UPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2023 UPSC conducts the Civil Services Exam (IAS Exam), the most sought exam of all, every year to recruit candidates for various services and jobs in the Government of India. It is a two-stage exam that consists. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus Download. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus for Prelims, Mains and Optional, Preliminary Exam Pattern & Syllabus
UPSC Civil Service Examination is a Highly Competitive and Prestigious Exam Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various civil service positions in the Indian Government. The Examination consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). UPSC Civil Services Syllabus. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus for Prelims, Mains and Optional, Preliminary Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Civil Services Preliminary Examination (objective type) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination.
Civil Services Main Examination (Written & Interview) for the selection of candidates for various services & posts as mentioned in official notification. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus for Prelims, Mains and Optional, Preliminary Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Preliminary Examination:
It is an objective-type exam consisting of two papers. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus for Prelims, Mains and Optional, Preliminary Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Paper I: General Studies covers Subjects such as Current Events, history, Geography, polity, economy, science and technology, Environment, and more.
Paper II: UPSC Civil Services Syllabus Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) tests candidates’ comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, and basic numeracy.
Main Examination:
It Consists of Nine Descriptive papers.
Essay: Candidates have to write an essay on a given topic.
General Studies papers (I-IV): Cover a wide range of topics including Indian heritage, governance, Technology, Ethics, International Relations, and More.
Optional Subject Papers (I-II): Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list provided by the UPSC.
Personality Test (Interview):
Candidates who Qualify the Main Examination are Called For the Personality Test.
It Assesses the Candidate Personality traits, Communication Skills, knowledge, and Ability to handle pressure. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2023.
The UPSC Civil Service Examination Syllabus that includes subjects like history, geography, Economics, Science, Polity, Ethics, and More. It Requires Extensive preparation and a Deep Understanding of various Topics Relevant to the exam. UPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2023.
UPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2023 It’s important to Note that the UPSC Syllabus May undergo Changes, and Candidates Should Refer to the official UPSC website for the most updated and Detailed Syllabus For Each stage of the Examination.UPSC Civil Services Syllabus
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Service Examination Question papers Requires dedicated study, thorough understanding of concepts, regular practice, and staying updated with current affairs. It is advisable to refer to standard books, previous years’ question papers, and seek guidance from experts to enhance your preparation for this highly competitive examination.
UPSC Preliminary, Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Preliminary Exam Consists of 2 papers of Objective Type Carrying a Maximum of 400 marks.
No. of Papers
2 Papers Compulsory
Type of Questions
Objective Based Type (MCQ)
Total Maximum Marks
400 ( paper-1 – 200 / Paper-2 – 200 )
Duration of Exam
2 hrs. Each (20 Minutes per hour Extra time for Blind Candidates & Candidate with Locomotor Disability & Cerebral Palsy [minimum 40% impairment])
Negative Marking
1/3rd of the Marks Assigned to Each Question
Exam for
Bilingual (Hindi & English) Medium
General Studies Paper-I Syllabus: The General Studies Paper-I in the UPSC Civil Service Examination pattern consists of 100 questions and carries a maximum of 200 marks. The time allotted for this paper is 2 hours. The syllabus for this paper includes the following topics:
Current events of National & International importance.
History of India & Indian National Movement.
Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India & the World.
Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization.
General Science.
General Studies Paper-II Syllabus: The General Studies Paper-II in the UPSC Civil Service Examination consists of 80 questions and carries a maximum of 200 marks. The time allotted for this paper is 2 hours. The syllabus for this paper includes the following topics:
Comprehension.
Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
Logical reasoning & analytical ability.
Decision making & problem-solving.
General mental ability.
Basic numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level).
Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level).
UPSC Main Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Qualifying Papers
Marks
Paper-A: One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution
300
Paper-B: English
300
Papers Counted for Merit
Marks
Paper-I: Essay
250
Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
250
Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
250
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
250
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
250
Paper-VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1
250
Paper-VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2
250
Sub Total (Written Test)
1750
Personality Test
275
Grand Total
2025
Syllabus of UPSC Main Examination Papers
UPSC Main Examination consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers and seven papers counted for merit. Here is the syllabus for each of the Main Examination papers:
Qualifying Papers:
Paper-A: One of the Indian Languages (Choose one language from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution)
Paper-B: English
Papers Counted for Merit:
Paper-I: Essay
Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)
Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations)
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
Paper-VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1
Paper-VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2
The detailed syllabus for each paper is as follows:
Paper-I: Essay Candidates are required to write an essay on a specific topic.
Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)
Indian culture, art, literature, and architecture
Modern Indian history
The freedom struggle and its various stages
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization
World history and its major events
Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations)
Indian Constitution, its features, and amendments
Functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies
Governance issues
Social justice and welfare schemes
International relations and events
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)
Indian economy and planning
Science and technology developments
Environment and ecology
Disaster management and security challenges
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
Ethics and human interface
Attitude and aptitude
Emotional intelligence
Public/Civil service values and ethics
Paper-VI and Paper-VII: Optional Subject (Choose one optional subject from the list provided by UPSC) Candidates can choose one subject from a range of disciplines such as History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, etc. Each subject will have two papers (Paper-I and Paper-II) in the Main Examination.
Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English:
The qualifying papers on Indian Languages and English in the UPSC Main Examination have a similar pattern of questions. The pattern includes the following components:
English Language:
Comprehension of given passages: Candidates are required to read and understand the given passages and answer questions based on them.
Precise Writing: Candidates need to demonstrate their ability to summarize and present information accurately and concisely.
Usage and Vocabulary: This section assesses the candidate’s understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary usage.
Short Essays: Candidates are expected to write short essays on given topics, demonstrating their ability to present ideas effectively within a limited word count.
