IAS/UPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Civil Services exam pattern has three stages- Prelims, Mains, and Interview, testing aptitude, analytical writing, and personality. The UPSC syllabus acts as a compass, like Google Maps, guiding preparation across this journey. Command over the vast Prelims and Mains syllabus, along with sequential planning, is essential to face this demanding exam confidently.

UPSC Civil Services exam pattern for the candidates can be understood by the table below.

The UPSC Preliminary Exam functions as a screening test and does not contribute to the final merit list. However, it is important to clear this exam as it is a mandatory requirement to be eligible for the Main exam. Failing to clear the Prelims will result in disqualification from appearing in the Main exam. The exam pattern for UPSC Prelims Exam can be seen as follows:

As per the current exam pattern for the UPSC Prelims Exam, the marking scheme is as follows:

• General Studies-I (GS) Paper – 2 marks are awarded for every correct answer, and 0.66 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
• General Studies-II (CSAT) Paper – 2.5 marks are awarded for every correct answer, and 0.83 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

The UPSC Main Examination (Mains) is a Written Examination consisting of a total of 9 papers of subjective type. The total marks obtained in this examination are counted to determine the final merit list. The exam pattern for the UPSC Main Exam can be seen as follows:

• It is the final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is a Viva-voce type of examination wherein the candidate is interviewed by a Board.
• The total marks allotted to the Interview is 275.

UPSC syllabus acts as a compass that provides a direction in the vast ocean of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) process. It often acts as a tool which helps you plan your entire journey to move from prelims to mains, exactly in the same way as the google map helps you navigate towards the destination.

To manage such a vast syllabus, we need sequential reading and planning in our preparation journey. Having said that, it becomes very crucial to be aware of the entire syllabus for both the Prelims and Main stage of the examination process.

The UPSC CSE is often considered as one of the toughest exams in the world due to its lengthy syllabus and the nature of the questions asked in the paper. Therefore, the most vital part of beginning the journey of the preparation is to have a command on the syllabus for UPSC CSE.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus features two papers: GS Paper I (200 marks) covers current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science. CSAT Paper II (qualifying, 200 marks) tests comprehension, reasoning, and basic numeracy. Objective MCQs screen for Mains. The question format in this stage is objective type (multiple choice questions) in nature.

The question format in this stage is objective type (multiple choice questions) in nature. Paper-I of the preliminary stage is famously known as General Studies Paper-I.

• Current affairs of national and international importance (The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB)
• History of India and Indian National Movement- includes the post independence part as well (World History is not included )
• 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, Biodiversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.
• General Science includes basics of physics, chemistry, and biology.

The question format in this stage is objective type (multiple choice questions) in nature. Paper-II of the preliminary stage is famously known as Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

• Comprehension- includes unseen passages.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability- includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
• Decision making and problem solving- analyses your presence of mind.
• General mental ability- includes number series, sequence, direction etc.
• Basic numeracy (Class X level)- includes percentage, ratio and proportion etc.
• Data interpretation (Class X level)- includes graphs, pie chart etc

UPSC CSE Mains exam comprises a total of 9 papers, of which 2 are qualifying and 7 are scoring. Paper-A & Paper-B are qualifying in nature while Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, GS IV, Optional Paper-VI & VII are scoring subjects meaning their marks will be taken into consideration in the final merit list of the selected candidates.

UPSC Mains Essay paper (250 marks, 3 hours) lacks a fixed syllabus. The candidates have to write two essays (1000-1200 words each) from diverse topics in philosophy, governance, social issues, economy, environment, technology, and current affairs. More marks will be allotted to clarity, coherence, and balanced arguments. Practice multi-dimensional analysis. The question format in this stage is descriptive type(subjective questions) in nature.

There are numerous topics for the essay. It is expected to write essays on multiple topics. Expectations from the aspirants/candidates are as follows:

• Write very closely to the subject of the essay.
• Arrange the thought process in an orderly fashion.
• Concise writing is preferred by UPSC.
• For effective and exact expression, there shall be Credit.

• 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 or contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the 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- Indian society include the topics such as Gender, Poverty, Secularism, communalism etc
• Role of women and women's organizations, 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 the 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.

• 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 – includes addressing global issues.
• 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 – includes how efficiently it can bring the change.
• India and its neighborhood relations – includes a balance of soft power.
• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India's interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
• Important international institutions – IMF, World Bank, WTO etc; agencies and fora – their structure, mandate.

• 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.

This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and their problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach. The following broad areas will be covered:

• 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 the world.
• Public or 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 the above issues- includes the pragmatic approach to resolve such issues- primarily checks the decision making ability of the candidate.

• The Interview or Personality Test consists of 275 marks and is conducted at UPSC, New Delhi. It comprises a board of five panel members including a chairperson who usually heads the panel. Each board member asks questions from the candidate in about 5-6 minutes, therefore the total interview time for each candidate lasts approximately 25-30 mins. Sometimes the interview time can go till 40 minutes but that is rare. Scoring well in Interview is very important as the marks are included and counted out of a total of 2025 marks for final merit.

UPSC CSE exam comprises three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview).

Yes. Prelims scores are not counted in the final merit. They only determine the eligibility for Mains.

The Mains exam has 9 papers- 2 qualifying language papers and 7 marks scoring papers, including an optional subject.

The Personality Test carries 275 marks, which are added to the Mains marks to prepare the final merit list.

Prelims includes GS Paper I (200 marks: history, geography, polity, economy, environment, current affairs) and CSAT Paper II (qualifying: comprehension, reasoning, maths). Objective-type, for screening only.​

Nine papers: Essay (250 marks), GS I-IV (1000 marks: culture/history, governance/polity, economy/tech/security, ethics), Optional (500 marks), qualifying languages (300 each). Descriptive format.​

Choose from 48 subjects like History, Geography, Public Admin; covers two papers (250 marks each). Align with interest/graduation for depth; use standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity.