UPSC Syllabus 2026 covers both Prelims and Mains exams with subjects including General Studies, CSAT, Indian language, English, and optional papers. The Prelims exam is scheduled for 24th May 2026. Candidates can find detailed exam patterns, syllabus topics, and preparation tips below.

The exam consists of objective papers in Prelims to shortlist candidates for the descriptive Mains exam, which includes essay writing, language papers, and optional subjects. 

UPSC Syllabus 2026 tests knowledge in history, geography, polity, economy, ethics, and analytical skills. Following a structured preparation plan aligned with the latest syllabus boosts the chances of success in UPSC 2026.

UPSC Syllabus 2026 Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 includes two main stages: Prelims and Mains, followed by a Personality Test (Interview). The Prelims help shortlist candidates for the Mains. The exam tests various subjects like Indian history, geography, polity, economy, ethics, and optional topics.

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Prelims Examination

The Prelims consist of two papers: General Studies (GS Paper 1) and CSAT (Paper 2). Paper 1 covers general knowledge, while Paper 2 tests aptitude skills and is qualifying in nature. Both papers are objective type and help filter candidates for the Mains.

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Prelims GS 1

This paper covers current events, history of India, world geography, Indian polity, social justice, economy, environmental ecology, and general science. Questions focus on both factual knowledge and understanding of national and international issues.

• Current Events of National and International Importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion,
• Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
• General Science

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for CSAT (Prelims GS Paper 2)

CSAT tests comprehension, logical reasoning, decision making, problem solving, basic numeracy, and data interpretation at around class 10 level. Candidates need to score at least 33% to qualify. This paper aims to assess mental ability and analytical skills.

• Reading comprehension
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving aptitude
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers, relations, and orders of magnitude – Class X level)
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency – Class X level)

Note 1: Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is qualifying in nature.
Note 2: All questions in this paper will be of objective type with multiple-choice answers.
Note 3: Attendance in both Papers I and II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is compulsory. Candidates absent from either paper will be disqualified.

These qualifying papers require a Matriculation-level standard and are mandatory for the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination, though marks in these papers are not counted for ranking.

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains Examination

Mains examination consists of a series of descriptive papers, including four General Studies papers, an essay paper, two language papers (qualifying), and two optional subject papers. The written papers carry major weightage in the final selection.

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Indian Language

The UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Indian Language compulsory paper tests candidates’ ability to comprehend discursive prose, write precise summaries, apply proper usage and vocabulary, and write short essays in the chosen language. Additionally, it includes translation exercises between English and the selected Indian language. 

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for English Compulsory Paper

The UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Indian language and English compulsory papers focuses on assessing candidates’ comprehension, precis writing, usage and vocabulary, and short essay skills. For Indian languages, the syllabus also includes translation from English, ensuring proficiency and clarity. 

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains GS Paper 1

This paper tests knowledge of Indian heritage, culture, history, world history, physical and human geography of India and the world, and Indian society, including social issues and demographic changes:

• Indian culture – salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times
• Modern Indian history – mid-18th century to present; significant events, personalities, and issues
• The Freedom Struggle – various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of India
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
• History of the world – events from the 18th century: industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies (communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effects
• Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity of India
• Role of women and women’s organizations; population and associated issues; poverty and developmental issues; urbanization, problems, and remedies
• Effects of globalization on Indian society
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism
• Salient features of world’s physical geography
• Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
• Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries (including India)
• Important geophysical phenomena – earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, and changes in geographical features (including water bodies, ice caps, flora, and fauna) and their effects

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains GS 2

It covers governance, Indian constitution, polity, social justice, welfare schemes, and issues related to transparency and accountability in the government. This paper focuses on the governance system and rights of citizens.

• Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure
• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; challenges to the federal structure; devolution of powers and finances
• Separation of powers and dispute redressal mechanisms
• Comparison of the Indian Constitutional scheme with other countries
• Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, and privileges
• Structure and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; pressure groups and informal associations
• Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
• Appointment to various Constitutional posts; functions and responsibilities of Constitutional Bodies
• Statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies
• Government policies and interventions for development and their design and implementation
• Development processes and the development industry – role of NGOs, SHGs, and other stakeholders
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections and mechanisms for their protection
• Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services – Health, Education, Human Resources
• Issues relating to poverty and hunger
• Governance, transparency, and accountability – e-governance applications and challenges
• Role of civil services in a democracy
• India and its neighborhood relations
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India
• Effects of policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interests and diaspora
• Important international institutions, agencies, and their structure and mandate

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains GS 3

This paper includes economics, science and technology, environment and biodiversity, security challenges, disaster management, and inclusive growth topics. It demands awareness of current economic and technological developments.

• Indian Economy – issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment
• Inclusive growth and related issues
• Government budgeting
• Major crops-cropping patterns, irrigation, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce; e-technology for farmers
• Issues related to subsidies, minimum support prices, Public Distribution System, buffer stocks, food security, and animal rearing economics
• Food processing and related industries – scope, location, supply chain management
• Land reforms in India
• Effects of liberalization on the economy, industrial policy, and industrial growth
• Infrastructure – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
• Investment models
• Science and Technology – developments, applications, and effects in daily life
• Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenization of technology; developing new technology
• Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Biotechnology, and Intellectual Property Rights
• Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation; environmental impact assessment
• Disaster and disaster management
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism
• Role of external and non-state actors in internal security
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, media, and social networking sites
• Security challenges in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism
• Various security forces and agencies and their mandate

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains GS 4

It tests ethics, integrity, and aptitude, covering ethical philosophies, emotional intelligence, public service values, and case studies related to moral dilemmas and ethical challenges in administration.

• Ethics and Human Interface – Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships; human values from great leaders, reformers, and administrators
• Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values
• Attitude – content, structure, function; its influence on behavior and thought; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service – integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker sections
• Emotional intelligence – concepts and their applications in administration and governance
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
• Public/Civil service values and ethics in Public Administration – status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
• Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and corporate governance
• Probity in Governance – concept, philosophical basis, information sharing and transparency, Right to Information, codes of ethics and conduct, citizen’s charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, and challenges of corruption
• Case studies on the above issues
• Ethics and Human Interface – Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships; human values from great leaders, reformers, and administrators
• Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values
• Attitude – content, structure, function; its influence on behavior and thought; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service – integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker sections
• Emotional intelligence – concepts and their applications in administration and governance
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
• Public/Civil service values and ethics in Public Administration – status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
• Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and corporate governance
• Probity in Governance – concept, philosophical basis, information sharing and transparency, Right to Information, codes of ethics and conduct, citizen’s charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, and challenges of corruption
• Case studies on the above issues

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

UPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains Optional Subjects

Candidates choose two papers from a list of 48 subjects such as Agriculture, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, Literature, and Engineering. Each optional paper carries 250 marks and plays an important role in the final ranking of the UPSC exam.

UPSC Syllabus 2026 Preparation Strategy

Begin your UPSC 2026 preparation by understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern. Consistent early planning and subject-wise focus are key to success.​

• Revise Prelims General Studies and CSAT topics regularly.​
• Create and follow a comprehensive study timetable for Mains GS and optional papers.​
• Practice answer writing and mock tests to build exam readiness.​
• Stay updated on current affairs and prioritize revision for all stages.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF