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UPSC CSE 2026 – Complete IAS Exam Syllabus for Prelims & Mains

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams. Conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission, it aims to recruit candidates for top government posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. Understanding the UPSC syllabus is the first step towards an effective preparation strategy.

Scroll down for a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus, including detailed subject-wise breakdowns, optional subjects, and the essay and interview components. Download the latest UPSC Syllabus PDF 2026 and gear up for structured, smart preparation.

UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

Prelims
Paper (Duration)Total MarksNo. of QuestionsMarks per QuestionNegative Marking
Paper I – General Studies
(2 hrs)		20010021/3rd (0.66)
Paper II – CSAT
(2 hrs)		200802.51/3rd (0.83)
Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is only qualifying in nature, and a candidate must score a minimum of 33% of the total 200 marks to qualify.
Mains
PaperMarks
Indian Language (Qualifying Paper A)*300
English (Qualifying Paper B)300
Essay250
GS Paper I
(Indian Heritage and Culture, Modern Indian History, Society, World and Indian Geography)		250
GS Paper II
(Polity and Constitution, Governance and Social Justice, International Relations)		250
GS Paper III
(Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, Internal Security)		250
GS Paper IV
(Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)		250
Optional Subject Paper I & II250×2 = 500
Duration for each of the above exams is 3 hours each
* For Qualifying Paper A, candidates may select from one of the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Interview
Personality Test275 Marks

UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims Syllabus (GS Paper I & II)

The UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination consists of two papers of Objective type (multiple choice questions) – GS Paper I & GS Paper II (CSAT). Each paper carries a maximum of 200 marks. This examination is meant to serve as a screening test only.

GS Paper I Syllabus:

  • 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.

GS Paper II (CSAT) Syllabus:

  • 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 CSE 2026 Mains Syllabus

The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination consists of a Written Examination and an Interview/Personality Test. The Written Examination comprises 9 papers of conventional essay type, out of which two papers are qualifying in nature.

General Studies-I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

  • Indian Culture – 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 including 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 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 World’s Physical Geography.
  • Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); 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, cyclones 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.

For Topicswise breakdown of the Syllabus: Click Here

General Studies-II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

  • 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, 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 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 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, Indian Diaspora.
  • Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.

For Topicswise breakdown of the Syllabus: Click Here

General Studies-III

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

  • 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.
  • 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 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.

For Topicswise breakdown of the Syllabus: Click Here

General Studies-IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

  • Attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. (Case study approach may be used).
  • 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 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.

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Syllabus (Optional Subjects)

The syllabus for the optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) in the examination is designed to be at the honours degree level. This is higher than a bachelor’s degree but lower than a master’s degree. For disciplines such as Engineering, Medical Science, and Law, the syllabus is aligned with the bachelor’s degree level.

UPSC CSE – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nationality: Must be a citizen of India for IAS, IFS, and IPS. For other services, candidates may also be a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee, or an individual of Indian origin from specified countries.
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years and the cutoff date to calculate age is August 1. Relaxations apply for certain categories.
Educational Qualification: Must hold a graduate degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.

General Category: 6 attempts.
SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts.
OBC Category: 9 attempts.
PwBD Category: 9 attempts for General, EWS, and OBC categories; unlimited for SC/ST.

Preliminary Examination: Objective type with two papers (General Studies and CSAT).
Main Examination: Written examination with 9 papers, including compulsory and optional papers.
Interview/Personality Test: For those who qualify the Main Examination.

General, OBC, and EWS categories: Rs. 100.
Women, SC/ST, PwBD candidates: Exempt from the fee.

Identity Proof: Valid photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
Educational Certificates: Proof of graduation or final year mark sheet.
Caste/Category Certificate: For candidates claiming reservation benefits.
Photograph and Signature: Scanned copies in prescribed format (JPEG, PNG and PDF).

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