UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026, Check Paper-Wise Syllabus PDF

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains Exam Pattern outlines the structure of the Civil Services Mains stage, where candidates are tested through descriptive papers. It includes compulsory language papers, an essay paper, four General Studies papers, and two papers on an optional subject chosen by the candidate. Each paper carries specific marks, and while some are qualifying in nature, others directly contribute to the final merit ranking. The detailed distribution of marks is given below.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

The UPSC Mains Syllabus is designed to evaluate not only subject knowledge but also clarity of thought, critical analysis, and effective writing skills. Covering diverse areas like history, geography, polity, governance, science & technology, ethics, and optional subjects, it ensures candidates are tested on both academic understanding and awareness of real-world issues. Mastering the mains syllabus for UPSC allows aspirants to align their preparation with exam requirements and avoid unnecessary study overload.

UPSC CSE Language Syllabus (English & Indian)

UPSC Mains includes two qualifying language papers of 300 marks each: Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English). These papers are of high school (matriculation) level and are designed to test the candidate’s basic language skills. The marks in these papers are not counted towards the final merit, but a minimum score of 25% in each is mandatory. Failing to qualify in either language paper means the other mains papers won’t be evaluated, so one must prepare enough to clear this hurdle.

Paper A – Indian Language: The candidate has to choose one language from the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (examples: Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, Marathi, etc.). This paper tests the ability to read and understand prose, and express ideas correctly in that language. The paper generally includes:

• Essay writing in the chosen language.
• Reading Comprehension: understanding passages and answering questions.
• Precis Writing (summarizing a given passage).
• Usage and Vocabulary: grammar, sentence correction, synonyms/antonyms in the language.
• Translation: translating a short passage from English to the chosen language and vice versa.

Paper B – English: This is a compulsory English language paper for all. It tests basic English comprehension and writing skills. The pattern is similar to Paper A, with sections for:

• Essay in English on a general topic.
• Reading Comprehension (an unseen passage with questions).
• Precis Writing in English.
• Grammar and Vocabulary usage, sentence corrections, etc.

  (Note: There is no translation section here since it’s purely English.)

UPSC Mains Essay Syllabus

The Essay Paper in UPSC Mains is one paper of 250 marks (3 hours duration) where candidates have to write essays on given topics. Typically, you will be asked to write two essays (choice is given among multiple topics, which could be on diverse themes like philosophy, socio-economic issues, politics, science-tech, etc.). This paper tests your ability to organize and express your ideas clearly in English (or the medium chosen) on a specific topic. As per the UPSC syllabus, candidates are expected to stick closely to the subject of the essay, arrange their ideas in a logical order, and write concisely. Credit is given for effective and exact expression – meaning the clarity of thought and quality of writing matter a lot.

• Ethics: Ethical values, quotes, philosophies, thinkers, character, compassion, honesty, youth, truth, ethical dilemmas, etc.
• Women: Issues, empowerment, women & politics, etc.
• Indian society: Issues, culture, values, developments, poverty, social justice, etc.
• Science & Technology: Advancements, ethical issues, science & religion, science vs society, etc.
• Indian Democracy: Indian administration, Judiciary, Federalism, Constitutional values, security issues, etc.
• Economy: Growth, development, globalization, sectors of the economy, economy vs environment, MNCs, issues, etc.
• Education: Schemes, values in education, higher education, issues, etc.
• Philosophical essays: Thoughts, thinkers, quotes, etc.
• International relations: International issues, International organizations, globalization, etc.

GS Paper I Syllabus for Mains

General Studies Paper I covers a wide range of subjects related to India’s heritage and culture, history (both Indian and world), Indian society, and world geography. This paper is also of 250 marks, 3 hours. The major topics in the GS1 syllabus are outlined below:

• Indian Heritage and Culture: Salient aspects of Indian art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times. (For example, this includes studying classical dance forms, temple architecture, medieval literature, etc., and understanding India’s cultural evolution.)
• Modern Indian History: Significant events, personalities, and issues from the mid-18th century (1750s) until the present. This encompasses the decline of the Mughal era, British colonial rule, major battles, social reform movements, and other historical milestones leading up to modern independent India.
• Indian Freedom Struggle: Various stages of the national freedom struggle, key contributors from different parts of the country, and their contributions. (This includes the Revolt of 1857, the rise of Indian National Congress, Gandhi's movements, revolutionaries, etc., up to 1947.)
• Post-Independence Consolidation: The consolidation and reorganization of India post-1947, covering events like the integration of princely states, linguistic reorganization of states, and other nation-building challenges.
• World History: Events of the 18th century and 20th century that had a significant impact on the world, such as the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization and decolonization, and political philosophies like capitalism, socialism, communism etc., and their effects on society.
• Indian Society & Diversity: Salient features of Indian society, diversity of India (religious, linguistic, regional diversity etc.). Topics include the role of women and women’s organizations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization and its problems & remedies, effects of globalization on Indian society, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism.
• Geography – World’s Physical Geography & Resources: Salient features of world physical geography, important geophysical phenomena (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones) and their location and impact. Also, the distribution of key natural resources across the world (including in India and South Asia) and factors responsible for the location of industries (primary, secondary, tertiary sectors) in various parts of the world. Additionally, changes in critical geographical features (like changes in water-bodies, ice caps, flora and fauna) and the effects of such changes are included.

