{"id":4620,"date":"2025-07-18T16:13:37","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T10:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=4620"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:26:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T07:56:53","slug":"upsc-prelims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Prelims 2026, Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4622\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UPSC.jpg?resize=501%2C284&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"UPSC Prelims\" width=\"501\" height=\"284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UPSC.jpg?resize=300%2C170&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UPSC.jpg?resize=768%2C435&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UPSC.jpg?w=790&amp;ssl=1 790w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>UPSC Exam 2026 calendar has been officially released by UPSC. UPSC Prelims 2026 application will start from January 14, 2026,<\/b> <b>for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 and Indian Forest Service (Prelims) 2026 on the UPSC website<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The application process began on January 14, 2026, and will close on February 03, 2026. Aspirants targeting prestigious positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS must submit their applications accurately to avoid disqualification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>UPSC Exam full form consists of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Civil Services Exam. This exam is to select officers for prestigious <\/span><b>Group A and Group B services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><b>IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lakhs of aspirants apply every year, making it one of the most competitive exams in India.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also, read <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-exam-2026-date\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Calendar 2026<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is UPSC Prelims?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims or Preliminary Examination is the 1st stage of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Service Exam.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> UPSC CSE Prelims comprises <\/span><b>two objective-type papers (General Studies I and General Studies II or CSAT<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) for a total of <\/span><b>400 marks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The <\/span><b>UPSC Prelims exam is objective in nature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It consists of two papers: General Studies and Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT ).CSAT is qualifying in nature, and one has to secure <\/span><b>33% marks(66 out of 200)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><b>Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It tests general awareness and aptitude through objective-type questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for May 24, 2026.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Preliminary stage will be held in roughly 75 cities across India. Only those candidates who qualify for the Prelims Exam are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam, which is a descriptive test. The Mains Exam is followed by an interview. The final ranking of candidates is based on their performance in the Mains Exam and the interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prelims exam consists of two papers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>General Studies Paper I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a general awareness paper that covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, science, and current affairs. The <\/span><b>questions are of an objective type, and the paper carries 200 marks.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>General Studies Paper II: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is a qualifying paper, meaning candidates need to secure a minimum qualifying mark (66 marks) in this paper to be considered for the Mains. The CSAT paper tests logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general mental ability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Also read <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-exam-pattern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Pattern<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Date<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Exam <\/span><b>2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is scheduled to be held on 24th May <\/span><b>2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Sunday) as per the UPSC annual calendar 2026. UPSC Prelims 2026 is a one-day examination that comprises two objective-type papers.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Paper\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Marks<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>General Studies Paper I<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 Marks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>General Studies Paper II<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 Marks Qualifying Paper(66 Marks)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Calendar<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Prelims 2026 Calendar on 15th May.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It includes dates for other recruitment exams, such as the Indian Forest Services (IFS), Indian Engineering Services (IES), NDA, CDS, and others. Candidates preparing for UPSC 2026 should also stay updated on these dates if they are planning to appear for any of these exams.<\/span><b>UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Calendar<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Event<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Date<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2026 Notification Release<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14th January 2026<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last Date for Receipt of Applications<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">03th February 2026<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2026 Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24th May 2026 (Sunday)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Civil Services (Main) Exam 2026 Notification Release<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21st August 2026 (Friday)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Civil Services (Main) Exam 2026 Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21nd August 2026(Friday) \u2013 5 Days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Result of Civil Services (Prelims) Exam 2026<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be announced after the Prelims Exam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Result of Civil Services (Main) Exam 2026\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be announced after the Main Exam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Final Result 2026<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be announced after the Main Exam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/books-for-upsc-prelims-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books for UPSC Prelims 2026<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Notification<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims Official notification for UPSC CSE 2026 will be released on 14th January 2026 on the UPSC official website<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The notification is an essential document as it provides all the critical details regarding the exam, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>The number of vacancies available for various civil services positions.