Official topic-wise syllabus and examination pattern for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE / IAS / IPS / IFS) Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Complete stage breakdown, subject weightage, duration, and marking scheme.
Official syllabus curriculum and subject topics prescribed by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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.
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).
Paper A (Indian Language - One of the languages included in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution): Comprehension of given passages, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays, Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa (Qualifying 25%).
Paper B (English): Comprehension of given passages, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays (Qualifying 25%).
Paper I - Essay: Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics (philosophical, socio-economic, political, environmental, governance).
Paper II - General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society): Art Forms, Literature, Architecture from ancient to modern times; Modern Indian history from middle of eighteenth century; The Freedom Struggle; Post-independence consolidation; History of the world; Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity; Role of women, population, poverty, urbanization; Physical geography, Distribution of key natural resources, Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone).
Paper III - General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations): Indian Constitution (historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, basic structure); Functions and responsibilities of Union and States; Separation of powers; Comparison of constitutional schemes; Parliament and State Legislatures; Structure, organization and functioning of Executive and Judiciary; Representation of People's Act; Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies; Government policies and interventions; Development processes and NGO/SHG role; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Issues relating to poverty and hunger; Aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance; Role of civil services; India and its neighborhood relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings; Important International institutions.
Paper IV - General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management): 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 and cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce, e-technology; Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices, PDS, buffer stocks, food security, economics of animal-rearing; Food processing industries; Land reforms in India; Effects of liberalization; Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways); Investment models; Science and Technology developments and applications; Achievements of Indians in science & tech, indigenization of technology; Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology, IPR; 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, cyber security basics, money-laundering; Security challenges and management in border areas; Various Security forces and agencies.
Paper V - General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude): Ethics and Human Interface (Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships; Human 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; 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.
Paper VI - Optional Subject Paper 1 (250 Marks): Chosen discipline from official list of 25 subjects / 23 literatures.
Paper VII - Optional Subject Paper 2 (250 Marks): Advanced topics of chosen discipline.
The candidate will be interviewed by a Board of competent and unbiased observers who will have before them a record of his/her career.
Assessment of mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
Candidates are advised to prepare systematically covering all prescribed topics, solve previous years' question papers, and practice mock tests under timed conditions.
Note: This syllabus and exam pattern is published purely for general informational purposes. Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official website and refer to the official syllabus circular to verify any recent changes, scheme updates, or revisions. We are not responsible for any inadvertent error, omission, or subsequent modifications made by the conducting authority.
