UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 offers a clear structure for the descriptive stage of the Civil Services Examination. It includes nine papers that assess understanding, explanation, interpretation, and awareness of public issues. The Essay paper, four General Studies papers, two Optional subject papers, and two qualifying language papers together create a wide and steady academic framework for preparation. 

It should be noted that UPSC follows an established Mains syllabus pattern every year. Official notifications confirm the same structure of 9 papers. Aspirants should refer to the existing Mains syllabus and await the official UPSC 2026 notification for dates and any minor updates.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 Overview

UPSC Mains Syllabus can help candidates learn about the number of papers, subjects involved, and marks associated with each paper. Aspirants can refer to the existing UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF in Hindi and English as per the general trends. Further, here are the quick details about the UPSC Mains syllabus for the written exam:

Note: Candidates should note that qualifying papers need to be cleared before UPSC evaluates merit papers. For more information, they are advised to visit the official UPSC portal.

UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF Link

UPSC does not publish the syllabus PDF every year. Therefore, it is not certain whether the official UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 PDF will be released or not. From the official website, candidates can download the established UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF in Hindi or English according to their convenience. Aspirants can continue to follow the present syllabus because the structure of the written exam remains the same as in previous years. 

For now, learners can rely on past year trends in the syllabus and start preparing for descriptive writing and theme-based study. Further, here are the links to download the PDFs for UPSC Mains Syllabus in English and Hindi:

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 Paper wise Details

This section presents all papers included in the UPSC Mains Syllabus. Each paper checks different abilities such as clear expression, balanced thinking, and structured explanation. Learners are required to write nine descriptive papers, which include an Essay, General Studies I to IV, two Optional subject papers, and two qualifying language papers. The table below summarises the marks and nature of each paper included in the UPSC Mains exam:

Note: Candidates should note that seven papers are counted toward the final merit list.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 Subject wise Details

This section outlines each subject covered in the written stage and the main themes included under each paper. The table below shows the subjects included in UPSC Mains Syllabus and their broad scope:

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 for GS papers

The next four sections present topics from the complete syllabus for General Studies Papers I to IV. These topics come directly from the official UPSC Mains syllabus and help aspirants understand the depth expected in the written examination.

General Studies Paper I Syllabus (GS I)

GS Paper I covers history, culture, society, and geography. The paper checks the ability to write simple, clear, and organised explanations about national and global themes. It also tests understanding of social patterns and physical features of the world. The description below helps aspirants approach the paper with a calm and steady plan.

Note: GS Paper I requires calm writing supported by simple reasoning.

General Studies Paper II Syllabus (GS II)

GS Paper II covers governance, constitution, welfare, and international relations. The paper checks the understanding of public institutions, constitutional ideas, and policies of the candidates. Clear writing helps aspirants present their thinking in an organised manner.

Note: Aspirants are recommended to link concepts with simple examples to prepare for GS Paper II.

General Studies Paper III Syllabus (GS III)

GS Paper III includes economy, agriculture, environment, technology, disaster management, and security. The paper checks understanding of development processes, scientific ideas, and national safety. The table below can help aspirants plan their studies in a practical and steady way:

Note: GS Paper III should be prepared by reading current affairs with basic concepts. Candidates are advised to go through current affairs through newspapers, social media, and television.

General Studies Paper IV Syllabus (GS IV – Ethics)

GS Paper IV tests the ethical understanding, values, and decision-making of the students. It includes case studies that check how aspirants think about real administrative concerns. It requires a deep study of ethical ideas and a simple explanation of public values. Further, here are the major topics included in 

Note: Candidates should note that GS Paper IV answers can be improved with examples drawn from simple real-life situations.

Common Topics from UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 for Optional Subjects

Optional subjects in UPSC Mains help aspirants to choose an academic area based on their interests. This section presents all Optional subjects grouped category-wise to support a calm and organised understanding. Each subject includes Paper I and Paper II, and both papers reflect the honours level of that subject. 

Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities and Social Sciences optional subjects have two papers each. Paper I covers basic concepts and history, while Paper II focuses on current issues and real-world applications.

History

Paper I covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, including cultural development and historical sources. Paper II includes world history, revolutions, conflicts, and major global changes.

