Introduction

The UP Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) Examination is one of the most competitive recruitment exams conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). Thousands of aspirants appear every year with the dream of securing a respectable government job in the state. With UP ARO/RO Exam 2025 approaching, it becomes essential to understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and the right preparation strategy in detail.

This comprehensive guide will cover every aspect of the exam – from syllabus breakdown to subject-wise preparation strategy, recommended books, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

1. Overview of UP ARO/RO Exam 2025

The competition is tough, but with smart preparation and consistent practice, clearing the exam becomes achievable.

2. UP ARO/RO Exam Pattern 2025

Prelims Exam

Mains Exam

Typing Test / Computer Knowledge

3. Detailed Syllabus for UP ARO/RO Exam 2025

Prelims Syllabus

Mains Syllabus

4. Preparation Strategy for UP ARO/RO Exam 2025

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Step 2: Build a Strong Foundation with NCERTs

Step 3: Refer to Standard Books

Step 4: Current Affairs Integration

Step 5: Daily Hindi Practice

Step 6: Answer Writing for Mains

Step 7: Typing Test Preparation (For ARO)

5. Time Management Strategy

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

7. Recommended Booklist for UP ARO/RO 2025

8. Role of Mock Tests

9. Last Month Strategy

Give at least 5 mock tests in the last 15 days.

Practice answer writing for 2 hours daily.

Revise short notes, maps, current affairs.

Focus completely on revision.

Practice Hindi mock papers for grammar, essay, and drafting.

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas.

Take at least 20–25 full-length mock tests before Prelims.

Previous Year Papers of UP RO/ARO

Balram Keshri – Hindi Grammar

Ramesh Singh – Economy (Basics)

M. Laxmikant – Indian Polity

NCERTs (6–12) for Geography, Polity, and Economy

Spectrum – Modern Indian History

Lucent’s General Knowledge

Ignoring PYQs – these give the best idea of the exam trend.

Lack of revision before the exam.

Over-dependence on coaching notes without self-study.

Not practicing typing for ARO posts.

Ignoring Hindi preparation and focusing only on GS.

Revise static + current affairs regularly.

Practice 1 essay every week.

Focus on Essay, Answer Writing, and Drafting.

Mains Stage:

Evening: Hindi Practice + Mock Tests

Afternoon: History/Geography/Polity (rotate daily)

Morning: Current Affairs + GS Revision

Prelims Stage:

Accuracy matters more than speed.

Speed should be at least 25–30 words per minute.

Practice Hindi typing on Krutidev or Mangal font.

Include facts, examples, and quotes where possible.

Focus on clarity, presentation, and logical flow.

Practice writing 250–300 word answers daily.

Focus on official letter drafting style, vocabulary, and error correction.

Since Hindi has a major weightage, practice essays, precis, and drafting daily.

Link current issues with static subjects (e.g., environment, polity, economy).

Revise monthly current affairs notes.

Hindi: Balram Keshri Hindi Grammar, previous years’ papers

Current Affairs: The Hindu, Indian Express, or monthly magazines (Vision IAS, Drishti, etc.)

Economy: Ramesh Singh (Basics)

Geography: NCERT + Atlas (Oxford/Orient BlackSwan)

Polity: M. Laxmikant

History: Spectrum (Modern India), Lucent’s General Knowledge

Make short notes for revision.

Read NCERTs from Class 6–12 for History, Geography, and Polity basics.

Divide it into daily, weekly, and monthly targets.

Print the official syllabus and keep it handy.

Current Topics of National and International importance

Science and Technology

Politics, Social Issues, Economy, Environment

Literature and Culture

Hindi Essay

Grammar and Vocabulary

Translation from English to Hindi and vice versa

Official Letter and Noting Draft

Essay Writing in Hindi

Precis Writing

General Hindi & Drafting

Science and Technology

Economy, Trade, and Agriculture

Geography, Environment, and Ecology

Indian Polity, Constitution, and Governance

Current Affairs (National & International)

Indian History, Culture, and National Movement

General Studies

Hindi Grammar (Sandhi, Samas, Alankaar, Tenses, Gender, Vachan)

Word Usage and Vocabulary

Correction of Sentences

Idioms and Phrases

One-word Substitution

Synonyms & Antonyms

General Hindi

Everyday Science and Computer Knowledge

General Mental Ability, Reasoning

International Affairs and Institutions

Population, Ecology, and Urbanization (in Indian context)

Indian Agriculture, Commerce & Trade

General Science and Current Affairs

Geography of India & World

Indian Polity, Economy, and Culture

History of India & Indian National Movement

General Studies

For ARO posts, candidates must qualify a Hindi typing test on a computer.

Total: 340 marks

Paper III – Hindi Essay: 120 marks, 3 hours

Paper II – General Hindi & Drafting (Conventional): 100 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper I – General Studies: 120 marks, 2 hours

Total: 200 marks

Paper II (General Hindi): 60 marks, 1 hour

Paper I (General Studies): 140 marks, 2 hours

Typing Test/Computer Knowledge (for ARO post)

Mains

Prelims

Stages:

Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen-Paper based)

Posts: Review Officer (RO), Assistant Review Officer (ARO)

Conducting Body: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)