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility criteria, such as age limits, educational qualifications, and other requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The detailed syllabus for both Prelims and Mains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exam pattern and structure for each stage of the selection process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidelines for the application process and important deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates must thoroughly read the notification to understand all aspects of the examination, ensuring that they meet the eligibility criteria and follow the necessary procedures<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also read <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/total-enrichment-program-tep-mentorship-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>total Quality Enrichment Programme 2026<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Application\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC CSE 2026 notification will be released on 14th January 2026, and candidates can start the online registration process. The application window will remain open until 03th February 2026. During this time, candidates are required to fill out their application forms on the official UPSC website and submit the fee and the necessary documents, including scanned photographs, signatures, and other relevant certificates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is essential to ensure that all the details provided in the application form are accurate and complete. Any discrepancies can lead to the rejection of the application. Therefore, candidates must double-check all information before submitting the form.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a0Also Read: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/pre-cum-mains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>IAS HUB Courses for 2026<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Pattern<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims exam pattern 2026 includes two papers: General Paper 1 and CSAT<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Both are <\/span><b>objective-type papers that contain multiple-choice questions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and are conducted on a single day. <\/span><b>General Studies Paper 1 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will be used to select candidates for the Mains exam. On the other hand, the candidates have to obtain at least 33% (66 Marks) in the IAS GS Paper 2.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Detailed Pattern of UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><b>UPSC Prelims Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><b>General Studies Paper I- <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It tests the candidate\u2019s knowledge of various subjects and their application to current events.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><b>General Studies Paper II (CSAT)- <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It tests<\/span><b> the <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">analytical ability, reasoning, and comprehension ability of candidates.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timings<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9:30 AM to 11:30 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Shift\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Shift (Morning)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Mode\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offline<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><b>Evaluation Mode<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper I\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marks considered for the prelims cut-off marks<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper II (CSAT) (Qualifying\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualifying in Nature (need 33% of total marks)<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><b>Marks Distribution<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper I\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 marks<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 Questions<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper II (CSAT)<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 marks<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80 Questions<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Marking Scheme<\/b><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims 2026 marking scheme plays a vital role in determining a candidate\u2019s success. To do that, candidates have to understand the UPSC Prelims total marks.<\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I)<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Total Marks: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Marks Per Question:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2 marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Negative Marking: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1\/3rd of the marks (0.67 marks) are deducted for each wrong answer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No penalty for unattempted questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>General Studies Paper II (CSAT)<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Total Marks: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Marks Per Question: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2.5 marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Negative Marking: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1\/3rd of the marks (0.83 marks) are deducted for each wrong answer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No penalty for unattempted questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Eligibility<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has provided the detailed eligibility criteria for the prelims 2026 as given below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Nationality<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>For the Indian Administrative Service<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service, a candidate must be a citizen of India.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>For other services, a candidate must be eithe<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">r:\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) a citizen of India, or<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(b) a subject of Nepal, or<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(c) a subject of Bhutan, or<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(d) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Age Limits<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">years on the 1st of August, 2026, i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August,1994 and not later than 1st August, 2005. <\/span><b>Age relaxations are provided for candidates from reserved categories.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Qualification<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Minimum Educational Qualification: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A candidate must hold a Graduate degree from any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Qualifications<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Criteria\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Eligibility<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age limit for General<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21-32<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age Relaxation for Reserve Category<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OBC &#8211; 3 years<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SC\/ST &#8211; 5 years<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwBD &#8211; 10 years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimum Educational Qualification<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graduation <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">degree from any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nationality<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citizens of India<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Age Limit\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims 2026 Age Limits: A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st of August, 2026, i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August, 1994 and not later than 1st August, 2005.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims Age Relaxation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The upper age limit prescribed above will be relaxable:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Category<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Age Relaxation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The candidate belongs to a <\/span><b>Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Will get up to a maximum of<\/span><b> five years&#8217; relaxation.