UPSC IFOS Zoology Paper II Syllabus

Indian Forest Service Examination

7
Topics: 41
Sub-topics: 8
Questions

Zoology Paper II is one of 32 sections in the UPSC IFOS syllabus. It has 7 topics and 41 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 Zoology Paper II: topic-wise syllabus

1
Cell Biology
Section A
- Cell organelles and their functions
- Mitosis, meiosis and the mitotic apparatus
- DNA structure and replication
- Protein synthesis and transcription
2
Genetics
Section A
- Gene structure and the genetic code
- Sex chromosomes and sex determination
- Mendelian inheritance, linkage and multiple alleles
- Mutations and mutagenesis
- Cloning technology and transgenics
- Regulation of gene expression
- Pedigree analysis and congenital diseases
- Human genome mapping and DNA fingerprinting
3
Evolution
Section A
- Origin of life
- Natural selection, variation and speciation
- Fossils and evolution of horse, elephant and human
- Hardy-Weinberg law
- Continental drift and animal distribution
4
Systematics
Section A
- Zoological nomenclature
- International code
- Cladistics
5
Biochemistry
Section B
- Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
- Glycolysis, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation
- ATP and cyclic AMP
- Hormone classification and biosynthesis
- Enzymes, immunoglobulins and vitamins
- Bioenergetics
6
Physiology
Section B
- Blood, blood groups and coagulation
- Gas transport and haemoglobin
- Digestion and absorption
- Excretion and osmoregulation
- Muscle contraction
- Nerve impulse and synaptic transmission
- Vision, hearing and olfaction
- Hormone action and reproductive physiology
7
Developmental Biology
Section B
- Gametes to neurula; induction and morphogenesis
- Fate maps and organogenesis
- Placentation
- Genetic control of development and metamorphosis
- Regeneration, ageing and teratogenesis
- In vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and cloning
- Baer's law and evo-devo

Frequently asked questions

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

Zoology Paper II for UPSC IFOS has 7 topics: Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Systematics, Biochemistry, Physiology and Developmental Biology, with 41 sub-topics in all.

How many questions come from Zoology 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 Zoology 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.