The UPSC syllabus is one of the most detailed and extensive in India. It tests a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and overall personality. Knowing the complete UPSC syllabus helps candidates create a smart and effective study plan. This evergreen guide gives a detailed explanation of the UPSC Syllabus 2025 for the Civil Services Examination — Prelims, Mains, and Interview — in simple, understandable language suitable for beginners and intermediate aspirants.
Overview of UPSC Exam Structure
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year for various posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. The exam happens in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Examination (Mains)
- Personality Test (Interview)
A candidate must pass each stage to reach the next one. The Prelims are objective-type, Mains are descriptive written papers, and the Interview is a face-to-face round focused on personality, confidence, and communication.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025
The Preliminary Stage is the first step. It has two compulsory papers:
General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Both are held on the same day and are objective type (multiple-choice).
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | General knowledge topics like history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current events | 200 | 2 hours | As per cutoff |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | Comprehension, logical reasoning, and mathematics | 200 | 2 hours | Minimum 33% required |
General Studies Paper I (Prelims Paper 1)
This paper checks the candidate’s awareness about India and the world. The main topics are:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic geography
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Public Policy, Rights Issues
- Economic and Social Development
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change
- General Science
This paper decides your eligibility for the Mains exam. The marks are counted in the cutoff.
General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
This tests a candidate’s logical and analytical skills. It includes:
- Comprehension and interpersonal skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (Class X level)
- Data interpretation
Even though CSAT is qualifying, candidates must score 33% or higher. Many aspirants underestimate CSAT and fail despite good GS Paper I marks.
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025
Those who qualify in the Prelims appear for the Mains Examination. The Mains papers are descriptive, testing in-depth understanding and clarity of expression. It has nine papers in total — two qualifying language papers and seven merit-based scoring papers.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper B | English (qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper 2 | 250 |
Total marks for merit = 1750 marks.
Language papers are only qualifying — candidates need at least 25% marks in each. Those exempted from Indian language (northeast states, for example) write English only.
Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying)
Candidates choose one language from the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The paper includes:
- Essay writing (100 marks)
- Reading comprehension (60 marks)
- Precis writing (60 marks)
- Translation from English to chosen language and vice versa (40 marks)
- Grammar and usage (40 marks)
Languages available include Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Urdu, Assamese, and others.
Paper B: English (Qualifying)
This paper tests basic language comprehension. It includes the same pattern as the Indian language paper — comprehension, short essays, précis, and grammar.
Paper I: Essay
Candidates have to write essays on given topics. Usually, they must write two essays from two different sections. Marks depend on how well the essay is structured, balanced, and organized with ideas and arguments.
Good preparation with past essays and regular writing practice helps a lot.
General Studies Papers (GS I to IV)
These four papers carry the most weight. Each paper has 250 marks.
General Studies Paper I – Indian Heritage, History, and Geography
Topics include:
- Indian culture, Art, and Architecture
- Modern Indian History and Indian Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence consolidation
- World History
- Geography of the world, physical features, and natural resources
- Indian Society and globalization impact
General Studies Paper II – Polity, Governance, and International Relations
Topics include:
- Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, and Duties
- Parliament, Executive, and Judiciary
- Governance and public policies
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
- Role of civil services in democracy
- India’s relations with neighboring and global nations.
General Studies Paper III – Economy, Science, and Technology
This covers:
- Economic development and planning
- Agriculture, Industrial growth, Infrastructure
- Environment and biodiversity
- Disaster management
- Internal and external security challenges
- Role of technology and its effects
General Studies Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Topics include:
- Ethics in public administration
- Emotional intelligence and moral thinkers
- Attitude, values, and role models
- Case studies on ethical decision-making
This paper measures a candidate’s moral integrity and decision-making capacity.
Optional Subject Papers (Paper VI and VII)
Aspirants must choose one optional subject, having two papers of 250 marks each. Candidates pick a subject they are comfortable with, often linked to graduation. The available list includes 26 core subjects :
| Optional Subjects |
|---|
| Agriculture |
| Civil Engineering |
| History |
| Mechanical Engineering |
| Political Science & International Relations |
| Statistics |
The subject demands deep understanding and conceptual clarity. Strategic coverage of syllabus and answer writing practice helps score better.
Interview (Personality Test)
The final stage is the Personality Test or Interview, worth 275 marks. It evaluates attitude, confidence, communication, leadership, and decision-making. The interviewer panel observes honesty, mental alertness, and balanced judgment.
Candidates can choose their interview language — English, Hindi, or the same language as chosen in Paper A (Indian Language).
Tips to Prepare for UPSC Syllabus
- Understand each topic clearly and read the official syllabus PDF from UPSC.gov.in.
- Make short notes for every subject.
- Study NCERT books first for basics.
- Follow daily news from reliable sources for current affairs.
- Practice answer writing and previous year papers regularly.
- For optional subjects, pick one you enjoy and can explain conceptually.
- Revision is more important than reading too many books.
Key Takeaways
- Prelims tests knowledge and aptitude.
- Mains tests understanding, analysis, and writing skills.
- Interview tests personality and integrity.
- Smart study, consistency, and time management are essential.
The UPSC syllabus is vast, but smart preparation makes it manageable. Understanding what to study and what not to helps save time and energy. Every topic connects with real-world issues. That is why the UPSC syllabus not only helps one become an officer but also builds knowledge to serve society efficiently.
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