UPSC Civil Services Main Examination Syllabus 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is a descriptive (written) examination consisting of 9 papers, of which 2 papers are qualifying (Indian Language & English) and 7 papers are counted for merit. The merit papers include Essay, four General Studies papers, and two papers of one Optional Subject chosen by the candidate. Candidates qualifying the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test (Interview). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Duration
9 Descriptive Papers (3 Hours Each)
Marking
* Qualifying Papers (Paper-A & Paper-B): 300 marks each (minimum qualifying marks prescribed by UPSC). * Merit Papers (Essay + GS-I to GS-IV + Optional Paper-I & II): 250 marks each. * Total marks for the written Main Examination: 1750 marks. * The Personality Test (Interview) carries 275 marks, making the final total 2025 marks.
Negative marking
There is no negative marking in the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination, as all papers are descriptive.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject Paper-I | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject Paper-II | 250 |
Subject-wise Syllabus
Paper-A: Indian Language (Qualifying)
Comprehension of Given Passages, Precis Writing, Usage & Vocabulary, Short Essays, Translation (English ↔ Indian Language), Grammar
Paper-B: English (Qualifying)
Reading Comprehension, Precis Writing, Essay Writing, Grammar & Usage, Vocabulary, Short Notes
Paper-I: Essay
Essay on Multiple Topics, Philosophical Topics, Social Issues, Political Issues, Economic Issues, Scientific & Technological Topics, International Affairs, Governance & Public Policy
Paper-II: General Studies-I
### Indian Heritage & Culture, Art & Architecture, Literature, Music & Dance, UNESCO Heritage Sites, ### History, Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Freedom Struggle, Post-Independence India, World History, ### Indian Society, Diversity, Women & Society, Population Issues, Urbanization, Globalization, Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism, ### Geography, Physical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, Resources, Industries, Disaster Management
Paper-III: General Studies-II
### Indian Constitution & Polity, Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Executive, Federalism, Local Governance, ### Governance, Transparency, Accountability, Citizen Charter, E-Governance, Public Service Delivery, ### Social Justice, Welfare Schemes, Education, Health, Poverty, Vulnerable Sections, ### International Relations, India and Neighbouring Countries, Bilateral Relations, International Organizations, Global Institutions, Foreign Policy
Paper-IV: General Studies-III
### Indian Economy, Economic Growth, Budget, Banking, Inclusive Growth, Infrastructure, Investment Models, ### Agriculture, Cropping Patterns, Irrigation, MSP, Food Processing, ### Science & Technology, Space Technology, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Information Technology, ### Environment, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, ### Disaster Management, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Risk Reduction, Rehabilitation, ### Internal Security, Cyber Security, Border Management, Terrorism, Money Laundering, Organized Crime
Paper-V: General Studies-IV
### Ethics, Ethics & Human Interface, Human Values, Emotional Intelligence, Attitude, ### Aptitude, Integrity, Probity, Public Service Values, Accountability, ### Thinkers & Philosophers, Contributions of Moral Thinkers, Ethical Case Studies, ### Case Studies, Governance Ethics, Administrative Ethics, Decision Making, Conflict Resolution
Paper-VI & VII: Optional Subject
Candidates must choose one Optional Subject from the list prescribed by UPSC. Two descriptive papers (Paper-I & Paper-II) are conducted for the selected subject., Popular Optional Subjects include:, History, Geography, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Philosophy, Economics, Commerce & Accountancy, Mathematics, Agriculture, Law, Medical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Literature Subjects (Various Indian Languages & English)
Preparation Tips
- Study the syllabus topic-wise and prepare concise notes.
- Develop answer-writing skills through daily practice.
- Read newspapers and government reports regularly for current affairs.
- Prepare examples, case studies, constitutional provisions, and committee recommendations for General Studies answers.
- Choose the Optional Subject carefully based on interest and available resources.
- Write essays regularly and get them evaluated.
- Solve previous years' UPSC Main question papers to understand answer presentation and demand of questions.