UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION-UPSC
It is India’s premier central recruitment agency for recruitment of IAS, IPS, IFoS & all the Group ‘A’ & Group ‘B’ officers under Government of India.
UPSC CIVIL SERVICE EXAM – is both a prestigious and very competitive exam within the nation. Every year, a large number of candidates submit their applications, but only a select few get successful through the final selection process. This exam becomes competitive due to its challenging difficulty level and the extensive coverage of the syllabus. It is nationwide competitive examination in India conducted to the 23 Civil Services of the Government of India, including
All India Services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS),
- Indian Police Service (IPS).
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
Central Services:
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS),
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS), various other group A and B services.
Educational qualification: Any Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. (Final year degree students are also eligible)
Frequency of exam: Annual

Exam Pattern – UPSC Civil Services exam consists of three stages:
- PRELIMS
- MAINS
- INTERVIEW
UPSC PRELIMS EXAM PATTERN
The UPSC CSE Prelims is divided into two papers: General Studies I and CSAT. The CSAT paper is of a qualifying nature, meaning you need to secure the minimum passing marks to move on to the next stage. However, your score in the General Studies Paper I will be crucial as it determines whether you qualify for the UPSC MAINS
UPSC SYLLABUS AND EXAM PATTERN FOR PRELIMS | |
Particulars |
Details |
Two Compulsory Papers |
General Studies Paper-I |
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) | |
Number of Questions asked in GS Paper-I |
100 Questions |
Number of Questions asked in CSAT |
80 Questions and is Qualifying in nature |
Total Number of Marks |
GS Paper-I – 200 Marks CSAT – 200 Marks |
Negative Marking |
1/3 of the total marks allotted to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer |
Time Allotted |
Two hours each:
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UPSC PRELIMS SYLLABUS
The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Prelims exam has two papers namely General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II each paper carrying 200 marks. These papers comprise multiple-choice, objective-type questions. It’s important to note that the marks obtained in the preliminary examination will not be considered for the final ranking; their purpose is to qualify candidates for the main examination.
PAPER 1: GENERAL STUDIES |
PAPER 2: CSAT |
The General Studies 1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus covers various important subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, General Science, and Current Affairs-based events. · 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, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization. · General Science. |
General Studies 2 of the UPSC CSE is commonly known as the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper. It became a mandatory qualifying paper for all candidates starting in 2011. This paper is a crucial part of the UPSC CSE Prelims exam and aims to evaluate the candidate’s aptitude, analytical skills, and reasoning ability. To pass this paper, every candidate must obtain at least 33% of the total marks (66 marks out of 200).
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UPSC MAINS EXAM PATTERN
Once candidates clear the UPSC prelims, they become eligible to appear for the mains examination.
The UPSC Mains Syllabus comprises nine papers, but only seven of them are considered for the final merit ranking. For the remaining two papers, candidates must secure the minimum marks specified by the UPSC each year to be eligible for the final ranking.
In the UPSC Civil Service Exam, a candidate’s rank is determined solely by the marks obtained in the Main Exam and the Interview. The Main Exam carries a total of 1750 marks, while the Interview holds 275 marks.
To gain a better understanding of the General Studies paper for the mains, refer to the table below.
UPSC GENERAL STUDIES MAINS PATTERN | |
General Studies Paper |
Topics Covered |
Paper A Paper B |
Any Indian Language (compulsory) – qualifying paper English(Compulsory) – Qualifying Paper |
Paper 1 |
Essay (Candidate can choose to write it in a medium of your choice) |
Paper 2 – General Studies I |
General Studies Paper I consists mainly of History and Geography of the World and Society, Indian Heritage and Culture. This paper mainly revolves around History, Geography and Society. |
Paper 3 – General Studies II |
General Studies Paper II consists mainly of Polity, Constitution, Governance, Social Justice and International relations. |
Paper 4 – General Studies III |
General Studies Paper III consists mainly of Economic Development, Technology, Environment, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management. |
Paper 5 – General Studies IV |
General Studies Paper IV consists mainly of Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. |
Paper 6- Optional Paper I |
Optional Subject |
Paper 7- Optional Paper II |
Optional Subject |
UPSC MAINS ENGLISH (QUALIFYING PAPER)
The English paper in UPSC Mains is a qualifying paper, meaning its marks are not counted for the final merit ranking. However, it is mandatory to pass this paper with a minimum score of 75 out of 300 marks.
The purpose of the paper is to test the candidate’s understanding of basic English comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.It ensures that candidates have the minimum level of proficiency needed to write answers effectively in English (if they choose English as their medium).
Typical components include:
- Essay Writing (usually around 600 words)
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar & Usage (e.g., sentence correction, fill in the blanks, synonyms/antonyms)
The level of difficulty is equivalent to Class 10/Matriculation standard. Candidates must clear this paper along with the Indian Language paper (also qualifying) to have their GS and optional papers evaluated. It requires clarity, coherence, and correct use of grammar rather than literary flair.
UPSC MAINS – INDIAN LANGUAGE (QUALIFYING PAPER)
The Indian Language paper is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to read, write, and understand a modern Indian language, as listed in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The marks obtained in this paper are not counted for the final merit list, but clearing it is mandatory with a minimum score of 75 out of 300 marks for further evaluation of the main examination papers.
The aim is to ensure that candidates have a basic and functional grasp of a modern Indian language, sufficient to understand administrative communication and express themselves clearly. Candidates must choose one language from the 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Components of the Paper
- Essay Writing – Tests ability to express ideas clearly in a structured form.
- Precis Writing – Summarizing passages accurately and concisely.
- Translation – From English to the chosen Indian language & From the Indian language to English
- Comprehension – Understanding and answering questions based on a passage.
