UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025-26 for Prelims, Mains & Interview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, often referred to as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. Conducted annually, this exam selects candidates for various administrative positions in the Indian government, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. One of the keys to cracking this exam is a thorough understanding of its syllabus.

In this blog post, we will break down the UPSC syllabus into simple sections to help you understand what to study and how to prepare effectively.

What is the UPSC Exam?

The UPSC CSE is a three-stage examination process:

1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
2. Main Examination (Mains)
3. Personality Test (Interview)

Each stage has a distinct syllabus, and understanding it in detail is crucial for your preparation.

Read more about>>> IAS Exam Pattern

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

The Preliminary Exam is the first hurdle. It consists of two objective-type papers:

1. General Studies Paper I
2. General Studies Paper II (CSAT - Civil Services Aptitude Test)

General Studies Paper I

This paper tests your knowledge across various subjects, including:

• History of India and the Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.
• Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights issues.
• Economic and Social Development: Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
• General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change (no subject-specific study required).
• General Science

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

This paper assesses your aptitude and comprehension skills. It includes:

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (Class X level)
• English language comprehension

Note: The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature. You need to score at least 33% to pass.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

The main stage consists of nine descriptive papers. Let’s categorize them for better understanding:

Qualifying Papers

1. Paper A: Indian Language (any one language listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution).
2. Paper B: English

These papers are qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in these are not counted in the final merit.

Merit-Based Papers

1. Essay

• Write two essays on topics of national or international importance.
• Focus on presenting your ideas clearly and logically.

2. General Studies Paper I

Covers:

• Indian Heritage and Culture: Art forms, literature, and architecture.
• History: Modern Indian history and post-independence consolidation.
• Geography: Salient features of the world's physical geography and natural resources.

3. General Studies Paper II

Focuses on:

• Governance: Constitution, functioning of Parliament and state legislatures, and judiciary.
• Welfare schemes: Policies for vulnerable sections of the population.
• International relations: India’s foreign policy and international organizations.

4. General Studies Paper III

Includes:

• Economics: Indian economy, budgeting, and resource mobilization.
• Technology: Developments and their applications.
• Environment and Biodiversity: Disaster management and climate change.
• Security: Internal and external threats.

5. General Studies Paper IV

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:

• Ethical concepts: Public service values, emotional intelligence, and case studies.
• Integrity: Philosophical basis and challenges in decision-making.

6. Optional Subject Papers

• Two papers based on the optional subject chosen by the candidate.
• Popular subjects: Public Administration, Geography, History, and Sociology.

UPSC Personality Test (Interview)

Once you clear the Mains, you’ll face the Personality Test, also known as the Interview round.

• This stage evaluates your personality traits such as communication skills, clarity of thought, decision-making ability, and overall confidence.
• Topics range from your Detailed Application Form (DAF) to current affairs and general knowledge.

Check Here>>> best UPSC books for Prelims and Mains

Key Points to Remember

1. Integrated Preparation: Prelims and Mains overlap significantly in terms of syllabus. For example, topics like history, geography, and current affairs are common to both.
2. Relevance of Current Affairs: Current events play a crucial role in Prelims, Mains, and even the Interview. Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express daily and refer to monthly current affairs magazines.
3. Optional Subject Selection: Choose an optional subject based on your interest and background.
4. Practice Answer Writing: Mains demands effective writing skills. Start practising early to improve your speed and clarity.
5. Mock Tests

Also Check>>> How to Start Preparation for UPSC Exam

Final Thoughts

The UPSC syllabus is vast, but with proper planning, determination, and consistent effort, it’s manageable. Break down the syllabus into smaller chunks, set achievable goals, and keep track of your progress. Remember, success in the UPSC exam is not just about studying hard; it’s about studying smart.

Start your preparation today, and who knows? You might be the next IAS officer inspiring millions!

FAQs

Q1. Is the UPSC syllabus the same every year?

Yes, the syllabus remains the same, but the weightage of topics may vary.

Q2. Can I cover the UPSC syllabus in one year?

With proper planning and dedication, it is possible to cover the syllabus in one year.

Q3. How do I remember the vast syllabus?

Make concise notes, revise regularly, and practice questions to strengthen your memory.

Q4. Do I need to study all topics in detail?

Focus more on important and frequently asked topics, but don’t skip any part of the syllabus.

Q5. How can I balance Prelims and Mains preparation?

Prepare for both simultaneously, as the Prelims topics overlap with Mains.

If you are preparing for the IAS exam and looking for the best coaching for IAS exam preparation then read these articles:

• IAS Coaching in India
• IAS Coaching in Hyderabad
• best ias coaching in Delhi
• IAS Online Coaching