Welcome to the realm of UPSC Syllabus, your compass on the path to becoming an IAS officer. There might be questions in your mind related to the UPSC Syllabus of IAS such as What are the subjects in the UPSC Syllabus? What is the difference between UPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus? Does the IAS Syllabus change every year? All of these questions will be answered in this article which will give you complete clarity about the UPSC Detailed Syllabus. This syllabus acts as a guidebook, outlining what you'll learn and study throughout your UPSC Civil Services Exam journey. The UPSC CSE Syllabus is divided into two major parts: 1. UPSC Prelims Syllabus and 2. UPSC Mains Syllabus. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the UPSC Syllabus for both stages, including its structure, important topics, and tips to prepare effectively for the exam. Candidates can also download the UPSC Syllabus PDF for free from the link given below in this article below.

You can start IAS 2024 preparations by enrolling in the Testbook UPSC CSE Coaching program.

UPSC Syllabus Overview

The UPSC Syllabus for Civil Services Exam is divided into 2 parts.

1. UPSC Syllabus for Prelims Stage
2. UPSC Syllabus for Mains Stage

The IAS Syllabus is so vast that it becomes difficult to understand at a single time. Overall, the UPSC Exam Syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including General Studies, Optional Subjects, and Essay Papers.

Below is the attached UPSC Syllabus PDF which can be downloaded for free. We would request you to download this UPSC Syllabus 2023 PDF and take a printout to keep it handy.

You can also have a look at UPSC Syllabus in Hindi on the linked article.

UPSC Syllabus PDF Download

The UPSC Syllabus PDF for both prelims and mains exams is available here. Candidates can download the UPSC CSE Syllabus PDF 2023 directly using the link provided below. This PDF will help aspirants to analyse which topics require more focus than others.

Benefits Of Downloading UPSC IAS Syllabus PDF

Some of the top benefits of downloading the IAS Syllabus PDF are mentioned below:

1. This UPSC Syllabus PDF helps in understanding the IAS syllabus in a better way.
2. It provides a clear idea of the topics to be covered while preparing.
3. The UPSC Syllabus 2023 PDF helps in planning the preparation strategy effectively.
4. Keeping the IAS Syllabus PDF saves time and effort in searching for the syllabus online.
5. The UPSC Exam Syllabus can be easily accessed and referred to any time and anywhere.
6. Helps to identify the important topics and focus on them.
7. Helps to avoid confusion and stay organized during the preparation.
8. Useful as a reference material for revision.

Also, read How To Become An IAS Officer Step-By-Step here.

UPSC Syllabus - Prelims Stage

The UPSC Prelims exam is the first stage of the civil services examination, and clearing this stage will make you eligible for the mains exam stage. So, first you must understand the UPSC Civil Services Syllabus for the Prelims exam so that you can crack and become eligible for the mains stage.

The prelims stage includes two papers, namely, GS 1 and GS 2 (also known as CSAT). Both these papers are objective in nature and are conducted on the same day. Both papers are qualifying in nature, ie. The marks obtained in these prelims papers are not counted in the final merit.

• GS Paper 1
  • ​It is the first paper of the preliminary exam stage.
  • It is conducted to test candidates' general awareness of a wide range of subjects like History, Indian Economy, Geography, Indian Polity, Sci & Technology, Environment & Ecology, International Relations and Current Affairs.
• GS Paper 2 (CSAT)
  • ​It is the second paper of the preliminary exam stage.
  • It is conducted to assess the candidate's general aptitude, reasoning ability and decision-making skills.
  • Candidates need to score minimum qualifying marks of 33% in this paper.

Now, we will look at the UPSC Exam Syllabus for Prelims which includes Prelims GS Paper 1 syllabus and CSAT Syllabus.

Also, check out UPSC CAPF Syllabus on the linked article.

UPSC CSE Syllabus - Prelims GS Paper 1

The UPSC IAS Syllabus for Prelims GS Paper 1 includes topics from mixed subjects. There will be 100 objective questions in this paper, and the marks of this paper will be counted in the merit. In the table below, you can have a look at the latest IAS Syllabus for Prelims GS Paper 1 as per the official notification. 

