Official UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Civil Services
Examination Syllabus
The complete, officially structured syllabus for UPSC CSE — Prelims (GS + CSAT) and Mains (GS Papers 1–4, Essay). Organised paper-by-paper for focused preparation.
2Prelims Papers
9Mains Papers
1750Mains Marks (GS)
3Stages of Exam
📝 Prelims — 400 Marks
📚 Mains — 1750 GS Marks
🎤 Interview — 275 Marks
📊 Exam at a Glance
400
Prelims Total Marks
(GS + CSAT)
(GS + CSAT)
1750
Mains GS Marks
(4 GS + Essay)
(4 GS + Essay)
275
Interview Marks
(Personality Test)
(Personality Test)
33%
CSAT Qualifying
Minimum Marks
Minimum Marks
3
Stages: Prelims →
Mains → Interview
Mains → Interview
9
Total Mains Papers
(incl. Optional)
(incl. Optional)
📝 Prelims Syllabus
Stage 1
Prelims · Paper I
General Studies — GS Paper I
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Current Events — Current events of national and international importance
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History of India and Indian National Movement — From ancient times through the Independence struggle
-
Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and the World
-
Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues
-
Economic and Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives
-
Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity — General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change (no subject specialisation required)
-
General Science — Basic principles and applications of science relevant to everyday life
Prelims · Paper II
CSAT — Civil Services Aptitude Test
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Comprehension — Reading and understanding passages on diverse topics
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Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills
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Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
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Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
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General Mental Ability
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Basic Numeracy — Numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude (Class X level)
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Data Interpretation — Charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency (Class X level)
Important: CSAT is a qualifying paper only — marks are NOT counted for merit ranking. You must score minimum 33% (66 marks out of 200) to qualify. It is mandatory to appear in both Prelims papers.
📚 Mains Syllabus
Stage 2
About the Mains Examination: The Main Examination assesses intellectual traits and depth of understanding — not just information and memory. Questions test general awareness, analytical ability, and the capacity to navigate conflicting socio-economic goals. Answers must be relevant, meaningful, and succinct.
Mains · Qualifying Papers
Indian Language + English Papers
English Paper
- Comprehension of given passages
- Précis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essays
Indian Language Paper
- Comprehension of given passages
- Précis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essays
- Translation from English to Indian Language and vice-versa
Note: These papers are of qualifying nature only — marks are NOT counted for final ranking. Candidates must answer in English and the respective Indian language.
Mains · Paper I
Essay Paper
-
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics
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Expected to stay closely aligned with the subject of the essay and arrange ideas in an orderly fashion
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Credit given for effective and precise expression — quality over quantity
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Essays typically span topics in Society, Governance, Philosophy, Ethics and Abstract themes
Mains · Paper II — General Studies I
Indian Heritage, Culture, History & World Geography
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Indian Culture — Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
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Modern Indian History — From mid-18th century to present: significant events, personalities and issues
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The Freedom Struggle — Various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of India
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Post-Independence Consolidation — Reorganisation of states, integration of princely states and national building
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World History — 18th century onwards: Industrial Revolution, World Wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation, communism, capitalism, socialism and their effects
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Indian Society — Salient features, diversity of India, role of women and women’s organisations, population, poverty, urbanisation
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Globalisation and Social Change — Effects of globalisation, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism
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World Physical Geography — Salient features, distribution of key natural resources, location of industries
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Geophysical Phenomena — Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones; changes in water bodies, ice caps, flora and fauna
Mains · Paper III — General Studies II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations
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Indian Constitution — Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
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Union–State Relations — Functions and responsibilities, federal structure, devolution of powers and finances, local levels
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Separation of Powers — Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
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Comparison of Constitutional Schemes — Indian Constitution compared with other countries
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Parliament and State Legislatures — Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, privileges
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Executive and Judiciary — Structure, organisation and functioning of Ministries, Departments, pressure groups
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Constitutional Bodies — Appointment, powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies
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Statutory and Regulatory Bodies — Including quasi-judicial bodies and their role
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Government Policies and Interventions — Development in various sectors and issues arising from design and implementation
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Development Processes — Role of NGOs, SHGs, donor organisations and other stakeholders
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Welfare Schemes — For vulnerable sections, mechanisms and laws for protection and betterment
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Social Sector Issues — Health, Education, Human Resources; poverty and hunger
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Governance and E-Governance — Transparency, accountability, citizen charters, models and applications
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Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
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India and Neighbourhood Relations — Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements
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International Relations — Effect of policies of developed/developing countries on India; Indian diaspora; important international institutions
Mains · Paper IV — General Studies III
Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management
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Indian Economy — Planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment
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Inclusive Growth — Issues arising from inclusive growth and related challenges
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Government Budgeting — Structure, process and fiscal management
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Agriculture — Major crops, cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, marketing, e-technology; subsidies, MSP, PDS, food security, buffer stocks
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Food Processing Industries — Scope, significance, location, supply chain management
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Land Reforms in India
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Liberalisation and Industrial Policy — Effects on industrial growth
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Infrastructure — Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways and investment models
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Science and Technology — Developments and their applications, achievements of Indians in S&T, indigenisation
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Emerging Technologies — IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, IPR issues
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Environment — Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
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Disaster Management — Disaster and disaster management frameworks
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Internal Security — Extremism, role of external state and non-state actors, cyber security, money-laundering
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Border Security and Organised Crime — Linkages with terrorism; security forces and their mandate
Mains · Paper V — General Studies IV
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
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Ethics and Human Interface — Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships; human values from great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions
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Attitude — Content, structure, function; influence on thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion
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Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service — Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards weaker sections
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Emotional Intelligence — Concepts and application in administration and governance
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Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers — From India and the World
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Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration — Ethical concerns and dilemmas; laws, rules and conscience as ethical guidance; accountability; corporate governance
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Probity in Governance — Concept of public service; transparency and information sharing; RTI; Codes of Ethics and Conduct; Citizen’s Charters; challenges of corruption
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Case Studies — Situational and ethical case studies on all the above areas
Examiner’s Focus: GS4 tests candidates’ attitude and approach to integrity, probity in public life, and problem-solving in real-life dilemmas. Answers must demonstrate values, not just knowledge.
