UPSC Syllabus 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Service Examination (CSE), which is the most prestigious examination in the country. Every year, lakhs of candidates fill out the application form to compete for approximately a thousand posts. With over 10 lakh candidates who apply for the exam, candidates need to focus on establishing a solid understanding and foundation of the UPSC syllabus to crack the exam.
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The UPSC syllabus is composed of three phases, prelims, mains and interview. The UPSC prelims examination is qualifying in nature and the marks scored in this exam will not be added while preparing the final merit list. Candidates who qualify the Prelims appear for the MAins exam which is descriptive in nature and lastly an interview is held for those who are successful in the Mains exam.
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UPSC Syllabus 2024
The UPSC syllabus 2024 is broadly divided into two stages, i.e., prelims and mains. The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the UPSC IAS exam, consisting of two papers such as General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify while the marks scored in the GS paper are counted to shortlist candidates for the UPSC mains examination which consists of 9 papers and each paper is descriptive in nature where candidates need to write detailed answers. The UPSC Mains papers are Essay, English language, Indian language, General Studies 1, General Studies 2, General Studies 3, General Studies 4, Optional Paper 1 and Optional Paper 2. Continue reading below to know more about the UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains detailed syllabus.
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UPSC Syllabus 2024 Highlights
The UPSC syllabus serves as a blueprint for the IAS exam.. The syllabus explains the subjects and patterns that candidate is asked about in the examination. It is critical that you understand each section of the examination, including its syllabus and structure. Check the table below for an overview of the UPSC CSE syllabus.
| UPSC Syllabus Overview | ||
| Particulars | Prelims | Mains |
| No. of Papers | Two | Nine |
| Types of Questions | Objective Type | Descriptive Type |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours each | 3 hours each |
| Total Marks | 400 | 1750 |
| Medium of Exam | English & Hindi | English & Hindi (except language paper) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Marks | No negative marking |
| Marks Counted in Final Merit | No | Yes |
UPSC Syllabus 2024 PDF Download
The UPSC syllabus PDF is the roadmap for candidates applying for the IAS exam. The syllabus pdf provides the detailed topics that are expected in the examination. As the UPSC syllabus is vast, hence, it is advised that the candidates download and take a printout of the syllabus for easy convenience. The PDF provides the detailed syllabus for UPSC prelims and UPSC Mains examinations. Click on the link below to download UPSC syllabus PDF.
| UPSC syllabus PDF |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus
The UPSC prelims exam is the first stage of IAS selection process. This examination is conducted to shortlist candidates for the UPSC Mains exam and the marks scored by candidates in this stage will not be added while preparing the merit list. The UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers that are Paper 1 (GS) and Paper 2 (CSAT).
The UPSC Prelims Paper 1 syllabus consists of topics such as Indian polity, geography, history, Indian economy, science and technology, environment and ecology, etc., and the UPSC Prelims Paper 2 syllabus consists of topics such as reasoning and analytical ability, reading comprehension, etc. Check the table below for an overview of the UPSC Prelims syllabus.
| No. of Papers | Paper 1 Paper 2 |
| Type of Questions | Objective (MCQ) type |
| Number of Questions | Paper 1 - 100 Paper 2 - 80 |
| Total Maximum Marks | 400 (200 each paper) |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours for each paper |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 of the marks assigned to a question |
| Medium of Exam | Bilingual (Hindi & English) |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Paper 1
The UPSC prelims papers 1 syllabus consists of 100 questions, which broadly cover all the general studies topics and current affairs. The candidates must solve this paper in 2 hours and the marks scored in this paper will be counted to select candidates for the UPSC mains exam. Check the list of topics for the UPSC Prelims syllabus for Paper 1.
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, and 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 specialisation.
- General Science.
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UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Paper 2
The UPSC prelims papers 2 examination consists of 80 questions, which broadly cover. The UPSC Prelims Paper 2 examination is qualifying in nature and the candidates need to score 33% marks. This paper is conducted between 2:30 pm and 4:30 am. Check the list of topics for the UPSC Prelims syllabus for Paper 2.
- 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
UPSC Mains Syllabus
Candidates who clear the UPSC Prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the Mains Exam. The UPSC mains exam is a descriptive paper consisting of nine papers that includes an essay, general studies paper, and an optional subject. The UPSC Mains examination assesses a candidate's in-depth understanding of a certain issue as well as their ability to express that information within the time period specified.
The Mains syllabus consists of a total of nine papers. Out of this, two are qualifying in nature of 300 marks each. Check the table below for the marking scheme of all the UPSC Mains papers
| Name of Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Qualifying Papers | ||
| 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-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, 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 |
| Total | 1750 | |
UPSC Mains Syllabus for Qualifying Papers (Indian Languages and English)
The aim of this paper is to assess candidates ability to read and understand the languages and provide their ideas clearly and concisely in English and Indian languages. The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:
(i) Comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Precise Writing.
(iii) Usage and vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.
Indian Languages
(i) Comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Precise Writing.
(iii) Usage and vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.
(v) Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa
UPSC Essay Syllabus
In the UPSC Essay syllabus, candidates will be required to write the essays on multiple topics. The candidates are expected to write close to the topics and arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion. Marks will be given on the basis of the effectiveness and exact expression.
UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus
The UPSC Mains GS 1 paper is also known as paper II. It majorly covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. Check the list below for important subtopics.
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, and issues.
- The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
- History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
- Role of women and women’s organisations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.
- Effects of globalisation on Indian society.
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
- Salient features of world’s physical geography.
- Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Check the official syllabus below:
UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus
The UPSC Mains GS 2 paper is also known as paper III and it majorly covers 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, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
- Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
- Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
- Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
- Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
- Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
- Role of civil services in a democracy.
- India and its neighborhood- relations.
- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
- Important International institutions, agencies and forums—their structure, mandate.
UPSC Mains GS 3 Syllabus
The UPSC Mains GS 3 paper is also known as Paper IV and it majorly covers Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, 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-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System-objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
- Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
- Land reforms in India.
- Effects of liberalisation on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
- Investment models.
- Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
- Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
- 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 in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
- Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organised crime with terrorism.
- Various security forces and agencies and their mandate.
UPSC Mains GS 4 Syllabus
The UPSC Mains GS 3 paper is also known as Paper IV and it majorly covers Ethics, Integrity and aptitude. This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating 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: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
- 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, Utilisation of public funds, challenges of corruption.
- Case Studies on above issues.
UPSC Optional Syllabus
Candidates can choose optional syllabus from a list provided by the UPSC. The UPSC syllabus for optional subjects varies depending on the subject chosen. There will be two papers from the optional choices. Candidates can find the list of optional subjects provided by UPSC
Once you have a good understanding of the UPSC syllabus and pattern, you should create a study plan to make the most of your preparation time. We created an exclusive article on some of the most significant recommendations after speaking to many experts, which will help you create a successful plan. Read about the UPSC preparation plan for beginners.
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