Books & Magazines
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 is an important document for candidates preparing for the UPSC Prelims Exam 2026. Download the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 GS Paper 1 and CSAT syllabus PDFs and start your preparation now.
Madhavi Gaur
July 14, 2025
UPSC Prelims Syllabus: The UPSC Prelims exam is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination process. Therefore, candidates preparing for the exam must understand the UPSC Prelims syllabus and pattern for effective preparation. The UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 is divided into two papers: GS Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).
The topic-wise UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 will be released along with the official notification on January 14, 2026. Check here in detail, along with tips for preparing for the Preliminary Examination.
The UPSC releases the Prelims Syllabus alongside the official notification. The UPSC Prelims Syllabus for 2026 outlines the subjects and topics for Paper I and Paper II. Understanding this syllabus is crucial for effective preparation, as it guides your study plan and helps you focus on the most important areas. Here is an overview of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 to help you familiarize with the syllabus:
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 Overview
Particular
Details
UPSC Prelims Exam Date
24 May 2026
Number of Papers
Two Papers
Types of Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (Objective Type)
Duration of Exam
2 hours each
Total Marks
200 marks for each paper (Total of 400 marks)
Negative Marking
1/3rd Mark for every wrong answer
Language of Exam
English & Hindi
Qualifying Marks
UPSC Cut-off in GS Paper
The UPSC will be releasing the UPSC Prelims syllabus in detail on the official website along with the UPSC 2026 notification. Candidates can get the direct UPSC Syllabus 2026 PDF download link on the official website. To begin preparation and understand the exam pattern, candidates must check the UPSC syllabus of both papers, Paper I and CSAT. Click on the direct link below to access previous year’s UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF:
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus for 2026 is designed to test candidates on a wide range of subjects. General Studies Paper I includes topics like current affairs, Indian and world history, geography, and Indian government. General Studies Paper II (CSAT) focuses on reading comprehension, logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and decision-making.
The Prelims exam 2026 consists of two papers, each of 200 marks, conducted on the same day. Paper I (General Studies) covers a broad range of subjects, including history, geography, economics, and current affairs. To qualify this paper, candidates have to score the qualifying marks as per the cutoff. Below is a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Syllabus for Prelims Exam 2026 for Paper I:
Paper II of Prelims is known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test. Paper II (CSAT). This paper includes comprehension, reasoning, and decision-making abilities questions. Here we have provided a detailed UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 for CSAT (Paper II):
Also Read: UPSC CSAT Syllabus
Here’s the detailed UPSC Prelims CSAT Syllabus 2026 for subjects, including comprehension, Maths, and reasoning:
General Mental Ability
Basic Numeracy
Data Interpretation
Geometry
Simplification
Mixed Graphs
Time and Distance
Rational Numbers & Ordering
Caselets
Profit & Loss
Number System
Tables
Probability
Square Roots & Cube Roots
Bar Graphs
Mensuration & Area
Decimal Fractions
Line Graphs
Pipes & Cisterns
Ratio & Proportion
Pie Charts
Permutation & Combination
L.C.M & H.C.F
Data Sufficiency
Trains
Averages
Data Comparison
Boats & Streams
Surds & Indices
Data Calculation
Time & Work
Set Theory
Partnership
Simple Interest and Compound Interest
Alligation & Mixtures
Candidates who are preparing to appear for the UPSC Prelims Exam in 2026 must go through the subject-wise UPSC Prelims syllabus 2026. The Syllabus for UPSC Prelims is very comprehensive, including all types of subjects. Aspirants should make sure that they give equal importance to all the subjects and topics mentioned in the syllabus. Check the section below for complete details on UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 Subject-Wise:
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Current Affairs covers topics related to current important events of national and international importance. While the UPSC Syllabus does not specifically mention the topics for the Current Affairs, an analysis of the current affairs-related questions asked in previous year question papers gives us a clear indication of the topics. This includes the following:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus Current Affairs | |
| National Issues | Government Policies and Schemes, Social Issues, Development Projects, Security Issues, Judicial Reforms and Cases, Environment, Culture & Heritage |
| International Issues | Summits, Conferences, Global Crisis, International Organization, Geo-Political Events, Civil Wars, Bilateral Disputes |
| Sports | Events, Achievements, Awards, Initiatives, Policies, Law |
| Awards | Prestigious Awards for various categories, Scandals, and contribution of awardees |
| Economic Development | Economic Bodies, Banking Systems and Norms, Fiscal and Monetary Policies |
| Science and Tech | Discoveries and Inventions, Advancement in Technology, Innovations in Health Care, Space Technology |
| Committees and Reports | Recommendations and Findings of Govt. Reports, Task Forces, Reports on Agrarian Reforms |
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store
With the UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Geography, aspirants preparing to appear for the UPSC Exam in 2026 are required to know the basic concepts of Geography. The complete details related to the UPSC Prelims Syllabus Geography are as follows:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus Geography | |
| World Geography | Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography |
| Human Geography | Man & Environment, Population Dynamics, Economic Activities, Settlements, Urbanization, Agriculture |
| Regional Geography | Physical Features, Climate & Vegetation, Human Geography & Economic Development of Africa, Europe, America, Asia, Australia |
| Geographical Thought | Contribution of Geographers, Geographical Thoughts in India, Sustainable Development, Globalization, Regional Planning |
| Environmental Geography | Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, Pollution and Its Types, Impact of Pollution On Human Health and Ecosystems, Natural Hazards and Disaster Management |
