UPSC Syllabus 2025, IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus 

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is conducted in three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each phase tests different skill sets, ranging from general awareness and in-depth subject knowledge to personality traits.

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UPSC Exam Syllabus 2025 Overview

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UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025

The Prelims exam has two objective-type papers:

1. General Studies Paper I: Topics include current events, Indian history, geography, polity, economic development, environmental issues, and general science.
2. CSAT (Paper II): Focuses on comprehension, reasoning, basic numeracy, and decision-making. This is a qualifying paper requiring 33% marks.

Duration: 2 hours per paper.
Marking Scheme: Negative marking applies (1/3rd for wrong answers).

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UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025

The Mains stage consists of 9 descriptive papers, grouped as qualifying and merit-based:

1. Qualifying Papers:
   • Paper A: Any Indian language from the Eighth Schedule (300 marks).
   • Paper B: English (300 marks).
2. Merit-Based Papers:
   • Essay (250 marks).
   • General Studies I-IV (250 marks each): Covering Indian heritage, governance, economy, ethics, and more.
   • Two Optional Subject Papers (250 marks each).

Total Marks: 1750 for written papers.

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Interview (Personality Test)

The final stage assesses a candidate’s personality, decision-making ability, and ethical integrity. Conducted by a panel, it carries 275 marks, bringing the total to 2025 marks.

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Preparation Tips for UPSC 2025

1. Understand the Syllabus: Cover topics comprehensively.
2. Practice Regularly: Attempt mock tests and solve past papers.
3. Stay Updated: Keep track of current events and government policies.
4. Time Management: Develop a study plan and stick to it.
5. Revision: Regularly revise key concepts for retention.

UPSC Preliminary Exam Syllabus – Civil Services

• The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims is the first step of the journey to one of the toughest examinations in India. Year 2023 had more than 11 lakh candidates applying and 2022 having almost 10 lakh applicants meaning high competition. It is important to grasp with the syllabus of the IAS Prelims because this examination acts like a qualifying stage to the Mains.
• For starters, the basic prerequisites include knowledge of the exam pattern and syllabi. The Prelims comprises two papers: There is General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Subjects that are tested in GS paper include Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and Science, while the CSAT paper involves tests on Comprehension, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.
• Ideally, the preparation for UPSC 2024 should start in February 2023 to give candidates adequate time to prepare for the exams. It is vital to note that this extensive timeline is necessary to allow the candidates to build strong concepts, eliminate doubts, and plan their study phase well and minimize disturbances. Endeavour that is steady and sustained over the above mentioned period greatly augments the probability of success in the UPSC 2024 exam.

Prelims	General Studies Paper I	General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
Number of questions	100	80
Marks per question	2	2.5
Total Marks	200	200
Negative Marking	-0.66 marks for every incorrect answer. (ie. 1/3rd of the maximum marks for the question)	-0.83 marks for every incorrect answer. (ie. 1/3rd of the maximum marks for the question)
Significance	Counted for selection into the next stage (Mains). But not counted for the final ranking after Mains and Interview.	Not counted for selection into the next stage (Mains). This paper is qualifying in nature. However, the candidate needs 33% marks (67/200 marks)

UPSC Syllabus – Civil Services Mains Exam

Mains	Subject	Marks
Paper-I	Essay	250
Paper-II	General Studies – I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)	250
Paper-III	General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)	250
Paper–IV	General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management)	250
Paper–V	General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)	250
Paper–VI	Optional Subject – Paper I	250
Paper–VII	Optional Subject – Paper II	250
Qualifying Paper A	Indian Language	300
Qualifying Paper B	English Language	300

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

Preliminary Exam Overview

Feature	Details
Number of Papers	2 compulsory papers
Type of Questions	Objective (MCQ) type
Total Maximum Marks	400 (200 each paper)
Duration of Exam	2 hrs. each (20 minutes per hour extra time for blind candidates & candidate with Locomotor Disability & Cerebral Palsy [minimum 40% impairment])
Negative Marking	1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question
Medium of Exam	Bilingual (Hindi & English)

Part A—Preliminary Examination | Paper I – (200 marks) Duration: Two hours

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.

Paper II-(200 marks) Duration : Two hours

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);

Note 1 : Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%. Note 2 : The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type. Note 3 : It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

The Civil Services Main Examination consists of written examination and interview (personality test). Civil Services Main Examination consists of following papers divided into 2 categories – qualifying & papers to be counted for merit.

