UPSC Syllabus for CSE 2026-27

Civil services Examination conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) to get into services like IAS, IPS, IFS etc, comprises of three successive stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the Prelims, but only those who secure marks above the cut-off in General Studies Paper I and qualify CSAT (Paper II) are eligible to appear for the Mains Examination. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not counted in the final merit list.

      Its consists of two papers:

      General Studies Paper I

      Maximum marks : 200
      Number of Questions : 100
      Total Time : 120 minutes (02 hours)

      Syllabus

      • Current events of national and international importance
      • History of India and Indian national movement
      • Indian and World Geography
      • Indian Polity and governance
      • Economic and social development
      • General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change
      • General Science

        General Studies Paper II

        Maximum marks : 200
        Number of Questions : 80
        Total Time : 120 minutes (02 hours)

        Syllabus

        1. Comprehension based on issues.
        2. Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
        3. Logical reasoning & analytical ability
        4. Decision making & problem solving
        5. General mental ability
        6. Basic numeracy
        7. English language comprehension skills (Class X level).

        2. Main Exam: It is the second stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Mains. Unlike the Prelims, the Mains is a descriptive (written) examination that evaluates a candidate’s depth of knowledge, analytical ability, critical thinking, articulation, and understanding of issues of national and international importance.

        The marks obtained in the Mains Examination, along with the Personality Test, determine the final merit and service allocation.

        PaperSubject NameMarks
        Paper-1Essay250
        Paper-2General Studies–I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)250
        Paper-3General Studies –II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice andInternational relations)250
        Paper-4General Studies –III  (Technology, Economic Development, Bio‐diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)250
        Paper-5General Studies –IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)250
        Paper-6Optional Subject – Paper 1250
        Paper-7Optional Subject – Paper 2250
        Sub Total (Written test)1750
        Personality Test275
        Grand Total2025

        3. Personality Test (Interview): The Personality Test is the final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates who qualify the Mains Examination are called for the interview at the UPSC office in New Delhi.

        Unlike Prelims and Mains, this stage is not a test of factual knowledge alone. The Interview Board evaluates whether a candidate possesses the qualities required to become an effective civil servant.

        What Does UPSC Assess?

        The Board primarily evaluates:

        • Mental alertness
        • Critical thinking and analytical ability
        • Clarity of expression
        • Balance of judgement
        • Leadership qualities
        • Integrity and honesty
        • Social awareness and emotional maturity
        • Administrative aptitude
        • Awareness of national and international issues
        • Nature of the Interview

        The interview is generally a natural conversation based on your Detailed Application Form (DAF), educational background, work experience, hobbies, home state, optional subject, and current affairs. Questions are designed to assess your personality, decision-making, and suitability for public service rather than your ability to recall facts.

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