<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Other Backwards Classes (OBC)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates belonging to <\/span><b>Other Backwards Classes (OBC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who are eligible to avail of the reservation applicable to such candidates will get up to a maximum of <\/span><b>three years&#8217; age relaxation.<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Defence Services Personnel<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Defence Services Personnel, disabled in operations during hostilitie<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof. Will avail up to a maximum of <\/span><b>three years&#8217; age relaxation.<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Ex-servicemen, including Commissioned Officers and Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ex-servicemen, including Commissioned Officers and Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs)\/<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) who have rendered at least five years of Military Service as on 1st August, 2026, will be eligible for up to a maximum of<\/span><b> five years&#8217; age relaxation.<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>ECOs\/SSCOs<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>ECOs\/SSCOs who have completed an initial period of assignment of five years of Military Service as on 1st August, 2026<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And whose assignment has been extended beyond five years, and in whose case the Ministry of Defence issues a certificate that they can apply for civil employment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And that they will be released on three months&#8217; notice on selection from the date of receipt of the offer of appointment.will be eligible for <\/span><b>up to a maximum of five years of age relaxation.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>candidates belonging to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories, up to a maximum of 10 years of age relaxation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Category include (i) blindness and low vision; (ii) deaf and hard of hearing; (iii) locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy; (iv) autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness; (v) multiple disabilities from amongst person under clauses (i) to (iv) including deaf-blindn<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims Attempt Limit<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every candidate appearing at the examination, who is otherwise eligible, shall be permitted six (6) attempts at the CSE. However, relaxation in the number of attempts will be available to the SC\/ST\/OBC and PwBD category candidates who are otherwise eligible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>UPSC Prelims Attempt Limit<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Category\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Attempt LImit<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Category<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 attempts until the age of 32 years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OBC Candidates<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 attempts until the age of 35 years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SC\/ST Candidates<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlimited attempts until the age of 37 years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 attempts (General &amp; OBC) \/ Unlimited for SC\/ST, up to age limits as per category<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EWS Category<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 6 attempts until the age of 32 years.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Syllabus<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies (GS) and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). The Prelims will be in multiple-choice format, with the General Studies paper contributing to qualification for the Mains, while the CSAT paper is qualifying with a required cutoff of 66.66 marks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Syllabus for GS Paper 1<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current Affairs: National and international events of importance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>History (Including Art and Culture):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History; Indian National Movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Geography:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Polity and Governance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, and Rights Issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Basic Economic Concepts, Sustainable Development, Trade, Demographics, and Economic Organisations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environment and Ecology:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> General environmental issues, Biodiversity, and Climate Change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Science and Technology:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> General Science and recent scientific developments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Syllabus for CSAT (GS Paper 2)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Comprehension:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reading, Vocabulary, Antonyms, Synonyms, and Grammar.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Interpersonal Skills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Communication, Active\/Passive Voice, Direct\/Indirect Speech, and Writing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Series, Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Decision-Making and Problem-Solving:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Data Sufficiency, Decision Analysis, and Problem-Solving.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>General Mental Ability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Number series, Letter series, Word Patterns, and Mixed Patterns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Charts, Graphs, Tables, and Data Interpretation at Class X level.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>To clear UPSC Prelims 2026 requires a strategic approach and a practical study timetable.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To maximise your chances of success in the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam, adopting effective strategies is important. Aspirants must start\u00a0 with understanding how to prepare for the UPSC Prelims, which involves breaking down the preparation process into manageable steps, which are listed below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start your preparation at least a year or, if possible, 18 months before the Prelims exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand the syllabus of both the Prelims and Mains exams, and after going through the syllabus, develop a Proper UPSC Study Plan to succeed in UPSC Prelims 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analyse the past few years\u2019 question papers of both Prelims and Mains. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam familiarity is crucial. You can download previous years&#8217; question papers for both Prelims and Mains from the UPSC website or from the IAS HUB website. Analyse question trends, important topics, UPSC Paper language, which will be different from test series and mocks, and practice answering them within the time limit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start reading a newspaper regularly, either the Hindu or the Indian Express and make a short list of relevant articles based on the PYQ\u00a0 theme.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read and understand the basic NCERT books, and then go through the UPSC Syllabus and relevant standards books.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make short notes of important topics in whichever way you feel comfortable, either online or in hard copy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make a realistic timeline of objectives and subject-wise coverage to be achieved, both long-term and daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are attending coaching, attend classes regularly and revise the content after class.