UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Prelims, Mains, and Interview
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) requires a thorough understanding of the syllabus. The UPSC CSE exam is one of the most competitive exams in India, and each stage (Prelims, Mains, and Interview) has a specific set of requirements. This detailed breakdown of the UPSC Syllabus 2025 will help candidates streamline their preparation and focus on the most critical areas.
What is the UPSC Syllabus?
The UPSC syllabus is a comprehensive outline of the subjects and topics that candidates must study for the Civil Services Examination. The UPSC CSE exam tests the candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and suitability for a career in the civil services. The exam is divided into three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective-type papers.
- Main Examination (Mains) – Written papers that determine merit.
- Personality Test (Interview) – A final interview to assess personality traits.
Each stage has its own syllabus, except for the Interview, which does not have a fixed syllabus. Let’s explore each stage in more detail.
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UPSC Syllabus 2025 Overview
The entire UPSC exam process consists of three stages. Below is an overview of these stages:
| Exam Stage | Paper | Total Marks | Syllabus | Nature of the Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Paper 1: General Studies Paper 2: CSAT | 200 marks (each) | Indian Polity, Geography, History, Economy, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning | Qualifying for Mains |
| Mains | 9 Papers (including 2 language papers and optional subjects) | 1750 total | History, Geography, Economy, Ethics, Aptitude, Optional Subjects, etc. | Marks counted for merit |
| Interview | – | 275 | No specific syllabus | Marks added to Mains for final merit calculation |
UPSC Syllabus for Prelims 2025
The Prelims exam is the first stage of the UPSC exam. It consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper 1
- Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) or Paper 2
Both papers are designed to assess the candidate’s foundational knowledge, awareness of current events, and reasoning abilities.
Prelims Exam Pattern
- General Studies Paper 1 focuses on various subjects that require a broad knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, and more.
- CSAT (Paper 2) focuses on the candidate’s comprehension, logical reasoning, and aptitude skills. This paper is qualifying in nature, and candidates must score at least 33% to clear this section.
| Papers | Total Marks | Number of Questions | Nature of Questions | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks Deduction for Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Paper 1) | 200 marks | 100 questions | Objective (MCQs) | +2 marks for correct answer | -0.66 marks for incorrect answer |
| CSAT (Paper 2) | 200 marks | 80 questions | Objective (MCQs) | +2.5 marks for correct answer | -0.83 marks for incorrect answer |
Prelims Syllabus for General Studies (Paper 1)
- Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
- History: Indian National Movement, History of India, World History, Art, and Culture.
- Economy: Indian Economy, Economic Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives.
- Science and Technology: General awareness of scientific developments and their applications.
- Environment and Ecology: Climate change, biodiversity, environmental issues, and conservation.
- International Relations: Global organizations, bilateral relations, important treaties, and agreements.
- Current Affairs: Events of national and international importance.
Prelims Syllabus for CSAT (Paper 2)
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Decision-making, problem-solving, logical deduction, and data interpretation.
- Comprehension: Reading passages and answering related questions.
- Data Interpretation: Graphs, charts, tables, and case studies.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Basic numerical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
UPSC Syllabus for Mains 2025
The Mains examination is the second and most comprehensive stage of the UPSC CSE. It consists of nine papers, including two qualifying language papers and seven merit-based papers. The Mains papers assess the candidate’s in-depth understanding of subjects, analytical abilities, and knowledge of contemporary issues.
Mains Exam Pattern
The nine papers in the Mains exam are divided as follows:
- Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
- Paper B: English (300 marks) These papers are qualifying in nature, and candidates must score at least 25% in each.
- Merit-Based Papers:
- Essay Paper: 250 marks
- General Studies Papers 1 to 4: 250 marks each
- Optional Subject Papers 1 and 2: 250 marks each
Mains Paper Syllabus
- Essay Paper: Candidates are required to write two essays on a variety of topics, including social, economic, political, environmental, and philosophical issues.
- General Studies Paper 1:
- Indian Heritage and Culture
- History of India
- Geography of the World and Society
- General Studies Paper 2:
- Governance, Constitution, Polity
- Social Justice
- International Relations
- General Studies Paper 3:
- Indian Economy and Development
- Science and Technology
- Environmental Issues and Biodiversity
- Disaster Management
- Internal Security
- General Studies Paper 4:
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Case Studies on Ethics in Public Administration
Optional Papers
Candidates must select one optional subject from the list provided by UPSC. Each optional subject has two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks. Some of the optional subjects available include:
- Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Geography, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, Anthropology.
- Science & Engineering Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering.
- Commerce & Management: Commerce and Accountancy, Management.
- Literature: Candidates can opt for literature subjects in any of the 23 available languages, such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
UPSC Syllabus for Mains Language Papers
Candidates are required to appear for two language papers: one Indian Language and one English paper. These papers are qualifying in nature, and the syllabus for both is quite similar.
Syllabus for Indian Language Paper (Paper A)
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essays
- Translation from English to the Indian Language
Syllabus for English Paper (Paper B)
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essays
UPSC Syllabus for Interview 2025
The final stage of the UPSC CSE exam is the Personality Test, commonly known as the Interview. There is no fixed syllabus for this stage, and the questions can range from personal background, current affairs, hypothetical situations, and more.
Key Features of the UPSC Interview:
- The interview is conducted to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, leadership potential, and suitability for civil services.
- Candidates are expected to have a well-rounded knowledge of issues related to governance, public service, and national and international affairs.
- The interview carries 275 marks, and the total score of the written exam and interview combined determines the final merit list.
Important Points to Remember for the Interview:
- Dress Code: Formal attire is recommended.
- Location: The interview is held at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) office in New Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UPSC Syllabus 2025
- What subjects are covered in the UPSC CSE 2025? The syllabus covers subjects like Indian Polity, Geography, History, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Ethics, and many more.
- What is the UPSC syllabus for Mains? The Mains syllabus includes papers on Essay writing, General Studies, and an optional subject chosen by the candidate.
- Is there negative marking in the UPSC exam? Yes, incorrect answers in Prelims result in negative marking. For General Studies, the deduction is -0.66 marks, while for CSAT, it is -0.83 marks.
- Who is eligible for UPSC 2025? Candidates who have completed their graduation from a recognized university are eligible to apply for the UPSC exam.
- Are NCERT books sufficient for UPSC preparation? NCERT books provide a strong foundation, but they need to be supplemented with advanced study materials and current affairs for a thorough preparation.