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Last Updated on Jun 05, 2025

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The Union Public Service Commission announces the official Syllabus and Exam Pattern for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. UPSC has released the official notification on 22 January, 2025 to recruit candidates for the All India Services (IAS & IPS), Central Civil Services (Group A) like IFS, IA&AS Etc. and Central Civil Services (Group B) like DANICS, DANIPS & more.

The UPSC Syllabus is divided into three sections – Prelims, Mains and the Interview/Personality Test round. Each with a unique syllabus designed to evaluate a candidate's knowledge, analytical skills, and overall suitability for a career in the Indian Civil Services. Understanding the detailed syllabus of UPSC Civil Services Exam is perhaps, one of the first steps for aspirants to devise a solid preparation strategy. Given the vast and complicated nature of the syllabus, several first-time aspirants are perplexed by questions like, “Where to Start UPSC Preparation?”, “What to Study First?” and “How to Cover the Entire UPSC Exam Syllabus?”

In this article, we will take you through the detailed UPSC Syllabus for Prelims, Mains & Interview one step at a time and help you take the first step in your journey of becoming an IAS Officer!

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UPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus

Prelims is the 1st stage of the UPSC CSE Exam which consists of two compulsory objective-type papers i.e. General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).

Prelims GS Paper-1 Syllabus

UPSC GS Paper-I (Prelims) covers subjects like Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Biodiversity, Science & Technology. The final merit in UPSC Prelims will be decided on the basis of marks obtained in GS Paper 1 Only. Here is the GS Paper 1 Syllabus breakdown:-

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

Checkout UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis for the Past Papers

Prelims CSAT Syllabus

UPSC GS Paper-II (CSAT) comprises questions based on three sections – English Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making & Analytical Ability and Mathematics. CSAT is qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to obtain at least 33% marks. Only the candidates who obtain this qualifying score will be eligible to have their GS Paper 1 answer sheets evaluated. Here is the GS Paper 2 Syllabus breakdown:-

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)

Note – It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelims) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelims) Examination.

Checkout UPSC CSAT PYP Trend Analysis for your upcoming exam!

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UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus

The UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 comprises 09 descriptive papers, totaling 1750 marks, all of which add up to the final merit score.

Nature of Paper	Paper	Subject	Marks
*Qualifying Papers*	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
*Qualifying Papers*	Paper-B	English	300
*Merit-Based Papers*	Paper-I	UPSC Essay Paper	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	Genera 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
Total Marks		1750

Note –

The papers on Indian languages and English (Paper A and paper B) will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature. The marks obtained in these papers will NOT be counted for ranking.
Only the candidates who obtain at least 25% marks in ‘Indian Language’ and 25% in English will have their 'Essay', 'General Studies' and ‘Optional Subject’ papers evaluated.
Each paper will be of three hours duration.
The question papers (other than the literature of language papers) will be set in Hindi and English only.

Note for UPSC Aspirants!

All the papers included in the Mains Exam will be subjective in nature! Remember that the UPSC Mains Essay Papers are designed to evaluate your answers based on subject knowledge, persuasive power, balance of judgement, logical exposition and depth of analysis.

Also check – UPSC Exam Pattern

UPSC Syllabus for Language Papers

The English & Indian Language Papers (Paper A & B) will be of qualifying nature each carrying 300 marks, meaning that the marks obtained in these papers will not be considered for calculating the final UPSC Scores. The difficulty level of these papers on Indian languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard. Here is the breakdown of syllabus:-

Paper A - Compulsory Indian Languages

2–3 unseen passages questions on Reading Comprehension carrying 75 marks.
1 Question on Precis Writing carrying 75 marks.
5–10 Questions on Usage and Vocabulary will be there carrying 50 Marks.
1 or 2 Short Essays will be there carrying 100 marks on on general topics.
Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

Paper B - English Language

2–3 unseen passages questions on Reading Comprehension carrying 75 marks.
1 Question on Precis Writing carrying 75 marks.
5–10 Questions on Usage and Vocabulary will be there carrying 50 Marks.
1 or 2 Short Essays will be there carrying 100 marks on on general topics.
There will be no Translation Question in English Language paper.

UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus for Essay

Candidates are required to write two essays carrying 250 marks by selecting their preferred topics from a given set of questions. While the UPSC Essay Paper Syllabus is not set and specific, it covers a wide range of current affairs, philosophical themes, social issues, governance, and economic development.

A well-structured approach, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion, is essential for scoring well in the UPSC Essay Paper.

UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus for GS Paper-1

General Studies-I Paper will be on Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society carrying 250 marks. Here is the detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Syllabus -

UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS Paper-1 2025

Indian Heritage & Culture

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

History

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 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.

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.

Geography

Salient features of the world's physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); 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.

UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus for GS Paper-2

General Studies-II Paper will be on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations carrying 250 Marks. Candidates can have a look at the detailed official UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus below –

UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS Paper-2 2025

Polity & Constitution

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.

Social Justice

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.

Governance

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.