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• World and Indian Geography - Social, Physical, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance - Political System, Constitution, Public Policy, Panchayati Raj, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development- Social Sector Initiatives, Poverty, Inclusion, Sustainable Development, Demographics, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
• Subject specialization.
• General Science.

Also, check out the Ancient History Syllabus for UPSC Prelims here.

UPSC CSE Syllabus - Prelims GS Paper 2 (CSAT)

As explained above, the IAS Prelims GS Paper 2 is also known as the CSAT paper. There are 80 objective questions and the marks are not counted in the Merit. Have a look at the UPSC CSAT Syllabus mentioned in the table below.

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy
• Interpretation

Candidates preparing for the exam must know the subject-wise weightage of all the topics of the UPSC Exam Syllabus. Understanding this will help candidates know which topics are more important. Have a look at the topic-wise weightage for the prelims exam by clicking on the links given in the table below.

Also, have a look at the UPSC IFS Syllabus on the linked article.

UPSC Syllabus - Mains Stage

Candidates who successfully clear the IAS Prelims exam become eligible for the IAS Mains exam. The mains exam includes a total of 9 papers which also includes 2 optional papers. The UPSC provides a list of 48 optional subjects from which candidates can choose any one optional subject. Before understanding the UPSC Detailed Syllabus for mains exam, candidates need to have clarity of the UPSC IAS mains exam pattern which is mentioned in the table below.

UPSC Civil Services Syllabus For IAS Mains GS-1

The IAS Mains GS Paper 1 is also known as Mains Paper 2. The UPSC CSE Syllabus for the Mains GS Paper 1 covers subjects like History, Indian Society, Indian Culture & Heritage and Geography. The detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Syllabus is given below.

Art & Culture Section

• Salient Aspects of Art Forms
• Literature
• Architecture from ancient to modern times

History Section

• Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present: Significant events, personalities, issues
• The Freedom Struggle: Its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• The history of the world will include events from the 18th century
• the Industrial Revolution
• World Wars
• Redrawing of national boundaries
• Colonization and Decolonization
• Political philosophies like 
  • Communism
  • Capitalism
  • Socialism
  • Their forms and effects on society

Indian Society Section

• Salient Features of Indian Society
• Diversity of India
• Population and associated issues
• The Role of Women and Women's Organization
• Effects of globalization on Indian society
• Poverty and developmental issues
• Social empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism, Urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.

Geography Section

• Salient features of the world's physical geography.
• Distribution of key natural resources across the world
• Factors responsible for the location of
  • Primary Sector
  • Secondary Sector 
  • Tertiary sector industries 
• Important Geophysical phenomena such as 
  • Earthquakes
  • Tsunami
  • Volcanic activity
  • Cyclones
• Geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps), flora and fauna, and the effects of such changes.

Check out UPSC Exam Syllabus For GS 1 in Hindi here.

UPSC Civil Services Syllabus For IAS Mains GS 2

The IAS Mains GS Paper 2 is officially also known as the Mains Paper 3. The UPSC Exam Syllabus for Mains GS Paper 2 covers subjects like Polity, Governance and International Relations. Candidates can have a look at the detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus below.

Polity Section

• Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
• 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
• Separation of powers between various organs disputes redressal mechanisms and institutions.
• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
• Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.
• 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.
• Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.
• Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
• Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Governance Section

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising from their design and implementation.
• Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Center and States and the performance of these schemes
• Mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies are constituted for protecting and improving these vulnerable sections.
• Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.
• Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, and issues relating to poverty and hunger.
• Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential.
• Citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.
• Role of civil services in a democracy.

International Relations Section

• India and its neighbourhood: Relations.
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
• Important International institutions, agencies, and fora, their structure, and mandate.

You can read UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus in Hindi here.

UPSC Civil Services Syllabus - Mains GS 3

The IAS Mains GS Paper 2 is officially also known as Mains GS Paper 4. The UPSC exam syllabus for mains GS Paper 3 covers the subjects like Economics, Science & Technology, Biodiversity, Security, and Disaster Management. Have a look at the detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Syllabus mentioned below.

Economics Section

• Issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
• Macroeconomics and Economic Development in India and Banking, International Organizations, Money Market, and Capital Market.

Science & Technology Section

• Nuclear Energy, Space Technology with recent missions, Defense Technology, Dark Matter, Higgs Boson, GM Crops, Current Affairs and Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.

