Books
Current Affairs
UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus 2026 provides a clear overview of Paper I and Paper II topics, along with guidance on preparation, recommended books, and previous year questions, helping aspirants build strong concepts and prepare strategically for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination.
Exploring Chemistry for UPSC: Your Path to Success! This article unlocked pathways to clear concepts, Topper Notes & previous year questions. Let’s conquer UPSC together!
Choosing Chemistry Optional for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) offers a strategic advantage to candidates with a strong foundation in chemical sciences. Chemistry is a subject that demands a deep understanding of concepts, theories, and their applications in the real world.
It covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the basics of atomic structure to complex chemical reactions and their implications on the environment and technology. Opting for Chemistry as an optional can be particularly beneficial for candidates with a background in science or engineering, as it allows them to leverage their analytical and problem-solving skills.
This article aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for candidates considering Chemistry Optional Syllabus. It will delve into the nuances of the exam syllabus, highlighting the key areas of focus within physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
Additionally, it will provide access to past year question papers (PYQs) to give aspirants a sense of the types of questions asked and the level of difficulty to expect. Furthermore, the article will recommend essential books and resources that are indispensable for mastering Chemistry as an optional subject.
The UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam offers Chemistry as an optional subject, consisting of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. The syllabus for Chemistry covers a wide range of topics from Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, aligning with the foundational knowledge required in scientific and technological developments, environmental issues, and their applications in everyday life. This makes it relevant not only to the optional subject itself but also enriches content for General Studies papers, particularly in areas related to science and technology, environmental conservation, and economic development through scientific advancements.
Benefits of Selecting Chemistry Optional Subject for the UPSC Mains Examination:
Each of the Chemistry optional papers in the UPSC CSE exam carries 250 marks, totaling 500 marks for the optional subject. Chemistry Optional syllabus in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) encompasses a wide range of topics across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, reflecting the subject’s comprehensive and detailed nature. Below is a broad outline of the syllabus:
The Table below contains the Chemistry Optional syllabus for the UPSC Optional Paper I:
| Chemistry Optional Syllabus of Optional Paper I | ||
|---|---|---|
| S. No | Topic | Important Subtopics / Key Points |
| 1 | Atomic Structure | Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Schrödinger wave equation (time-independent), particle in 1D box, quantum numbers, hydrogen atom wave functions, shapes of s, p, d orbitals |
| 2 | Chemical Bonding | Ionic vs covalent bonds, lattice energy, Born-Haber cycle, polarities and dipole moments, valence bond theory, resonance, Molecular Orbital (MO) theory, H2, H2+ , He2+, comparison of bond order, bond strength, bond length |
| 3 | Solid State | Crystal systems, lattice structures & unit cell, Bragg’s law, X-ray diffraction, close packing, radius ratio rules, limiting radius ratio, structures of NaCl, ZnS, CsCl, CaF2, stoichiometric & nonstoichiometric defects, impurity defects |
| 4 | Gaseous State & Transport Phenomena | Equation of state for real gases, intermolecular interactions, critical phenomena, liquefaction, Maxwell’s distribution, molecular collisions, collisions on wall, effusion, thermal conductivity, viscosity of ideal gases |
| 5 | Liquid State | Kelvin equation, surface tension & surface energy, wetting & contact angle, interfacial tension, capillary action |
| 6 | Thermodynamics | Work, heat, internal energy, 1st law, 2nd law, entropy & reversibility, free energy functions, thermodynamic equations, Maxwell relations, temperature/pressure dependence of U,H,A,G,Cp,Cv, J-T effect, equilibrium criteria, Nernst heat theorem, 3rd law intro |
| 7 | Phase Equilibria & Solutions | Clausius-Clapeyron equation, phase diagrams (pure & binary systems), critical solution temperatures, partial molar quantities, excess thermodynamic functions |
| 8 | Electrochemistry | Debye-Hückel theory, limiting law, galvanic & concentration cells, electrochemical series, EMF measurement, fuel cells & batteries, double layer, charge transfer, current density, overpotential, electroanalytical techniques (amperometry, ion-selective electrodes) |
| 9 | Chemical Kinetics | Differential & integral rate equations (0th, 1st, 2nd, fractional), reverse/parallel/consecutive/chain reactions, branching & explosions, effect of T & P, fast reactions (stop-flow & relaxation), collision & transition state theory |
| 10 | Photochemistry | Light absorption, decay of excited states, photochemical reactions (H & halogens), quantum yields |
| 11 | Surface Phenomena & Catalysis | Adsorption from gases and solutions on solid adsorbents, Langmuir & B.E.T adsorption isotherms, Determination of surface area, Mechanism of reactions on heterogeneous catalysts |
| 12 | Bio-inorganic Chemistry | Role of metal ions in biological systems, Ion transport across membranes (molecular mechanism), Oxygen-uptake proteins, cytochromes, ferredoxins |
| 13 | Coordination Chemistry | Bonding in transition metal complexes: Valence bond theory, crystal field theory, applications in magnetism & electronic spectra Isomerism & Nomenclature: IUPAC rules, stereochemistry, chelate effect, polynuclear complexes Reaction Kinetics & Thermodynamics: Substitution reactions in square-planar complexes, kinetic/thermodynamic stability Metal Carbonyls & Clusters: EAN rule, synthesis, reactivity, carboxylate & carbonyl hydrides, metal nitrosyl compounds Aromatic & Olefin Complexes: Metal-olefin, alkyne, cyclopentadienyl complexes; reactions like oxidative addition, insertion, fluxional molecules, metal-metal bonds |
| 14 | Main Group Chemistry | Boranes, borazines, phosphazenes, cyclic phosphazenes, Silicates & silicones, Interhalogen compounds, Sulphur–nitrogen compounds, Noble gas compounds |
| 15 | General Chemistry of ‘f’ Block Element | Lanthanides and actinides: separation, oxidation states, magnetic and spectral properties; lanthanide contraction. |
The Table below contains Chemistry Optional syllabus for the UPSC Optional Paper II:
| Topic | Detailed Syllabus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus 2026 PDF
The UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus 2026 PDF details the complete syllabus for Paper I and Paper II of the Civil Services Mains Examination. It covers Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry topics and is available through the official UPSC notification, helping aspirants plan structured and syllabus-aligned preparation. Candidates can download the UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus PDF.
