UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Exam Prelims, Mains and Interview

UPSC Syllabus (IAS Exam Syllabus): What are the subjects that should be studied for the Civil Services Exam – Prelims, Mains, and the Interview?

UPSC Syllabus for Civil Service Exam (CSE) can be accessed and downloaded from this page. Aspirants may bookmark this page to refer the latest syllabus the Civil Services Exam, popularly known as ‘IAS exam’.

Syllabus for individual subjects in IAS mains (including optional subjects) is provided on the corresponding links below. Scroll down to refer or download the same.

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Table of Contents

UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Preliminary Exam

The Civil Services Preliminary exam comprises of two compulsory papers of 200 marks each (General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper-II). The questions will be of multiple-choice, objective type. The marks in prelims will not be counted for final ranking, but just for qualification for the main exam.

The Commission will draw a list of candidates to be qualified for Civil Service (Main) Examination based on the criterion of minimum qualifying marks of 33% in General Studies PaperII of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination and total qualifying marks of General Studies Paper-I of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination as may be determined by the Commission.

UPSC Syllabus for Paper-I – 200 marks

This objective paper is for a duration of two hours. There will be 100 questions. Marks of only this paper is counted to decide the toppers of the preliminary exam. The syllabus of GS Paper 1 is given below.

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.

UPSC Syllabus for Paper-II – 200 marks

This objective paper is for a duration of two hours. There will be 80 questions. Marks of this paper is counted to decide the toppers of the preliminary exam. This paper is only qualifying in nature. Aspirants just need to ensure that they score at least 33% marks in this paper. The syllabus of GS Paper 2 (CSAT) is given below.

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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).

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UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Mains Exam

A candidate’s rank in UPSC Civil Service Exam depends only on the mark scored in Main and Interview. The main exam has 1750 marks while interview has 275 marks.

The written examination (main) will consist of the following nine papers, but only 7 papers will be counted for final merit ranking. For the rest two papers, the candidate should secure minimum marks prescribed by UPSC each year.

1. Paper‐I: (Essay) – 250 Marks

In Essay Paper, candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

2. Paper‐2: (General Studies 1) – 250 Marks.

General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. The detailed syllabus is given below:

General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

Indian culture will cover the 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 will include 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 the 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 the world’s physical geography.
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 (including India)
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone 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.

3. Paper‐3: (General Studies 2) – 250 Marks

General Studies 2 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. The detailed syllabus is given below:

General Studies 2 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

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, the 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 the 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 neighbourhood- 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.

4. Paper‐4: (General Studies 3) – 250 Marks

General Studies 3 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management. Detailed syllabus as provided by UPSC is as below:

General Studies 3 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

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, nanotechnology, biotechnology 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, the 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.

5. Paper‐5: (General Studies 4) – 250 Marks

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the below major areas: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. Details of the syllabus as provided by UPSC is as below: This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

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 the 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 the above issues.

6. Paper‐6: (Optional Subject Paper 1) – 250 Marks

7. Paper‐7: (Optional Subject Paper 2) – 250 Marks

Syllabi for Optional Subjects:

Qualifying Paper A – Not counted for final ranking

Paper ‐ A – Indian Language – Syllabus. (One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. This paper will not be compulsory for candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.) 300 Marks.

Qualifying Paper B – Not counted for final ranking

Paper ‐ B – English Language – Syllabus. 300 Marks.

UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Interview

IAS Interview Syllabus

The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of his/her career. He/she will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms, this is really an assessment of not only his/her intellectual qualities but also social traits and his/her interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, a balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.
The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialised or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own state or country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should arouse the curiosity of well-educated youth.

Sub Total (Written test): 1750 Marks
Personality Test: 275 Marks
Grand Total: 2025 Marks

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Latest UPSC Pattern Analysis and other FAQs

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Sir,whether we have to choose one or two optional subjects from the list.if I choose English literature as my only one optional subject,is it enough?

SIR , please tell me the complete process for form application

What is the real Purpose that according to you One should aspire, such that he diligently Should think himself that he/ she is fit to be an IAS. I ask this to see whether are you fit to Teach me.

sir, I have seen the following mains syllabus in upsc official website, it has four optional papers, two gs papers and total marks is 2300, please give me more information

Sir,i have read this syllabus..so how many subjects should select for paper 6th and 7 th

Only 1.

