Last Updated on: 04 Feb 2026, 04:26 PM
UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) Detailed Syllabus: Your Comprehensive Guide,
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Syllabus explained in detail. Complete syllabus for Prelims, Mains (GS, Essay, Optional, Ethics) and Interview in structured format.
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Syllabus – Prelims, Mains and Interview Detailed Syllabus
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Syllabus: Complete and Detailed BreakdownThe UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 syllabus is officially prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission and remains the backbone of preparation for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and Group B services. This article presents a clear, structured, and detailed explanation of the UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus, strictly covering the syllabus content for Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test.
Overview of UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus
| Stage | Nature of Exam | Syllabus Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Objective (MCQ) | General Studies + CSAT |
| Main Examination | Descriptive | Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Subjects |
| Personality Test | Interview | Personality traits and awareness |
UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination Syllabus
The Preliminary Examination consists of two compulsory papers of objective type. Both papers are conducted on the same day.
Prelims Paper I: General Studies (200 Marks)This paper tests general awareness and foundational understanding across multiple subjects.
1. Current Events of National and International Importance- Government policies and schemes
- International relations and global organizations
- National and international summits
- Economic, political, and social developments
- Ancient Indian history (Indus Valley, Vedic Age)
- Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal period)
- Modern Indian history (1757–1947)
- Indian freedom struggle and associated movements
- Physical geography of India and the world
- Climatology and oceanography
- Economic and human geography
- Environmental geography and natural resources
- Constitution of India: features, amendments
- Union and State governments
- Judiciary and constitutional bodies
- Governance, transparency, and accountability
- Indian economy and planning
- Inclusive growth and social sector initiatives
- Poverty, unemployment, and demographics
- Sustainable development
- Environmental conservation
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Climate change conventions and agreements
- Environmental impact assessment
- Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology
- Science and technology developments
- Health and biotechnology
This paper is qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum of 33% marks.
CSAT Syllabus Components- Comprehension and reading skills
- Interpersonal skills and communication
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (Class X level)
- Data interpretation (charts, tables, graphs)
UPSC CSE 2026 Main Examination Syllabus
The Main Examination evaluates analytical ability, depth of understanding, clarity of expression, and subject knowledge.
Qualifying Papers Paper A: Indian Language (300 Marks – Qualifying)- Comprehension of passages
- Precis writing
- Translation (English to Indian language and vice versa)
- Grammar and usage
- Essay writing
- Reading comprehension
- Precis writing
- Grammar and vocabulary
Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. Topics are usually related to social issues, governance, philosophy, and contemporary concerns.
Paper II: General Studies I (250 Marks) Indian Heritage and Culture- Art forms, literature, architecture
- Cultural traditions of India
- Modern Indian history
- World history events and ideologies
- Physical geography
- Human and economic geography
- Natural resources and disasters
- Constitutional provisions
- Functions of Parliament and State legislatures
- Judiciary and constitutional bodies
- Welfare schemes
- Education and health systems
- Vulnerable sections
- India’s relations with neighboring countries
- Global institutions
- International agreements
- Growth and development
- Budgeting and fiscal policy
- Infrastructure and investment
- Crop patterns
- Agricultural reforms
- Food security
- Indigenous technologies
- IT and space technology
- Biotechnology and AI
- Environmental conservation
- Internal security challenges
- Disaster management
- Ethics and human interface
- Attitude and emotional intelligence
- Moral thinkers and philosophies
- Public service values
- Probity in governance
- Ethical dilemmas and case studies
Candidates must select one optional subject from the UPSC prescribed list. Each optional has two papers of 250 marks each.
| Optional Subject Examples | Stream |
|---|---|
| History, Geography | Humanities |
| Sociology, Political Science | Social Sciences |
| Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Science |
| Public Administration, Anthropology | Interdisciplinary |
UPSC CSE 2026 Personality Test (Interview) Syllabus
The Personality Test does not have a fixed syllabus. It assesses:
- Mental alertness
- Critical powers of assimilation
- Logical exposition
- Social awareness
- Balance of judgment
- Integrity and leadership qualities
UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus Weightage Summary
| Stage | Marks | Considered for Merit |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 400 | No (Screening) |
| Mains Written | 1750 | Yes |
| Interview | 275 | Yes |
| Total | 2025 | Final Merit |
Important Notes on UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus
- The syllabus is static but questions are dynamic in nature.
- Interlinking of subjects is common across GS papers.
- Prelims and Mains syllabus overlap significantly.
- Optional subject syllabus is detailed and subject-specific.
Conclusion
The UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus defines the scope and direction of preparation. A clear understanding of each paper’s syllabus ensures focused study and avoids unnecessary content. Candidates should align their preparation strictly with the syllabus outlined above to maintain efficiency and relevance.
UPSC CSE Syllabus PDF Download Now
| Exam Name | Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| No Syllabus PDF available | |
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Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus?
The UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus includes the Preliminary Examination (General Studies and CSAT), the Main Examination (Essay, General Studies Papers I to IV, Optional Subject Papers), and the Personality Test. The syllabus is officially prescribed by UPSC.
Is the UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus same as previous years?
Yes, the UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus is structurally the same as previous years. However, the focus of questions changes based on current events and contemporary issues.
What subjects are included in UPSC Prelims syllabus 2026?
The UPSC Prelims syllabus 2026 includes Current Affairs, History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment, General Science, and CSAT topics such as comprehension, reasoning, and basic numeracy.
Is CSAT qualifying in UPSC CSE 2026?
Yes, CSAT (General Studies Paper II) is qualifying in UPSC CSE 2026. Candidates must secure at least 33 percent marks to qualify this paper.
What is included in UPSC Mains GS Paper I syllabus?
UPSC Mains GS Paper I syllabus includes Indian heritage and culture, modern Indian history, world history, physical geography, human geography, and social issues related to Indian society.
What topics are covered in UPSC GS Paper II syllabus?
UPSC GS Paper II syllabus covers the Constitution of India, governance, Parliament and State legislatures, judiciary, welfare schemes, social justice, and international relations.
What is the syllabus of UPSC GS Paper III?
UPSC GS Paper III syllabus includes Indian economy, agriculture, science and technology, environment, disaster management, and internal security issues.
What does UPSC Ethics syllabus include?
The UPSC Ethics syllabus (GS Paper IV) includes ethics and human values, attitude, emotional intelligence, public service values, probity in governance, and case studies on ethical dilemmas.
How many optional subjects are there in UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus?
UPSC provides a prescribed list of optional subjects from humanities, social sciences, sciences, and engineering disciplines. Candidates must choose one optional subject with two papers.
Is there a fixed syllabus for UPSC Interview?
No, there is no fixed syllabus for the UPSC Personality Test. The interview assesses personality traits such as mental alertness, judgment, integrity, social awareness, and communication skills.