The exam pattern for the Chemistry Optional in the UPSC Mains Exam is designed as follows:
For those selecting Chemistry as an optional subject in the UPSC exam, having the right books is crucial for a thorough understanding of the subject and covering the syllabus effectively. Chemistry, with its branches of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, requires a diverse set of books to cover the entire scope. Below is a curated list of essential books for Chemistry Optional Paper I and Paper II, aimed at assisting candidates in their preparation.
| S.No. | Book | Author(s) |
| 1 | Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins |
| 2 | Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee |
| 3 | Organic Chemistry | Morrison & Boyd |
| 4 | Quantum Chemistry | Ira N. Levine |
| 5 | Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis | Richard I. Masel |
| 6 | Solid State Chemistry and its Applications | Anthony R. West |
| 7 | Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds | P.S. Kalsi |
| S.No. | Book | Author(s) |
| 1 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | Francis A. Carey & Sundberg |
| 2 | Inorganic Chemistry | C. Housecroft & A.G. Sharpe |
| 3 | The Elements of Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins |
| 4 | Modern Electrochemistry | John O’M. Bockris & Amulya K.N. Reddy |
| 5 | Molecular Quantum Mechanics | Atkins & Friedman |
| 6 | Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach | Stuart Warren & Paul Wyatt |
| 7 | Industrial Chemicals | W.L. Faith, D.B. Keyes & R.L. Clark |
To excel in Chemistry optional, developing a focused and strategic preparation plan is crucial to effectively cover the extensive syllabus. Here are some tailored strategies and tips designed to help you succeed in Chemistry as your optional subject:
The table below contains the direct PDF links of the Previous Year Question Papers of Chemistry Optional Paper I and Paper II:
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2025 | |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I | UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2024 | |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I | UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2023 | |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2023) | UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2023) |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2022 | |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2022) | UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2022) |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2021 | |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2021) | UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2021) |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional PYQ 2020 | |
| UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper I (2020) | UPSC CSE Chemistry Optional Paper II (2020) |
| Must Read | |
| NCERT Notes For UPSC | UPSC Daily Current Affairs |
| UPSC Blogs | UPSC Daily Editorials |
| Daily Current Affairs Quiz | Daily Main Answer Writing |
| UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers | UPSC Test Series |
Check Out UPSC CSE Books
Visit PW Store
The Chemistry Optional encompasses a wide range of topics across three main branches: Physical Chemistry (covering thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, etc.), Organic Chemistry (including reaction mechanisms, biomolecules, and synthetic applications), and Inorganic Chemistry (which covers chemical bonding, coordination compounds, organometallics, etc.) for both Paper I and Paper II.
Chemistry Optional offers a logical and scientific approach to problem-solving, which can be advantageous in the UPSC exam. It provides a strong foundation in scientific concepts relevant to environmental, technological, and public health issues, enhancing an aspirant's performance in both the mains and interview stages. The precise and objective nature of the subject allows for clear, concise answers that can help in scoring well.
Important books for Paper I include "Physical Chemistry" by P.W. Atkins, "Concise Inorganic Chemistry" by J.D. Lee, and "Organic Chemistry" by Morrison & Boyd. These texts offer comprehensive coverage of the fundamental and advanced topics necessary for the UPSC syllabus.
The Chemistry Optional consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. Candidates are required to attempt five questions, with questions 1 and 5 being compulsory in each paper. There is a choice among the remaining questions, with at least one question to be attempted from each section.
Key strategies include a deep understanding of the syllabus, building a strong conceptual foundation across all branches of chemistry, referring to recommended textbooks and resources, making personalized notes for revision, practicing extensively with PYQs, focusing on revision and answer-writing, and engaging in full-length mock tests under exam conditions. These approaches help in consolidating knowledge and improving exam performance.
.png)
Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Prahaar Summary
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Budget & Economic Survey
NCERT Wallah
Marks Booster
Udaan 500+
Udaan
Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Monthly Current Wallah
Subject Wise Current Affairs
Editorial Analysis
Editorial PDFs
News of The Day
Download Our App
Download Our App
Books
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Prahaar Summary
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Budget & Economic Survey
NCERT Wallah
Marks Booster
Udaan 500+
Udaan
Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Current Affairs
Monthly Current Wallah
Subject Wise Current Affairs
Editorial Analysis
Editorial PDFs
News of The Day
<div class="new-fform">
</div>
GS Foundation
Optional Course
Combo Courses
Degree Program
