Official UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus for Prelims (GS-1 + CSAT) and Mains (GS I-IV, Essay, Optional).
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Syllabus
Prelims — Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social, Economic
- Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj
- Economic and Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Demographics
- General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
- General Science
Prelims — Paper II: CSAT (200 marks, qualifying 33%)
- Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy (Class X level), Data Interpretation
Mains — GS Paper I (250 marks)
- Indian Heritage and Culture: Art Forms, Literature, Architecture
- Modern Indian History: from 1857 to independence
- Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization
- World History: Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Colonialism
- Indian Society: Salient Features, Diversity, Women Issues
- Role of Women, Poverty and Developmental Issues
- Globalization, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism
- Geography: Distribution of Key Natural Resources, Factors for Industries
Mains — GS Paper II: Governance (250 marks)
- Indian Constitution: Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments
- Parliament and State Legislatures, Executive and Judiciary
- Government Policies and Interventions for Development
- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections
- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services
- Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability
- India and its Neighbourhood Relations, Effect of Policies of Developed Countries
- International Bodies — UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank, etc.
Mains — GS Paper III: Economy & Technology (250 marks)
- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources
- Inclusive Growth and Issues arising from it
- Government Budgeting, Major Crops, Cropping Patterns
- Food Processing and Related Industries in India
- Land Reforms in India, Effects of Liberalization on Economy
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways
- Investment Models, Science and Technology — Indigenous Development
- Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology
- Environmental Impact Assessment, Disaster Management
- Internal Security: Role of External State and Non-State Actors
Mains — GS Paper IV: Ethics (250 marks)
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants of Ethics
- Attitude: Content, Structure, Function, Moral and Political Attitudes
- Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services
- Emotional Intelligence — Utilization and Application
- Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
- Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration
- Probity in Governance: Concept, Philosophy, Ethical Concerns
- Case Studies on above issues