapterwise Notes

Neatly organized and comprehensive notes (which includes coverage of both keywords of syllabus and extra topics in PYQs) to make your revision easy and effective. The topics are logically structured under various headings and sub-headings along-with mentions of real-life examples, case-studies, research and experiments so that you develop a very clear mental picture and understanding for every chatper/unit in the syllabus.(Coming soon, The notes for each chapter will be uploaded on a weekly basis, click on "chapterwise notes" above to see the latest updates)

Chapterwise PYQs (1979-2023)

By going through these you will get an idea of what kind of questions have been asked in the past, what are the current trends and what can be asked in the future. It will also help you to understand areas in which questions have been asked beyond what's mentioned in the syllabus. As a result of which, you will be able to make a list of your study resources as per the data in the PYQs and also understand what exactly to focus upon when you study the topics from those study resources. (Coming soon)

IASPrepKit.com

PYQ based Self-Learning initiatives for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4 & Essay) Exam and Prep. Management tools. Trusted by toppers since 2019.

Visit Now

Official Syllabus in UPSC CSE

  • 1. Introduction : Definition of Psychology; Historical antecedents of Psychology and trends in the 21st centrury; Psychology and scientific methods; Psychology in relation to other social sciences and natural sciences; Application of Psychology to societal problems.

    2. Methods of Psychology : Types of research : Descriptive, evaluative, diagnostic and prognostic; Methods of Research : Survey, observation, case-study and experiments; Characteristics of experimental design and non-experimental designs; quasi-experimental designs; Focussed group discussions, brain storming, grounded theory approach.

    3. Research methods : Major steps in psychological research (problem statement, hypothesis formulation, research design, sampling, tools of data collection, analysis and interpretation and report writing); Fundamental versus applied research; Methods of data collection (interview, observation, questionnaire and case study). Research Designs (Ex-post facto and experimental). Application of statistical techniques (t-test, two-way ANOVA, correlation and regression and factor analysis) item response theory.

    4. Development of Human Behaviour : Growth and development; Principles of development, Role of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour; Influence of cultural factors in socialization; Life span development—Characteristics, development tasks, promoting psychological well- being across major stages of the life span.

    5. Sensation, Attention and Perception : Sensation: concepts of threshold, absolute and difference thresholds, signal-detection and vigilance; Factors influencing attention including set and characteristics of stimulus; Definition and concept of perception, biological factors in perception; Perceptual organization- influence of past experiences, perceptual defence-factor influencing space and depth perception, size estimation and perceptual readiness; The plasticity of perception; Extrasensory perception; Culture and perception, Subliminal perception.

    6. Learning : Concepts and theories of learning (Behaviourists, Gestaltalist and Information processing models). The processes of extinction, discrimination and generalisation. Programmed learning, probability learning, self instructional learning, concepts, types and the schedules of reinforcement, escape, avoidance and punishment, modelling and social learning.

    7. Memory : Encoding and remembering; Shot-term memory, Long-term memory, Sensory memory, Iconic memory, Echoic memory: The Multistore model, levels of processing; Organization and Mnemonic techniques to improve memory; Theories of forgetting: decay, interference and retrieval failure: Metamemory; Amnesia: Anterograde and retrograde.

    8. Thinking and Problem Solving : Piaget’s theory of cognitive development; Concept formation processes; Information processing, Reasoning and problem solving, Facilitating and hindering factors in problem solving, Methods of problem solving: Creative thinking and fostering creativity; Factors influencing decision making and judgement; Recent trends.

    9. Motivation and Emotion : Psychological and physiological basis of motivation and emotion; Measurement of motivation and emotion; Effects of motivation and emotion on behaviour; Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation; Factors influencing intrinsic motivation; Emotional competence and the related issues.

    10. Intelligence and Aptitude : Concept of intelligence and aptitude, Nature and theories of intelligence- Spearman, Thurstone, Gulford Vernon, Sternberg and J.P. Das; Emotional Intelligence, Social intelligence, measurement of intelligence and aptitudes, concept of I Q deviation I Q, constancy of I Q; Measurement of multiple intelligence; Fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence.

    11. Personality : Definition and concept of personality; Theories of personality (psychoanalytical, socio- cultural, interpersonal, developmental, humanistic, behaviouristic, trait and type approaches); Measurement of personality (projective tests, pencil-paper test); The Indian approach to personality; Training for personality development; Latest approaches like big 5 factor theory; The notion of self in different traditions.

