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Check UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 topic-wise & subject-wise. Cover History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Art & more. Download PDF & start smart preparation for Prelims.
UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus: UPSC CSE is one of the most awaited exams every year for the civil service aspirants. Students should begin with the exam preparation only after reviewing the topics covered in the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus. Students should showcase their strong performance in Paper 1 to secure more than the cut off marks. Then, they can qualify for the Mains exam.
GS Paper 1 in UPSC Prelims is known as the General Studies Paper 1. This paper is designed and added in Prelims. It is to test candidates’ knowledge in diverse subjects, Polity, Economy, Geography, History, and General Science. GS Paper 1 consists of 100 questions. There are four options for every question in GS Paper 1 in UPSC Prelims.
| Exam Conducting Authority Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Name of the Exam | UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper 1 |
| Full Name | Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Prelims Examination – General Studies 1 |
| Frequency of Exam | Once a year |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Hindi |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| GS 1 Exam Duration | 2 hours each |
| No. of Questions | General Studies – 100 |
| Total Marks | 200 marks |
| Negative Marking | ⅓rd mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Marking Scheme for General Studies | +2 for correct answer, -0.66 for wrong answer, 0 for unanswered |
Candidates should focus on reviewing the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026. It can help the students to know the topics and subtopics to cover in the exam. Give time to solve UPSC Prelims Mock Tests. Practice and regular revision can improve the test-taking abilities of any candidate in UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper 1.
Understanding the UPSC Prelims Syllabus Subject-wise is an important step in the preparation process. Students can check the subjects covered in the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 exam. All the details related to the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus, Subject Wise covered in a tabular format.
UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026, topic-wise, has been provided for the students. Candidates should begin with early exam preparation, with the analysis of the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus Topic Wise. They have an idea of how much time to review the syllabus topics. They can start solving the questions.
All the topics covered in the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 History section are in the table.
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 History Syllabus | |
| Category | Topics |
| Ancient History | Prehistoric Cultures in India, Indus Valley Civilisation, Vedic Period, Mahajanapadas, Rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Maurya Dynasty, Post-Mauryan Period, Gupta Age, Regional States during Gupta Era |
| Medieval History | Palas, Senas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, Delhi Sultanate, Provincial Kingdoms, Mughal Empire, Marathas, South Indian Kingdoms |
| Modern History | European Penetration, British Policies, Revolts (1857, etc.), Reform Movements, National Movement, Gandhian Era, Constitutional Developments, Independence & Partition |
Students who have started with the Geography preparation. They should check the table to know the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 for Geography.
| IAS Prelims Geography Syllabus | |
| Category | Topics |
| General Geography | Universe & Earth Evolution, Biogeography, Soil Characteristics, Vegetation Resources |
| Geomorphology | Earth’s Interior, Geology, Geomorphic Processes, Earthquakes, Landforms |
| Oceanography | Hydrosphere, Submarine Relief, Temperature & Salinity, Currents, Marine Resources, Corals |
| Climatology | Atmosphere, Inversion, Insolation, Air Masses, Cyclones, Climate Zones |
| Human & Economic Geo | Demography, Human Development, Economic Activities, Trade, Settlements |
| Indian Geography | Physiography, Drainage, Soils, Vegetation, Population, Agriculture, Industry, Transport |
| World Geography | Continents, Countries, Cities, Locations in News |
| Ecology & Environment | Origin of Life, Ecology, Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Conservation |
Polity Section topics asked in the General Studies Paper 1 are covered in a tabular format. Students can review the table and know the UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus for GS Paper 1 Polity.
| General Studies Paper 1 Polity Syllabus | |
| Category | Topics |
| Constitution of India | Historical Background, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Duties, Amendments |
| Government Structure | President, PM, Parliament, State Government, Local Government |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court, High Courts, Subordinate Courts, Review, Activism |
| Federal Structure | Centre-State Relations, Emergency, Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies |
| Political Dynamics | Political Parties, Elections, RPA, Anti-Defection, Media, Pressure Groups |
| Governance | Good Governance, E-Governance, RTI, Public Policies, Welfare Institutions |
| Social Justice | Welfare Schemes, Protection Mechanisms |
| International Relations | International Institutions and Agencies |
Economy Syllabus topics covered in the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 are provided in a table format. Students can easily check the Economics topics and begin with the preparation for the exam.
| UPSC Prelims General Studies Economy Syllabus | |
| Category | Topics |
| Basic Concepts | Macro & Microeconomics, Economic Measurement, Inflation, National Income |
| Money & Banking | Functions of Money, Financial Markets, Indian Banking System |
| Public Finance | Budgeting, Fiscal Policy, Centre-State Financial Relations, Tax Structure |
| Planning | Planning History, Institutions, NITI Aayog |
| Open Economy | Foreign Trade, International Orgs, Trade Agreements |
| Economic Sectors | Poverty, Employment, Government Schemes and Programmes |
Aspirants preparing for General Science should take time to know the topics covered for the exam.
| General Science Syllabus | |
| Category | Topics |
| Science & Tech | Recent Developments, Daily Applications |
| Space | ISRO, Missions, Satellites, Exploration |
| IT & Communication | Digital India, Cybersecurity, 5G, AI, ML, Blockchain |
| Materials & Robotics | Nanotech, Robotics, Automation |
| Defence | Missiles, DRDO, Indigenous Defence |
| Nuclear Tech | Power Plants, Treaties, India’s Nuclear Policy |
| IPR & Laws | Patents, GI Tags, Copyrights, India’s Role in Global IPR |
| Biotechnology | Genome Editing, GM Crops, Biopharma, Biosafety |
UPSC GS Paper 1 Arts & Culture Syllabus Topics include Architecture, Painting, Pottery, and Performing Arts.
| Arts & Culture Syllabus Topics | |
| Category | Topics |
| Architecture | Temple Architecture, Indo-Islamic, Colonial, Rock-cut, Stupas |
| Sculpture | Harappan to Chola Sculptures, Buddhist & Hindu Art |
| Paintings | Cave Paintings, Murals, Miniatures, Modern Art |
| Pottery | Harappan, Painted Grey Ware, Regional Pottery |
| Numismatics | Ancient to Modern Indian Coins |
| Performing Arts | Classical & Folk Dances, Music, Theatre, Puppetry |
| Religion & Literature | Vedic to Modern Literature, Sacred Texts |
| Festivals | National & Regional, Tribal, Cultural Events |
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UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 subjects are History, Geography, Polity, General Science, Art & Culture, and Economy.
A total of 100 MCQ questions are asked in UPSC General Studies Paper 1.
Students get 2 hours to solve UPSC GS Paper 1 questions.
Yes, a ⅓ mark is deducted for wrong answers attempted in Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the UPSC Prelims Exam.
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