UPSC Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is often considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Success in this examination requires meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of the vast syllabus. In this article, we will dissect the detailed syllabus of the UPSC CSE to provide aspiring civil servants with a clear roadmap for their preparation.

Table of Contents

Understanding the UPSC Syllabus

The UPSC CSE syllabus is extensive and divided into two main stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims) and the Main Examination (Mains), followed by a Personality Test (Interview). Let’s delve into each of these stages to comprehend the detailed syllabus comprehensively.

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination Syllabus

The IAS Preliminary examination stands as the initial hurdle in the path of the Civil Services Examination. In the year 2023, an impressive count of over 11 lakhs applicants sought to conquer the UPSC Prelims, a number not far from the approximately 10 lakh candidates who embarked on this journey in 2022.

Understanding the syllabus for the IAS Preliminary Examination is of paramount importance, as it serves as the pivotal screening test determining the eligibility of candidates for the subsequent stage, which is the Mains. Aspiring individuals eyeing success in the UPSC Exam must commence their journey by acquainting themselves with the examination pattern and the IAS Exam syllabus, before delving into their comprehensive preparations.

For those gearing up for the UPSC 2024, the journey commences in February 2023. A dedicated year of groundwork is indispensable if aspirants intend to achieve commendable results in the UPSC 2024 examination. This nearly year-long timeline is vital for structured and seamless preparation, allowing candidates to fortify their understanding of key concepts and resolve any uncertainties pertaining to various subjects.

Preliminary Examination (Prelims):
- UPSC Syllabus for GS Paper-I: General Studies (GS)
  - Current events of national and international importance.
  - History of India and the 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.
  - Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change.
  - General Science.
- UPSC Syllabus for GS Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
  - 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).It’s important to note that Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature, and candidates must secure a minimum qualifying mark to proceed to the Mains.

UPSC Preliminary Examination pattern

No. of Papers	2 compulsory papers
Type of Questions	Objective type (MCQ)
Total Marks	400 (200 each paper)
Duration of Exam	2 hrs. each (20 minutes per hour extra time for blind candidates & candidate with Locomotor Disability & Cerebral Palsy [minimum 40% impairment])
Medium of Exam	Hindi & English
Negative Marking	1/3rd of the marks assigned to question

Important Points to Remember:

The preliminary exam is just to see if you can go to the next parts of the exam.
The scores you get in the Prelims won’t affect your final rank.
Everyone has to study the same subjects for the Prelims, but you can pick some subjects for the main exam.

UPSC Syllabus for Mains

Syllabus of UPSC Main Examination (Mains):
- UPSC Paper-I: Essay Syllabus
  - Candidates are required to write two essays on topics of contemporary relevance.
- UPSC Paper-II: General Studies I Syllabus
  - Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
    - 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 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 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, 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.
- UPSC Paper-III: General Studies II Syllabus
  - 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.
- UPSC Paper-IV: General Studies III Syllabus
  - 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.
- UPSC Paper-V: General Studies IV Syllabus
  - Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
    - 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.
- UPSC Papers VI and VII: Optional Subjects Syllabus
  - Candidates choose one optional subject from the provided list for Papers VI and VII.
    - UPSC Agriculture Syllabus
    - Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
    - Anthropology
    - Botany
    - Chemistry
    - Civil Engineering
    - Commerce and Accountancy
    - UPSC Economics Syllabus
    - Electrical Engineering
    - Geography Syllabus for UPSC
    - UPSC Geology Syllabus
    - UPSC History Syllabus
    - UPSC Law Optional Syllabus
    - Management
    - UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus
    - Mechanical Engineering
    - UPSC Medical Science Syllabus
    - UPSC Philosophy Syllabus
    - UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus
    - PSIR Optional Syllabus
    - UPSC Psychology Syllabus
    - Public Administration
    - Sociology Optional Syllabus
    - Statistics
    - Zoology
    - Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.
- UPSC Personality Test/Interview Syllabus:
  - After the Mains, candidates are called for the Personality Test/Interview stage, which assesses their personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services. The Main Examination consists of a total of nine papers, including the optional subjects chosen by candidates.
  - The main aim of this interview is to evaluate if the candidate is a good fit for a career in civil services. It’s like a purposeful conversation that checks the candidate’s thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  - The interview is worth 275 marks, and when combined with the written exam, which is worth 1750 marks, it adds up to a total of 2025 marks. The final merit list is based on these marks.

