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Civil services aspirants are at the correct place to get the most detailed information regarding the upsc syllabus. Usually, the UPSC does not change the syllabus for the IAS Prelims and Mains examination every year. In this article, we have covered the complete upsc syllabus 2024 for all stages of the exam including prelims, mains, and interviews. This article can help you build your own strategy for UPSC 2024.
| Stage | Description |
| Prelims | Consists of General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Tests candidates’ general knowledge and aptitude |
| Mains | GS I-IV: Covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economics and ethics Language Papers: Assess proficiency in languages Essay: Evaluate analytical and writing skills Optional Paper: Allows in-depth study of a chosen subject |
| Interview | The final stage assessing personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for administrative roles Importance of face-to-face interaction in evaluating overall suitability |
Table of Contents
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024
The initial phase of the Civil Services Examination is known as IAS Prelims. In 2023, around 11 lakh candidates applied for the UPSC Prelims, compared to roughly 10 lakh candidates in 2022.
Understanding the IAS Prelims syllabus is very important because it is the entrance exam that moves students to the Mains. All candidates for the UPSC Exam must first become familiar with the syllabus and exam format of the IAS Exam before beginning their preparation.
To be eligible for UPSC 2024, candidates must begin studying for the Civil Services examination in February 2023. It takes a full year of study for candidates to do well on the UPSC 2024 exam. This nearly year-long timetable is essential if you wish to have a planned preparation phase where you can work on your concepts and clarify all doubts related to topics.
| Exam Syllabus and Pattern for UPSC Prelims | |
| Two Compulsory Papers | General Studies Paper-I |
| General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) | |
| Number of Questions asked in GS Paper-I | 100 |
| Number of Questions asked in CSAT | 80 |
| Total Number of Marks | 400 GS Paper I – 200 Marks CSAT – 200 Marks |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ of the total marks allotted to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer |
| Time Allotted | Two hours each; GS Paper-I – 2 Hours (9:30 AM -11:30 AM) CSAT – 2 Hours (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) |
The following section provides a detailed discussion of the two IAS preliminary papers:
| Paper | General Studies | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) |
| Description | Tests general awareness in various subjects | Assesses aptitude in reasoning, Analytical thinking, Reading comprehension, and Decision-making |
| Subjects Covered | Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations, UPSC Current Affairs | Reasoning, Analytical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Decision Making |
| Time of Examination | Generally conducted in the morning session | Generally conducted between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM |
| Negative Marking | Present | Decision-making questions are usually exempt from negative marking |
| Duration | Usually 2 hours | Usually 2 hours |
UPSC Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 | Topics |
| General Studies Paper – I | Current events of national and international importance. History of India and Indian National Movement. Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisationGeneral Science |
Here we have attached some important links that can help you prepare for UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I 2024::
| UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions | NCERT Notes for UPSC |
| Important Acts of India | World Organizations List |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2024 | Famous Places in India GK |
UPSC Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper-II)
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 | Topics |
| CSAT/ General Studies Paper-II | ComprehensionInterpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning, and analytical ability Decision-making and problem-solving General mental ability Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) – Class X level) Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level) |
Here we have attached some important links that can help you prepare for the UPSC CSE syllabus for the CSAT paper:
| CSAT Topics | UPSC Preparation for Working People |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern | Backup Plan for UPSC Aspirants |
| UPSC Previous Year Papers For Last 10 Years | UPSC Prelims History |
UPSC Syllabus for Mains
The following section provides a detailed discussion on the information regarding UPSC mains papers::
| Aspect | Details |
| Examination Phase | 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination |
| Prerequisite | Qualification in the Prelims exam is mandatory |
| Purpose | Tests academic talent and ability to present understanding effectively |
| Number of Papers | 9 papers |
| Qualifying Papers | Any Indian Language Paper (300 marks) English Language Paper (300 marks) |
| Evaluation | Papers on Essays, General Studies, and Optional Subjects |
| Minimum Qualifying Standard | 25% marks required in both language papers |
| Consideration of Marks | Marks are not considered if the candidate fails in qualifying language papers |
The IAS exam mains pattern is stated below :
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-I | Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s choice) | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
Let us now go through the syllabus of each of the papers individually:
UPSC GS1 Syllabus
General Studies‐I is also called Paper-II of UPSC Mains. It covers – Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. The detailed UPSC Syllabus for this paper is given below:
- Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
- Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
- The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
- History of the World will include events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, the Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on society.
- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
- Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population, and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.
- Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
- Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
- Salient Features of the World’s Physical Geography.
- Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
- Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones, etc., geographical features and their location changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
For your ease and convenience we have subdivided the upsc syllabus of GS1 under important sub-topics:
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Indian Culture | Art Forms Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times |
| Modern Indian History | Significant events Famous Personalities |
| The Freedom Struggle | Various stages Important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
| Post-independence India | Consolidation and Reorganization |
| History of the World | Events from the 18th century onwards Industrial RevolutionWorld Wars Colonization Decolonization Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc. |
| Salient Features of Indian Society | Diversity of India Role of women and women’s organizations Population and associated issues Poverty and developmental issues Urbanization and associated problems and remedies Effects of Globalization on Indian Society |
| Social Empowerment | CommunalismRegionalismSecularism |
| Salient Features of the World’s Physical Geography | Distribution of key natural resources across the world Factors responsible for the location of industries Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, etc. Changes in critical geographical features and flora/fauna, and the effects of such changes |
UPSC GS2 Syllabus
General Studies-II is also called Paper-III of UPSC Mains. It majorly covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations. The detailed UPSC syllabus for this paper is given below:
- Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
- Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
- Separation of Powers between various organs Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.
- Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
- Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
- Structure, Organization, and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
- Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.
- Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions, and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
- Statutory, Regulatory, and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
- Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various Sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
- Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the Population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
- Issues Relating to the Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.
- Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
- Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability, and institutional and other measures.
- Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
- Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests, Indian Diaspora.
- Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.
For your ease and convenience we have subdivided the upsc syllabus of GS2 under important sub-topics:
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Constitution of India | Historical underpinnings Evolution Features Amendments Significant provisions Basic structure |
| Functions and Responsibilities of Union and States | Issues and challenges about federal structure Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges |
| Separation of Powers | Between various organs Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions |
| Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme | With other countries |
| Parliament and State Legislatures | Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme |
| Executive and Judiciary | Ministries and Departments of Government Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in Polity |
| Representation of People’s Act | Salient features |
| Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts | Powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies |
| Government Policies and Interventions | For development in various sectorsIssues arising out of their design and implementation |
| Development Processes and the Development Industry | Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders |
| Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections | By Centre and States<br>- Performance of these schemesMechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies for protection |
| Social Sector/Services | Health, Education, Human Resources |
| Governance, Transparency, and Accountability | E-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential Citizens charters Institutional measures |
| Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements | Involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
| Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries | On India’s interests Indian diaspora |
| Important International Institutions, Agencies, and Fora | Their structure and mandate |
UPSC GS3 syllabus
General Studies-III is also called Paper-IV of the UPSC Mains. The major topics covered are Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management. The detailed UPSC syllabus for this paper is given below:
- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development, and employment.
- Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
- Government Budgeting.
- Major crop-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
- Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
- Land reforms in India.
- Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
- Investment models.
- Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
- Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology.
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
- Disaster and disaster management.
- Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
- Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
- Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
- Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
- Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
For your ease and convenience we have subdivided the upsc syllabus of GS3 under important sub-topics:
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Indian Economy and Issues | PlanningResource mobilization Growth and development\EmploymentInclusive growth |
| Government Budgeting | |
| Major Crops and Cropping Patterns | Irrigation and irrigation systems Storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce E-technology for farmers |
| Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices | Public Distribution System Buffer stocks and food security Economics of animal-rearing |
| Food Processing and Related Industries | Scope and significance Supply chain management |
| Land Reforms in India | |
| Effects of Liberalization on Economy | Changes in industrial policy Effects on industrial growth |
| Infrastructure | Energy Ports Roads Airports Railways |
| Investment Models | |
| Science and Technology | Developments and applications Achievements of Indians Indigenization of technology |
| Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, etc. | Issues relating to intellectual property rights |
| Conservation and Environmental Pollution | Environmental impact assessment Disaster management |
| Spread of Extremism | Linkages with development |
| Internal Security Challenges | Communication networks Role of media and social networking sites Basics of cyber security |
| Money Laundering Prevention | |
| Security Challenges in Border Areas | Linkages of organized crime with terrorism |
| Security Forces and Agencies | Mandate |
UPSC GS4 Syllabus
UPSC Mains Paper-V is another name for General Studies Paper-IV. It addresses aptitude, ethics, and integrity as its main subjects. This section assesses the applicants’ attitudes on matters of integrity, probity in public life, and their approach to resolving conflicts and other problems they encounter when interacting with society. The case study method may be used in questions to ascertain these elements. We’ll talk about the following topics in general:
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; the role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
- 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, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
- Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
- Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
- Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
- Case Studies on the above issues.
UPSC Essay Syllabus
It may be necessary for candidates to write essays on a variety of subjects. As per the UPSC essay syllabus, aspirants will be asked to write, organize their thoughts logically, and stay close to the essay’s topic. Give credit where credit is due for clear and precise expression. Here we have attached certain important links related to the UPSC Essay Syllabus :
Qualifying Papers Syllabus
The first of the nine papers of the Civil Services Mains Exam is the Compulsory Indian Language Paper (Paper A). The final rank will be determined without considering the grade received on the qualifying paper. You need to score 25%, or 75 or more points, out of a potential 300 to pass this paper.
| Type of Question | Marks | Description |
| Essay | 100 | Writing an essay on a given topic. |
| Reading Comprehension | 60 | Understanding and answering questions based on passages provided. |
| Precis Writing | 60 | Summarizing passages into concise form while retaining essential information. |
| Translation | 40 | English to Compulsory Language (e.g., Hindi) – 20 marks Compulsory Language to English – 20 marks |
| Grammar and Language Usage | 40 | Testing grammar rules, sentence structure, and language proficiency. |
| Short Essays | Varies | Writing short essays on given topics. |
| Comprehension | Varies | Understanding and interpreting passages provided in the language being tested. |
| Usage and Vocabulary | Varies | Assessing vocabulary and language usage skills. |
UPSC Optional Syllabus
There are 48 optional subjects on the UPSC list, and a candidate may choose one for each of the two exams. Two papers, Paper I and Paper II, both worth 250 marks, make up each optional subject’s total of 500 marks.
The optional papers’ syllabus is at the honors degree level, which is superior to that of an undergraduate degree but inferior to that of a master’s degree. Candidates may select an optional paper on literature. Your chances of success in UPSC 2024 can be significantly impacted by the optional you select.
Candidates must select one “Optional Subject” from the following list of subjects:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Maithili
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Santhali
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
- English
UPSC Interview Syllabus
In this section, we have discussed the details regarding the UPSC Interview Syllabus. This particular stage has no defined syllabus since its objective is to assess the overall personality of an individual. Read the table on the UPSC Interview Syllabus to clarify all your doubts regarding the UPSC Interview :
| Aspect | Details |
| Exam Stage | UPSC Interview (Personality Test) |
| UPSC Interview Syllabus | No defined syllabus; questions cover wide-ranging issues |
| Interview Objective | Assess personal suitability for a career in civil services |
| Interview Format | Purposive conversation to explore mental qualities and analytical ability |
| Marks Allocation | Interview: 275 marks Written Examination: 1750 marks Total: 2025 marks |
| Merit List Preparation | The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the interview and written examination |
| UPSC Interview Syllabus Consistency (2021-2023) | No changes were observed in the UPSC syllabus from 2021 to 2023 |
| Board Appointment | Interview conducted by a board appointed by UPSC |
RELATED POSTS
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