The UPSC EPFO APFC General Science and Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications syllabus covers basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Space Technology, modern technologies, and computer applications. Candidates should study computer fundamentals, hardware, software, memory, operating systems, networks, shortcuts, and full forms, with focus on basic concepts and their practical use rather than advanced theories.
What is the UPSC EPFO General Science and Computer Application syllabus 2026?
The General Science and Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications section of the UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus covers basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Space Technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. It also includes computer fundamentals, memory, operating systems, hardware, software, and computer networks, making basic conceptual understanding important for the exam.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Space Technology, and important technologies.
- Physics: Units and measurements, motion, Newton’s laws, electricity, pressure, light, circular motion, and SHM.
- Chemistry: Changes, elements, compounds, mixtures, atoms, molecules, energy, metals, non-metals, acids, and bases.
- Biology: Food, health, diseases, cells, tissues, and human body systems.
- Space Technology: Satellites, orbits, the Indian space programme, and space agencies.
- Important Technologies: Nuclear technology, biotechnology, ICT, and nanotechnology.
- Computer Applications: Computer fundamentals, hardware, software, memory, operating systems, networks, shortcuts, and common full forms.
What should you study in Physics?
Physics covers basic concepts related to motion, force, electricity, pressure, and light. Candidates should understand the meaning and application of important terms rather than going into advanced numerical problems. Questions can be based on common physical phenomena and basic laws. The following topics should be covered:
| Topic | Important Areas to Study | Focus Area |
| Units and Measurements | Basic units, measurement and physical quantities | SI units and measurement |
| Kinematics | Distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration | Motion and its terms |
| Dynamics | Force and Newton’s laws of motion | Basic laws and applications |
| Electricity | Basic concepts of electricity | Current and common applications |
| Pressure | Pressure and its applications | Everyday applications |
| Light | Reflection, refraction, total internal reflection, dispersion, diffraction and interference | Basic properties of light |
| Circular Motion | Uniform circular motion | Motion in a circular path |
| SHM | Simple Harmonic Motion | Basic concept and examples |
What should you study in Chemistry?
The Chemistry section covers basic concepts of matter and chemical substances. Candidates should focus on physical and chemical changes, elements, compounds, mixtures, metals, non-metals, and the application of chemistry in daily life to understand common products and processes.
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements
- Compounds
- Mixtures
- Atoms and molecules
- Chemistry in daily life
- Renewable and non-renewable energy
- Metals and non-metals
- Acids and bases
What topics are included in Biology?
Biology section covers basic life science, human health, nutrition, cells, tissues, organs, and body systems. Candidates should focus on the structure and functions of cells and tissues, common diseases, food components, and the role of major human body systems.
| Topic | Important Areas to Study | Focus Area |
| Food Components | Nutrients and their functions | Balanced diet and nutrition |
| Health and Diseases | Common diseases and basic health concepts | Causes and prevention |
| Cells and Tissues | Basic structure and functions | Cell and tissue types |
| Digestive System | Digestion and absorption | Human nutrition |
| Skeletal System | Bones and their functions | Human body structure |
| Muscular System | Muscles and movement | Body movement |
| Respiratory System | Breathing and exchange of gases | Respiration |
| Circulatory System | Heart and blood circulation | Transport in the body |
| Reproductive System | Basic reproductive functions | Human reproduction |
What should you study under Space Technology?
Space Technology section covers basic concepts of satellites, orbits, space programmes, and their applications. Candidates should also study the Indian space programme and major space agencies around the world.
- Satellites and their uses
- Types of orbits
- Basic concept of satellite communication
- Indian space programme
- Major Indian space missions
- Major space agencies of the world
- Applications of space technology
- Uses of satellites in communication, weather forecasting and navigation
What are the important technologies included in the syllabus?
Important Technologies section covers major technologies used in science, industry, communication, and public services. Candidates should focus on the basic meaning, uses, working, and importance of technologies and their practical applications.
| Technology | What to Study | Key Applications |
| Nuclear Technology | Basic concepts and uses | Energy, medicine and research |
| Biotechnology | Basic concepts and applications | Healthcare, agriculture and research |
| Information and Communication Technology | Communication and digital technologies | Internet, communication and information sharing |
| Nanotechnology | Basic concept and applications | Medicine, electronics and materials |
What topics are covered under Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications?
The Computer Applications syllabus focuses on the basic knowledge needed to understand how computers work. It covers computer fundamentals, organisation, hardware, software, memory, operating systems, and computer networks. The level is mainly conceptual and practical rather than advanced programming.
What should you study under Introduction to Computers?
The Introduction to Computers section builds the basic foundation of computer knowledge. Candidates should understand what a computer is, its main parts, its uses, and how computers have developed over time.
- Definition of computer
- Major parts of a computer
- Uses of computers
- Advantages of computers
- Disadvantages of computers
- History of computers
- Generations of computers
- Types of computers
What is included in Computer Organisation and Data Processing Cycle?