Candidates should be aware that there are no changes in the UPSC Syllabus for 2023 compared to the syllabus for 2022 and 2021.

Paper no.	Paper Name	Marks
Paper-A	One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution	300
Paper-B	English	300
	Counted for Merit
Paper – I	Essays	250
Paper – II	General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)	250
Paper – III	General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)	250
Paper – IV	General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)	250
Paper – V	General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)	250
Paper – VI	Optional Subject – Paper 1	250
Paper – VII	Optional Subject – Paper 2	250
Sub Total		1750
Personality Test		275
Grand Total		2025

The UPSC CSE detailed syllabus is vast and covers a wide array of topics, ranging from history and geography to current affairs and ethics. Success in this prestigious examination requires a multifaceted approach to preparation, with a strong focus on understanding the detailed syllabus. Aspiring civil servants should develop a well-structured study plan, allocate time wisely to different subjects, and regularly practice answer writing.

Moreover, staying updated with current events and having a sound understanding of the issues facing the nation and the world is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. Many candidates also opt for coaching or online resources to guide their preparation and gain access to expert insights.

In summary, achieving success in the UPSC CSE is challenging, but with a clear understanding of the detailed syllabus, dedication, and a well-organized study approach, candidates can pave the way for a fulfilling career in the civil services, contributing significantly to the nation’s development.

How the UPSC Language Papers Work?

In these papers, there are different types of questions:

Essay – 100 marks
Reading comprehension – 60 marks
Precis Writing – 60 marks
Translation:
- From English to a compulsory language (like Hindi) – 20 marks
- From the compulsory language to English – 20 marks
Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks

You can write the other seven papers in any of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution or in English.

The goal of these papers is to see if you can understand serious written content and express your ideas clearly and correctly in English or the chosen Indian language. The questions will be about:

Understanding passages.
Writing summaries.
Using words correctly.
Writing short essays.
Translating between English and the Indian language.

Important Information about UPSC Mains Exam

The Mains exam is the second part of the Civil Services Exam. To take this exam, you must first pass the prelims.
In the Mains, they test how well you understand your subjects and if you can answer questions correctly in the given time.
There are 9 papers in the UPSC Mains exam, but 2 of them are just to see if you’re good enough to continue. These papers are:

Any Indian Language Paper
English Language Paper
To have the other papers (Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subject) counted, you need to get at least 25% marks in both the language papers. If you don’t pass these language papers, your marks in the other papers won’t be looked at.

FAQs on UPSC Syllabus

What is the UPSC syllabus for the Civil Services Examination (CSE)?
- The UPSC CSE syllabus is extensive and covers a wide range of topics. It includes subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, Ethics, and more. It is divided into Preliminary and Main Examinations, each with its specific syllabus.
Where can I find the official UPSC syllabus for the CSE?
- The official UPSC syllabus for the CSE can be found on the UPSC’s official website (https://www.upsc.gov.in/). It is detailed in the official notification for the examination, which is typically released annually.
Is it possible to clear the UPSC CSE by studying only the topics mentioned in the syllabus?
- While the syllabus provides a structured framework for preparation, it’s essential to go beyond it. UPSC often tests candidates’ analytical abilities, critical thinking, and their understanding of current affairs. Aspirants should develop a well-rounded knowledge base to excel in the examination.
Can the UPSC syllabus change from year to year?
- Yes, the UPSC syllabus can undergo slight changes or updates from year to year. It’s crucial for aspirants to refer to the latest official notification for the most up-to-date syllabus and examination pattern.
Do I need to cover all optional subjects mentioned in the syllabus for the Main Examination?
- No, candidates are required to choose only one optional subject from the list provided in the UPSC syllabus for the Main Examination. The choice of optional subject should align with the candidate’s interests and strengths.

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