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the internet and social media judiciously while preparing, u can use focus mode on your phone to cover the topics daily basis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start learning the basics of answer writing through the previous year&#8217;s questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join a Test Series for both Prelims and Mains from IAS Hub or any other whichever you feel. It will help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form discussion\/answer writing groups to help each other.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revise regularly the content you have been reading, at least on a weekly, monthly, and 6-month basis..<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Also Read: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/how-to-prepare-for-csat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>How to Prepare for CSAT 2026<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims 2025 held on 25 May 2025, aspirants can download GS Paper 1 2025, and CSAT 2025\u00a0 from the link below.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It will be helpful for those preparing for UPSC prelims 2026. Overall UPSC Prelims 2025\u00a0 paper was relatively moderate compared to the previous year. A greater focus was placed on conceptual questions, while questions on current affairs and institutions were limited.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Paper<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Status<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>UPSC Prelims Paper 2025 \u2013 GS Paper 1<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1E21ykqUzCpTiRscN2Cb_pjdyfqJ5Wvcx\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download Link<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>UPSC Prelims Paper 2025 \u2013 GS Paper 2 (CSAT)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1Lztcilr0QmaiCmCIyGHIr3BCiXOHjZdt\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download Link<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2025 Question Paper in Hindi<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students can download the Prelims 2025 GS Paper 1 in Hindi medium, Paper from the link is given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download the PDF UPSC 2025 GS Paper 1 in Hindi\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Study Material<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Study Materials are essential to clear UPSC Prelims 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We have categorised essential material because aspirants might get confused between various books and various digital content available for the UPSC. Here we will categorise UPSC Study Material 2026 into various categories:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UPSC NCERT Books: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCERT textbooks are a foundation for the UPSC syllabus. They simplify complex topics, making it easier for beginners to understand. The foundation of various subjects of the UPSC Syllabus can be understood by these books. These subjects are History, Geography, Economics, Polity, and Science, are well-covered in the NCERT books.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UPSC Standard Books: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These books are categorised as standard books, which are essential value addition and in-depth analysis required for the UPSC Exam, for Prelims and Mains examinations. The Popular choices of UPSC Standard Books are:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geography of India by Majid Husain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>UPSC Prelims Study Material: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims demand factual &amp; conceptual knowledge and speed to answer the Multiple Choice Questions. For these, the study materials include:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economic Survey<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India Year Book<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current affairs magazines like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yojana<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kurukshetra<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online test series for practising MCQs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCERTs of History, Geography, Economics, Polity, and Science are well-covered in the NCERT books.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Free Study Material for UPSC: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are various government websites and telegrams of some selected aspirants who upload regular notes and strategy; candidates can follow them. Some sources of Free Study material for UPSC are:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Books<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few books that aspiring candidates should keep with them while preparing for UPSC prelims 2026 and further stages of the UPSC exam. The following books are indispensable for your UPSC Prelims 2026 preparation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>NCERT Textbooks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cover all subjects systematically.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Standard Reference Books:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Laxmikanth, Bipan Chandra, Ramesh Singh, and Shankar IAS.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Current Affairs Resources:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Newspapers, Yojana, and government websites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Practice Papers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> UPSC\u2019s previous years\u2019 question papers and mock tests.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Subject<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Books\/Resources<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Polity by Laxmikanth<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Mrunal.org articles, Macroeconomics \u2013 NCERT Class XII, Indian Economic Development \u2013 NCERT Class XI, Economic Survey (Selective reading from Prelims perspective), The Hindu, Internet (Arthapedia, Google, YouTube)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ancient History of India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old NCERT by RS Sharma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medieval History of India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Selective Reading)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern History<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Brief History of Modern India \u2013 Spectrum Publications, India\u2019s Struggle for Independence \u2013 Bipan Chandra (Selective Reading), NCERT by Bipan Chandra (For the period 1700s to 1857)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Art and Culture<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Introduction to Indian Art \u2013 Class XI NCERT, Chapters related to culture in Ancient and Medieval India NCERTs, Centre for Cultural Resource and Training (CCRT) material, Heritage Crafts: Living Craft Traditions of India \u2013 NCERT<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environment and Biodiversity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IAS HUB Book for Environment and Biodiversity<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Science<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Science books \u2013 IX and X standard, The Hindu (For the latest scientific terms, discoveries, and inventions), Google and YouTube<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geography<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundamentals of Physical Geography XI NCERT, India: Physical Environment XI NCERT, Fundamentals of Human Geography XII NCERT, India: People and Economy XII NCERT, Certificate Physical and Human Geography: GC Leong, Google and YouTube<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Govt Schemes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Govt schemes compilation by IAS HUB<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Trivia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any coaching material, Google (For global groupings, reports, institutions, rankings, etc.)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current Affairs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims 2026 Result Date<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims 2026 exam is yet to happen, which is scheduled for May 24, 2026. Based on previous years&#8217; trends, where results are typically announced within 15 to 20 days after the exam, however, the exact date will be confirmed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on their official website, upsc.gov.in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What After UPSC Prelims 2025 Result?