International Relations

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 Mains 2025 Syllabus for GS Paper-3

Genera Studies-III Paper will be on Science & Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management. Check the detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Syllabus for each subject –

UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS Paper-3 2025

Economic Development

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
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.

Environment & Agriculture

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.

Science and Technology

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.

Security & Disaster Management

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 Mains 2025 Syllabus for GS Paper-4

General Studies-IV will be on Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude carrying 250 Marks. Check the detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 in the table below –

UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS Paper-4

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 Mains Syllabus for Optional Papers

There are two optional papers in the IAS Mains Exam each carrying 250 Marks, and the marks obtained in these papers are counted in the final merit. Candidates can find the UPSC full Syllabus for 48 Optional Subjects with the links given in the table below –

UPSC Optional Syllabus 2025
Agriculture Optional Syllabus	Mathematics Optional Syllabus
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Syllabus	Management Optional Syllabus
Anthropology Optional Syllabus	Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus
Botany Optional Syllabus	Medical Science Optional Syllabus
Chemistry Optional Syllabus	Philosophy Optional Syllabus
Civil Engineering Optional Syllabus	Physics Optional Syllabus
Commerce and Accountancy Optional Syllabus	PSIR Optional Syllabus
Economics Optional Syllabus	Psychology Optional Syllabus
Electrical Engineering Optional Syllabus	Public Administration Optional Syllabus
Geography Optional Syllabus	Science and Technology Optional Syllabus
Geology Optional Syllabus	Statistics Optional Syllabus
History Optional Syllabus	Sociology Optional Syllabus
Law Optional Syllabus	Zoology Optional Syllabus
UPSC Optional for Literature Subjects
Assamese Literature Syllabus	Maithili Literature Syllabus
Bengali Literature Syllabus	Sindhi Literature Syllabus
Gujarati Literature Syllabus	Tamil Literature Syllabus
Manipuri Literature Syllabus	Malayalam Literature Syllabus
Odia Literature Syllabus	Nepali Literature Syllabus
Sanskrit Literature Syllabus	Marathi Literature Syllabus
Telugu Literature Syllabus	Dogri Literature Syllabus
Bodo Literature Syllabus	Konkani Literature Syllabus
English Literature Syllabus	Urdu Literature Syllabus
Hindi Literature Syllabus	Santali Literature Syllabus
Kannada Literature Syllabus	Kashmiri Literature Syllabus

Note for UPSC Aspirants: The scope of the syllabus for optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) for Mains is broadly of the Honors degree level, that is, a level higher than the Bachelors degree and lower than the Masters degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical Science and Law, the level corresponds to the Bachelors degree.

IAS Interview Syllabus

The UPSC Interview/Personality Test is the last stage of the Civil Services Examination process carrying 275 marks, this stage is pivotal in evaluating a candidate's suitability for a career in public service.

Unlike the written exams that primarily test the candidates’ subject knowledge and general awareness, the UPSC CSE Interview evaluates the personal attributes of the candidate.
A board of unbiased and competent observers conducts the interview, engaging the candidate in a purposive conversation where they gauge their mental calibre, intellectual qualities, and social traits.
The focus is on understanding the candidate's overall personality, decision-making abilities, and commitment to public service.

Finally, it is also crucial to self-evaluate your preparation at regular intervals! Do not wait until you finish studying the entire syllabus to begin your practice sessions and giving mock tests!

Estimate your Prelims Marks with UPSC Marks Calculator & UPSC Negative Marking Calculator.

We hope you found this article on UPSC Syllabus 2025 to be useful for your exam preparation! Download the Testbook App now to get last-minute preparation tips and best-in-class study materials, test series and expert coaching for IAS Preparation!

*Attempt Subject-wise UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions!*
Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims	Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims
Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims	Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims
Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims

UPSC Syllabus 2025 FAQs

What are compulsory subjects for the UPSC Mains exam?

Compulsory subjects include four General Studies papers, Essay writing, and two qualifying language papers (English and one Indian language). Additionally, candidates must choose one optional subject from the provided list.

What is the total marks in UPSC Prelims?

The total marks in UPSC Prelims are 400 (200 marks each for Paper 1 and Paper 2). However, only Paper 1 (General Studies) counts towards qualifying for Mains, while Paper 2 (CSAT) is qualifying in nature.

Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?

Yes, UPSC Prelims has negative marking. Each wrong answer results in a deduction of one-third (0.33) of the marks allocated to that question.

How many subjects are there in UPSC Prelims?

The UPSC Prelims has two papers: General Studies (Paper 1) covering history, polity, geography, economy, environment, and current affairs; and General Studies (Paper 2), known as CSAT, testing reasoning and analytical skills.

What is the UPSC Syllabus 2025?

The UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus 2025 is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains & Interview. Prelims includes two objective papers—General Studies (GS) covering current affairs, history, polity, geography, economy, environment, and science, and CSAT assessing aptitude and reasoning skills. Mains features nine descriptive papers: two qualifying language papers, an essay, four GS papers (on history, polity, economy, ethics, etc.), and two optional subject papers. The final stage is the Personality Test (Interview), evaluating a candidate's suitability for civil services.

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