Welcome to RaghukulCS! Here, you will find the complete UPSC syllabus for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest exams in India. It is also called the mother of all exams because to qualify for the UPSC exam you have to too much effort as well as you have to follow each part of the UPSC IAS Syllabus.
If you want to understand the UPSC exam then you have to understand the IAS syllabus. With the help of this approach, you can eliminate unnecessary effort like reading topics which is not necessary. IT will save you time if you will follow the UPSC syllabus.
UPSC 2020 syllabus [UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains] has been released, along with the official notification for the Civil Service Exam on 12th February 2020.
You can find the UPSC syllabus at the official website — https://upsc.gov.in/ or you can Download the UPSC syllabus from our website— https://raghukulcs.com/ also. We also provide UPSC syllabus in PDF For both IAS prelims and IAS Mains. You can also download the UPSC syllabus in Hindi or IAS syllabus in Hindi.
There is a common UPSC syllabus pattern for services such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) to name a few. However, different stages of the IAS exam have a different syllabus. The UPSC Prelims syllabus focuses on general and societal awareness which is tested by objective-type (MCQ) questions. The UPSC Mains syllabus is much more comprehensive as this stage comprises nine theory papers.
Why is Syllabus important for UPSC?
If you want to understand the UPSC exam then you have to understand the IAS syllabus. With the help of this approach, you can eliminate unnecessary effort like reading topics which is not necessary. It will save your time as well as effort to understand the concept of questions asked in the UPSC IAS exam if you will follow the UPSC syllabus.
Exam pattern of UPSC / IAS
The Civil services exam is conducted in three phases by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
The UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination is composed of two components:
Paper Subjects Total Marks Duration
I –General Studies(GS)
200
2 hours (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM)
II -CSAT
200
2 hours (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
Broadly, the UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination consists of two papers of objective type, each of 200 marks (hence totaling 400 marks) and of two hours duration. If you want to qualify for the Civil Services Mains, you have to attempt both the papers.
Further, the UPSC General Studies (GS) paper consists of 100 questions, while the CSAT paper consists of 80 questions. Both papers have negative marks for wrong answers marked to the tune of 1/3rd of the total marks assigned to that question.
To further illustrate this, each correctly answered GS question will be awarded 2 marks. So, 0.66 marks would be deducted from the total for every question that is wrongly marked.
Similarly, in the CSAT paper, since we have 80 questions for 200 marks, correctly answered CSAT question would attract 2.5 marks each, while every wrongly marked question would attract a penalty of 0.833 for each such wrong answer, which will be deducted from the total.
Questions that are not attempted will not attract any negative marks.
1) General Studies(GS) (Generally conducted between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM)
The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination of UPSC. This test is intended to test the general awareness of a candidate in a wide range of subjects that include: Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations, and associated UPSC current affairs.
Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)
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, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
General Science
2) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (Generally conducted between 2:30 PM and 04:30 PM)
This UPSC Prelims syllabus for CSAT intends to assess the aptitude of the candidate in solving ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions, apart from ‘Reading Comprehension’ and the occasionally asked ‘Decision Making’ questions.
The ‘Decision Making’ based questions are generally exempt from negative marks.
The preliminary examination is only meant for screening a candidate for the subsequent stages of the exam.
The marks obtained in the Prelims will not be added up while arriving at the final rank list.
Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper-II)
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)
UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus Download here
UPSC IAS Syllabus in English (IAS Prelims):-Download PDF Here
UPSC IAS Syllabus in Hindi (IAS Prelims):-Download PDF Here
Phase 2: UPSC Mains Exam (1750 Marks)
The Mains examination is the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. If you are qualified successfully in prelims then you are allowed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to write IAS Mains.
The Mains exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) tests your academic talent in depth and your ability to present your understanding according to the requirements of the question in a time-bound manner.
The UPSC Mains exam consists of Nine(9) papers, out of which two are qualifying papers of 300 marks each.
