UPSC Civil Services 2026 (IAS/IPS) Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test. Each stage assesses different skills, including general awareness, analytical ability, written expression, understanding of important issues and suitability for public service.

UPSC CSE Selection Process

The selection process follows the structure below:

1. Civil Services Preliminary Examination: An objective-type screening examination consisting of two papers.

2. Civil Services Main Examination: A written examination consisting of nine papers, including qualifying language papers and papers counted for merit.

3. Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are called for the interview according to the applicable rules.

Preliminary Examination marks are not counted towards the final merit ranking. Final ranking is based on the marks obtained in the prescribed merit-counting Main Examination papers and the Personality Test.

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day.

Important points about Prelims:

• General Studies Paper I covers subjects such as history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science and current affairs.

• General Studies Paper II, commonly called CSAT, tests comprehension, reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making and basic numerical skills.

• CSAT is qualifying in nature, with a minimum qualifying score of 33%.

• Negative marking applies to incorrect answers under the prescribed examination rules.

• Candidates must appear in both papers for their candidature to be considered as per the rules.

Prelims is a screening stage. Candidates who qualify are eligible for consideration for the Main Examination, subject to the prescribed conditions.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

General Studies Paper I

The major areas covered in General Studies Paper I include:

• Current events of national and international importance

• History of India and the Indian National Movement

• Indian and World Geography

• Indian Polity and Governance

• Constitution, political system and public policy

• Economic and Social Development

• Sustainable development, poverty and inclusion

• Environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change

• General Science

Candidates should prepare static subjects alongside current affairs and regularly revise important concepts.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

CSAT evaluates comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical thinking and basic numerical ability.

Important topics include:

• Reading comprehension

• Interpersonal and communication skills

• Logical reasoning

• Analytical ability

• Decision-making and problem-solving

• General mental ability

• Basic numeracy

• Data interpretation

Although CSAT is qualifying, candidates should practise it consistently to ensure they meet the required qualifying standard.

UPSC Civil Services Main Exam Pattern 2026

The Main Examination consists of nine conventional, descriptive papers. Two papers are qualifying language papers, while the remaining seven papers are counted towards the written merit.

The two language papers are qualifying in nature and are not included in the written merit total.

• Main Examination written merit: 1,750 marks

• Personality Test: 275 marks

• Total for final ranking: 2,025 marks

The language-paper exemption provisions and qualifying standards should be checked in the official notification.

UPSC Main Examination Syllabus

Essay Paper

Candidates are required to write essays on prescribed topics. The paper assesses clarity of thought, logical organisation, relevance, coherence and the ability to express ideas effectively.

General Studies Paper I

This paper covers Indian heritage and culture, history, geography and society.

Important areas include:

• Indian art and culture

• Modern Indian history

• The freedom struggle

• Post-independence consolidation

• World history

• Indian society and social issues

• Physical geography

• Natural resources and geographical phenomena

General Studies Paper II

This paper focuses on governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations.

Important areas include:

• Indian Constitution and its features

• Parliament and state legislatures

• Executive and judiciary

• Constitutional and statutory bodies

• Government policies and interventions

• Welfare schemes

• Social justice

• Governance and transparency

• India's international relations

General Studies Paper III

This paper covers economic development, technology, environment, security and disaster management.

Important areas include:

• Indian economy and planning

• Inclusive growth

• Government budgeting

• Agriculture and food processing

• Infrastructure

• Science and technology

• Environmental conservation

• Disaster management

• Internal security

General Studies Paper IV

This paper assesses ethics, integrity and aptitude.

Important areas include:

• Ethics and human values

• Attitude

• Aptitude for civil services

• Emotional intelligence

• Moral thinkers and philosophers

• Public service values

• Probity in governance

• Accountability and transparency

• Case studies on ethical dilemmas

Optional Subject Papers

Candidates select one optional subject from the subjects permitted by UPSC. The optional subject has two papers, each carrying 250 marks.

Available subjects include disciplines such as History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, Anthropology, Economics, Mathematics, Philosophy and various literature subjects, among others.

Candidates should refer to the official notification for the complete list of permitted optional subjects and their detailed syllabi.

UPSC Personality Test (Interview)

The Personality Test carries 275 marks and is conducted for candidates who qualify the Main Examination under the prescribed rules.

The interview is intended to assess a candidate's suitability for public service. It may evaluate qualities such as:

• Mental alertness

• Critical powers of assimilation

• Clear and logical expression

• Balance of judgement

• Variety and depth of interest

• Social cohesion and leadership

• Intellectual and moral integrity

• Awareness of current issues

The interview is not simply another written examination. Candidates should develop a balanced understanding of important issues and be prepared to discuss their educational background, interests and opinions thoughtfully.