This section explains how a computer processes data and instructions. Candidates should understand the basic organisation of a computer and the steps involved in processing information.
| Topic | What to Study | Key Focus |
| Computer Organisation | Basic structure and working of a computer | How different parts work together |
| Data Processing Cycle | Input, processing, output and storage | Flow of data |
| Instruction Cycle | Basic steps followed to process instructions | Execution of instructions |
What should you study under Hardware and Software?
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer, while software refers to the programmes and instructions that make the computer work. Candidates should understand the difference between the two and know the functions of common computer components.
- Computer hardware
- Computer software
- Input devices
- Output devices
- Motherboard and its functions
- Types of software
- System software
- Application software
- Basic functions of computer components
What are the important topics under Computer Memory?
Computer memory helps in storing data and instructions. Candidates should understand the basic memory hierarchy, different types of memory, and how memory is measured.
- Introduction to computer memory
- Memory hierarchy
- Memory management
- Primary and secondary memory
- Memory measurement
- Basic memory units such as bit, byte, KB, MB, GB and TB
What should you study under Operating Systems?
An operating system manages the basic functions of a computer and provides a platform for running applications. Candidates should understand its main functions and different types. Basic knowledge of MS-DOS and Windows is also included in the syllabus.
| Topic | Important Areas to Study | Focus Area |
| Introduction | Meaning and purpose of an operating system | Basic understanding |
| Functions | File, memory, process and device management | Main functions |
| Types | Different types of operating systems | Basic classification |
| MS-DOS | Basic commands and features | Fundamental knowledge |
| Windows | Basic features and functions | User-level understanding |
What topics are covered under Computer Networks?
The Computer Network section covers the basic concepts of connecting computers and sharing information. Candidates should understand network components, different types of networks, network architecture, protocols, and topologies. Basic knowledge of the Internet is also important.
- Introduction to computer networks
- Components of a computer network
- Types of computer networks
- Computer network architecture
- Network protocols
- Network topology
- Basic Internet concepts
- Common network terms
What shortcuts and full forms should you prepare?
Candidates should revise commonly used computer shortcuts and important full forms because these can be asked as direct questions in competitive examinations. Focus on shortcuts used in basic computer operations and common terms related to computers, networks, storage, and the Internet.
- Common keyboard shortcuts
- Common computer terminology
- Important computer-related abbreviations
- Internet and networking full forms
- Hardware and software-related full forms
What are the most important topics in General Science and Computer Applications?
Candidates should give priority to topics that cover basic concepts and have wider applications. A simple priority-based approach can help in managing this broad section.
| Priority | General Science | Computer Applications |
| High Priority | • Motion and kinematics • Newton’s laws of motion • Electricity • Light • Cells and tissues • Human body systems | • Computer fundamentals • Hardware and software • Computer memory • Operating system |
| Moderate Priority | • Basic Chemistry • Health and diseases • Space technology • Biotechnology | • Computer organisation • Data processing cycle • Computer networks |
| Revision Area | • Nuclear technology • Nanotechnology • ICT • Simple Harmonic Motion • Other smaller topics | • Computer shortcuts • Important full forms • Basic Internet concepts |
How should you prepare for General Science and Computer Applications?
Candidates should divide the syllabus into smaller topics and complete one section at a time. For General Science, focus on basic concepts, everyday applications, scientific terms, and major developments, while Computer Applications requires understanding computers, memory, operating systems, software, and networks. Regular revision, short notes, and previous-year questions can improve accuracy and recall.
- Science Basics: Complete the basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology first.
- Scientific Technologies: Revise important scientific applications and modern technologies.
- Computer Fundamentals: Learn basic computer concepts, terms, and terminology.
- Memory, OS and Networks: Practise questions on computer memory, operating systems, and networks.
- Shortcuts and Full Forms: Prepare a separate list of important computer shortcuts and full forms.
- Previous-Year Questions: Solve previous-year and practice questions regularly.
- Final Revision: Revise important topics multiple times before the UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test.
What is the UPSC EPFO APFC exam date 2026?
The UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 20 December 2026 in pen-and-paper mode. The Recruitment Test carries 300 marks and has a duration of 2 hours, with one-third negative marking for each wrong answer. Candidates who qualify in the Recruitment Test are called for the Interview as per the notified selection process.
FAQs
The General Science syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Space Technology, and important technologies.
Physics includes units and measurements, motion, Newton’s laws, electricity, pressure, light, circular motion, and SHM.
It includes computer fundamentals, organisation, hardware, software, memory, operating systems, computer networks, shortcuts, and full forms.
Focus on basic concepts, everyday applications, regular revision, and practice questions from important topics.
Yes, candidates should study satellites, orbits, the Indian space programme, major space agencies, and applications of space technology.
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