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| 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. |
| Application Start Date | 22nd January 202622nd January 2026 |
| Application End Date | 11th February 202611th February 2026 |
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Candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 can now access the official section-wise syllabus and detailed topic breakdown. The syllabus is sourced directly from the Union Public Service Commission's latest notification, ensuring accuracy for this exam cycle. Each subject area is presented in the order it appears in the official document, with sub-topics reflecting their importance in the question paper. This resource is designed to help candidates focus their revision and prioritize topics according to exam weightage. It's essential to cross-check with the UPSC website for any updates, as changes in subject coverage or marks distribution may occur between cycles. Use this syllabus to structure your study plan and maximize your preparation efficiency.
| General Studies-II (Paper III)General Studies-II (Paper III) | 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. |
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