UPSC syllabus is the foundatio of Civil Services Exam preparation. Without a clear understanding of what the Union Public Service Commission expects, you’ll end up studying too broadly or missing critical topics. The UPSC syllabus outlines the scope of subjects, paper structure, and the depth of knowledge required at each stage of the exam—Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Whether you’re starting out or fine-tuning your strategy, knowing the UPSC syllabus inside out can save you months of effort.

In this article, we’ll break down the UPSC syllabus into clear, manageable sections. You'll find the syllabus for Prelims and Mains, including subject-wise breakdowns, changes in 2025, PDF links, and FAQs to help you stay focused.  

UPSC Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

If you’re starting your UPSC journey, the first thing you need is the official UPSC syllabus PDF. It lays out every subject, paper format, marks, and structure for both Prelims and Mains. Downloadable in English and Hindi, the PDF is available on the official UPSC site. It includes:

• Prelims syllabus PDF
  
• Mains syllabus PDF (with GS papers, essay, optional subjects, and language papers)
  
• Optional subject syllabus
  

All PDFs are critical. Prelims is objective-type and meant for screening. Mains is descriptive and counts towards your final rank. The PDFs also include the syllabus for optional subjects and qualifying language papers.

Why download the UPSC syllabus PDF?

Here’s why you should download the UPSC syllabus PDF 2025:

• You’ll always have the syllabus handy—even offline.
  
• Helps while creating a subject-wise tracker or revision plan.
  
• Clarifies the boundaries of what you should study.
  

Pro Tip: Print it. Mark topics as ‘Completed,’ ‘Revised,’ or ‘Pending.’ This keeps you accountable.

UPSC Syllabus PDF Direct Download Links

Find below the links to download the UPSC Syllabus PDF 2025:

FAQs

Q1. Where can I download the UPSC syllabus PDF?
Ans: From the official UPSC website under the 'Examinations' section.

Q2. Is UPSC syllabus same every year?
Ans: Mostly, yes. However, there are minor tweaks. Always check for the latest version before you start.

Q3. Do optional subjects have a separate PDF?
Ans: Yes. Each optional subject has a dedicated syllabus file available on the same portal.

Q4. Does the UPSC syllabus PDF change every year?
Ans: Major structure stays the same, but check for official updates before each attempt.

Q5. Can I study only from the PDF without coaching?
Ans: Yes. Most top aspirants self-study using the official UPSC syllabus, supplemented with NCERTs or reference sources.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus vs Mains

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The UPSC syllabus differs significantly between Prelims and Mains in terms of structure, question type, and depth. Here’s how the two compare.

Key Differences between UPSC Prelims Syllabus Vs Mains

Check out the key differences between UPSC Prelims Syllabus Vs Mains below:

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025

UPSC Prelims is the first stage and consists of two compulsory papers of 200 marks each:

UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper-I

Find out the UPSC prelims 2025 GS paper I syllabus below:

Note: Paper I is merit-based and counts for selection into Mains.

UPSC Prelims CSAT General Studies Paper-II

Find out the UPSC prelims 2025 GS paper II syllabus below:

Note: CSAT is qualifying. You need only 33% marks to clear it.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 Overview

The Mains exam consists of 9 papers. Out of which 2 are qualifying and 7 are merit-based papers carrying 250 marks each. 

UPSC Mains Qualifying Papers (Not counted for merit)

UPSC Mains 2025 Merit-based Papers

Check below the UPSC Mains 2025 paper-wise list of subjects along with marks:

Each paper is 3 hours. Total marks: 1750 (written) + 275 (interview) = 2025.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus vs Mains 2025 FAQs

Q1. Is the Prelims syllabus easier than the Mains?
Ans: Prelims is more factual and broad-based; Mains is deeper, analytical, and descriptive.

Q2. Do Prelims marks count in the final UPSC result?
Ans: No. Prelims is a qualifying stage. Only Mains + Interview marks are counted for rank.

Q3. Is CSAT tough in UPSC Prelims?
Ans: It depends on your background. It can be tricky for non-maths students. Practice is key.

Q4. Do I need to prepare for Prelims and Mains together?
Ans: Yes. Most topics overlap. Smart candidates integrate their preparation from the start.

Q5. Is there any subject common to both Prelims and Mains?
Ans: Yes. History, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Geography are common, but asked differently.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 Revised

UPSC syllabus for Mains was updated for 2025, though the core structure remains the same. You get nine papers: two qualifying and seven counted for merit, including essay, four General Studies, and two optional. The revised PDF confirms familiar names and formats but reflects updated topics or wording in GS papers and optional lists.

Here's a snapshot:

• Paper A & B – Language qualifying papers (300 marks each)
  
• Essay Paper – 250 marks
  
• GS I–IV – 250 marks each covering culture, history, polity, economy, tech, ethics
  
• Optional Papers I & II – 500 marks in total

Qualifying Papers (Mandatory but not counted for merit)

To move forward in evaluation, candidates must score at least 25% in each of these papers.

Merit-based Papers

These 7 papers are counted for final ranking.

Paper I – Essay

Paper II – General Studies I

Subjects Covered: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

Paper III – General Studies II

Subjects Covered: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations

Paper IV – General Studies III

Subjects Covered: Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, Internal Security, Disaster Management

Paper V – General Studies IV

Subjects Covered: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude

Papers VI & VII – Optional Subjects Paper I and II

Choose one optional subject from the list of 48 subjects (detailed in a later section). Questions are based on honours-level understanding.

Updates include refined sub-topics, broader coverage across environment and governance, and possible new inclusions in current affairs and ethics.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 Revised FAQs

Q1. What changed in the UPSC Mains syllabus 2025?
Ans: Minor wording tweaks and expanded current affairs/ethics topics—core structure remains consistent.  

