UPSC IFOS Physics Paper II Syllabus

Indian Forest Service Examination

6
Topics: 40
Sub-topics: 8
Questions

Physics Paper II is one of 32 sections in the UPSC IFOS syllabus. It has 6 topics and 40 sub-topics, tested in Main Examination, with about 8 questions (200 marks). Optional subject, Paper II (200 marks, 3 hours, conventional essay type, answered in English). The paper has 8 questions in Parts A and B; candidates attempt 5, including one compulsory question from each part. Candidates choose any two of the 14 optional subjects..

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UPSC IFOS Physics Paper II: topic-wise syllabus

1
Quantum Mechanics I
Section A
- Wave-particle duality
- Schrödinger equation and expectation values
- Uncertainty principle
- Free particle, particle in a box and finite well
- Linear harmonic oscillator
- Potential step and barrier
- WKB method and alpha decay
2
Quantum Mechanics II and Atomic Physics
Section A
- Three-dimensional box and density of states
- Free electron theory of metals
- Angular momentum and the hydrogen atom
- Spin and Pauli matrices
- Stern-Gerlach experiment and fine structure
- LS and JJ coupling
- Zeeman effect and Franck-Condon principle
3
Molecular Physics
Section A
- Rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra
- Raman effect and laser Raman spectroscopy
- Hydrogen in astronomy
- Fluorescence and phosphorescence
- NMR
- Lamb shift
4
Nuclear Physics
Section B
- Basic nuclear properties
- Semi-empirical mass formula
- Deuteron and nuclear forces
- Shell model
- Beta and gamma decay
- Mossbauer spectroscopy
- Nuclear reactions, fission and fusion
- Nuclear reactors
5
Particle Physics and Solid State Physics
Section B
- Classification of elementary particles
- Conservation laws and quark structure
- Electroweak and strong interactions
- Neutrino physics
- Cubic crystal structure and band theory
- Superconductivity and Josephson junctions
6
Electronics
Section B
- Semiconductors and transistors
- Amplifiers, oscillators and op-amps
- FET, JFET and MOSFET
- Boolean algebra and logic gates
- Thermistors and solar cells
- Microprocessors and digital computers

Frequently asked questions

What topics are in the UPSC IFOS Physics Paper II syllabus?

Physics Paper II for UPSC IFOS has 6 topics: Quantum Mechanics I, Quantum Mechanics II and Atomic Physics, Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics and Solid State Physics and Electronics, with 40 sub-topics in all.

How many questions come from Physics Paper II in UPSC IFOS?

About 8 questions (200 marks) in Main Examination. Always check the latest notification, as numbers can change.

How do I practise UPSC IFOS Physics Paper II on Topicly?

Pick a topic above and study it your way — step-by-step chat, a quiz, a formula sheet or a voice call with Sia. Topicly tracks each sub-topic so you know what's left. It's free to start.

A study guide, not an official notice. Always confirm with the conducting body's latest notification. See the full exam page for any recorded source, check date and coverage limits.