| Indian Geography | Climate, Physical Features, River Systems, Minerals & Industrial Distribution, Natural Vegetation, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Human Geography |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Indian Economy covers a wide range of topics, including economic principles, policies, banking system, fiscal & monetary policies, current affairs, etc. Aspirants can check the table below to know about the detailed UPSC Prelims Syllabus on Indian Economy:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus Indian Economy | |
| Introduction to Economics | Basic Concepts, Types, Sectors, National Income, GDP & GVA, Characteristics |
| Macroeconomics | GDP, Unemployment, Inflation, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Economic Growth, Exchange Rates |
| Microeconomics | Demand & Supply, Market Economics, Elasticity, Consumer and Producer Behavior, Market Failures |
| Growth, Development & Happiness | Economic Growth Vs Development, Measurement of Development, Human Behavior & Social Norms |
| Evolution of Indian Economy | Pre and Post Independence Economics, Economic Planning, Objectives & Strategies |
| Planning in India | Pioneer Plans, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, Inclusive Growth, FYPs |
| Economic Reforms | Washington Consensus, Mixed Economy, Obligatory Reforms, LPG Reforms, Disinvestment |
| Inflation | Causes & Types, Measurements, Effects, Business Cycles, WPI & CPI, GDP Deflator |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Indian Polity and Governance expects the aspirants to know about the basics of the Indian Constitution and the Governance System in India. With the evolution of laws and governing institutions, the subject becomes one of the most important. Check the table below for all details related to UPSC Prelims Syllabus, Indian Polity and Governance:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus Indian Polity and Governance | |
| Historical background | Company & Crown Rule, Charter & Council Acts, Transition of power to India, Making of the Constitution |
| Topics Related to the Indian Constitution | Preamble, Schedules, Parts, Citizenship, Union and Territories, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties, Indian Parliament, Judiciary, State Legislature, Administration of UTs, Centre-State Relations, Emergency Provisions, PRIs, constitutional & non-constitutional bodies |
| Current Affairs | Recent Political & Governance issues, ED, Police, Elections, Appointments, Distribution of Powers, Corruption, Red-Tapism, SC, HC Judgments |
| Constitutional Amendments | Important Constitutional Amendments |
| Important Articles | 1 to 20. Important Articles on Parliament, State Legislature, Emergency, President, Vice-President, constitutional bodies |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Art and Culture does not specifically mention the important topics. But going by the trends of previous year questions, Art and Culture has become one of the most important subjects of the prelims syllabus. Candidates can check here for all details related to the UPSC Prelims Syllabus Art & Culture:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus Art and Culture | |
| Temple Architecture | Schools ot temple architecture, temple architecture in different eras |
| Islamic and European Architecture | Indo-Islamic Architecture, Mughal Architecture, Provincial & European Architecture |
| Pottery | Ochre Colored Pottery, Red & White Pottery, PGW, NBPW, Modern Pottery |
| Coinage | Types of coins in different eras |
| Paintings | Types of paintings and their significance |
| Sculptures | Sculptures of different eras |
| Languages and Literature | Classical, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Regional |
| Indian School of Philosophy | Bhakti Schools, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Sufi saints |
| Dance | Different types of dance forms from different states |
| Music | Schools, Gharanas, Themes, Instruments |
| Indian Theatre | Origin, Traditional, and Modern Theatre |
| Indian Puppetry | Types of puppetry and their significance |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for History focuses on major historical events, timelines, leaders, figures, and other processes and movements that shaped Indian history. Candidates can check here for all details related to the UPSC Prelims Syllabus History:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus History | |
| Ancient History | Prehistoric cultures, the Vedic period, the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, and the rise of Buddhism and Jainism |
| Medieval History | Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and other regional kingdoms |
| Modern History (British Rule) | British East India Company and the impact of British colonial rule, Revolt of 1857 |
| Modern History (Freedom Struggle) | Leaders of the Freedom Struggle, Major Events, Role of various socio-religious movements, and political organizations |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Science and Technology focuses on topics like recent advancements in the field of science and technology, healthcare, scientific achievements, space technology, etc. Candidates can check the table below for all the details related to UPSC Prelims Syllabus Science and Technology:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus Science and Technology | |
| Science and Tech in India | Astronomy and Mathematics, India’s development in this field, Govt. policies, awards related to science, Organizations & Institutions |
| Space Technology | Satellite Development, ISRO, Cryogenic Engine Development, Space tourism, Treaties and Agreements |
| Biotechnology | Basics and Biotechnology Policies in India, Gene Therapy, GM Crops in India, Biopiracy, Ethical Aspects |
| Nuclear Technology | Nuclear Power, Energy Policy, Nuclear Research, Radiation and Hazards, Treaties and Agreements |
| Defence technology | Missile System, Surveillance Systems, UAVs, defence-related treaties and agreements |
| Nanotechnology | Basics and Their Applications, Ethical Impact |
Understanding the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 is the first step toward effective preparation. By breaking down the syllabus, making notes, and practicing regularly, you can improve your chances of clearing the preliminary examination. Check out the
Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
.png)
Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing
Download Our App
Download Our App
Books & Magazines
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Budget & Economic Survey
Monthly Current Wallah
Weekly Current Wallah
Editorial Summary
Editorial Q&A Compilation
NCERT Wallah
Marks Booster
Udaan 500+
Udaan
Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
<div class="new-fform">
</div>