    12. Attitudes, Values and Interests : Definitions of attitudes, values and interests; Components of attitudes; Formation and maintenance of attitudes. Measurement of attitudes, values and interests. Theories of attitude changes, strategies for fostering values. Formation of stereotypes and prejudices; Changing other’s behaviour, Theories of attribution; Recent trends.

    13. Language and Communication : Human language—Properties, structure and linguistic hierarchy, Language acquisition—predispotion, critical period hypothesis; Theories of Language development—Skinner and Chomsky; Process and types of communication—effective commu-nication training.

    14.Issues and Perspectives in Modern Contemporary Psychology : Computer application in the psychological laboratory and psychological testing; Artificial intelligence; Psychocybernetics; Study of consciousnessleep-wak schedules; dreams, stimulus deprivation, meditation, hypnotic/drug induced states; Extrasensory perception; Intersensory perception; Simulation studies.

  • 1. Psychological Measurement of Individual Differences : The nature of individual differences. Characteristics and construction of standardized psychological tests. Types of psychological tests. Use, misuse and limitation of psychological tests. Ethical issues in the use of psychological tests.

    2. Psychological well being and Mental Disorders : Concept of health-ill health positive health, well being casual factores in Mental disorders (Anxiety disorders, mood disorders; schizophrenia and delusional disorders; personality disorders, substance abuse disorders). Factors influencing positive health, well being; lifestyle and quality of life; Happiness disposition.

    3. Therapeutic Approaches : Psychodynamic therapies. Behaviour therapies. Client centered therapy. Cognitive therapies. Indigenous therapies (Yoga, Meditation). Biofeedback therapy. Prevention and rehabilitation of the mentally ill; Fostering mental health.

    4. Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour : Personnel selection and training. Use of Psychological tests in the industry. Training and human resource development. Theories of work motivation. Herzberg, Maslow, Adam Equity theory, Porter and Lawler, Vroom; Leadership and participatory management; Advertising and marketing; Stress and its management; Ergonomics; consumer psychology; Managerial effectiveness; Transformational leadersip; Senitivity training; Power and politics in organizations.

    5. Application of Psychology to Educational Field : Psychological principles underlying effective teaching-learning process. Learning styles. Gifted, retarded, learning disabled and their training. Training for improving memory and better academic achievement. Personality development and value education. Educational, vocational guidance and Career counselling. Use of Psychological tests in educational institutions; Effective strategies in guidance programmes.

    6. Community Psychology : Definition and concept of Community Psychology. Use of small groups in social action. Arousing Community consciousness and action for handling social problems. Group decision making and leadership for social change. Effective strategies for social change.

    7. Rehabilitation Psychology : Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes—role of psychologists. Organising of services for rehabilitation of physically, mentally and socially challenged persons including old persons. Rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, criminal behaviours. Rehabilitation of victims of violence. Rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS victims, the role of social agencies.

    8. Application of Psychology to disadvantaged groups : The concepts of disadvantaged, deprivation social, physical, cultural and economic consequences of disadvantaged and deprived groups. Educating and motivating the disadvantaged towards development; Relative and prolonged deprivation.

    9. Psychological problem of social integration : The concept of social integration. The problem of caste, class, religion and language conflicts and prejudice. Nature and manifestation of prejudice between the ingroup and outgroup. Casual factors of such conflicts and prejudices. Psychological strategies for handling the conflicts and prejudices. Measures to achieve social integration.

    10. Application of Psychology in Information Technology and Mass Media : The present scenario of information technology and the mass media boom and the role of psychologists. Selection and training of Psychology professionals to work in the field of IT and mass media. Distance learning through IT and mass media. Entrepreneurship through e-commerce. Multilevel marketing. Impact of TV and fostering value through IT and mass media. Psychological consequences of recent developments in Information Technology.

    11. Psychology and Economic development : Achievement motivation and economic development. Characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour. Motivating and Training people for entrepreneurship and economic development; Consumer rights and consumer awareness, Government policies for promotion of entrepreneurship among youth including women entreprenures.

    12. Application of Psychology to environment and related fields : Environmental Psychology effects of noise, pollution and crowding. Population Psychology : Psychological consequence of population explosion and high population density. Motivating for small family norms. Impact of rapid scientific and technological growth on degradation of environment.