- Grammar and Usage – Sentence correction, syntax, vocabulary, etc.
MAINS ESSAY SYLLABUS
The UPSC Essay Paper is divided into two sections, each containing four topics. For each essay written, candidates can earn a score out of 125, with a total of 250 marks available for both sections combined.
In the UPSC Civil Service Exam, candidates will be required to write essays on a variety of topics. The essays should be concise and directly address the given topic. Candidates should also organize their thoughts effectively. The essay paper offers an opportunity for candidates to score well and boost their overall rank with careful preparation.
SYLLABUS FOR MAINS EXAMINATION (GENERAL STUDIES)
UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES I SYLLABUS:
This paper is designed to assess candidate’s knowledge and understanding of these diverse topics.
- Indian Culture: It covers the salient features of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient times to modern times.
- Modern Indian History:It includes significant events, personalities, and issues from the middle of the 18th century until the present.
- In The Freedom Struggle, Various stages and important contributors and contributions from different parts of the country.
- Consolidation and Reorganization of the country after independence.
- World History: Events from the 18th century will be included in the history of the world, such as the industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national borders, colonization, and decolonization, as well as political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, and others—their manifestations and social effects.
- Important characteristics of Indian society and India’s diversity.
- The role of women and the organisation of women, population and related issues, poverty and developmental challenges, urbanisation, related issues, and solutions.
- The social effects of globalisation in India.
- Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism, and Social Empowerment.
- Important physical geography characteristics of the world: Distribution of major natural resources worldwide (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); determinants of where primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries are located globally (including India).
- Critical geographic features and their location-changes in flora and fauna, as well as in water bodies and ice caps and the impact of such changes.
- Important geophysical phenomena include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, etc.
UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES II SYLLABUS:
The UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies II Paper includes essential subjects like Polity, Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, and Interrelations. This paper is designed to evaluate candidates’ understanding of these significant topics.
- The basic structures, features, modifications, major provisions, and historical context of the Indian Constitution.
- Functions and duties of the Union and the States, problems and difficulties with the federal system, and obstacles with the devolution of authority and resources to local levels.
- Power separation between multiple organs, conflict resolution procedures, and institutions.
- Comparing the Indian constitutional design to other countries’ systems
Structure, administration, business practices, powers, and privileges of the Parliament and State Legislatures, as well as challenges resulting from these. - Governmental Ministries and Departments; Pressure Group organizations and formal/informal associations; and their purpose in the Polity.
- Structure, organization, and operation of the Executive and the Judiciary. The Representation of People’s Act’s key characteristics.
- Appointment to several constitutional Bodies, as well as their respective duties and responsibilities.
- Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial agencies; Government interventions for development in many sectors; Problems resulting from the planning and execution of these interventions.
- The role of NGOs, SHGs, diverse groups and associations, funders, charities, institutional, and other stakeholders in development processes and the development industry.
- Welfare programmes put in place by the federal government and individual states for the population’s most vulnerable groups, as well as the effectiveness of these programmes; institutions, laws, and other organizations created to safeguard and improve the lives of these vulnerable groups.
- Issues pertaining to the growth and administration of the social sector and services in the fields of health, education, and human resources.
- Hunger and poverty-related issues.
- Transparency and accountability are crucial components of governance, as are e-governance applications, models, accomplishments, limitations, and possibilities; citizens’ charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measurements.
- The function of the civil service in a democracy
- India’s relationship with its neighbours.
- Groupings and agreements at the bilateral, regional, and international level involving or impacting India and/or its interests.
- Effect of developed and developing countries’ policies and politics on India’s interests and the Indian diaspora. Important international organizations, agencies, and forums: their makeup and objectives.
UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES III SYLLABUS:
The UPSC Mains General Studies III Syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including Science, Technology, Economics, Defense, Disaster Management, and Environmental studies.
- 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.
UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES IV SYLLABUS:
The UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS Paper 4 includes topics Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper in UPSC Mains aims to evaluate the candidate’s values, ethical standards, and problem-solving abilities in various situations. It focuses on assessing how candidates handle integrity and probity in public life and deal with challenges and disputes in society. The paper often uses a case study approach to test these elements comprehensively.
- Ethics and Human Interaction-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 valuesfor 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.
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
In the UPSC Syllabus, Papers 6 and 7 consist of optional subject papers, and these are compulsory for candidates. These papers offer an opportunity for candidates to score well, as they usually cover subjects that align with their graduation or areas of interest.
Each optional subject has its own detailed syllabus, which candidates should carefully review before making their selection. Several factors, like the subject’s syllabus, available resources for preparation, and the time required for studying, should be considered when choosing the best optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam.
UPSC OPTIONAL SUBJECTS LIST: | |
Agriculture |
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
Anthropology |
Public Administration |
Sociology |
PSIR |
Botany |
Chemistry |
Civil Engineering |
Commerce and Accountancy |
Economics |
Electrical Engineering |
Geography |
Geology |
History |
History |
Zoology |
Law |
Mathematics |
Management |
Mechanical Engineering |
Medical Science |
Philosophy |
Physics |
Statistics | |
LITERATURE OF ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGES: | |
Assamese Literature, Dogri Literature, Marathi Literature, Bodo Literature, English Literature, Odia Literature, Bengali Literature, Urdu Literature, Nepali Literature, Malayalam Literature, Sanskrit Literature, Gujarati Literature, Konkani Literature, Punjabi Literature, Hindi Literature, Manipuri Literature, Sindhi Literature, Kashmiri Literature, Maithili Literature, Santhali Literature, Kannada Literature, Tamil Literature, Telugu Literature |