Q2. Is the essay syllabus defined by topics?
Ans: No. Essay topics are general themes but require concise, structured expression. 

Q3. How many marks does UPSC Mains essay carry?
Ans: 250 marks. Two essays, each on a broad theme.  

Q4. Do language papers affect the final result?
Ans:No.Two qualifying language papers only need 25%. Marks don’t count towards ranking.  

Q5. Can I use English or any scheduled language for GS papers?
Ans: Yes. GS papers (except language) can be answered in English or any language listed in Eighth Schedule.  

UPSC Syllabus Subject-Wise Topics 2025

Breaking down the UPSC syllabus subject-wise makes planning easier. Both Prelims and Mains subjects follow similar themes but at different levels of depth.

UPSC Mains Exam Structure 2025 Subject-Wise

Check below the subject-wise exam structure of UPSC mains exam:

Note: Paper A and B are qualifying in nature. You must score at least 25% in each to have your remaining papers evaluated.

UPSC Syllabus Subject-Wise Topics FAQs

Q1. What subjects are covered in UPSC syllabus subject-wise?
Ans: It includes History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Governance, Ethics, International Relations, Security, and optional subjects.

Q2. Is topic depth different for Prelims and Mains?
Ans: Yes.Prelims is broad but shallow; Mains needs deeper understanding and analysis.

Q3. Where do ethics and integrity fall in the UPSC syllabus?
Ans: Ethics is in GS Paper IV of Mains; not part of Prelims.

Q4. Does GS III include science and technology?
Ans: Yes. It covers science, tech, economy, agriculture, disaster management, and security.

Q5. Are current events part of the UPSC syllabus?
Ans: Yes, Current affairs are essential for Prelims GS I and integrated into Mains across papers.

UPSC GS Paper Syllabus 2025 Outline

Here’s an outline of each General Studies paper in the UPSC syllabus, covering what they test and why they matter.

• GS Paper I (Prelims & Mains overlap): Culture, history, geography, society
  
• GS Paper II (Mains): Polity, Constitution, governance, social justice, international relations
  
• GS Paper III: Economy, development, agriculture, science & tech, environment, internal security
  
• GS Paper IV: Ethics, integrity, aptitude, case studies

GS Paper I – Indian Heritage, History, Geography, and Society

GS Paper II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, and International Relations

UPSC GS Paper III – Economy, Technology, Environment, Internal Security

UPSC GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Prelims GS1 overlaps with Mains GS I and III in scope but lacks depth. In Mains, expect essay-type questions that require balancing factual knowledge with structured opinion. Each paper carries 250 marks and tests different skill sets within the UPSC syllabus framework.

UPSC GS Paper Syllabus 2025 Outline FAQs

Q1. What topics are in UPSC GS Paper I?
Ans: Culture, modern history, world history, geography, Indian society.

Q2. What falls under GS Paper II in UPSC syllabus?
Ans: Polity, constitutional framework, governance, rights, welfare schemes, IR.

Q3. Does GS Paper III include environment topics?
Ans: Yes. GS paper III covers environment, biodiversity, disaster management, economy, science & more.

Q4. What is tested in GS Paper IV?
Ans: Ethics, integrity, aptitude, moral philosophy applied to public administration.

Q5. Are Prelims GS and Mains GS widely different?
Ans: Prelims GS1 is wide but shallow, while Mains GS papers demand detailed answers and case-based analysis.

UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Optional Subjects

The UPSC syllabus includes optional subjects that each candidate chooses for Mains—two papers of 250 marks each. These are the only customizable part of the exam.

There are over 25 subjects—ranging from Economics, Geography, Public Administration, to Literature, Engineering, and Medicine. Since optional papers are based on degree-level content, choose something aligned with your background or interest. Each syllabus is structured at an honours level, higher than bachelor’s, but below master’s in depth.

List of Optional Subjects in UPSC Syllabus 2025

In the UPSC Mains exam, candidates must choose one optional subject, which includes two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) of 250 marks each. The syllabus for optional subjects is designed to match the honors level of graduation (except Engineering, Medical Science, and Law—where it's at the bachelor's level). This section can significantly improves your score if chosen and prepared wisely.

Literature Subjects Offered:

Note: Each optional subject includes two papers of 250 marks. Choose a subject based on your interest, graduation background, and availability of good material and guidance.

UPSC Syllabus for Optional Subjects FAQs

Q1. How many optional subjects can I take in the UPSC syllabus?
Ans: You choose exactly one optional subject; it includes two papers (Paper VI & VII) totaling 500 marks.

Q2. Does optional subject appear in Prelims?
Ans:No. Optional subjects are only assessed in Mains.

Q3. Can I choose any subject available in UPSC syllabus?
Ans: Yes, choose from 25+ options but note your interest, availability of resources, and scoring history.

Q4. Does optional subject affect my rank?
Ans: Yes. It adds up to 500 marks, significantly influencing merit list ranking.

Q5. Are optional subject syllabi available in the UPSC syllabus PDF?
Ans: Yes. Each optional subject's detailed syllabus is listed in the official Mains PDF.

Conclusion

Understanding the UPSC syllabus is half the battle won. It not only sets the scope of your preparation but also helps you prioritize time and resources across subjects that matter most. Whether you’re focusing on Prelims, Mains, or the Interview stage, every topic is interconnected. Stick to the syllabus, master the core areas, and keep refining your answer writing. With the right strategy and clarity, cracking this exam is achievable.

For anyone serious about the IAS exam, the UPSC syllabus is your master guide. Refer to it often. Study smart, not just hard.