UPSC CSE Syllabus 2026
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS / IPS / IFS)
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is India's most prestigious competitive examination, recruiting officers for the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A & B Central Services. It is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
Eligibility Criteria
- Education
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university
- Age Limit
- 21–32 years (General); relaxation for OBC, SC/ST, PwD
Selection Process
- 1Preliminary (Prelims) — 2 papers (qualifying + ranking)
- 2Main Examination — 9 papers (written)
- 3Personality Test (Interview)
Exam Pattern
| Stage / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims — GS Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hr | Objective MCQ (negative marking −1/3) |
| Prelims — CSAT Paper II | 80 | 200 | 2 hr | Qualifying (33% required); Objective MCQ |
| Mains — 9 Papers | — | 1750 | — | Descriptive/Essay; 2 language papers (qualifying) |
| Interview | — | 275 | — | Personality Test |
Detailed Syllabus
1
Prelims — GS Paper I
National and International Current AffairsIndian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)Indian & World GeographyIndian Polity & Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights IssuesEconomic and Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector InitiativesGeneral issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity & Climate ChangeGeneral Science
2
Prelims — CSAT Paper II (Qualifying)
ComprehensionInterpersonal skills including communication skillsLogical Reasoning and Analytical AbilityDecision-making and Problem SolvingGeneral Mental AbilityBasic Numeracy (10th level)Data Interpretation
3
Mains — GS Paper I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and SocietyIndian Culture — Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, ArchitectureModern Indian History — Freedom StrugglePost-Independence consolidationHistory of the WorldIndian Society — Salient features, diversity, role of women, urbanisation, globalisation
4
Mains — GS Paper II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International RelationsIndian Constitution — evolution, features, amendments, provisionsFunctions and responsibilities of Union and StatesParliament and State LegislaturesExecutive and JudiciaryGovernment policies and schemes for developmentInternational Relations — India and its neighbourhood, bilateral/regional/global groupings
5
Mains — GS Paper III
Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster ManagementIndian Economy — planning, mobilisation of resources, growthAgriculture — issues and related constraintsScience & Technology — developments and their applicationsEnvironment & Climate ChangeDisaster ManagementLinkages between development and spread of extremismInternal Security
6
Mains — GS Paper IV
Ethics, Integrity and AptitudeEthics and Human InterfaceAttitude — content, structure, functionAptitude and foundational values for civil serviceEmotional intelligenceContributions of moral thinkers and philosophersPublic/Civil Service Values — integrity, impartiality, toleranceCorporate GovernanceProbity in GovernanceCase Studies on above issues
7
Mains — Essay (Paper I)
Essays on topics of national and international importance (2 essays, 1000–1200 words each)Philosophy, Social Issues, Ethics & Governance, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment
🎯 Must-Prepare Topics for UPSC CSE
NCERT books (Class 6–12)
Laxmikanth — Indian Polity
Economy — Ramesh Singh
Environment — Shankar IAS
Current Affairs (The Hindu / Indian Express)
Ethics Case Studies
Optional Subject depth
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