UPSC Mains 2026 examination is a crucial stage in the journey of becoming a civil servant, as it tests candidates on their depth of knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of diverse subjects. 

To prepare effectively, it is essential to be aware of the UPSC Mains subjects list 2026, which includes a combination of compulsory papers and optional subjects. This list helps aspirants plan their study strategy, allocate time efficiently, and focus on the areas that carry significant weight in the final ranking. Knowing the subjects in advance ensures a structured preparation approach, ultimately enhancing the chances of success in this highly competitive examination.

How Many Subjects in UPSC Mains?

A common question among aspirants is, “What are the subjects in mains UPSC?” The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination consists of nine papers in total. However, the marks for only seven of these papers are counted for the final merit ranking. The remaining two papers are compulsory language papers that are qualifying in nature.

The total subjects in the UPSC Mains are structured to test a candidate’s academic depth, ability to articulate thoughts (Essay and GS Papers), and expertise in a chosen discipline (Optional Subject).

UPSC Mains Subjects List 2026 

The table below provides a clear breakdown of the UPSC Mains Subjects List 2026, including the paper name, nature, and marks allotted. The total written marks for the UPSC Mains examination (merit-based papers) are 1750, which, when combined with the Personality Test (Interview) of 275 marks, brings the Grand Total to 2025.

Compulsory Subjects for UPSC Exam (Qualifying Papers)

The compulsory subjects for the UPSC exam include two language papers, where candidates must score a minimum of 25% marks to qualify. Their marks are not included in the final merit calculation.

• Paper A (Indian Language): Candidates must select one modern Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Paper B (English Language): This paper tests the candidate’s proficiency in English comprehension, précis writing, vocabulary, and basic usage.

Papers Counted for Merit (Essay and General Studies)

The papers below, totaling 1750 marks, are crucial for determining your rank and successful selection into the Civil Services.

• Paper I: Essay (250 Marks): This paper requires candidates to write two essays on a variety of subjects, testing their ability to articulate and express thoughts in a structured, coherent, and logical manner.
• General Studies (GS) Papers I, II, III, IV: These four papers are designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of a vast range of social science subjects, current events, and administrative ethics.

UPSC Mains GS Papers List and Key Topics

The General Studies papers (GS I to GS IV) form the core of the written examination, each covering distinct and comprehensive subjects. This is the official UPSC Mains GS papers list:

General Studies I (GS I)

Covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.

• Indian Culture: Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
• History: Modern Indian History (mid-18th century to present), the Freedom Struggle, and World History (18th-century events like the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Political Philosophies).
• Society: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India, Role of Women, Population, Poverty, Urbanization, and effects of Globalization.
• Geography: Salient features of the World’s Physical Geography, Distribution of natural resources, and important Geophysical phenomena.

General Studies II (GS II)

Covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

• Polity & Constitution: Indian Constitution, functions of the Union and States, Separation of Powers, Parliament, and State Legislatures.
• Governance: Important aspects of governance, transparency, accountability, e-governance, and the role of the Civil Services.
• Social Justice: Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services (Health, Education, HR), and issues relating to poverty and hunger.
• International Relations: India and its neighbourhood, bilateral, regional, and global groupings, and the role of international institutions.

General Studies III (GS III)

Covers Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.

• Economy & Development: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Inclusive Growth, Government Budgeting, and Investment Models.
• Agriculture: Major cropping patterns, irrigation, subsidies, Public Distribution System (PDS), and Food Processing.
• Science & Technology: Developments and applications in everyday life, IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, and IPR issues.
• Environment & Security: Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Degradation, Disaster and Disaster Management, Internal Security Challenges, and Organized Crime.

General Studies IV (GS IV)

Covers Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.

• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics; Human Values.
• Attitude, Aptitude, and Emotional Intelligence: Foundational values for Civil Service (Integrity, Impartiality, Dedication to public service).
• Public/Civil Service Values and Probity in Governance: Philosophical basis of governance, Information Sharing, RTI, Codes of Conduct, and Challenges of Corruption.
• Case Studies: Application of these concepts through scenario-based case studies.

48 Optional Subjects List for UPSC Mains

The candidate must choose one subject from the full 48 optional subjects list provided by the UPSC. This chosen subject will be covered in two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII), each carrying 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. The list encompasses subjects from various disciplines:

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UPSC Mains Literature Subjects List

Literature optionals are a distinct and popular choice, particularly for those with a strong command of the language and a love for reading. There are 23 optional literature subjects for the UPSC Mains. The full UPSC optional literature subjects list includes:

1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Bodo
4. Dogri
5. English
6. Gujarati
7. Hindi
8. Kannada
9. Kashmiri
10. Konkani
11. Maithili
12. Malayalam
13. Manipuri
14. Marathi
15. Nepali
16. Odia
17. Punjabi
18. Sanskrit
19. Santhali
20. Sindhi
21. Tamil
22. Telugu
23. Urdu

Why Choose Literature as Optional Subject?

As per the general trend, choosing a literature option can offer several advantages and disadvantages:

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