The UPSC Mains Syllabus is a comprehensive framework that outlines the subjects and topics for the Civil Services Examination, one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams. It serves as the second phase of the UPSC CSE selection process, testing candidates on their knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to present ideas clearly and effectively. The syllabus consists of nine theory papers, of which seven contribute to the final merit list, while two (English and Indian Language) are qualifying papers. Candidates must achieve at least 25% in the qualifying papers for their other answer sheets to be evaluated.

Overview of UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025

UPSC Mains syllabus is designed to test candidates’ intellectual depth, analytical ability, and ethical standards. Understanding the syllabus and aligning one’s preparation accordingly is the key to success. Aspirants should focus on building conceptual clarity, practicing answer writing, and staying updated with current events to excel in this highly competitive examination.

What is the UPSC Exam?

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a competitive exam held in India by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for higher civil services positions in the Government of India. These include roles in All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A and some Group B posts).

The CSE is conducted in three stages: 

• Preliminary Examination: This includes two objective-type papers. Paper I is focused on General Studies, while Paper II, known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), tests candidates’ aptitude skills.
• Main Examination: This stage consists of nine conventional (essay-style) papers. Out of these, two are qualifying papers, and only the marks of the remaining seven papers are considered for ranking.
• Personality Test (Interview): The final stage of the exam, where candidates are assessed based on their personality and suitability for a civil services role.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 Detailed

The UPSC Mains syllabus is extensive, requiring a deep and comprehensive understanding of various subjects. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus

UPSC Mains Syllabus- Essay Paper I

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. The essays should adhere closely to the subject, present ideas in an orderly manner, and be concise. Credit will be awarded for effective and precise expression.

UPSC Mains Syllabus General Studies I (Paper II) Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society

• Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
• Modern Indian History: Developments from the mid-18th century to the present, including significant events, personalities, and issues.
• The Freedom Struggle: Various stages and important contributions from different regions.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• World History – Events from the 18th century, including: The Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redrawing of national boundaries, Colonization and decolonization, Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, and their forms and societal effects.
• Indian Society: Salient features of Indian society and its diversity.
• Role of women and women’s organizations, Population and associated issues, Poverty and developmental challenges, Urbanization: Problems and remedies, Effects of globalization on Indian society.
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism.
• World Geography – Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
• Distribution of key natural resources globally (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent).
• Factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various regions (including India).
• Important geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and cyclones.
• Geographical features and their location, including changes in critical features like water bodies, ice caps, flora, and fauna, along with their impacts.

UPSC Mains Syllabus General Studies II (Paper III) Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

• Indian Constitution – Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
• Union and State Functions – Functions and responsibilities, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels, and associated challenges.
• Separation of Powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
• Parliament and State Legislatures – Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges, and issues arising out of these.
• Structure, organization, and functioning; Ministries and Departments of the Government; role of pressure groups and formal/informal associations in the polity.
• Features of Representation of People’s Act
• Constitutional Posts – Appointment, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
• Statutory, Regulatory, and 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 – Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
• Welfare Schemes for vulnerable sections by the Centre and States, performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies constituted for their protection and betterment.
• Social Sector/Services Development and Management
  • Relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
  • Issues relating to development and management.
• 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

UPSC Mains Syllabus General Studies III (Paper IV) Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

• Indian Economy – Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
• Inclusive Growth and Issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting
• Major crops, cropping patterns, 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 – Scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
• Land Reforms in India
• Liberalization Effects – 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.
• IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology – Awareness in these fields 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
• Internal Security Challenges – Role of external state and non-state actors.
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
• Security Challenges in Border Areas
• Security Forces and Agencies their mandate.

UPSC Mains Syllabus General Studies IV (Paper V) Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

This paper includes questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced while 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; 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 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.

UPSC Compulsory English Paper

The English language paper is a mandatory component of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam. It is of qualifying nature, meaning the marks obtained in this paper will not contribute to the final ranking but must be cleared to advance further. The UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper Syllabus includes topics on language, writing, comprehension, and grammar. Below is a detailed breakdown:

• Essay Writing (100 Marks): Candidates are required to write a well-structured essay on a given topic. This section evaluates clarity of thought, coherence, proper organization, and a good command of the English language.
• Comprehension (75 Marks): This section assesses the ability to understand and interpret written English. Candidates need to read a passage and answer questions based on the main ideas, themes, and details presented in it.
• Precis Writing (75 Marks): Candidates must summarize a given passage concisely, retaining its essential meaning and key points. This section tests the ability to distill information and express it clearly and briefly.
• Grammar and Vocabulary (50 Marks): This section evaluates knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, including correct word usage, synonyms, antonyms, and context-based questions.

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper 2024

The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers candidates the option to write their exams in one of the 22 Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Despite its significance, many aspirants tend to overlook this paper, but failure in it can lead to disqualification. Thus, it is an integral part of UPSC preparation. Candidates are required to choose one language from the Eighth Schedule as listed below:

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper 2024 Syllabus

The Indian Language Paper in the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination is an essential qualifying paper. Understanding its syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. Below is a section-wise breakdown of the syllabus:

• Essay Writing (100 Marks): Candidates must write a coherent and well-structured essay on a given topic. This section evaluates proficiency in the chosen Indian language, clarity of thought, and presentation skills.
• Reading Comprehension (60 Marks): In this section, candidates read a passage and answer questions related to it. The focus is on understanding the main ideas, themes, and specific details in the passage.
• Precis Writing (60 Marks): This section tests the candidate’s ability to summarize a given passage concisely, retaining its essential meaning and key points.
• Translation (40 Marks: 20 Marks Each): Candidates must translate a passage from English to the chosen language and another passage from the chosen language to English. This section evaluates the ability to understand and accurately express content in both languages.
• Grammar and Basic Language Skills (40 Marks): This section assesses knowledge of grammar, syntax, and language usage. It includes questions on vocabulary, sentence structure, and rules of grammar.

UPSC Mains Syllabus – Optional Papers 

Candidates are required to select one optional subject from a list of 48 subjects. The optional subject consists of two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), each carrying 250 marks, for a total of 500 marks.

The Literature section in the UPSC CSE Mains offers a variety of language options for candidates. This allows aspirants to choose a language they are comfortable with, or one that aligns with their academic background, helping in scoring well with a well-prepared strategy.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 FAQs