    13. Application of psychology in other fields :
    (a) Military Psychology Devising psycological tests for defence personnel for use in selection, Training, counseling; training psychologists to work , with defence personnel in promoting positive health; Human engineering in defence.
    (b) Sports Psychology
    Psychological interventions in improving performance of athletes and sports. Persons participating in Individual and Team Games.
    (c) Media influences on pro and anti-social behaviour.
    (d) Psychology of Terrorism.

    14. Psychology of Gender : Issues of discrimination, Management of diversity; Glass ceiling effect, Self-fulfilling prophesy, Women and Indian society.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1) Psychology is the only subject in the list of optional subjects for UPSC CSE that gives you a feeling of studying a humanities subject (that barely involves any mathematics - except one chatper/unit), while minimizing the subjectivity associated with humanities because the concepts in Psychology are largely derived from scientific methods which are are objective in nature. In short, Psychology is the right choice for those who want to avoid technical subjects and still be able to write answers with objectivity.

    2) The concepts that you will learn in Psychology will also help in Essay and General Studies-4 (Ethics) papers.

    3) The concepts in Psychology are very easy to understand and grasp for a person from any academic background, because it involves explaining the phenomena that you see, hear and relate with on a daily basis.

    4) Studying Psychology will make you a better person and teach you tools which will not just help you to understand yourself better, but also the people and the environment around you in a better way. It will help you to reduce biases the in your thinking, help you to understand and regulate emotions, and help you to understand the differences between perception and reality, so that you can make well informed decisions in your everyday life.

  • As students of Psychology, all of our decisions should be based on scientific observations in the data available. If you look at the annual reports of UPSC in previous years, you will notice that almost all the optional subjects are high-scoring and the reason why there are less selections from Psychology is because the number of people who choose Psychology as an optional are less when compared to other humanities subject.

    So, it is clearly a myth that Psychology is not a high-scoring subject, because based on the past data in the annual reports, it can be as rewarding as any other optional subject. Also, UPSC uses a scientific scaling method to neutralize any differences in the difficulty/easiness level across the optional subjects for a particular year.

    The reason why a person can score low in any optional subject, including Psychology is because they rely entirely on coaching classes and rote-learn the concepts instead of developing a wholistic perspective of the subject which is indispensable for answering questions which are analytical in nature.

    If you master the Psychology subject and develop a good understanding of how to explain any phenomena psychologically through a multi-disciplinary approach, then you will be able to get a very fair chance of scoring high marks in Psychology optional. And, to help you to achieve this is exactly the aim of PsyTopper.

  • Download the Class 11 and Class 12 Psychology NCERT books. It hardly takes 2 weeks for you to finish these two books.

    Both these books will give you a clear idea about what to expect in Psychology and will help you to glance through major topics in Paper-1 and few topics in Paper-2.

  • It is not necessary for you to enroll in a classroom course and spend your precious time in attending lengthy lectures. Psychology can be self-learnt through recorded videos and well-understood through organized notes.

    Through self-learning you will save both time and resources, which are very crucial for any aspirant attempting UPSC CSE.

    Self-learning will enable you to prepare the Psychology optional subject at your pace and according to your own schedule.

  • Answer-writing practice should be done only after you are done with developing conceptual understanding of all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Often, you will need to stitch an answer using concepts from multiple chapters, so it is important for you to finish studying all the chapters before you begin to write answers so that you start writing high-quality answers.

  • The answer is NO. You will not need any test series for Psychology, because of the following reasons:

    1) Test series schedules are "Illogically designed" with a one-size-fits-all approach and will not allow people to learn at a pace which suits their learning. It will create undue pressure for an aspirant to finish the syllabus in a hurry.

    2) There are PYQs from 1979 which should be practiced for answer-writing pratice instead of any questions from test-series. The questions from PYQs will help you to train your mind in accordance with the demand of UPSC CSE whereas test-series questions are not always in accordance to the demands in the PYQs.

    3) You will not need any external feedback or evaluation for your answers if you have understood the demands of UPSC CSE and have understood the Psychology subject thoroughly. You will be able to self-evaluate the answers because,
    (a) for theory questions, reference answers are directly found in any standard study resource.
    (b) for analytical questions, you will just need to address the demand of the question with:- standard definitons, theories from different chapters, real-life examples and relevant case-studies/experiments.

    Psychology is not a complex subject, you will just need to focus on completing the syllabus and develop good understanding of how to explain any psychological phenomena using various theories and experiments that you study during the preparation.