Qualifying Papers

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper-A	One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution	300
Paper-B	English	300

Papers to be Counted for Merit

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper-I	Essay	250
Paper-II	General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)	250
Paper-III	General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)	250
Paper-IV	Genera Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)	250
Paper-V	General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)	250
Paper-VI	Optional Subject – Paper 1	250
Paper-VII	Optional Subject – Paper 2	250
Sub Total (Written Test)		1750
Personality Test		275
Grand Total		2025

Important Notes For Mains:

Note 1 :- QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH:- The aim of the paper is to test the candidates’ ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian language concerned.

Note 2 :- The papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.

Note 3 :- The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).

Note 4 :- Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression. 

Note 5 :- Optional Subject Papers I & II: Candidate may choose any optional subject from amongst the List of Optional Subjects given in UPSC Notification.

Note 6 :- The scope of the syllabus for optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) for the examination is broadly of the honours degree 1evel i.e. a level higher than the bachelors’ degree and lower than the masters’ degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical Science and law, the level corresponds to the bachelors’ degree. 

Note 7 :- General Studies Papers: The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services. T

Note 8 :- Interview/Personality Test :- The number of candidates to be summoned for Interview/Personality Test will be about twice of the number of vacancies to be filled. The Interview/Personality Test will carry 275 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks).

UPSC Syllabus for Qualifying Papers (Indian Languages and English)

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

English Language Comprehension of given passages. Precise Writing. Usage and Vocabulary. Short Essays.

Indian Languages Comprehension of given passages. Precise Writing. Usage and Vocabulary. Short Essays. Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

UPSC Essay Syllabus Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

UPSC GS Papers Syllabus

UPSC GS 1 Syllabus Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Indian culture: Art Forms, literature, Architecture from ancient to modern times Modern Indian history: Significant events, personalities, issues The Freedom Struggle: Various stages, important contributors/contributions Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within India History of the world: Events from 18th century, industrial revolution, world wars, etc. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India Role of women, population issues, poverty, urbanization Effects of globalization on Indian society Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism Salient features of world’s physical geography, natural resources distribution Geophysical phenomena, geographical features, flora, fauna, environmental changes
UPSC Syllabus for Mains GS Paper 2 Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations
Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments Functions and responsibilities of Union and States, federal structure Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries Parliament and State legislatures: Structure, functioning, powers & privileges Executive and Judiciary: Ministries, Departments, pressure groups Salient features of Representation of People’s Act Constitutional Bodies, statutory, regulatory, quasi-judicial bodies Government policies, development sectors, social sector/services Welfare schemes, vulnerable sections, laws, institutions Issues in governance, transparency, accountability, e-governance Role of civil services, India and its neighborhood, international relations Global groupings, agreements, policies affecting India International institutions, agencies, their structure, mandate
UPSC GS 3 Syllabus Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Indian Economy: Planning, resources mobilization, growth, development, employment Inclusive growth, issues arising, government budgeting Cropping patterns, irrigation systems, agricultural produce, e-technology Farm subsidies, minimum support prices, Public Distribution System Food processing, related industries, supply chain management Land reforms, liberalization effects on economy, industrial policy Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Investment models, science & technology developments, applications Achievements in science & technology, IT, Space, Computers, biotechnology Environmental conservation, pollution, impact assessment Disaster management, extremism, internal security challenges Cyber security basics, money-laundering prevention, border security Security forces, agencies, mandates, challenges management
GS Paper 4 Syllabus Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, consequences in human actions Dimensions of ethics, public-private relationships, Human Values Role of family, society, educational institutions in inculcating values Attitude: Content, structure, function, moral and political attitudes Social influence, persuasion, aptitude for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality Objectivity, dedication, empathy, tolerance, compassion Emotional intelligence concepts, utilities, application in administration Moral thinkers, philosophers from India, world contributions Public/Civil service values, Ethics in Public administration Ethical concerns, dilemmas in governance, private institutions Laws, rules, regulations, conscience as ethical guidance sources Accountability, ethical governance, moral values in governance Ethical issues in international relations, funding, corporate governance Probity in Governance: Public service concept, governance philosophical basis Information sharing, transparency in government, Right to Information Ethical issues case studies on governance, corruption challenges

List of optional subjects for Main Examination:

• (i) Agriculture
• (ii) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• (iii) Anthropology
• (iv) Botany
• (v) Chemistry
• (vi) Civil Engineering
• (vii) Commerce and Accountancy
• (viii) Economics
• (ix) Electrical Engineering
• (x) Geography
• (xi) Geology
• (xii) History
• (xiii) Law
• (xiv) Management
• (xv) Mathematics
• (xvi) Mechanical Engineering
• (xvii) Medical Science
• (xviii) Philosophy
• (xix) Physics
• (xx) Political Science and International Relations
• (xxi) Psychology
• (xxii) Public Administration
• (xxiii) Sociology
• (xxiv) Statistics
• (xxv) Zoology
• (xxvi) Literature of any one of the following languages:
• Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Books

Since the UPSC exam is quite competitive, the candidates are encouraged to have the best materials for understanding; the NCERT books are among the best. Therefore, students are advised to get their NCERT books prescription as these are considered to be one of the best and easy to understand books containing all the basic concepts required for the particular exam.