Biodiversity Section

• Types of Biodiversity, Environment, Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Security Section

• Internal Security Challenges in India, Extremism, Terrorism, Money-Laundering

Disaster Management Section

• PM Cares Fund, recent Government steps, National Disaster Management Plan

You can read UPSC Mains GS 3 Syllabus in Hindi here.

UPSC Civil Services Syllabus - Mains GS 4

The Mains GS Paper 4 is also known as the IAS Mains Paper 5. This paper will include questions which will test the candidate’s attitude and approach to issues related 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. Candidates can have a look at the detailed UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 mentioned below.

Ethics Section

• 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 behaviour; 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, and their utilities and application 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 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 on the above issues.

You can read UPSC Mains GS 4 Syllabus in Hindi here.

UPSC Syllabus For Mains Optional Subjects

The optional subjects are part of the UPSC mains exam. Candidates can choose any one optional subject from the list of 48 optional subjects list provided by UPSC. There are two optional papers in the mains exam, and the marks obtained in these papers are counted in the final merit. So, it is important to choose an optional subject wisely and understand the UPSC CSE Syllabus before starting the exam preparation. Candidates can find the detailed IAS Syllabus for 48 optional subjects with the links given in the table below.

UPSC Syllabus - Interview Stage

Candidates must know for a fact that there is no specific syllabus prescribed for the UPSC Interview. However, the Personality Test will be conducted based on the acquired knowledge as asked in Prelims and Mains and apart from that mental aptitude for the same will be judged.

Given below is a list of vital points while preparing for UPSC Interview:

• Most of the questions asked during the interview will be based on the personal interest and achievements of the candidate.
• The questions will be framed in such a way that the mental aptitude and suitability of the candidate will be checked in accordance with their job profile. 
• A depth of knowledge of the candidate's social, intellectual and emotional qualities will be accessed. 
• They will be evaluated based on their knowledge of Current Affairs and maintaining a clear balance of judgment and their mental alertness.

UPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern For IAS Exam 2024

Have a look at the IAS Prelims exam pattern in the table below.

UPSC Syllabus For IPS

The UPSC Syllabus for IAS and IPS are similar. However, a candidate whose preference is IPS must qualify for the UPSC Prelims examination which will be followed by the UPSC Mains and finally Personality Test. It is based on the rank and preference of the candidate that they will be allotted the IPS Cadre.

Check IPS Eligibility Criteria on the linked article.

UPSC Syllabus For IFS

Candidates who are aspiring to be IFS must note that the UPSC IFS syllabus is the same as for IPS and IAS. It will then depend on the rank and preference of the candidate to get the IFS Cadre once they qualify for Prelims, Mains and Interviews.

How To Cover UPSC Syllabus Effectively? - Tips

There are several ways to cover the UPSC Civil Services Syllabus effectively. However, the techniques and tactics that remain static are given below:

• Making a habit of reading the newspaper every day. Candidates must understand the questions that can be asked in the examination based on the prescribed syllabus. (Know How to read a newspaper for UPSC here.)
• Complete reading NCERTs right from the class 6th till 12th when it comes to covering the foundation of History, Polity, Geography, and Economics. (Know How to read NCERT for UPSC exam here.)
• Candidates must start solving the UPSC Previous Year Papers, to understand the type of questions that can be asked in the UPSC examination.
• Once, the candidates have completed reading the UPSC Syllabus in detail, they must start preparing for the IAS exam by revising daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Has UPSC Civil Services Syllabus Changed in 2024?

Since 1979, the UPSC Syllabus has remained mostly unchanged. UPSC Syllabus is then divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains and Interview. Candidates now have to prepare for an MCQ-based question that is asked in Prelims and a more descriptive question in Mains. Finally, a Personality Test is taken to accessing the calibre of candidates. 

Timeline Of Changes in UPSC Civil Services Syllabus

Initially, the 1990s UPSC Prelims Question Paper when closely analyzed showed simple textual questions asked in the exams. But it is since 2010’s that the pattern of questionnaires has changed to a more analytical and cynical approach towards Current Affairs which is obliquely related to the basic static knowledge.

Over the course of decades, UPSC Mains Question Paper has evolved from simple and predictable questions to rather complex and critical ones. In the section below, get a better understanding of how the UPSC Syllabus changed with time.