GS Paper II Syllabus for Mains

General Studies Paper II is broadly about governance, the Constitution, polity (political system of India), social justice, and international relations. This paper (250 marks, 3 hours) evaluates a candidate’s understanding of political-institutional frameworks and social issues, as well as India's external affairs. The GS2 syllabus includes the following major topics:

• Indian Constitution & Polity: Historical underpinnings of the Constitution, its evolution, salient features, significant provisions, and the Basic Structure doctrine. This also includes topics like fundamental rights, duties, DPSPs, etc.
  • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States, issues and challenges to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances to local levels (Panchayati Raj institutions), and challenges therein.
  • Separation of powers between different organs of the state, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
  • Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries (e.g., parliamentary vs presidential systems, unitary vs federal features, etc.).
  • Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and Judiciary, Ministries and Departments of Government; Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.
  • Important Constitutional Posts (like President, Governor, CAG, etc.) – appointment, powers, and functions; Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies – composition and role (e.g., Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission, TRAI, etc.).
  • Representation of People’s Act (RPA) – salient features of RPA and related electoral reforms.
• Governance and Social Justice:
  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and the issues arising from their design and implementation. (For example, policies on health, education, poverty alleviation, etc., and their effectiveness.)
  • Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), various groups and associations, donors, charities, and other stakeholders in development programs.
  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population (such as for women, SC/ST/OBC, minorities, differently-abled, etc.) by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.
  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services such as Health, Education, Human Resources.
  • Issues relating to poverty and hunger, and the challenges in tackling them.
  • Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizen’s charters, transparency & accountability measures, and institutional mechanisms like RTI (Right to Information) etc..
  • Role of civil services in a democracy – how the bureaucracy contributes to policy implementation and upholding constitutional values.
• International Relations (IR):
  • India and its neighborhood relations – India’s bilateral relations with neighboring countries (Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.).
  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests (e.g., SAARC, BIMSTEC, G20, BRICS, QUAD, trade agreements, etc.).
  • Effects of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests – for instance, the impact of US, China, or EU policies on India; issues related to the Indian diaspora abroad..
  • Important international institutions and agencies – their structure and mandate (e.g., United Nations, World Bank, IMF, WTO, WHO, International Court of Justice, etc.)

GS Paper III Syllabus for Mains

General Studies Paper III covers a variety of topics primarily related to the Indian Economy, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Environment & Ecology, Internal Security, and Disaster Management. This paper (250 marks) tests both knowledge of economic and scientific concepts and awareness of contemporary issues in these areas. The GS3 syllabus can be summarized as follows:

• Indian Economy & Economic Development:
  • Economic planning and development – Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment in India.
  • Inclusive growth – concepts and issues arising from it (for example, measures to include all sections of society in growth benefits).
  • Government Budgeting – understanding how budgets are made, components like revenue, expenditure, fiscal deficit, etc., and their importance.
  • Industrial Policy and Liberalization – Effects of liberalization (1991 reforms etc.) on the economy, changes in industrial policy, and their impact on industrial growth.
  • Infrastructure – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc. (issues and initiatives in infrastructure development).
  • Investment models – such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), JV, etc., and their significance.
• Agriculture & Food Security:
  • Major crops and cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce; issues and constraints in agriculture.
  • E-technology in the aid of farmers – use of mobile apps, digital platforms, etc. in agriculture.
  • Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies, Minimum Support Prices (MSP); Public Distribution System (PDS) – objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; buffer stocks and food security issues; Technology missions (like National Food Security Mission, etc.); economics of animal-rearing.
  • Food processing and related industries in India – scope and significance, location factors, upstream/downstream requirements, supply chain management.
  • Land reforms in India – historical perspective and current status of land reforms.
• Science & Technology:
  • Developments and their applications in everyday life; achievements of Indians in science & tech (e.g., ISRO achievements, Nobel laureates, etc.).
  • Indigenization of technology and developing new technologies in India.
  • Awareness in fields like IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, etc., and issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR).
• Environment & Biodiversity:
  • Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment (EIA).
  • Biodiversity – general issues on biodiversity, conservation efforts, etc. (though not explicitly listed here, it is implied in environment).
  • Climate change and related international agreements (implied as part of environment topics).
• Security and Disaster Management:
  • Linkages between development and spread of extremism (for example, how economic or social disparities can fuel Naxalism).
  • Role ofexternal state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security (e.g., terrorism sponsored by external actors, insurgency, etc.).
  • Challenges to internal security through communication networks – the role of social media, cyberspace in internal security; basics of cyber security and prevention of cyber crimes; money-laundering and its prevention.
  • Border security challenges – security challenges and management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
  • Various security forces and agencies and their mandate – an overview of organizations like Indian Army, paramilitary forces (CRPF, BSF, etc.), intelligence agencies, disaster response forces (like NDRF), etc., and their roles.
  • Disaster Management: Types of disasters (natural and man-made), disaster preparedness, mitigation strategies, and institutional frameworks for disaster management in India

GS Paper IV Syllabus for Mains

General Studies Paper IV is an ethics paper that tests the candidate’s attitude and approach to issues of integrity and ethics in public life, as well as their problem-solving approach to various ethical dilemmas. This paper (250 marks) includes theoretical questions and case studies. The GS4 syllabus is defined in broad terms, covering the following areas:

• 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 of great leaders, reformers, and administrators; role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values.
• Attitude: Content, structure, function of attitude; its influence on thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: Foundational values such as integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, compassion towards weaker sections. (Basically the virtues expected in a civil servant.)
• Emotional Intelligence: Concepts of emotional intelligence and their utility and application in administration and governance.
• Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world. (For example, ideas of Gandhi, Plato, Confucius, etc., and how those ideas can be applied in administration.)
• 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 (RTI); Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct; Citizen’s Charters; work culture; quality of service delivery; utilization of public funds; challenges of corruption.
• Case Studies: Application of the above concepts through case studies on various issues and ethical dilemmas, to test the candidate’s ability to handle real-life situations.