📖 UPSC Detailed Syllabus
📚 Prelims and Mains UPSC
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UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) – Detailed Syllabus
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three broad stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview. The 2026 UPSC notification confirms the current examination structure and syllabus.
1. UPSC Civil Services Examination Structure
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of two compulsory objective papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 200 | Marks considered for Prelims cut-off |
| Paper II | General Studies Paper-II / CSAT | 200 | Qualifying |
| Total | 400 |
Each paper is of 2 hours. CSAT requires a minimum of 33% to qualify. Both papers are objective-type papers.
2. UPSC Prelims Syllabus
General Studies Paper I
The official syllabus covers the following broad areas:
2.1 Current Events of National and International Importance
Students should cover:
- National current affairs
- International affairs
- Government policies and programmes
- Important national institutions
- International organisations
- Major international agreements
- Important summits and conferences
- Awards and honours
- Important personalities
- Reports and indices
- Major developments in science and technology
- Environmental developments
- Economic developments
- Important social issues
- Places and events in the news
Study approach: Current affairs should be connected with static subjects rather than studied as isolated news.
2.2 History of India and Indian National Movement
Ancient India
- Prehistoric India
- Indus Valley Civilisation
- Vedic Age
- Mahajanapadas
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Mauryan Empire
- Post-Mauryan India
- Gupta period
- Sangam Age
- Early medieval India
- South Indian kingdoms
- Ancient Indian art and architecture
- Literature
- Science and technology
- Education and philosophical traditions
Medieval India
- Early medieval kingdoms
- Delhi Sultanate
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Bahmani Kingdom
- Mughal Empire
- Marathas
- Regional kingdoms
- Bhakti movement
- Sufi traditions
- Medieval administration
- Economy and society
- Art and architecture
- Literature and cultural developments
Modern India
- European expansion
- British expansion in India
- East India Company
- British administrative policies
- Economic impact of British rule
- Land revenue systems
- Tribal and peasant movements
- Revolt of 1857
- Social and religious reform movements
- Rise of Indian nationalism
- Formation of Indian National Congress
- Moderate and extremist phases
- Swadeshi movement
- Home Rule movement
- Gandhian movements
- Revolutionary movements
- Constitutional developments
- Quit India Movement
- Subhas Chandra Bose and INA
- Partition
- Independence
Indian National Movement
Particular attention should be given to:
- Major phases of the freedom struggle
- Important leaders
- Contributions from different regions
- Participation of women
- Peasant and tribal participation
- Revolutionary movements
- Constitutional developments
- Mass movements
- Causes and consequences of major movements
3. Indian and World Geography
Physical Geography
Geomorphology
- Interior of the Earth
- Rocks and minerals
- Plate tectonics
- Continental drift
- Earthquakes
- Volcanoes
- Mountain building
- Weathering
- Erosion
- Landforms
Climatology
- Atmosphere
- Temperature
- Pressure belts
- Winds
- Jet streams
- Monsoon
- Cyclones
- El Niño and La Niña
- Climate classification
- Climate change
Oceanography
- Ocean floor
- Ocean currents
- Waves
- Tides
- Marine resources
- Coral reefs
- El Niño
- La Niña
- Ocean-atmosphere interaction
Biogeography
- Ecosystems
- Natural vegetation
- Biodiversity
- Biomes
- Distribution of flora and fauna
- Human impact on ecosystems
Indian Geography
Physical Features
- Himalayas
- Northern Plains
- Peninsular Plateau
- Coastal Plains
- Islands
- Desert regions
- River systems
Indian Climate
- Indian monsoon
- Western disturbances
- Tropical cyclones
- Rainfall distribution
- Climatic regions
- Droughts and floods
Indian Resources
- Minerals
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Natural gas
- Iron ore
- Water resources
- Forest resources
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
Agriculture
- Major crops
- Cropping patterns
- Irrigation
- Agricultural regions
- Green Revolution
- Food security
- Agricultural technology
- Problems of Indian agriculture
Industries
- Location factors
- Major industries
- Industrial regions
- Manufacturing
- Services
- Transport
- Infrastructure
The official Prelims syllabus specifically includes Indian and World Geography, including physical, social and economic geography.
4. Indian Polity and Governance
This section covers the constitutional and political system of India.
