UKPSC RO ARO Syllabus 2026 – Prelims, Mains & Exam Pattern

The Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) conducts the Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) exam in three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Practical Test. Candidates looking for eligibility, vacancy details, and important dates can refer to the [complete RO ARO exam details]. This page covers the full Uttarakhand RO ARO syllabus and exam pattern based on the official UKPSC notification. The official notification is available on psc.uk.gov.in

Latest Updates

• May 2026: No new RO ARO notification released yet. Syllabus on this page is based on the 2023 official notification. The syllabus is expected to remain unchanged for the 2026 cycle.
• April 2026: UKPSC exam calendar updated. RO ARO exam date not yet scheduled.

Uttarakhand RO ARO Exam Pattern

The selection process has three stages:

Important: Practical Test marks are not counted in the final merit list. Only Mains marks determine the final selection.

Negative Marking: In all objective papers, ¼ mark is deducted for each wrong answer or for marking more than one answer to a question.

UKPSC RO ARO Prelims Syllabus

The [Prelims exam] is a screening test and its marks are not counted in final merit. The Preliminary Exam is a single objective paper with two sections.

Prelims Exam Pattern

Section 1 – General Studies (100 Marks)

1. General Science & Basic Computer Knowledge Questions based on general science and basic computer operation — general understanding of science and computers in daily life, their use and experience. No special study of any scientific discipline required.

2. History of India & Indian National Movement Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history — political, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Freedom movement, growth of nationalism, attainment of independence.

3. Indian Polity & Economy Indian Constitution, Panchayati Raj, community development, broad features of Indian economy and planning.

4. Geography & Demography of India Physical, ecological, social, and economic-demographic aspects of Ind

5. Current Affairs State, national, and international events of importance including sports.

6. History of Uttarakhand Ancient period (up to 1200 AD), medieval period (1200–1815 AD), major dynasties and their achievements, Gorkha invasion and administration, British rule, Tehri state administration, role of Uttarakhand in the freedom movement, state formation movement, contribution of people in national and international fields especially armed forces, social reform movements, welfare schemes for SC/ST, children, Dalits, and women.

7. Culture of Uttarakhand Castes and tribes, religion and folk beliefs, literature, folk literature, traditions, customs, dress and ornaments, fairs and festivals, food, art and craft, dance, music, major tourist places, important sports and competitions, awards, famous writers and poets, contribution to Hindi and folk literature, cultural development initiatives by Uttarakhand government.

8. Geography & Demography of Uttarakhand Geographic location, Himalayan features, rivers, mountains, climate, forests, horticulture, major crops and crop rotation, irrigation, agriculture, natural and man-made disasters, disaster management, water crisis and watershed management, problems of remote areas, environment and environmental movements, biodiversity and its conservation, population classification, density, sex ratio, literacy, migration.

9. Economic, Political & Administrative Environment of Uttarakhand State governments and policies, various services, political and administrative structure, Panchayati Raj, community development and cooperation. Historical background of administrative systems — Gorkha and British era land arrangements, district land management (Thokedari), forest panchayats, civil and Soyam forest, Kehar Hind, Nazul, Nayabad, Bandobast. Modern era — UP and Kumaon-Uttarakhand Zamindari abolition and land management act, land reform, land tenure conversion, revenue collection system, revenue police system. Economic background — border districts’ ancient trade with Tibet, local agriculture, animal husbandry, condition of land holdings and need for consolidation, Begar and Udwaar practices.

10. Economic & Natural Resources of Uttarakhand Human resources, state education system and major educational institutions, forests, water, herbs, agriculture, livestock, hydro power, minerals, tourism, industries (small and rural), poverty and unemployment, various economic schemes and their contribution to state GDP, development priorities and new planning strategy, marketing facilities and agriculture markets, budget highlights.

Section 2 – General Intelligence (50 Marks)

Uttarakhand PSC RO ARO Mains Syllabus

The [Mains examination] tests both objective and descriptive writing ability. Candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam appear for the Main Exam. The Mains has three papers totalling 400 marks.

