Social issues play a significant role in the UPSC syllabus, particularly in subjects like General Studies and Essay. Understanding these issues prepares candidates to engage with questions related to poverty, inequality, education, and health. Acknowledging the social fabric and challenges helps in analyzing the impact of policies and government schemes aimed at addressing these issues. Furthermore, knowledge of social issues is crucial for personal interviews, where candidates may be questioned on their perspectives regarding societal changes and solutions to prevalent problems.