Indian Languages:
Comprehension of given passages: Candidates need to comprehend passages written in the chosen Indian language and answer questions based on them.
Precise Writing: Candidates should showcase their skills in summarizing information accurately and concisely in the chosen Indian language.
Usage and Vocabulary: This section evaluates the candidate’s understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary usage in the Indian language.
Short Essays: Candidates are required to write short essays on given topics in the chosen Indian language, demonstrating their ability to express ideas effectively within the word limit.
Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa: Candidates need to translate passages from English to the chosen Indian language and vice-versa, showcasing their proficiency in both languages.
II. Paper-I: Essay
Candidates may be Required to write essays on multiple topics.
They will be Expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
III. Paper-II: General Studies-I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society:
The Syllabus For Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society covers the Following Topics:
Indian Culture:
Salient aspects of Art Forms, literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History:
Events, personalities, and issues from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present.
The Freedom Struggle:
Various stages of the freedom struggle and significant contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization:
Historical developments and changes in India after independence.
World History:
Events from the 18th century, such as the industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and the impact of political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism on society.
Features of Indian Society:
Diversity of India, role of women and women’s organizations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental challenges, urbanization, and its problems and solutions.
Effects of Globalization on Indian Society:
Impact of globalization on various aspects of Indian society.
Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism, and Secularism:
Understanding the concepts of social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism in the Indian context.
Features of World’s Physical Geography:
Understanding the key features of the world’s physical geography.
Distribution of Natural Resources and Industrial Location Factors:
Distribution of key natural resources globally, including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent, and understanding the factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries.
Geophysical Phenomena and Geographical Changes:
Understanding important geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic activity, cyclones, and their impact on geographical features, including water bodies, ice-caps, flora, fauna, and the effects of environmental changes.
IV. Paper-III: General Studies-II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations:
The syllabus for Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations covers the following topics:
Indian Constitution:
Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
Union and State Functions and Responsibilities:
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges related to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances to local levels, and challenges therein.
Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms:
Separation of powers between various organs of the government, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
Comparative Constitutional Scheme:
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State Legislatures:
Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, privileges, and issues related to Parliament and State legislatures.
Executive and Judiciary:
Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary, including Ministries and Departments of the Government, pressure groups, formal/informal associations, and their role in the polity.
Representation of People’s Act:
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Constitutional Posts and Bodies:
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-Judicial Bodies:
Understanding statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Government Policies and Interventions:
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising from their design and implementation.
Development Processes and the Development Industry:
Understanding the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups, associations, donors, charities, institutional stakeholders, and their contributions in development processes.
Welfare Schemes and Vulnerable Sections:
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States, their performance, mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies for their protection and betterment.
Social Sector/Services and Development:
Issues related to the development and management of social sectors/services such as health, education, and human resources.
Poverty and Hunger:
Issues related to poverty and hunger.
Governance, Transparency, and Accountability:
Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, including e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, potential, citizens’ charters, and institutional measures.
Role of Civil Services:
The role of civil services in a democracy.
India’s Relations with its Neighbors:
India’s relations with its neighboring countries.
Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements:
Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
International Policies and Institutions:
Effects of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora, and important international institutions, agencies, and fora, including their structure and mandate.
V. Paper-IV: General Studies-III
Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
The syllabus for Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management covers the following topics:
Indian Economy and Planning:
Issues related to planning, resource mobilization, growth, development, and employment in the Indian economy.
Inclusive Growth:
Understanding inclusive growth and the issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting:
Overview of government budgeting processes and principles.
Agriculture and Allied Sectors:
Major crops, cropping patterns, irrigation systems, storage, transport, marketing of agricultural produce, and related constraints.
Use of e-technology in agriculture.
Direct and indirect farm subsidies, minimum support prices, and the Public Distribution System.
Food processing and related industries, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Industrial Policy and Infrastructure:
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy, and their impact on industrial growth.
Infrastructure development, including energy, ports, roads, airports, and railways.
Investment models in various sectors.
Science and Technology:
Developments, applications, and effects of science and technology in everyday life.
Achievements of Indians in science and technology, indigenization of technology, and developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, space, computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and issues related to intellectual property rights.
Environment and Conservation:
Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.
Environmental impact assessment.
Disaster Management:
Understanding disasters and disaster management.
Internal Security:
Linkages between development and the spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, media, social networking sites, and cyber security.
Money laundering and its prevention.
Security challenges and their management in border areas.
Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Roles and mandates of various security forces and agencies.
VI. Paper-V: General Studies-IV
General Studies-IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
The syllabus for General Studies-IV focuses on ethics, integrity, and aptitude. It covers the following areas:
Ethics and Human Interface:
Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions.
Dimensions of ethics.
Ethics in private and public relationships.
Human values and their importance.
Attitude: content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behavior, moral and political attitudes.
Emotional intelligence: concepts, applications, and its utility and challenges in governance and administration.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
Attitude:
Content, structure, function, its influence, and relation with thought and behavior.
Moral and political attitudes.
Social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service:
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality, and non-partisanship.
Objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Emotional Intelligence:
Concepts, applications, and its utility and challenges in governance and administration.
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and the World:
Study and understanding of the contributions of ethical thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world.
This paper aims to assess the candidate’s understanding and application of ethical principles, integrity, and aptitude in decision-making and governance. It requires a comprehensive understanding of moral values, ethical dilemmas, and the ability to make sound judgments in various situations.
Candidates are expected to develop a strong foundation in ethics, integrity, and aptitude to effectively address the challenges and responsibilities that come with a career in the civil services.
