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UPSC Syllabus 2025: IAS Prelims, Mains and Optional Subjects

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) annually. If you’re aiming to become an IAS or IPS officer this year, it is important to prepare for the UPSC Examination 2025 in the right way. here we have discussed the UPSC Syllabus 2025, which covers both Prelims and main exams, along with all the topics and subjects such as History, Polity, Geography, Current Affairs, Economics, Internal security, Environment, Disaster management, science, and technology, that can help aspiring candidates score well in upsc exam.

Additionally, you’ll find a comprehensive Interview preparation guide. Preparing for UPSC can be challenging due to the vast UPSC syllabus. Understanding the syllabus is important as it will guide you in selecting the right study materials.

UPSC Syllabus 2025

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 will be conducted on 25 May 2025 as per the Updated UPSC Calander 2025. It will be a qualifying exam, and those who pass will move on to the next stage, the Mains exam, which will be descriptive in nature and will be accounted for final merit list.

UPSC New Syllabus Highlights
Particulars Prelims Mains
UPSC Exam Date 25 May 2025 To be notified
No. of Papers Two Nine
Types of Questions Objective Type Descriptive Type
Duration of Exam 2 hours each 3 hours each
Total Marks 400 1750
Medium of Exam English & Hindi English & Hindi (except language paper)
Negative Marking  ⅓rd mark No negative marking
Marks Counted in Merit No Yes

UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Prelims Exam

Studying the UPSC Syllabus 2025 along with the PYQs can help you excel with the exam pattern and questions that have a high chance of repetition in the exam, below we have provided syllabus of GS 1 and CSAT.

GS Paper 1 broadly consists of the following topics as mentioned in the UPSC Prelims syllabus.

  • Current events of National and international importance
  • Indian & World Geography
  • History of India & Indian National Movement
  •  General Science
  • Economic and Social Development, Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
  • Indian Polity and Governance: Public Policy, Rights Issues, Panchayati Raj, Political System, and Constitution, among Other
  • General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization

GS Paper 2 (CSAT) covers the following topics for UPSC Syllabus 2025

The UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Prelims CSAT consists of 80 questions on specific areas, with a maximum mark of 200. You have two hours to finish the questions. UPSC administers the CSAT exam in the evening.

  • Logical reasoning & analytical ability.
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
  • Basic numeracy and data interpretation.
  • Decision-making & problem-solving.
  • General mental ability.

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The preliminary stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a key step to select candidates for the main exam. This stage tests your knowledge of both historical and current events in India and around the world.

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
Paper Subjects Marks No. of Question Duration
I General Studies (GS) 200 100 2 hours (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM)
II CSAT 200 80 2 hours (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM)

UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Mains Exam

The UPSC Mains Exam consists of 4 GS + 2 optional + 1 Essay paper + 2 qualifying papers. This section goes over the UPSC Mains syllabus for 2025 in great depth. It is advised that you thoroughly read this article to have a solid understanding of this section as this section will be crucial in deciding your ranking in the final merit list of the UPSC CSE 2025.

UPSC Syllabus for Mains Language Paper

The questions would follow the following general pattern in both the English Language and in Indian Language.

Section Topic Description
English Language Comprehension
Understanding and interpreting given passages.
Precis Writing
Summarizing passages.
Usage and Vocabulary
Correct use of words and understanding their meanings.
Short Essays
Writing brief, coherent essays.
Indian Languages Comprehension
Understanding and interpreting given passages.
Precis Writing
Summarizing passages.
Usage and Vocabulary
Correct use of words and understanding their meanings.
Short Essays
Writing brief, coherent essays.
Translation
Translating from English to the Indian language and vice-versa.

UPSC Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Essay

  • Essays on a variety of subjects will be asked and are to be written within 1000-1250 words.
  • Students must adhere closely to the essay’s topic, write briefly, and organize their thoughts logically.
  • For clear and precise expression, credit will be granted.
  • Tip – Students must focus on the philosophical topics while practicing.