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UPSC Prelims qualified candidates 2025<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prepare for Mains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Start studying for Mains, which is scheduled from August 22\u201331, 2025. Focus on General Studies, an optional subject, essay, and answer writing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Submit DAF-I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Complete the Detailed Application Form (closed June 25, 2025). Ensure accurate details and documents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Await Admit Card<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check upsc.gov.in for Mains admit card and updates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Next Steps<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Clear Mains to qualify for the Interview (275 marks). Final merit based on Mains (1750 marks) + Interview.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>For those who couldn&#8217;t clear UPSC prelims 2025<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Analyse Performance: What went wrong<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Use the official answer key (released post-final result, ~April 2026) to identify weaknesses. Before the cover weak areas and strengthen the strong areas and static parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Re-strategise and stay motivated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Plan for UPSC CSE 2026 (notification on January 14, 2026). Join a test series or coaching for better preparation. Before that, prepare for mains 2026, cover all the mains topics, write the mains previous year questions and answers. Further, if possible, join the mains test series for 2026 from ias hub or any other coaching&#8230;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay Motivated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focus on improving weak areas and maintain a consistent study routine. The UPSC exam is a marathon exam; it requires constant motivation and strength to handle setbacks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Are you preparing for UPSC 2026?<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Join IAShub\u2019s UPSC coaching batches<\/b><\/a><b> to boost your preparation. Enrol now!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>UPSC Prelims FAQs?<\/b><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-4621 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-4621.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-4621.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-4621.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-4621.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-4621.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1752835091\"><div id=\"sp-ea-4621\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-46210\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse46210\" aria-controls=\"collapse46210\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse46210\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4621\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-46210\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled for <\/span><b>May 24, 2026 (Sunday) as per the UPSC annual calendar 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Prelims 2026 will be conducted altogether on 24 May 2026..<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-46211\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse46211\" aria-controls=\"collapse46211\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> When will the UPSC CSE 2026 notification be released?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse46211\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4621\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-46211\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The official notification for UPSC CSE 2026 will be released on <\/span><b>January 14, 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. The last date to submit applications is <\/span><b>February 3, 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This coveted competitive exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various posts in the Government of India.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-46212\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse46212\" aria-controls=\"collapse46212\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the eligibility criteria for UPSC Prelims 2026?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse46212\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4621\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-46212\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><b>Nationality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Candidates must be Indian citizens for IAS, IPS, and IFS. For other services, subjects of Nepal\/Bhutan or certain categories of Indian origin may apply.<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Age<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Candidates must be between <\/span><b>21 and 32 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> as of August 1, 2026, with age relaxations for reserved categories (e.g., 5 years for SC\/ST, 3 years for OBC).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Educational Qualification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A Bachelor\u2019s degree from a recognised university or equivalent.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Number of Attempts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: General\/EWS: 6 attempts, OBC: 9 attempts, SC\/ST: Unlimited (subject to age limit).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-46213\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse46213\" aria-controls=\"collapse46213\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the exam pattern for UPSC Prelims 2026?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse46213\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4621\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-46213\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>General Studies Paper I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours. Covers history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science, and current affairs.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>General Studies Paper II (CSAT)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: 80 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours. Tests reasoning, comprehension, and basic numeracy. Qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required). Both papers are multiple-choice (MCQ-based). Only GS Paper I scores count toward the merit for qualifying for the Mains; CSAT is a qualifying exam. Negative marking applies (1\/3rd of marks deducted for wrong answers).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-46214\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse46214\" aria-controls=\"collapse46214\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Will the UPSC Prelims 2026 syllabus or pattern change?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse46214\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4621\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-46214\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No official changes to the syllabus or pattern have been announced for 2026. However, recent trends show an increased emphasis on analytical questions, interdisciplinary topics, and current affairs. Always check the official notification for updates.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get complete details on UPSC Prelims 2026, including syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, how to calculate UPSC Prelims marks, total number of questions, and the UPSC Prelims 2026 date. Download previous year papers and stay updated with the latest Prelims exam date, strategy, and study material.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4623,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4620"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5919,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4620\/revisions\/5919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}