UPSC CSE Syllabus Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three successive stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective type (for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination).
- Main Examination: Written (subjective) type.
- Interview/Personality Test: For final selection.
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
The Prelims consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT).
- GS Paper I (200 marks, 2 hours): Current events, History of India, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, and General Science.
- GS Paper II / CSAT (200 marks, 2 hours, Qualifying): Comprehension, Interpersonal skills, Logical reasoning, Decision making, General mental ability, and Basic numeracy.
Main Examination Syllabus
The Mains examination consists of 9 papers, out of which 2 are qualifying (Indian Language and English). The remaining 7 papers are counted for merit:
- Paper I: Essay
- Paper II (GS-I): Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
- Paper III (GS-II): Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
- Paper IV (GS-III): Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
- Paper V (GS-IV): Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.
- Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers 1 and 2.