UPSC CSE Exam Syllabus PDF Download

UPSC Syllabus 2024 Summary - IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus

Aspirants of Civil Services Examination can find comprehensive details of the UPSC Syllabus here. EduRev presents the complete IAS Syllabus for all stages of the examination.

Overview of UPSC Syllabus:

• Preliminary Stage – General Studies & CSAT
• Mains Stage – 9 Theory Papers (GS I-IV, Language Papers, Essay & Optional)
• Personality Test – Interview

UPSC Syllabus for CSE Prelims

IAS Prelims marks the initial stage of the Civil Services Examination. In 2023, over 11 lakhs candidates applied, compared to the approximately 10 lakh candidates in 2022.

Understanding the syllabus for IAS Prelims is crucial as it acts as the screening test for progressing to the Mains stage. Aspirants should first acquaint themselves with the exam pattern and IAS Exam syllabus before commencing preparation.

For those preparing for UPSC 2024, starting preparation for the Civil Services exam in February 2023 is advised. A year-long preparation is essential for scoring well in UPSC 2024. This timeframe is critical for structured preparation, allowing candidates to strengthen their concepts and clarify doubts on various topics.

Breakdown of IAS Prelims Exam:

• GS Paper-I – 200 Marks
• CSAT – 200 Marks

Exam Timings:

• GS Paper-I – 2 Hours (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
• CSAT – 2 Hours (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM)

The two papers of the IAS prelims are discussed in detail below:

General Studies Paper

• The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination. It is designed to assess a candidate's general awareness in various subjects such as Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations, and more.

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

• This test, generally conducted between 2:30 PM and 04:30 PM, aims to evaluate a candidate's aptitude in solving 'Reasoning and Analytical' questions, along with 'Reading Comprehension' and occasionally 'Decision Making' questions.
• 'Decision Making' based questions do not carry negative marks.

To be noted:

• The preliminary examination serves as a screening stage for subsequent exam stages. Marks from the Prelims do not contribute to the final rank list.

The subjects in the prelims are common for all candidates. However, there is an option to choose specific subjects for the mains phase.

UPSC Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography including Physical, Social, and Economic aspects
• Indian Polity and Governance covering Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, etc.
• Economic and Social Development focusing on Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, and more
• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
• General Science

Check out EduRev for more resources on UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I Preparation.

UPSC Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper-II)

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy and Data interpretation at Class X level

For additional study materials related to the UPSC CSE syllabus for the CSAT paper, visit EduRev.

Access previous years' questions from the UPSC Civil Services syllabus for better preparation.

UPSC Syllabus for Mains

Must-Know Facts about UPSC Mains

• The Mains examination constitutes the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. Only after successfully qualifying in the prelims exam would the candidates be allowed to write the IAS Mains.
• The Mains exam tests the candidate's academic talent in depth and his/her ability to present his/her understanding according to the requirements of the question in a time-bound manner.
• The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, out of which two are qualifying papers of 300 marks each.
• The two qualifying papers are:
  • Any Indian Language Paper
  • English Language Paper
• The papers on Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subject of only such candidates who attain 25% marks in both the language papers as a minimum qualifying standard in these qualifying papers, will be taken cognizance of, for evaluation.
• In case a candidate does not qualify in these language papers, then the marks obtained by such candidates will not be considered or counted.

IAS Syllabus for UPSC Mains GS-I

General Studies-I is also called Paper-II of UPSC Mains. It covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. The detailed UPSC Syllabus for this paper is given below:

• 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 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.

IAS Syllabus for Mains GS-II

General Studies-II is also called Paper-III of UPSC Mains. It majorly covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. The detailed UPSC syllabus for this paper is given below:

• 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 neighbourhood- 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.

IAS Syllabus for Mains GS-III

General Studies-III is also called Paper-IV of the UPSC Mains. The major topics covered are Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management. The detailed UPSC syllabus for this paper is given below:

• 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.

IAS Syllabus for Mains GS-IV

General Studies Paper-IV is also called Paper-V of UPSC Mains. The major topics covered under it are Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. 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/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.

IAS Syllabus for Language and Essay Papers

• Essay Paper - It is the Paper-I of UPSC Mains

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Get important information on UPSC Essay Paper from the links below:

• Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English

Structure of the language papers:

The types of questions asked are -

• Essay - 100 marks
• Reading comprehension - 60 marks
• Precis Writing - 60 marks
• Translation: English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) - 20 marks
• Compulsory language to English - 20 marks
• Grammar and basic language usage - 40 marks

The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.

The aim of the papers is to test the candidates' ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and to express ideas clearly and correctly, in English and the Indian language concerned. The pattern of questions would broadly be as follows:

(i) Comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing.

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essays.

Indian Languages:-

(i) comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing.

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essays.

(v) Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

The following articles might help candidates who find it challenging to prepare for UPSC syllabus w.r.t language papers:

Please download the detailed from the linked article.

UPSC Syllabus for Optional Subjects

• UPSC Mains Optional Subjects

  • List of 48 Optional Subjects

  • Literature of different languages included

  • Candidates choose one Optional Subject

• IAS Syllabus For UPSC Mains Optional Subjects

  • Details available in the linked article

• Topper's Excerpts and Guidance

  • Assistance for choosing optional subjects

  • List of subjects opted by top rank holders

UPSC Syllabus for IAS Interview

Known as Personality Test, the UPSC Interview serves as the final stage of the examination process. Unlike the prior stages, there is no set syllabus outlined for the interview stage. Questions in this phase encompass a broad spectrum of topics.

Main Points:

Additional Details:

• Candidates are advised to take note that there have been no alterations in the UPSC Syllabus for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023.

FAQ about UPSC Syllabus

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