Sir,Please suggest book for Mathematics?

sir, pleas tell me that the syllabus for eng. and hindi qualifying paper and syllabus for optional paper eng. and hindi are same.

Sir, plz say me all ias exam imp book, but language in marathi medium

When started prelium exam of upsc and when and how can find the result

if i persue b.tech from c.s. then will i be eligible for u.p.s.c.. bcoz here c.s. is not mentioned

IAS ke exam me maths compulsary hota he kya sir

I am software engineer… I cant find any computer science engineering syllabus…. Can I apply for for IAS exam?

I m a software engineer.. Can I appear

i m student of bsc 2nd year and want to start my prepartion for IAS kindly guide me how to start prepration without coaching and books essential for it .

dear, sir i want to be an IAS . who can i prepare for this exam. i believe in self study therefore plz. guide for preparation…..

Sir i m of class11th and i want to prepare for upsc..but i m not able to understad the syllabus.kindly help me…..explain me

When the 2015 prelim result will declare

I can , cracks & win

which is basic subject those who learning after 12

if we take science stream can we become a civil servant

Dear Sir,
With reference to the Paper-A, where a candidate has to choose a language it is not made compulsory for candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim. What I understood is that it has been introduced in order to enable candidates from diverse background with different mother-tongue to be able to write in a language of their choice as their mother tongue is not there in the list.
My question here is why is Tripura and Assam not included in the list in spite of being a north-eastern states. The indigeneous people of Tripura commonly called as Tripuris also have a different mother-tongue, not mentioned in the list. It is a huge disadvantage for us as we have to choose from the list whereas candidates from other north-eastern states are not made compulsory.
The population of Bangladeshi immigrants to Tripuris in the state of Tripura is 7 :3 which signifies that Bangladeshi immigrants are more in numbers with respect to the indigenous Tripuris. Does it mean that the non Bangladeshi-Bengali speaking IAS aspirants of Tripura has to learn the other language first in order to prepare for IAS exam when we are already comfortable with English ?
Sir please take a look on it to make the competition even for all the citizens of our country. Or please kindly give us some direction so that our state Tripura could also be included in the non-compulsory list of states.

B Jamatia,

We understand your concern, but it’s ultimately the decision of the government and UPSC. But considering the fluent language you used above, we are sure you will pass the other compulsory language too. You just need to secure a minimum mark in that.

Dear Sir
How to choose the elective subjects. Is it compulsory to choose two subjects and is order of choice of subjects will make any difference?

Iam 2nd dental student but iam unable to understand syllabus n subejects.please help me

plz muje upsc me ips banahe to ek must book batavo in gujarati & english.

can i write main exam in kannada

Dear sir /medam. I m student of pali literature . So, can i appear in UPSC IAS exams? And how to prepare for this exams? Please kindly instruct in detail. Thanks you.

Sir I would like to know whether I can take English as one language paper and as optional too at same time.

Please mughe DM banana hai to koi accha book kon- as hai

Dear sir,
I’m sharan
what’s important from merit papers? and how to accept new pattern of csat2?
please guide me.

Sir,I want to have information about age criteria? And also about the chances to apply for civil services exam for a general category student?

Thanks for giving information about the exam syllabus.

Sir plz guide me upsc… Related

sir can an arts student take science paper as optional subject

Yes

What is the minimum marks to be scored for merit ranking

sir can i take english as both a language paper and optional language and as a engineering student can i take history or economics as my optional subjet?

how many marks i hav to score in prelims to qualify for main exams?

I am an IAS aspirant. I still Have 2 Years to finish my degree. But I am eager for the time to come. I will start my preparation soon.

i am a second year btech. electrical engg. student how can i prepare for ias exam ?

can i take literature subjects for mains ? ive not graduated in literature

sir am now studying b.com 3rd year,which type of books will be preferablly read at this time…….

Sir I left m.b.b.s because I want to be IAS but my collage don’t give me my document. I got duplicate documents from my board gandhinager so I will Chan’s to do any graduation

pls r suggests book for prelims

Sir, there is any negative marking in preliminary exam

Yes.

Sir out of two optionals i want to take history for paper 1 and political science &int relation for paper 2.is it possible since iam not interested in pol.sci. paper 1 & i have great interest for international relations.

@skmr94 – At the moment, there is only 1 optional subject.

Fools give this exam!