Environmental studies are crucial in the UPSC curriculum as they encompass topics related to sustainability, climate change, and natural resource management. They challenge candidates to understand the intersection of environment and development, and their implications for policy-making. The subject is integrated across various papers, especially in General Studies and the ethics paper. Candidates need to stay informed about current trends, laws, and practices concerning environmental issues, as these may be relevant in both preliminary and mains examinations, demonstrating the importance of ecological literacy in governance.