Constitution
- Historical background
- Making of the Constitution
- Constitutional features
- Preamble
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
- Constitutional amendments
- Basic Structure doctrine
Political System
- President
- Vice-President
- Prime Minister
- Council of Ministers
- Parliament
- Supreme Court
- High Courts
- Election Commission
- CAG
- UPSC
- Finance Commission
- Attorney General
- Constitutional and statutory bodies
Federalism
- Centre-State relations
- Legislative relations
- Administrative relations
- Financial relations
- Inter-State Council
- GST Council
- Emergency provisions
- Special provisions for states
Local Government
- Panchayati Raj
- Municipal government
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment
- 74th Constitutional Amendment
- Local governance
- Decentralisation
Governance
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Citizen participation
- E-governance
- Public services
- Government schemes
- Rights issues
- Public policy
- Civil society
- NGOs
5. Economic and Social Development
Indian Economy
- Basic economic concepts
- National income
- GDP and GVA
- Inflation
- Unemployment
- Poverty
- Fiscal policy
- Monetary policy
- Banking
- Financial markets
- Taxation
- Public finance
- Government expenditure
- Balance of payments
- Exchange rates
- External sector
Banking and Finance
- RBI
- Commercial banks
- NBFCs
- Monetary policy
- Financial inclusion
- Digital payments
- Capital markets
- Securities markets
- Financial regulation
Development
- Inclusive growth
- Sustainable development
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Human development
- Demographic trends
- Social-sector development
Government Programmes
- Health
- Education
- Nutrition
- Housing
- Employment
- Rural development
- Financial inclusion
- Social security
The official syllabus specifically mentions sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics and social-sector initiatives.
6. Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity
Ecology
- Ecosystem
- Food chains
- Food webs
- Ecological pyramids
- Energy flow
- Biogeochemical cycles
- Ecological succession
- Population ecology
Biodiversity
- Genetic diversity
- Species diversity
- Ecosystem diversity
- Biodiversity hotspots
- Endangered species
- Conservation
Conservation
- National parks
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Biosphere reserves
- Conservation reserves
- Community reserves
- Tiger reserves
- Ramsar sites
Environmental Issues
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- Soil pollution
- Plastic pollution
- Waste management
- Deforestation
- Land degradation
- Desertification
- Environmental impact assessment
Climate Change
- Greenhouse effect
- Global warming
- Climate change
- Carbon cycle
- Carbon markets
- Climate agreements
- Paris Agreement
- UNFCCC
- Climate adaptation
- Climate mitigation
7. General Science
Physics
- Mechanics
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Light
- Sound
- Nuclear physics
- Space physics
- Energy
Chemistry
- Basic chemistry
- Materials
- Chemical reactions
- Polymers
- Nanomaterials
- Everyday chemistry
Biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Human physiology
- Diseases
- Immunity
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Evolution
Science and Technology
- Space technology
- Biotechnology
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- Nanotechnology
- Information technology
- Communication technology
- Defence technology
- Nuclear technology
- Health technology
8. General Studies Paper II – CSAT
CSAT is a qualifying paper, with a minimum requirement of 33%.
Comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Understanding arguments
- Main idea
- Inference
- Conclusions
- Author’s intention
- Logical interpretation
Interpersonal Skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal communication
Logical Reasoning
- Statements
- Arguments
- Assumptions
- Conclusions
- Logical relationships
- Analytical reasoning
Decision Making
- Decision-making situations
- Problem-solving
- Situational judgement
General Mental Ability
- Logical thinking
- Analytical ability
- Pattern recognition
- Basic reasoning
Basic Numeracy
Class X-level mathematics:
- Number systems
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Average
- Profit and loss
- Simple and compound interest
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
Data Interpretation
- Tables
- Charts
- Graphs
- Data comparison
- Data sufficiency
9. UPSC Mains Examination Syllabus
The Mains written examination consists of 9 papers.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| Paper II | GS-I | 250 | Merit |
| Paper III | GS-II | 250 | Merit |
| Paper IV | GS-III | 250 | Merit |
| Paper V | GS-IV | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Paper I | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Paper II | 250 | Merit |
The written merit papers therefore total 1750 marks. The Personality Test is 275 marks, making the total for final ranking 2025 marks.
10. Mains Paper A – Indian Language
Candidates select one language from the languages specified by UPSC.
The paper tests:
- Comprehension
- Precis writing
- Usage and vocabulary
- Short essays
- Translation from English to the Indian language
- Translation from the Indian language to English
This paper is qualifying and its marks are not counted for ranking.
11. Mains Paper B – English
The English paper tests:
- Comprehension
- Precis writing
- Usage and vocabulary
- Short essays
It is also qualifying in nature.
12. Mains Paper I – Essay
Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics.
The essay syllabus does not prescribe a conventional list of subjects. Preparation therefore involves developing the ability to:
- Understand the central idea of a topic
- Develop a logical argument
- Examine different dimensions
- Use relevant examples
- Connect issues with contemporary developments
- Maintain coherence
- Present balanced arguments
- Reach a reasoned conclusion
Important preparation areas include:
- Society
- Governance
- Democracy
- Economy
- Education
- Science and technology
- Environment
- Ethics
- Philosophy
- International relations
- Women and development
- Social justice
- Culture
- Human values
13. General Studies Paper I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Indian Culture
- Indian art forms
- Literature
- Architecture
- Sculpture
- Painting
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
- Religious traditions
- Cultural traditions
- Classical traditions
- Folk traditions
- Cultural institutions
- Cultural developments from ancient to modern times
The official syllabus describes this as the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History
- 18th-century developments
- British expansion
- Colonial administration
- Economic impact
- Social and religious reform
- Revolt of 1857
- Rise of nationalism
- Indian National Congress
- Gandhian period
- Revolutionary movements
- Constitutional developments
- Freedom struggle
- Partition and independence
Freedom Struggle
- Early nationalism
- Swadeshi Movement
- Home Rule Movement
- Non-Cooperation Movement
- Civil Disobedience Movement
- Quit India Movement
- Revolutionary movements
- Peasant movements
- Tribal movements
- Role of women
- Regional contributions
- Contributions of major leaders
Post-Independence India
- Integration of princely states
- Reorganisation of states
- Nation-building
- Political developments
- Economic development
- Social developments
World History
From approximately the 18th century onward:
- Industrial Revolution
- American Revolution
- French Revolution
- Nationalism
- Imperialism
- Colonialism
- World War I
- Russian Revolution
- Fascism
- Nazism
- World War II
- Decolonisation
- Cold War
- Redrawing of national boundaries
- Communism
- Capitalism
- Socialism
The emphasis is not merely on chronology but on causes, consequences and effects on societies.
Indian Society
- Salient features of Indian society
- Diversity
- Social structure
- Caste
- Tribes
- Religion
- Language
- Regional diversity
- Women
- Population
- Poverty
- Development
- Urbanisation
- Globalisation
- Social empowerment
Social Issues
- Communalism
- Regionalism
- Secularism
- Social inequality
- Gender issues
- Migration
- Urbanisation
- Poverty
- Social exclusion
- Globalisation
Geography
- Physical geography
- Resources
- Natural-resource distribution
- Industries
- Agriculture
- Transport
- Geophysical phenomena
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
- Volcanic activity
- Cyclones
- Climate
- Water bodies
- Ice caps
- Changes in flora and fauna
UPSC specifically includes the distribution of key natural resources and factors influencing the location of primary, secondary and tertiary industries.
14. General Studies Paper II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Indian Constitution
- Historical background
- Constitutional framework
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles
- Fundamental Duties
- Constitutional amendments
- Basic Structure
- Constitutional institutions
Indian Polity
- Parliament
- President
- Prime Minister
- Council of Ministers
- Judiciary
- Federalism
- Centre-State relations
- Local government
- Constitutional bodies
- Statutory bodies
Governance
- Government policies
- Policy implementation
- Transparency
- Accountability
- E-governance
- Citizen participation
- Civil society
- NGOs
- Pressure groups
Social Justice
- Welfare schemes
- Vulnerable sections
- Health
- Education
- Poverty
- Hunger
- Social security
- Human development
- Issues affecting women
- Children
- Persons with disabilities
- Minorities
- Scheduled Castes
- Scheduled Tribes
International Relations
- India’s neighbourhood
- Bilateral relations
- Regional organisations
- International organisations
- Global groupings
- India and major powers
- International institutions
- Globalisation
- Diaspora
- International treaties
- Foreign policy
- Geopolitical developments
15. General Studies Paper III
Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Indian Economy
- Economic growth
- Development
- Employment
- Inclusive growth
- Budgeting
- Investment
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Industrial development
Agriculture
- Cropping patterns
- Irrigation
- Agricultural marketing
- Minimum Support Price
- Farm subsidies
- Food processing
- Storage
- Supply chains
- Agricultural technology
- Land reforms
- Farmers’ issues
Science and Technology
- Emerging technologies
- IT
- Artificial intelligence
- Space
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Robotics
- Defence technology
- Cyber technology
- Intellectual property
Environment
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Environmental impact assessment
- Environmental legislation
- Sustainable development
Disaster Management
- Disaster types
- Disaster preparedness
- Risk reduction
- Mitigation
- Response
- Recovery
- Rehabilitation
- Institutional mechanisms
- Community participation
Internal Security
- Terrorism
- Extremism
- Insurgency
- Cybersecurity
- Money laundering
- Organised crime
- Border management
- Coastal security
- Security challenges
- Role of security forces
16. General Studies Paper IV
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
This paper examines ethical understanding and its application to public administration.