UPSC Syllabus for General Studies I

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

  1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
  2. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, and issues.
  3. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
  4. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
  5. History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on society.
  6. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
  7. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
  8. Effects of globalization on Indian society.
  9. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
  10. Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
  11. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
  12. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones, etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

UPSC Syllabus for General Studies II

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

  1. Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
  2. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges about the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels, and challenges therein.
  3. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
  4. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
  5. Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.
  6. Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
  7. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
  8. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
  9. Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies.
  10. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
  11. Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
  12. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
  13. Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.
  14. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
  15. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.
  16. Role of civil services in a democracy.
  17. India and its neighbourhood- relations.
  18. Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
  19. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
  20. Important International institutions, agencies, and fora – their structure, mandate.

UPSC Syllabus For General Studies III

Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Topic
Description
Indian Economy
Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
Agriculture
Major crop-cropping patterns, irrigation types and systems, storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce, issues, and constraints; e-technology in aid of farmers.
Science and Technology
Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
 Science & Technology
Achievements of Indians, indigenization of technology, development of new technology, Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights issues.
Environment
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Disaster Management Disaster and disaster management.
Internal Security
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges, challenges through communication networks, role of media and social networking, basics of cyber security, money-laundering prevention.

UPSC Syllabus For General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: This paper tests candidates’ attitudes towards integrity, probity in public life, and problem-solving skills in societal issues and conflicts. It may use case studies to assess these qualities. The following broad areas will be covered:
Topic
Description
Ethics and Human Interface
Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators; the role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude
Content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service
Integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Emotional Intelligence
Concepts, utilities, and application in administration and governance.
Moral Thinkers and Philosophers Contributions 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 funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance
Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Case Studies Case studies on the above issues.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates who will be qualifying UPSC Prelims 2025 will be eligible to appear for Mains exam 2025. The UPSC Mains Exam Paper consists of two qualifying papers and seven conventional papers, marks of these papers are accounted while preparing the final merit list.

UPSC IAS Mains Exam Pattern
Qualifying Papers Marks
Paper-A One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution 300
Paper-B English 300
Papers Counted for Merit
Paper-I Essay 250
Paper-II General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) 250
Paper-III General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) 250
Paper-IV Genera Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) 250
Paper-V General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) 250
Paper-VI Optional Subject – Paper 1 250
Paper-VII Optional Subject – Paper 2 250
Sub Total (Written Test) 1750
Personality Test 275
Grand Total 2025

UPSC Optional 2025 Syllabus

The UPSC Mains Optional Subject Papers I and Paper II. Here you have to choose one subject from the list and the subject will have two papers. A candidate can choose any one of the following Optional Subjects below.

UPSC Mains Optional Subjects List 2025
UPSC Agriculture Syllabus UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus UPSC Anthropology Syllabus UPSC Botany Syllabus UPSC Chemistry Syllabus
UPSC Civil Engineering Syllabus UPSC Commerce and Accountancy Syllabus UPSC Economics Syllabus UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus UPSC Geography Syllabus
Statistics Sociology Physics Philosophy Medical Science
Political Science and International Relations Public Administration Psychology Mechanical Engineering Mathematics
Zoology Geology History Management Law
Literature in any of the following languages
English Malayalam Manipuri Marathi Nepali
Odia Punjabi Sanskrit Santhali Sindhi
Tamil Telugu Urdu Assamese Bengali
Bodo Dogri Gujarati Hindi Kannada
Kashmiri Konkani Maithili Malayalam

UPSC Exam Syllabus PDF Download 2025

Before taking the UPSC exam, candidates are urged to download the UPSC Syllabus 2025 in PDF format. The UPSC syllabus highlights certain topics that carry significant weight and are frequently the focus of exam questions. To do well in the UPSC CSE 2025, candidates should thoroughly study the syllabus and focus on frequently asked questions.

How to Download UPSC Syllabus PDF

  • Step 1: Official UPSC Website

Go to the official website of the UPSC (https://www.upsc.gov.in/).

  • Step 2: Click the Syllabus Section

On the homepage, find the Examination tab and click on it. From the drop-down menu, select Syllabus.

  • Step 3: Choose the Civil Service Exam

In the Syllabus section, you will find a list of all UPSC examinations. Select the Civil Service Exam.

  • Step 4: Download the Syllabus

Click on the link and the syllabus will be displayed in PDF format ready to be downloaded for your reference.

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FAQs

What is UPSC Syllabus?

Candidates should go through the detailed latest UPSC syllabus, before appearing for IAS Exam. In order to crack the UPSC CSE you first need to go through the updated UPSC Syllabus and focus on each & every topic which is repeatedly asked in the examination. UPSC syllabus for the Prelims exam covers two papers namely General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).

