UPSC examination syllabus

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three stages – Preliminary (objective, screening), Main (written, descriptive) and Personality Test / Interview. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit, which is based on Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening)PaperSubjectMarksTimePaper IGeneral Studies (GS)2002 hrsPaper IICSAT (Qualifying – 33%)2002 hrs

Both papers are objective. Negative marking of 1/3rd applies. CSAT is qualifying; the GS Paper I score decides who clears Prelims.

GS Paper I Syllabus

• Current events of national & international importance
• History of India & Indian National Movement
• Indian & World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)
• Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights
• Economic & Social Development, Sustainable Development, Poverty, Demographics
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
• General Science

CSAT Paper II Syllabus

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication
• Logical reasoning & analytical ability
• Decision making & problem solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy & Data Interpretation (Class X level)

Stage 2: Main Examination (1750 marks)PaperSubjectMarksPaper AIndian Language (Qualifying)300Paper BEnglish (Qualifying)300EssayEssay250GS Paper IHeritage, History, Geography & Society250GS Paper IIGovernance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR250GS Paper IIIEconomy, Technology, Environment, Security & Disaster Mgmt250GS Paper IVEthics, Integrity & Aptitude250Optional Paper IOptional Subject250Optional Paper IIOptional Subject250Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview

Interview of 275 marks tests the mental and personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service.

This syllabus is provided for reference only. Exam patterns are revised periodically — please confirm the latest syllabus and exam pattern with the official website before you start preparing.

 

Category : UPSC

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