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Syllabus & Exam Pattern

UPSC Civil Services Examination Syllabus

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams. Conducted annually, it aims to recruit candidates for top government posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. It consists of Prelims (Objective) and Mains (Written & Interview).

Exam Pattern

The examination consists of a Preliminary examination (objective), a Main examination (written), and an Interview (Personality Test). Prelims is a screening test. Mains comprises 9 papers (2 qualifying languages, Essay, 4 GS, 2 Optional).

ExamPartsDurationTotal QuestionsMax Marks
Prelims Paper I (General Studies)Objective Type2 hours100200
Prelims Paper II (CSAT)Objective Type (Qualifying 33%)2 hours80200
Mains Qualifying Language (Paper A)Descriptive3 hours-300
Mains English (Paper B)Descriptive3 hours-300
Mains EssayDescriptive3 hours-250
Mains GS Paper I-IVDescriptive (4 Papers)3 hours each-250 x 4 = 1000
Mains Optional Paper I & IIDescriptive (2 Papers)3 hours each-250 x 2 = 500
Interview / Personality TestVerbal--275
ℹ️Marking Scheme: Prelims: 1/3rd (0.66 marks in Paper I and 0.83 marks in Paper II) negative marking for each incorrect answer. Mains: Subjective/Essay type.

Detailed Syllabus

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GS Paper 1 - Prelims

History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment

History of IndiaCheck list
1.Ancient History
2.Medieval History
3.Modern History & Freedom Struggle
4.Art & Culture
GeographyCheck list
1.Physical Geography
2.Indian Geography
3.World Geography
Indian Polity & GovernanceCheck list
1.Constitution & Political System
2.Panchayati Raj & Public Policy
EconomyCheck list
1.Economic & Social Development
2.Poverty & Demographics
Environment & EcologyCheck list
1.Biodiversity & Climate Change
2.General Science

CSAT (GS Paper 2)

Comprehension, Reasoning, Math

Quantitative AptitudeCheck list
1.Number System
2.Percentage & Ratio
3.Time, Speed & Distance
Logical ReasoningCheck list
1.Syllogism
2.Blood Relations & Direction
3.Data Interpretation
English ComprehensionCheck list
1.Reading Comprehension
2.Interpersonal Skills
Current AffairsCheck list
1.National News
2.International Relations
3.Science & Technology
4.Government Schemes