Key books essential for UPSC preparation include:Key books essential for UPSC preparation include:

UPSC Prelims Books

Subject	Books
History	India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
Geography	Certificate Physical Geography – G C Leong World Atlas (Orient Black Swan)
Indian Polity	Indian Polity – M Laxmikanth
Economics	Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania Economic Development & Policies in India – Jain & Ohri
International Relations	Current Affairs
CSAT	Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R S Aggarwal

UPSC Mains Books

Subject	UPSC Books
History, Indian Heritage & Culture [GS Paper 1]	Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Geography [GS Paper 1]	Geography of India by Majid Husain World Geography by Majid Husain Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT Class 11
Polity & International Relations [GS Paper 2]	Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu International Relations: Pushpesh Pant
Economy [GS Paper 3]	Indian Economy – Nitin Singhania Environment and Disaster Management – Tata McGraw Hill Challenges to Internal Security of India – Ashok Kumar
Ethics [GS Paper 4]	Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudhary

FAQs Of UPSC Syllabus 2025

Q) Will UPSC change the syllabus in 2025?

As of now, the UPSC syllabus remains unchanged for 2025. Any updates would be officially announced on the UPSC website. Historically, the syllabus has been consistent, but candidates should stay updated for any notifications.

Q) How to start preparing for UPSC 2025?

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.
• Analyze the Syllabus: Break it into manageable parts and focus on NCERT books first.
• Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.
• Mock Tests: Solve past papers and take regular tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Coaching/Guidance: Join a reliable institute or follow online resources if needed.

Q) Will optional subjects be removed from UPSC 2025?

Currently, optional subjects remain part of the syllabus. Though there has been speculation, UPSC has made no announcements about removing them.

Q) क्या यूपीएससी 2025 में सिलेबस बदल देगा?

फिलहाल, यूपीएससी 2025 के लिए सिलेबस में कोई बदलाव नहीं किया गया है। यदि कोई बदलाव होता है, तो उसकी सूचना आधिकारिक वेबसाइट UPSC.gov.in पर दी जाएगी।

Q) What is the full form of CSAT?

CSAT stands for Civil Services Aptitude Test, a qualifying paper in the UPSC Prelims to test reasoning, comprehension, and decision-making skills.

Q) How many seats are in UPSC 2025?

The number of seats varies each year based on government requirements. In recent years, the number has ranged from 700–1000 vacancies across different services.

Q) Which optional subject is best for UPSC?

The best optional subject depends on your interests and academic background. Popular options include Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science, and Geography due to their overlap with the General Studies syllabus.

Q) How many IAS officers are selected every year?

On average, about 150–180 IAS officers are selected annually, depending on the total vacancies available.

Q) Will UPSC reduce the age limit in 2025?

There has been no official announcement about reducing the age limit for UPSC 2025. The current upper age limit is 32 years for the General category, with relaxations for reserved categories.

Q) How many marks are required for IAS out of 2025?

To secure a position as an IAS officer, candidates generally need 950–1050 marks out of 2025 (Mains + Interview), though this can vary based on competition and category.

Q) How many attempts are left for UPSC?

• General category candidates: 6 attempts.
• OBC: 9 attempts.
• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until the age limit is reached.

Q) How to plan for UPSC 2025?

• Yearly Plan: Allocate months for Prelims, Mains, and Interview preparation.
• Daily Routine: Dedicate 8–10 hours daily with a focus on specific subjects.
• Mock Tests and Revision: Practice regularly and revise extensively.
• Coaching: Enroll in reputed coaching centers if self-study feels inadequate.

Q) Does UPSC syllabus remain the same every year?

Yes, the UPSC syllabus has largely remained consistent over the years, covering Prelims, Mains, and Optional subjects.

Q) Which stream is best for UPSC?

While candidates from any stream can excel in UPSC, Humanities streams like Political Science, History, and Public Administration align closely with the syllabus. Engineering and Science graduates also perform well with proper preparation.