UPSC Prelims Syllabus (General Studies Paper I)
GS Paper I – (Objective Type – 200 Marks)
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, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization
General Science
Note:
This paper is qualifying in nature; marks are not counted for the final merit list.
It is only for screening purposes (minimum 33% qualifying marks required).
UPSC Mains GS Syllabus
The Mains includes 4 General Studies Papers (each 250 marks).
GS Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
Indian culture – Art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian history (from the 18th century), significant events, personalities, issues
Freedom struggle – stages, key contributors, and their ideologies
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization
History of the world – events from the 18th century (industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.)
Indian society – diversity, role of women, population issues, poverty, urbanization, globalization, and social empowerment
Geography – physical geography, resources, geophysical phenomena, and changes in critical geographical features (e.g., water bodies, ice caps, flora and fauna)
GS Paper II –
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges
Judiciary, executive, constitutional and statutory bodies
Governance – transparency, accountability, e-governance
Role of NGOs, SHGs, civil society, pressure groups
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
Issues related to health, education, human resources
International relations – India and its neighborhood, bilateral, regional, and global groupings, international institutions
GS Paper III – Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Indian economy – planning, growth, development, employment
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Government budgeting
Major crops, irrigation, agricultural marketing, e-technology in agriculture
Industry, infrastructure, investment models
Science and Technology – developments, applications, and effects
Environment – conservation, pollution, EIA
Biodiversity and climate change
Internal security – challenges, role of agencies, cyber security, money laundering, etc.
Disaster and disaster management
Linkages between development and extremism
GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Ethics and human interface – essence, determinants, and consequences
Human values – role of family, society, and educational institutions
Attitude – content, structure, function; moral and political attitudes
Aptitude and foundational values for civil services – integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, compassion
Emotional intelligence – concepts and utilities
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers
Public/Civil service values and ethics in public administration
Probity in governance, code of conduct, work culture, corruption challenges
Case studies on above issues
Nationality
For IAS, IPS, and IFS:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
For other Civil Services:
A candidate must be either:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note:
Candidates falling under these categories (except Indian citizens) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. Educational Qualification
The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The degree can be in any discipline.
Candidates who are in the final year of their graduation or awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before appearing for the Mains examination.
3. Age Limit (As of 1st August of the examination year)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age:
General (UR): 32 years
OBC: 35 years
SC/ST: 37 years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD):
General: 42 years
OBC: 45 years
SC/ST: 47 years
Example:
If the exam year is 2026, the candidate must be at least 21 years old on 1st August 2026, and must not have attained the upper age limit as per their category on that date.
4. Number of Attempts
General (UR): 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (up to the age limit)
PwBD:
General: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
Note:
Appearing in any one paper of the Preliminary Examination is counted as an attempt.
If a candidate applies but does not appear for the exam, it is not counted as an attempt.
5. Restrictions on Applying
If a candidate is already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) after clearing a previous UPSC CSE, they are not eligible to apply for the exam again.
6. Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards for admission to various services (especially for IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service).
Medical tests are conducted after the Mains examination during the Personality Test stage.
