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Complete UPSC IAS Syllabus 2026 | Prelims, Mains & Interview Exam Pattern

Complete UPSC IAS Exam Syllabus | Prelims, Mains & Interview

UPSC Civil Services (IAS) Complete Syllabus

Stages of UPSC Exam:
  1. Preliminary Examination (Objective)
  2. Main Examination (Descriptive)
  3. Personality Test (Interview)

1. Preliminary Examination

Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)

  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Indian and World Geography
  • Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj)
  • Economic and Social Development
  • Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
  • General Science

Paper II – CSAT (200 Marks, Qualifying)

  • Comprehension
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • General mental ability
  • Basic numeracy (Class X level)
  • Data interpretation

2. Main Examination

Total Papers: 9
7 Papers counted for merit + 2 qualifying papers

Qualifying Papers

  • Paper A – Indian Language (300 Marks)
  • Paper B – English (300 Marks)

Paper I – Essay (250 Marks)

  • Candidates write two essays on given topics.

Paper II – General Studies I (250 Marks)

  • Indian Heritage and Culture
  • History and Geography of the World and Society

Paper III – General Studies II (250 Marks)

  • Indian Constitution
  • Governance
  • Social Justice
  • International Relations

Paper IV – General Studies III (250 Marks)

  • Technology
  • Economic Development
  • Biodiversity, Environment
  • Security and Disaster Management

Paper V – General Studies IV (250 Marks)

  • Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
  • Case Studies

Optional Subject Papers (250 Marks each)

  • Paper VI – Optional Subject Paper I
  • Paper VII – Optional Subject Paper II

3. Personality Test (Interview)

  • Total Marks: 275
  • Assessment of personality traits
  • Communication skills
  • Decision-making ability
  • Leadership qualities
  • Awareness of current issues

UPSC Marking Structure

Stage Marks
Prelims 400 (Only qualifying for Mains)
Mains (Written) 1750
Interview 275
Total 2025

Important Notes for UPSC Aspirants

  • Prelims marks are not counted in final merit.
  • CSAT requires minimum 33% to qualify.
  • Final ranking is based on Mains + Interview.
  • Optional subject selection is very important.

Most Important Subjects for Preparation

  • Indian Polity
  • Modern History
  • Economy
  • Environment
  • Current Affairs
  • Ethics