The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is one of the most prestigious exams in India, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. It consists of two main stages: Prelims and Mains, followed by an Interview. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus 2024 to help you plan your preparation.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024

The Prelims consist of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). Both are objective-type papers.

1. General Studies Paper-I: This paper tests your knowledge in various subjects. Key topics include:

• History of India: Focus on ancient, medieval, and modern history.
• Indian Polity: Key concepts of the Constitution, governance, and political system.
• Geography: Physical, economic, and social geography of India and the world.
• Economy: Basic concepts of economics, government schemes, and policies.
• Environment and Ecology: Biodiversity, climate change, and environmental issues.
• Science and Technology: Latest developments in science, space technology, and health.
• Current Affairs: National and international events, awards, and conferences.

2. General Studies Paper-II (CSAT): This is a qualifying paper, requiring 33% marks to pass. Key topics include:

• Comprehension: Reading and understanding English and Hindi passages.
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• General Mental Ability: Basic math (up to class 10 level).
• Interpersonal Skills: Communication and relationship-building skills.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

The UPSC Mains exam is descriptive and consists of nine papers, out of which seven are counted for ranking.

1. Essay Paper:

• You will have to write essays on multiple topics. It tests your ideas, arguments, and writing style.

2. General Studies Paper-I:

• Indian Heritage and Culture: Key aspects of Indian culture, art forms, and literature.
• History and Geography of the World and Society: World history, globalization, and changes in society.
• Geography: Physical geography, natural resources, and disaster management.

3. General Studies Paper-II:

• Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Parliament, and social justice.
• International Relations: India’s foreign policy, international organizations, and global issues.

4. General Studies Paper-III:

• Economy: Indian economy, budgeting, and public finance.
• Agriculture and Environment: Farming practices, climate change, and disaster management.
• Technology: Latest innovations in science, IT, and space technology.

5. General Studies Paper-IV:

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: Moral thinkers, ethics in public administration, and emotional intelligence.

6. Optional Subject Papers:

• Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list provided by UPSC. Each subject has two papers (Optional Paper I & II).

UPSC Interview (Personality Test)

The final stage is the Personality Test or Interview, which tests your general knowledge, personality, and communication skills.

UPSC Syllabus FAQs

1. How many papers are there in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam?
There are a total of nine papers, out of which seven are counted for ranking.

2. What is the qualifying score for the CSAT paper in Prelims?
You need to score 33% marks in the CSAT paper to qualify.

3. How many optional subjects do I need to choose for the Mains exam?
You need to select one optional subject, which will have two papers in the Mains exam.

4. Is the Prelims score counted in the final UPSC ranking?
No, the Prelims score is only for qualifying for the Mains. It does not count toward the final ranking.

5. What are the main areas covered in the General Studies Paper-I of Prelims?
The main areas include History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs.