The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams. Conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission, it aims to recruit candidates for top government posts like IAS, IPS,
IFS, and IRS. Understanding the UPSC syllabus is the first step towards an effective preparation strategy.
Scroll down for a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus, including detailed subject-wise breakdowns, optional subjects, and the essay and interview components. Download the latest
UPSC Syllabus PDF 2025 and gear up for structured, smart preparation.
UPSC CSE Exam Pattern Overview
Prelims
Paper (Duration)
Total Marks
No. of Questions
Marks per Question
Negative Marking
Paper I - General Studies
(2 hrs)
200
100
2
1/3rd (0.66)
Paper II - CSAT
(2 hrs)
200
80
2.5
1/3rd (0.83)
Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is only qualifying in nature, and a candidate must score a minimum of 33% of the total 200 marks to qualify.
Mains
Paper
Marks
Indian Language (Qualifying Paper A)*
300
English (Qualifying Paper B)
300
Essay
250
GS Paper I
(Indian Heritage and Culture, Modern Indian History, Society, World and Indian Geography)
250
GS Paper II
(Polity and Constitution, Governance and Social Justice, International Relations)
250
GS Paper III
(Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, Internal Security)
250
GS Paper IV
(Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
250
Optional Subject Paper I & II
250×2 = 500
Interview
Personality Test
275 Marks
UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus (GS Paper I & II)
The UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination consists of two papers of Objective type (multiple choice questions) - GS Paper I & GS Paper II (CSAT). Each paper carries a maximum
of 200 marks. This examination is meant to serve as a screening test only.
GS Paper I Syllabus:
Current events of national and international importance.
History of India and Indian National Movement.
Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
General Science.
GS Paper II (CSAT) Syllabus:
Comprehension;
Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
Logical reasoning and analytical ability;
Decision making and problem solving;
General mental ability;
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level);
Crack Prelims With Drishti IAS
Classes
Mode: Offline & Online (via Drishti Learning App)
Available in: Both Hindi and English
The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination consists of a Written Examination and an Interview/Personality Test. The Written Examination comprises 9 papers of conventional essay type, out of which two papers are
qualifying in nature.
General Studies-I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
History of the World including events from the 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism,
Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in
various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies
and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
For Topicswise breakdown of the Syllabus: Click Here
General Studies-II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
Separation of Powers between various organs Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the Population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and
Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and
institutional and other measures.
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Important International Institutions, agencies and fora - their Structure, Mandate.
For Topicswise breakdown of the Syllabus: Click Here
General Studies-III
Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, - Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related
Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System - Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security;
Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
Land Reforms in India.
Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment Models.
Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Disaster and Disaster Management.
Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas - Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
For Topicswise breakdown of the Syllabus: Click Here
General Studies-IV
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. (Case study approach may be used).
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics in Private and Public Relationships. Human Values - Lessons from the Lives and
Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as
Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of
Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
Case Studies on above issues.
Get Mains-Ready with Drishti IAS
Classes
Mode: Offline & Online (via Drishti Learning App)
Available in: Both Hindi and English
Books
Your Go-To Resource for UPSC Mains Preparation
Available in: Both Hindi and English
Test Series
Comprehensive test series to evaluate your preparation
Prepare. Perform. Succeed.
Syllabus (Optional Subjects)
The syllabus for the optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) in the examination is designed to be at the honours degree level. This is higher than a bachelor's degree but lower than a master's degree. For
disciplines such as Engineering, Medical Science, and Law, the syllabus is aligned with the bachelor's degree level.
UPSC CSE – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India for IAS, IFS, and IPS. For other services, candidates may also be a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee, or an individual of Indian origin from specified
countries.
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years and the cutoff date to calculate age is August 1. Relaxations apply for certain categories. Educational Qualification: Must hold a graduate degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
General Category: 6 attempts. SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts. OBC Category: 9 attempts. PwBD Category: 9 attempts for General, EWS, and OBC categories; unlimited for SC/ST.
Preliminary Examination: Objective type with two papers (General Studies and CSAT). Main Examination: Written examination with 9 papers, including compulsory and optional papers. Interview/Personality Test: For those who qualify the Main Examination.
General, OBC, and EWS categories: Rs. 100. Women, SC/ST, PwBD candidates: Exempt from the fee.
Identity Proof: Valid photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.). Educational Certificates: Proof of graduation or final year mark sheet. Caste/Category Certificate: For candidates claiming reservation benefits. Photograph and Signature: Scanned copies in prescribed format (JPEG, PNG and PDF).
Category Change: Requests for category changes (e.g., from OBC to SC/ST) will not be entertained. Service Preference: Candidates must carefully select their service preferences during application, and once submitted, these cannot be changed.
Candidates are selected based on their performance in the Preliminary Examination. Only those who qualify the Preliminary Exam will be admitted to the Main Examination.
The number of candidates selected in the Preliminary Examination to appear in the Civil Services Main Examination is typically between twelve and thirteen times the total number of vacancies to be filled.
This means that if there are 'X' vacancies, approximately 12X to 13X candidates will be admitted to the Mains examination.
The number of candidates selected in the Mains Examination to appear for the Civil Services Interview/Personality Test is typically 2.5 to 3 times the total number of vacancies to be filled.
This means that if there are 'X' vacancies, approximately 2.5X to 3X candidates will be shortlisted for the Interview stage.
Yes, candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) are provided relaxation in age limits and the number of attempts, depending on their category.
Candidates need to apply online through the UPSC website. They must complete a four-stage application process, including registration, filling out personal and academic details, and paying the application fee.
No, the marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be considered when determining the final merit order of the candidates.
Yes, candidates must appear in both papers of the Preliminary Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Failure to appear in both will result in disqualification.
Yes, if a candidate appears in any one paper of the Preliminary Examination, it will count as an attempt.
If a candidate does not appear in both papers of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, they will be disqualified from the evaluation process.
Approximately 12 to 13 times the number of vacancies are selected from the candidates who qualify in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination to appear for the Civil Services (Main) Examination.
Yes, non-recommended candidates at the interview stage can consent to share their details with registered organizations (Public and Private Sector) for potential employment opportunities.
Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks). Paper B: English (300 marks).
These papers are qualifying in nature. Candidates must score at least 25% in each to have their other papers evaluated.
Yes, candidates with disabilities (PwBD) can avail of the reservation. The eligibility for reservation will depend on the nature of the disability, and candidates must meet the specific requirements outlined in
the notice.
No requests for changes in the examination center will be entertained after submission of the form.
General, OBC, and EWS: Rs. 100. Women, SC, ST, PwBD: Exempted from the fee.
Applications must be submitted online via the UPSC official website upsconline.gov.in using the One Time Registration (OTR) platform.
Yes, but modifications are allowed only once in a lifetime and within 7 days from the closure of the application window for the first UPSC application.
