UPSC CSE – Complete IAS Exam Syllabus for Prelims & Mains
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Table of Contents
- UPSC CSE – Complete IAS Exam Syllabus for Prelims & Mains
- UPSC Prelims Syllabus
- UPSC CSE Mains Syllabus
- Essay Paper & Qualifying Language Papers Syllabus
- GS PAPER 1
- GS PAPER 2
- GS PAPER 3
- GS PAPER 4
- FAQs
UPSC CSE – Complete IAS Exam Syllabus for Prelims & Mains
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE), popularly known as the IAS Exam, is one of the most prestigious competitive exams in India. It is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Below is the detailed UPSC CSE syllabus for both Prelims and Mains, including all General Studies (GS) Papers and Qualifying Papers.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers.
Paper I – General Studies
- 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
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
Paper II – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Comprehension Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (Class X level)
- Data interpretation
Note: Paper II is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% marks required).
UPSC CSE Mains Syllabus
UPSC Mains Syllabus has 9 papers, with marks from seven papers contributing to the final merit list.
| PAPER | SUBJECT | DURATION | TOTAL MARKS | NATURE |
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian language | 3 hours | 300 | QUALIFYING |
| Paper B | English | 3 hours | 300 | QUALIFYING |
| Paper I | Essay | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
| Paper II | General Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
| Paper III | General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Welfare Initiatives, Social Justice & International Relations | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
| Paper IV | General Studies III – Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
| Paper V | General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 3 hours | 250 | COUNTED FOR MERIT |
Essay Paper & Qualifying Language Papers Syllabus
The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination includes an Essay Paper and two Qualifying Language Papers (Indian Language & English).
UPSC Mains Essay Paper Syllabus
The Essay Paper is designed to evaluate aspirants’ ability to organize thoughts, present arguments, and write in a coherent manner.
Candidates are required to write two essays, each from a different section.
Topics are generally drawn from:
- Society and social issues
- Politics, governance, and administration
- Economy and development
- Environment and ecology
- Science and technology
- Ethics, philosophy, and abstract themes
Essays must demonstrate:
- Clarity of thought
- Logical flow of ideas
- Balanced analysis with multiple perspectives
- Effective language and presentation
UPSC Mains Qualifying Papers Syllabus
The Qualifying Papers test basic language proficiency. Marks in these papers are not counted for merit but are essential to qualify.
Paper A – Indian Language (from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution)
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precise writing (Précis)
- Usage and vocabulary
- Short essay writing
- Translation from English to the Indian language and vice versa
Paper B – English
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precise writing (Précis)
- Usage and vocabulary
- Short essay writing
- Translation from Indian language to English and vice versa
GS Paper 1(Indian Heritage, History, Geography & Society)
The General Studies Paper 1 (GS Paper I) in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination focuses on Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World, and Society.
Indian Heritage and Culture
- Indian Culture – Salient Aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from Ancient to Modern times
- Contributions of various dynasties and regions to India’s Cultural Diversity
- Influence of Religion, Philosophy, and Traditions on Indian society
History of India & Freedom Struggle
- Modern Indian history – Significant Events, Personalities, and Issues from the 18th century onwards
- The Freedom Struggle –Its various stages, Important Contributors and Movements
- Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country
World History
- Industrial Revolution, World wars, Redrawal of National boundaries
- Colonization and Decolonization
- Political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, and their Impact on society
Indian Society
- Salient features of Indian society, Diversity of India
- Role of women and women’s organizations
- Population and associated issues
- Poverty and developmental challenges
- Urbanization, problems, and remedies
- Effects of globalization on Indian society
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism
Geography of the World & Society
- Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
- Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world
- Important geographical features and phenomena – earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones
- Geographical features and their impact on flora, fauna, and human life
Key Takeaway: The GS Paper 1 syllabus is designed to evaluate aspirants’ knowledge of culture, history, society, and geography. Mastering this paper requires a balance of factual learning and analytical understanding.
GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)
The General Studies Paper 2 (GS Paper II) in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
Indian Constitution & Polity
- Salient features of the Indian Constitution
- Amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure doctrine
- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States
- Issues and challenges of federal structure, devolution of powers
- Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with other countries
Governance & Legislature
- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, privileges
- Executive and Judiciary – structure, organization, and functioning
- Ministries and Departments of Government
- Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in polity
- Representation of People’s Act – features and issues
Government Policies & Social Justice
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
- Issues arising out of their design and implementation
- Development processes and the role of NGOs, SHGs, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population
- Mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable groups
- Issues relating to health, education, and human resources
- Role of civil services in a democracy
International Relations
- 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
- Important international institutions, agencies, and fora – their structure, mandate, and role
Key Takeaway: Success in GS PAPER 2 requires a blend of conceptual clarity, analytical ability, and awareness of current affairs.
GS Paper 3 Syllabus (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management)
The GS Paper 3 syllabus is designed to test aspirants’ knowledge of economic development, technological progress, environmental sustainability, and national security.
Indian Economy & Development
- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment
- Inclusive growth and related challenges
- Government budgeting – policies, priorities, and challenges
- Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country
- Irrigation systems, storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce
- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices (MSP)
- Public Distribution System (PDS) – objectives, functioning, limitations, and reforms
- Technology missions and e-technology in agriculture
- Food processing and related industries – scope, significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
- Land reforms in India
- Infrastructure – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
- Investment models – Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and related issues
Science & Technology
- Developments and applications of science and technology and their effects in everyday life
- Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology
- Awareness in fields of IT, space, computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology
- Issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR)
Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change & Disaster Management
- Conservation of natural resources and environmental pollution
- Environmental degradation and its impact
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Biodiversity – importance, threats, and conservation measures
- Climate change – causes, effects, and international initiatives
- Disaster and disaster management – preparedness, mitigation, and response
Internal Security
- 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
- Basics of cybersecurity, money laundering, and prevention
- Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism
- Various security forces and agencies and their mandate
- Institutional framework for disaster management and national security
GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
The General Studies Paper 4 (GS Paper IV) in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination focuses on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
Ethics and Human Interface
- Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions
- Dimensions of ethics – personal and public
- 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, and function of attitude
- Influence of attitude on thought and behavior
- Relation of attitude to thought and behavior
- Moral and political attitudes
- Social influence and persuasion
Aptitude & Foundational Values for Civil Services
- Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Services – integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker sections.
Emotional intelligence – concepts and their utilities in administration and governance
Contributions of Thinkers & Philosophers
- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
- Application of their teachings in governance and ethical decision-making
Public/Civil Service Values & Ethics in Administration
- Status and problems of ethical concerns in government and private institutions
- 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 (RTI)
- Codes of ethics, codes of conduct, citizen’s charters
- Work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds
- Challenges of corruption
Case Studies
- Case studies on above issues to test:
- Problem-solving approach
- Application of ethical principles
- Decision-making ability in real-life governance scenarios
Candidates who score above the cutoff marks for the Preliminary Examination are qualified to write the UPSC CSE Mains Examination. Those who qualify the Mains Examination are listed to appear for the Personality Test or the Interview to finally get selected for the UPSC Civil Services.
FAQs
1. What is the syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2025?
The UPSC Prelims syllabus includes two papers:
• General Studies Paper I: Current events, History of India, Indian Polity, Geography, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, and General Science.
• CSAT (Paper II): Comprehension, Interpersonal skills, Logical reasoning, Decision-making, Basic numeracy, and Data interpretation (qualifying in nature).
2. How is the UPSC Mains syllabus structured across GS Papers I to IV?
The Mains syllabus is divided into four General Studies papers:
• GS Paper I: Indian Heritage & Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
• GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
• GS Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
• GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
3. Is there any overlap between UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus?
Yes, there is significant overlap:
• Topics like Indian Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs appear in both stages.
• However, Mains demands deeper analytical understanding, while Prelims focuses on factual recall and MCQ-based testing.
4. What are the optional subjects in UPSC Mains and how to choose one?
UPSC offers 48 optional subjects including Sociology, Geography, History, PSIR, Anthropology, and Literature of various languages. Choose optional based on: Your academic background, Interest and availability of resources and scoring trends and overlap with GS papers
