UPSC IAS Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 – Prelims, Mains, Interview & Optional Subjects (PDF)

Last updated on January 18th, 2026 at 09:48 pm

Download the complete UPSC IAS syllabus for Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Get subject-wise topics, exam pattern, and official PDF on Shikarat.com.

🏛️ UPSC IAS Syllabus (Prelims, Mains & Interview)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS) is conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Below is the complete and updated UPSC syllabus explained in a simple and exam-oriented manner for aspirants.

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📌 UPSC Exam Stages Overview

📝 Preliminary Examination – Screening Test
✍️ Main Examination – Merit Ranking
🗣️ Personality Test (Interview) – Final Selection

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🟢 UPSC Prelims Syllabus

📄 Paper-I: General Studies (GS)

🕒 Duration: 2 Hours
🎯 Marks: 200 (Counted for Prelims Cut-off)

📚 Syllabus Topics:

• 📰 Current Events (National & International)
• 🏺 History of India & Indian National Movement
• 🌍 Indian & World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)
• 🏛️ Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution, Panchayati Raj, Rights)
• 💰 Economic & Social Development (Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics)
• 🌱 Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
• 🔬 General Science

⚠️ Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer

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📄 Paper-II: CSAT (Qualifying)

🕒 Duration: 2 Hours
🎯 Marks: 200 (Qualifying – Minimum 33%)

📘 Syllabus Topics:

• 🔢 Comprehension
• 📐 Basic Numeracy (Class X level)
• 🧠 Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
• 📊 Data Interpretation (Charts, Tables, Graphs)
• 🧩 Decision Making & Problem Solving

⚠️ Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer

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🔵 UPSC Mains Syllabus

📘 Qualifying Papers (Marks Not Counted)

📝 Paper-A: Indian Language

• One language from the Eighth Schedule
• Essay, Precis Writing, Translation

📝 Paper-B: English

• Essay, Comprehension, Precis
• Basic grammar & usage

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🟣 Merit Papers (Counted for Ranking – 1750 Marks)

✍️ Paper-I: Essay (250 Marks)

• Multiple topics
• Clarity, coherence & critical thinking

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📚 General Studies Papers

🧭 GS-I (History, Culture, Geography)

• Indian Heritage & Culture
• Modern Indian History
• World History
• Indian & World Geography
• Society & Social Issues

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🏛️ GS-II (Polity, Governance, IR)

• Constitution & Governance
• Social Justice
• International Relations

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💹 GS-III (Economy, Environment, Security)

• Indian Economy
• Agriculture
• Science & Technology
• Environment & Disaster Management
• Internal Security

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⚖️ GS-IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)

• Ethics & Human Interface
• Attitude & Emotional Intelligence
• Public/Civil Service Values
• Case Studies

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🎓 Optional Subject (2 Papers – 500 Marks)

📌 Choose ONE optional subject
📄 Paper-I & Paper-II (250 marks each)

Popular Optionals:

• 📘 Sociology
• 📘 Geography
• 📘 Anthropology
• 📘 PSIR
• 📘 Public Administration
• 📘 History
• 📘 Literature Subjects

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🟡 UPSC Interview (Personality Test)

🗣️ Marks: 275

Focus Areas:

• 🧠 Mental alertness
• 🗣️ Communication skills
• ⚖️ Ethical integrity
• 🌍 Awareness of national & international issues
• 👤 Leadership & decision-making ability

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🧮 UPSC Marks Distribution

📄 Prelims: Qualifying
📝 Mains: 1750 Marks
🗣️ Interview: 275 Marks
🏆 Grand Total: 2025 Marks

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FAQ

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📥 Download UPSC Syllabus PDF