Paper 1 – General Studies (200 Marks, Objective)

1. General Science and Technology Discoveries, inventions, information, biotechnology, solar technology, space technology, artificial intelligence, application of new technology for health and medicines, environmental awareness, natural bio resources, electronic media, cyber crime, understanding of science from everyday observation and experience.

2. Basic Knowledge of Computer and Its Application in Development Basic knowledge of computers and internet, ICT and its application in development.

3. History and Culture of India and Uttarakhand Broad understanding of economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of Indian and Uttarakhand history.

4. Indian National Movement and Relations with Other Countries After Independence Nature and character of the Indian freedom movement, growth of nationalism, relations with neighboring countries after independence — synoptic understanding required.

5. Geography and Population of India and Uttarakhand Physical, political, social, and economic geography, population, important national and international organizations and agreements.

6. Disaster Management and Mitigation Natural and man-made calamities, disaster management and mitigation, global warming, ozone depletion, biodiversity and its preservation, environmental problems and solutions.

7. Indian Polity and Economy Constitution, Panchayati Raj, community development, broad features of Indian economy and planning.

8. Polity of Uttarakhand and Panchayati Raj Act Governor, Legislature, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Public Services, Public Service Commission, High Court and its jurisdiction, provisions for minorities, Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Special State Selection Criteria, Official Language, Political Parties and Elections, Local Government, Panchayati Raj, Community Development, Public Policy, Right Related Issues (Education, Employment, Development), Governance — Prevention of Corruption, Lok Ayukt, Citizen Charter, E-Governance, Right to Information, Samadhan Yojna, Right to Service.

10. Current Events of National and International Importance Sports included.

Paper 2 – Hindi Composition (100 Marks, Descriptive)

5 questions, 3 hours. Questions and marks breakdown:

Paper 3 – Essay (100 Marks, Descriptive)

3 essays to be written in Hindi or English, one from each section. Word limit 600 per essay.

Practical Test – Computer Knowledge & Typing

After the Main Exam result is declared, qualified candidates appear for the Practical Test. Both tests are qualifying in nature — marks are not added to the final merit. Candidates who qualify the Main Exam are called for the [skill test after mains].

Computer Knowledge Test

Syllabus Areas (one question from each, 20 marks each):

Each question requires one practical action to be performed on the system. Printout of output is submitted for evaluation.

Typing Test

Note: Candidates who can type in English on computer will be given preference.

UKPSC RO ARO Qualifying Marks

Candidates must secure the following minimum marks to be considered for merit:

Prelims Qualifying Marks

Mains Qualifying Marks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the syllabus of UKPSC RO ARO?

The UKPSC RO ARO syllabus covers three stages. Prelims has General Studies (100 marks) and General Intelligence (50 marks). Mains has General Studies objective paper (200 marks), Hindi Composition (100 marks), and Essay (100 marks). Additionally there is a qualifying Practical Test covering computer knowledge and typing.

What is the syllabus of UKPSC RO ARO Mains?

The Mains syllabus has three papers. Paper 1 is objective General Studies covering science and technology, history, polity, geography, economy, current affairs, and Uttarakhand-specific topics. Paper 2 is Hindi Composition including passage writing, correspondence, and translation. Paper 3 is an Essay with topics from literature, science, economy, and current events.

What is the RO ARO exam pattern?

The exam has three stages — Prelims (150 marks, 2 hours, objective), Mains (400 marks, descriptive and objective), and Practical Test (qualifying only). Final merit is based on Mains marks only.

Is there negative marking in UKPSC RO ARO?

Yes. In all objective papers, one-fourth (¼) of the marks allocated to a question are deducted for each wrong answer.

What is the typing speed required for UKPSC RO ARO?

Hindi typing at 4000 key-depressions per hour is mandatory for all candidates. English typing is optional — 8000 KPH for the RO post and 9000 KPH for the ARO post. Candidates with English typing ability are given preference.

Are computer test marks counted in the final result?

No. The Computer Knowledge Test and Typing Test are both qualifying in nature. Minimum 40% marks are required in the computer test, but these marks are not included in the final merit list.

What are the qualifying marks for UKPSC RO ARO Prelims?

General category candidates need 35%, OBC and EWS need 30%, and SC/ST candidates need 25% to qualify the Prelims.