The two qualifying papers are:
1 – Any Indian Language Paper(300 marks)
2 – English Language Paper(300 marks)
The papers on Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subject of only such candidates who attain 25% marks in both the language papers as a minimum qualifying standard in these qualifying papers, will be taken cognizance of, for evaluation.
In case a candidate does not qualify in these language papers, then the marks obtained by such candidates will not be considered or counted.
Structure of the language papers:
The types of questions asked are –
Essay – 100 marks
Reading comprehension – 60 marks
Precis Writing – 60 marks
Translation:
English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks
Compulsory language to English – 20 marks
Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks
The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.
UPSC Mains Syllabus
Papers
Subject
Marks
A
One of the Indian language to be selected by the candidate from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the constitution(Qualifying only)
300 (Qualifying Only)
B
English(Qualifying Only)
300 (Qualifying Only)
Paper – I
Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s choice)
250
Paper-II
General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society)
250
Paper -III
General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)
250
Paper -IV
General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management)
250
Paper -V
General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
250
Paper -VI
Optional Subject – Paper I
250
Paper -VII
Optional Subject – Paper II
250
UPSC Mains Syllabus (Paper – A)
Essay – 100 marks
Reading comprehension – 60 marks
Precis Writing – 60 marks
Translation:
English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks
Compulsory language to English – 20 marks
Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks
UPSC Mains Syllabus (Paper – B)
English(Qualifying Only)
(i) Comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Precis Writing.
(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.
UPSC Mains Syllabus (Paper – I)
IAS Syllabus – Essay Paper
There is no mention of the IAS essay paper syllabus in the UPSC notification. Only a broad outline is provided in the official notification. But the expectation from the candidates has been mentioned in the notification. “They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”
UPSC always gave topics from Philosophy, Public Administration, and International scenarios. The world view of the candidates is tested through these essays. How the candidate sees the engrossed problems and how they suggest the solution to the problems.
UPSC Mains Syllabus (Paper-II)
General Studies Paper-II (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
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.
History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the industrial revolution, world wars, re-draw of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
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).
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 Mains Syllabus (Paper – III)
General Studies Paper- III (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations.)
Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
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.
Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
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.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of 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 Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
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.
India and its neighborhood- 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, mandate.
UPSC Mains Syllabus (Paper – IV)
General Studies Paper- IV (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development, and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
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.
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.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy, and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
Investment models.
Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to 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 state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybersecurity; money laundering, and its prevention.
Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
UPSC Mains Syllabus (Paper – V)
General Studies Paper- V IAS Ethics 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 :
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 nonpartisanship, 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.
The UPSC Mains syllabus gives a list of 48 Optional Subjects which include Literature of different languages. Candidates need to choose any one of the ‘Optional Subjects’ from the list of subjects given below:
The following is the official list of IAS main optional subjects. The candidates can choose any one subject as the optional subject.
Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
Anthropology
Botany
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Commerce and Accountancy
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Geography
Geology
History
Law
Management
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Science
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science and International Relations
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
Statistics
Zoology
The candidates can choose the Literature of any one of the following languages as their optional subject:
Assamese
Bengali
Bodo
Dogri
Gujarati
Hindi
Kannada
Kashmiri
Konkani
Maithili
Malayalam
Manipuri
Marathi
Nepali
Odia
Punjabi
Sanskrit
Santhali
Sindhi
Tamil
Telugu
Urdu
English
Phase 3: IAS Interview/UPSC Personality Test (275 Marks)
If you qualify for the UPSC Mains Exam then you will be called for the ‘Personality Test/Interview’. You will be interviewed by a Board appointed by the UPSC.
The objective of the interview is to assess your personal suitability for a career in the civil services by a board of competent and unbiased observers.
The interview is more of a purposive conversation intended to explore the mental qualities and analytical ability in you.
The Interview test will be of 275 marks and the total marks for written examination is 1750. This sums up to a Grand Total of 2025 Marks, based on which the final merit list will be prepared.