Ethics and Human Interface
- Meaning of ethics
- Determinants of ethical behaviour
- Consequences of ethical actions
- Dimensions of ethics
- Ethics in private relationships
- Ethics in public relationships
Human Values
- Values
- Moral development
- Role of family
- Role of society
- Role of educational institutions
- Lessons from great leaders
- Reformers
- Administrators
Attitude
- Meaning of attitude
- Components of attitude
- Formation of attitude
- Influence on behaviour
- Moral attitudes
- Political attitudes
- Social influence
- Persuasion
Aptitude and Civil Service Values
- Integrity
- Impartiality
- Non-partisanship
- Objectivity
- Dedication to public service
- Empathy
- Tolerance
- Compassion
Emotional Intelligence
- Meaning
- Components
- Emotional awareness
- Self-regulation
- Empathy
- Application in administration
Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
- Indian thinkers
- Western thinkers
- Major ethical theories
- Contributions to moral philosophy
Ethics in Public Administration
- Ethical dilemmas
- Accountability
- Ethical governance
- Laws and rules
- Conscience
- Public-service values
- Corporate governance
- Ethical issues in international relations
Probity in Governance
- Public service
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Right to Information
- Codes of Ethics
- Codes of Conduct
- Citizen’s Charters
- Work culture
- Quality of service delivery
- Public funds
- Corruption
Case Studies
The paper includes case studies based on ethical and administrative situations, requiring candidates to apply ethical principles to practical problems.
17. Optional Subject
Candidates select one optional subject, consisting of two papers of 250 marks each. UPSC’s 2026 notification lists 26 optional subject choices, including academic subjects and literature subjects.
Academic Subjects
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
Literature Subjects
Candidates may choose literature in one of the following languages:
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Maithili
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Santhali
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
- English
The detailed syllabus for an optional subject is substantially different from the General Studies syllabus and should therefore be presented as a separate subject page on your website.
18. Personality Test / Interview
The final stage is the Personality Test, carrying 275 marks.
The interview is not simply another factual examination. Candidates can expect discussion around:
- Educational background
- Professional experience
- Interests and hobbies
- Home state/district
- Current affairs
- National issues
- International affairs
- Governance
- Public policy
- Social issues
- Situational questions
- Ethical issues
- General awareness
- Questions arising from the Detailed Application Form
The purpose is to assess qualities relevant to public service rather than merely testing memorised information.
19. How to Organise the UPSC Syllabus on ProTeacher.in
For your website, I would not put this entire syllabus on one extremely long page. A better structure would be:
UPSC Civil Services Examination
Overview
→ Exam Pattern
→ Eligibility
→ Prelims
→ Mains
→ Interview
→ Services & Posts
UPSC Syllabus
→ Prelims Syllabus
→ Mains Syllabus
→ Optional Subjects
Prelims Study Material
→ History
→ Geography
→ Polity
→ Economy
→ Environment
→ Science & Technology
→ Current Affairs
→ CSAT
Mains Study Material
→ Essay
→ GS-I
→ GS-II
→ GS-III
→ GS-IV
→ Optional Subjects
Practice
→ Prelims MCQs
→ CSAT Practice
→ Mains Questions
→ Essay Practice
→ Ethics Case Studies
→ Previous Year Questions
This structure would allow you to turn every major syllabus component into a study-material hub, rather than treating the syllabus as merely an informational article.
The UPSC’s official website currently provides the 2026 Civil Services examination information and the actual 2026 question papers, which can also be linked from your UPSC section.