Geography

Paper I covers physical geography such as geomorphology, climate, and oceans. Paper II includes economic geography, human geography, population patterns, and regional planning.

Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)

Paper I covers political theories, ideologies, Indian government structures, and institutions. Paper II includes India’s foreign policy, global organisations, international politics, and diplomacy.

Sociology

Paper I includes sociological thinkers, social structures, culture, inequality, and kinship. Paper II includes Indian society, caste, social change, development issues, and social challenges.

Philosophy

Paper I covers Indian philosophical schools, metaphysics, and ethics. Paper II covers Western philosophy, logic, and major thinkers.

Public Administration

Paper I includes administrative theories, organisations, leadership, and accountability. Paper II includes Indian administration, financial systems, public policy, and governance issues.

Anthropology

Paper I covers evolution, genetics, primatology, kinship, and cultural traditions. Paper II includes Indian tribes, social change, applied anthropology, and development issues.

Science and Engineering Subjects

Science and Engineering optional subjects have two papers each. Paper I focuses on basic principles and core theories, while Paper II covers advanced concepts, applications, and practical problem-solving in areas like physics, chemistry, maths, biology, and engineering.

Physics

Paper I covers mechanics, waves, optics, thermodynamics, and electronics. Paper II covers quantum physics, nuclear physics, atomic structure, and solid-state physics.

Chemistry

Paper I covers physical chemistry, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Paper II covers organic chemistry, biomolecules, reaction mechanisms, and inorganic chemistry.

Mathematics

Paper I covers algebra, calculus, geometry, and analysis. Paper II includes mechanics, fluid dynamics, statistics, and advanced calculus.

Botany

Paper I covers plant anatomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology. Paper II covers evolution, plant diseases, biotechnology, and economic botany.

Zoology

Paper I includes animal diversity, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Paper II covers ecology, evolution, economic zoology, and applied zoology.

Engineering Subjects (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)

Each engineering subject includes theory in Paper I and applied concepts in Paper II. Topics include systems, machines, materials, design, and applications.

Commerce, Economics, and Management

Commerce, Economics, and Management optional subjects include two papers each. Paper I covers core theories and basic concepts, while Paper II focuses on the Indian context, applications, business functions, and organisational practices.

Economics

Paper I includes microeconomics, macroeconomics, and growth theories. Paper II includes the Indian economy, development, planning, and trade.

Commerce and Accountancy

Paper I covers accounting, taxation, costing, and auditing. Paper II includes marketing, HRM, organisational behaviour, and business management.

Management

Paper I includes organisational behaviour, communication, and human processes. Paper II includes decision sciences, operations, ethics, and strategy.

Medical and Allied Sciences

Here, paper I includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Paper II includes surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, community health, and clinical areas.

Law

Paper I includes constitutional law, administrative law, international law, and crimes. Paper II covers contracts, torts, industrial relations, property law, and family law.

Literature Subjects

All literature subjects include Paper I covering history of literature, grammar, and forms. Paper II covers prescribed texts, authors, poetry, drama, prose, and criticism. Languages include Hindi, English, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Dogri, Kashmiri, and other recognised languages.

Common Topics from UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 for Essay

The Essay paper checks the ability to write clear and balanced essays on social, economic, philosophical, and national themes. Aspirants write essays that show organised thoughts, steady flow, and simple examples. The paragraph below explains the nature of the paper in a calm and supportive way. Candidates should note that the Essay carries 250 marks in UPSC Mains.

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UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 for English 

The English paper in UPSC Mains checks the reading and writing skills of the students at a basic level. It covers comprehension, précis, short essays, and vocabulary. In addition, the table below can help aspirants understand the nature of this paper:

Note: Candidates should note that this is a qualifying paper. They can check the official UPSC portal for more details.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 for Indian Language Paper

This qualifying paper tests reading and writing skills in an Indian language chosen by the aspirant. It includes comprehension, précis, short essays, and translation. Further, candidates can go through the following table to learn about the estimated syllabus content for an Indian language paper:

Note: Language paper exemptions apply based on UPSC rules. Candidates can check the official website for more details.

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