UPSC Civil Services Examination Syllabus

The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective)

2. Mains Examination (Descriptive)

3. Personality Test / Interview

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

➤ Paper I: General Studies (GS) - 200 Marks

• 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 (no subject specialization required)

• General Science

➤ Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) - 200 Marks

(Qualifying in nature – 33% required to pass)

• 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 (Class X level)

Stage 2: Mains Examination (Descriptive Type)

Compulsory Papers (Qualifying)

• Paper A: Indian Language (any from the Eighth Schedule) – 300 Marks

• Paper B: English – 300 Marks

Merit Ranking Papers

➤ Paper I: Essay – 250 Marks

• Write two essays from given topics. Emphasis on clarity, coherence, and relevance.

➤ General Studies Papers

✅ Paper II: GS I – 250 Marks

• Indian Heritage and Culture

• History and Geography of the World and Society

  • Ancient, Medieval, Modern History of India

  • Freedom Struggle

  • Post-independence Consolidation

  • World History (18th century onwards)

  • Indian Society, Diversity, Globalization

  • Role of Women, Social Empowerment

  • Population and related issues

  • Salient features of Indian and World Geography

✅ Paper III: GS II – 250 Marks

• Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

  • Indian Constitution, Amendments, Features

  • Separation of Powers, Judiciary, Executive

  • Parliament and State Legislatures

  • Governance: Transparency, Accountability

  • Social Justice: Schemes for vulnerable sections

  • NGOs, SHGs, Welfare schemes, Education, Health

  • International Relations and Organizations

  • India’s relations with neighboring countries

✅ Paper IV: GS III – 250 Marks

• Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

  • Indian Economy & Planning

  • Inclusive Growth

  • Budgeting, Agriculture

  • Infrastructure – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports

  • Science and Technology – Developments and Applications

  • Environmental Conservation

  • Disaster and Risk Management

  • Internal Security, Cybersecurity

  • Linkages of organized crime with terrorism

  • Role of external state and non-state actors

✅ Paper V: GS IV – 250 Marks

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

  • Ethics and Human Interface

  • Attitude, Aptitude, and Foundational Values

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Moral Thinkers and Philosophers

  • Civil Service Values and Ethics in Governance

  • Probity in Governance

  • Public/Civil Service Code of Conduct

  • Case Studies

Optional Subjects (Any one – 2 papers of 250 marks each)

➤ Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject – 500 Marks total

You can choose one subject from the following list:

• Agriculture

• Anthropology

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

• 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 of any one language (from the 8th Schedule)

Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview – 275 Marks

• Conducted by the UPSC Board to assess:

  • Mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation

  • Clear and logical exposition

  • Balance of judgment, intellectual and moral integrity

  • Leadership, decisiveness, and social skills

Total Marks for Final Merit

• Mains (Essay + GS + Optional) = 1750 Marks

• Interview = 275 Marks

  
  Total Marks for Final Merit = 2025 Marks

We will discuss the detailed syllabus for each paper in next article.