• CSAT: In the year of 2011, UPSC introduced a qualifying paper called CSAT. It consists of 80 questions with 200 marks. The CSAT paper replaced the optional subject in the prelims as General Studies - 2.
• Essay: CSAT Marks were added with General Studies Paper - 1 and CSAT became an additional paper that was added along with the GS Paper when drawing the merit list of the candidates who have qualified for the UPSC Prelims. In 2012, two General Studies papers along with an Essay Paper were inculcated in the Mains. 
• Optional Paper: In 2013, the optional papers were reduced from 2 to 1, and the number of General Studies papers was increased from 2 to 4. The essay paper’s total marks were increased from 200 to 250. 
• 2 Essays and Number of Attempts: Candidates were asked in the year 2014 to attempt two essays instead of one. The number of attempts for the General Category was increased from four to six. The Maximum age limit for the General Category was increased from 30 to 32 years. 
• CSAT became a Qualifying Paper: In 2015, CSAT became a qualifying paper.

Questions to Ace Your Exams

Q1. What is the syllabus of the UPSC exam for IAS mains?
The UPSC IAS Mains exam syllabus covers a diverse range of subjects crucial for administrative roles. Furthermore, it includes nine papers focusing on Essay writing, General Studies (I to IV), Optional Subjects (Papers I and II), and Indian language and English language comprehension and communication skills. 
Hence, the subjects encompass aspects like governance, international relations, history, geography, ethics, and optional subjects of the candidate's choice. 
Moreover, the comprehensive syllabus aims to assess candidates' analytical and writing skills, along with a deep understanding of socio-economic, political, and cultural issues. Aspirants must navigate this multifaceted syllabus for a successful IAS Mains examination.

Q2. What is the fee for UPSC application form?
The fee for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) application form varies based on the category. Therefore, the application fees for the prestigious exam, as per the latest update for General and OBC candidates, is typically around INR 100.
However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability), and female candidates are often exempt from the fee. It's crucial to check the latest UPSC notification for accurate and updated information on application fees, as these details may change. 
Moreover, the payment can be made online through various methods like internet banking, imps, and cash cards; remember to stay informed about any revisions to ensure a smooth application process for this prestigious examination.

Q3. Is the IAS syllabus tough?
The IAS (Indian Administrative Service) syllabus is comprehensive and demands diligent preparation from the aspirants. Hence, the syllabus covers a vast array of subjects, from history and geography to current affairs and ethics, while challenging candidates intellectually. 
However, the difficulty is relative and depends on individual strengths and interests. The key lies in systematic study, time management, and a deep understanding of concepts. Although it may seem daunting to the aspirants, the IAS exam assesses analytical and decision-making skills crucial for administrative roles. 
Therefore, embrace the challenge, break down the syllabus into manageable portions, and approach it with curiosity; success often follows dedicated and disciplined effort.

Q4. Does the UPSC Syllabus PDF contain the prelims and mains syllabus?
The UPSC syllabus PDF comprehensively includes both the Prelims and Mains syllabi, serving as a proper roadmap for the candidates. The UPSC syllabus PDF possesses a clear understanding of what to expect at each stage of the examination. 
The Preliminary Examination focuses on objective-type questions, testing candidates on topics like General Studies and Aptitude. The Mains Examination, on the other hand, delves deeper into diverse subjects, including essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects. 
The UPSC syllabus PDF serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the entirety of the examination process. It is a crucial resource for aspirants, offering clarity on the extensive range of topics to be covered. Ensure meticulous preparation by thoroughly understanding and leveraging the detailed syllabus to navigate the complexities of both Prelims and Mains examinations successfully.

Conclusion

To crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam, one must have a thorough understanding of the vast and diverse syllabus. This article has provided insights into the UPSC CSE syllabus structure, important topics, and preparation strategies for the exam. By following these tips and working hard, you can prepare effectively for the exam and increase your chances of success. With dedication and perseverance, you too can become a part of India's prestigious civil services.

Hope you found this article on UPSC Syllabus informative and helpful. Download the IAS Syllabus PDF provided in this article above and refer to it while preparing for the IAS Exam 2024. If you have any doubts, do let us know in the comment section below. Start preparing for various competitive examinations with the help of the Testbook App for free.