| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay (Paper I)Essay (Paper I) | Two essays of 1000-1200 words each on themes drawn from contemporary issues, society, polity, economy, science, ethics, and abstract topics. Tests structured argumentation, original thought, breadth of knowledge and lucidity.Two essays of 1000-1200 words each on themes drawn from contemporary issues, society, polity, economy, science, ethics, and abstract topics. Tests structured argumentation, original thought, breadth of knowledge and lucidity. |
| General Studies-I (Paper II)General Studies-I (Paper II) | Indian Heritage & Culture; History of India (modern, post-independence); Indian Society — salient features, women's issues, communalism, regionalism; World History — events from 18th century; World Geography — physical, economic, social; Indian Geography — resources, industries, urbanisation, transportation.Indian Heritage & Culture; History of India (modern, post-independence); Indian Society — salient features, women's issues, communalism, regionalism; World History — events from 18th century; World Geography — physical, economic, social; Indian Geography — resources, industries, urbanisation, transportation. |
| General Studies-II (Paper III)General Studies-II (Paper III) |
| Application Start Date | 22nd January 202622nd January 2026 |
| Application End Date | 11th February 202611th February 2026 |
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This page lists the section-wise syllabus and topic break-up for UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 — Syllabus. The content is sourced from the official notification published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The syllabus is authoritative for the current cycle and is intended for candidate revision and topic prioritisation. Each section below lists the topics in the order they typically appear in the official notification, with sub-topic depth aligned to the question paper's weightage. Always verify against the latest notification on the official website before finalising your preparation plan, since regulators occasionally tweak weightage or add/remove subjects between cycles.
| Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, basic structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States; Parliament & State Legislatures; Executive & Judiciary; Pressure groups; Welfare schemes; Social-sector — health, education, human resources; Governance, transparency & accountability; International relations.Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, basic structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States; Parliament & State Legislatures; Executive & Judiciary; Pressure groups; Welfare schemes; Social-sector — health, education, human resources; Governance, transparency & accountability; International relations. |
| General Studies-III (Paper IV)General Studies-III (Paper IV) | Indian Economy — planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development; Inclusive growth & employment; Government Budgeting; Agriculture & food processing; Land reforms; Effects of liberalisation; Infrastructure; Science & Technology; Conservation & environmental impact assessment; Disaster management; Internal security; Cyber security; Money laundering; Border management.Indian Economy — planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development; Inclusive growth & employment; Government Budgeting; Agriculture & food processing; Land reforms; Effects of liberalisation; Infrastructure; Science & Technology; Conservation & environmental impact assessment; Disaster management; Internal security; Cyber security; Money laundering; Border management. |
| General Studies-IV (Paper V — Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)General Studies-IV (Paper V — Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | Ethics & Human Interface; Attitudes; Aptitude & Foundational Values for Civil Services; Emotional Intelligence; Contributions of moral thinkers; Public/Civil service values; Probity in Governance; Case Studies on the above.Ethics & Human Interface; Attitudes; Aptitude & Foundational Values for Civil Services; Emotional Intelligence; Contributions of moral thinkers; Public/Civil service values; Probity in Governance; Case Studies on the above. |
| Optional Paper-I & IIOptional Paper-I & II | Candidate's chosen optional from a list of 26 subjects (e.g. Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, History, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, Law). Two papers of 250 marks each, covering core and advanced topics within the chosen discipline.Candidate's chosen optional from a list of 26 subjects (e.g. Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, History, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, Law). Two papers of 250 marks each, covering core and advanced topics within the chosen discipline. |
| Indian Language (Paper A — qualifying)Indian Language (Paper A — qualifying) | Compulsory Indian language drawn from the 8th Schedule. Tests comprehension, precis-writing, translation between English and the chosen language, and short essay writing.Compulsory Indian language drawn from the 8th Schedule. Tests comprehension, precis-writing, translation between English and the chosen language, and short essay writing. |
| English Language (Paper B — qualifying)English Language (Paper B — qualifying) | Comprehension; precis writing; usage and vocabulary; short essay; translation skills. Qualifying nature; marks not counted in final ranking.Comprehension; precis writing; usage and vocabulary; short essay; translation skills. Qualifying nature; marks not counted in final ranking. |