Is latest UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 out?

Latest UPSC Exam pattern 2025 has been released with UPSC Notification 2025.

Can I complete UPSC syllabus in 7 months?

Yes, with dedication and a systematic approach, it's possible to prepare for the UPSC in 6 months. Careful planning can lead to success despite the vast syllabus and competitive nature.

Can an aspirant download the UPSC Syllabus in Marathi?

UPSC IAS Syllabus is published in English/Hindi languages. One can download the official IAS Syllabus PDF in the same languages only.

What are the subjects in UPSC?

UPSC syllabus have different subjects under GS-I to GS-IV.
GS Paper 1 has History, Geography and Indian Society as main subjects
GS Paper 2 has Indian Polity, Governance, Constitution, and International Relations
GS Paper 3 has Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Agriculture, Environment as important subjects
GS Paper 4 has Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.

What is the main syllabus of UPSC?

The pattern of questions would be broad as follows:

English Language:

(i) Comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing.

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essays.

Indian Languages:

(i) Comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing.

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essays.

(v) Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

UPSC Syllabus for Essay

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

UPSC Syllabus for General Studies I

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

(i) Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

(ii) Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

(iii) The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

(iv) Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

(v) History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

(vi) Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

(vii) Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

(viii) Effects of globalization on Indian society.

(ix) Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

(x) Salient features of world’s physical geography.

(xi) Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

(xii) Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

UPSC Syllabus for General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

(i) Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

(ii) Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

(iii) Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

(iv) Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

(v) Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

(vi) Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

(vii) Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

(viii) Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

(ix) Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

(x) Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

(xi) Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

(xii) Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

(xiii) Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

(xiv) Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

(xv) Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

(xvi) Role of civil services in a democracy.

(xvii) India and its neighborhood- relations.

(xviii) Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

(xix) Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

(xx) Important International institutions, agencies and fora - their structure, mandate.

UPSC General Studies III Syllabus

Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

(i) Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

(ii) Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

(iii) Government Budgeting.

(iv) Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

(v) Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System-objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

(vi) Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

(vii) Land reforms in India.

(viii) Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

(ix) Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

(x) Investment models.

(xi) Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

(xii) Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

(xiii) Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

(xiv) Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

(xv) Disaster and disaster management.

(xvi) Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

(xvii) Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

(xviii) Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.

(xix) Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

(xx) Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

UPSC General Studies IV Syllabus

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:

(i) Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

(ii) Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

(iii) Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

(iv) Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

(v) Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

(vi) 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 funding; corporate governance.

(vii) Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

(viii) Case Studies on above issues.

UPSC Optional Syllabus

Optional Subject Papers I & II. Here you have to choose one subject from the list and the subject will have two papers.

A candidate may opt for any one Optional Subject from the following:

(i) Agriculture

(ii) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

(iii) Anthropology

(iv) Botany

(v) Chemistry

(vi) Civil Engineering

(vii) Commerce and Accountancy

(viii) Economics

(ix) Electrical Engineering

(x) Geography

(xi) Geology

(xii) History

(xiii) Law

(xiv) Management

(xv) Mathematics

(xvi) Mechanical Engineering

(xvii) Medical Science

(xviii) Philosophy

(xix) Physics

(xx) Political Science and International Relations

(xxi) Psychology

(xxii) Public Administration

(xxiii) Sociology

(xxiv) Statistics

(xxv) Zoology

(xxvi) Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

Does UPSC have mathematics?

Mathematics is one of the popular optional subjects for UPSC Main Examination.

Is there any change in UPSC syllabus 2025?

The UPSC syllabus has remained unchanged since 2013, following a long period of stability. Previously, there were two optional papers and no CSAT. No syllabus changes are expected at this time.

Do IAS questions repeat?

Yes! UPSC papers have repetitions of questions from previous year's papers, but only for certain topics.

Are UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus different?

Yes, the syllabus for UPSC Prelims and Mains are slightly different from each other so candidates should prepare accordingly

What is the UPSC Prelims exam pattern?

The UPSC Prelims exam consists of 2 compulsory papers of 200 marks each of them.

What is the importance of the UPSC Syllabus 2025?

The UPSC Syllabus 2025 helps candidates in understanding the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty. It provides a roadmap for candidates to prepare for the exam and focus on the relevant topics.