UPSC Syllabus PDF in English
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus | UPSC Syllabus pdf Prelims [Download] |
| UPSC Mains Syllabus | UPSC Syllabus pdf Mains [Download]
|
- The UPSC syllabus is an extremely crucial milestone on the road to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
- The Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a nationwide exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India for recruitment of various designated posts viz IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), IRS (Indian Revenue Service) and allied services.
- This exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams in India.
- Hence, to be able to get through the IAS exam successfully, candidates should know the latest IAS syllabus for UPSC in detail.
- We have here the UPSC syllabus pdf for students to understand the syllabus of upsc thoroughly by downloading a copy and looking at it as often as possible.
UPSC Exam Pattern Prelims and Mains
UPSC Prelims Syllabus
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | Marks / Duration | Type | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.S More details | 200 / 2 hrs | Competitive | Hindi / English |
| CSAT More details | 200 / 2 hrs | 330 / Qualifying | Hindi / English |
UPSC Exam Structure
- Prelims: Objective (MCQ-based)
- Mains: Descriptive (Written – 9 papers)
- Interview: Personality Test
Preparation Tips: NCERTs, The Hindu/PIB, mock tests for GS; Aptitude practice for CSAT.
UPSC Main Syllabus
| Paper | Marks | Paper-wise Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Papers: | ||
| Paper-A Indian Language (from Eighth Schedule) |
300 Marks | Read regional newspapers, practice translation & comprehension, write essays and précis in chosen language. |
| Paper-B English |
300 Marks | Improve grammar, comprehension, and précis writing. Practice formal essay and letter writing regularly. |
| Papers to be counted for merit: | ||
| Paper-I Essay |
250 Marks | Practice structured essays with examples, quotes & arguments. Read Yojana, Kurukshetra & editorials. |
| Paper-II General Studies-I (Indian Heritage, History, Geography & Society) |
250 Marks | Use NCERTs + Spectrum for History, GC Leong for Geography. Understand social issues using real-world examples. |
| Paper-III General Studies-II (Governance, Polity, Social Justice & IR) |
250 Marks | Master Laxmikanth for Polity. Link current affairs to Constitution, IR & governance issues. Focus on contemporary debates. |
| Paper-IV General Studies-III (Economy, Environment, Security & Tech) |
250 Marks | Use Ramesh Singh for Economy, Shankar IAS for Environment. Use PIB & newspapers for current affairs & case studies. |
| Paper-V General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) |
250 Marks | Refer Lexicon & G. Subba Rao. Practice case studies, understand ethical theories, and reflect on personal values. |
| Paper-VI Optional Subject – Paper 1 |
250 Marks | Follow standard textbooks and previous year papers. Make short notes and revise frequently. Write mock answers. |
| Paper-VII Optional Subject – Paper 2 |
250 Marks | Continue from Paper 1 approach. Focus on applied topics, real-life examples, and analytical writing. |
| Sub Total (Written Test) | 1750 Marks | Focus on writing practice, time management, and integrating current affairs with GS content. |
| Personality Test | 275 Marks | Work on communication, honesty, confidence & self-awareness. Read DAF carefully. Stay updated on current affairs. |
| Grand Total | 2025 Marks | Balanced strategy across all papers, consistent revision, answer writing & mock tests are key to scoring high. |
Mains Exam – 9 Papers
- Language Papers A & B (Qualifying)
- Essay (250 Marks)
- GS I – History, Geography, Society
- GS II – Polity, Governance, IR
- GS III – Economy, S&T, Environment, Security
- GS IV – Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
- Optional Subject – 2 Papers
Weekly Strategy
- Mon–Wed: GS + Optional + Notes
- Thu: Essay/CSAT Practice
- Fri–Sat: Test Series & Analysis
- Sun: Revision + Rest
Recommended Books
- Polity – M. Laxmikanth
- History – Spectrum + NCERTs
- Geography – GC Leong
- Economy – Ramesh Singh
- Environment – Shankar IAS
- Ethics – Lexicon
