UPSC CSE Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
The definitive guide to Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. Command the syllabus like a compass guiding you to success.
General Overview 2026
The UPSC Civil Services exam pattern has three stages - Prelims, Mains, and Interview, testing aptitude, analytical writing, and personality.
| Stages | Stage-I (Prelims) | Stage-II (Mains) | Stage-III (Interview) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Objective | Descriptive | Viva-voce |
| Papers | Paper 1 (GS) Paper 2 (CSAT - Qualifying) |
9 Papers (GS I-IV, Essay, Optional I & II, 2 Language) | Personality Test |
| Total Marks | 200 (Screening) | 1750 | 275 |
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Type | Nature | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper I | Objective | Merit Ranking | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| GS Paper II (CSAT) | Objective | Qualifying (33%) | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Marking Scheme
- GS I: +2 for correct, -0.66 for wrong.
- CSAT: +2.5 for correct, -0.83 for wrong.
Important Note
Qualified candidates must fill the DAF and cadre preference within 10 days of Prelims result declaration along with a fee of Rs. 200.
Mains Exam Pattern
The UPSC Main Examination consists of 9 papers. Marks of 7 papers are counted for merit, while 2 are qualifying.
Qualifying Papers (Min 25% Marks)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (8th Schedule) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper B | English | 300 | 3 Hours |
Papers Counted for Merit
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II to V | General Studies I, II, III, IV | 250 Each (Total 1000) |
| Paper-VI & VII | Optional Subject Paper I & II | 250 Each (Total 500) |
| Sub Total (Written) | 1750 | |
UPSC CSE Syllabus 2026
The UPSC syllabus acts as a compass in the vast ocean of the CSE process. Just as Google Maps helps you navigate, command over the syllabus helps plan your journey from Prelims to Mains. Sequential reading and planning are crucial.
Prelims Syllabus
GS Paper I
- Current affairs of national and international importance.
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic.
- Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues.
- Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics.
- General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.
- General Science.
CSAT Paper II
- Comprehension.
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision making and problem solving.
- General mental ability.
- Basic numeracy (Class X level) - numbers, relations, orders of magnitude.
- Data interpretation (Class X level) - charts, graphs, tables.
* Qualifying paper (33% required).
Mains Detailed Syllabus
Paper-I: Essay
Two essays (1000-1200 words each). Topics from philosophy, governance, social issues, etc.
Expectations: Write closely to the subject, arrange ideas orderly, write concisely. Effective expression gets credit.
Paper-II: GS-I (Heritage, History, Geography, Society)
- Indian Culture (Art forms, Literature, Architecture).
- Modern Indian History (mid-18th century to present).
- Freedom Struggle & Post-independence consolidation.
- World History (Industrial revolution, World wars, Colonization).
- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
- Role of women, Poverty, Urbanization, Globalization.
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
- World's physical geography & natural resources.
- Geophysical phenomena (Earthquakes, Tsunami, Cyclone).
Paper-III: GS-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, IR)
- Indian Constitution (Evolution, Features, Amendments).
- Functions of Union and States, Federal structure.
- Separation of powers, Dispute redressal.
- Parliament and State legislatures.
- Executive and Judiciary structure.
- Representation of People's Act.
- Constitutional, Statutory & Regulatory bodies.
- Government policies & Welfare schemes.
- Social Sector (Health, Education, HR).
- Governance, Transparency, E-governance.
- India and its neighborhood relations.
- Bilateral, regional and global groupings.
- International institutions (IMF, World Bank, WTO).
Paper-IV: GS-III (Technology, Economy, Environment, Security)
- Indian Economy, Planning, Growth, Employment.
- Inclusive growth & Government Budgeting.
- Agriculture (Crops, Irrigation, E-technology).
- Food processing, Land reforms, Liberalization.
- Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Railways).
- Science & Technology (Space, IT, Robotics, Nano-tech).
- Environment (Conservation, Pollution, EIA).
- Disaster and Disaster Management.
- Internal Security, Extremism, Organized crime.
- Cyber security, Money-laundering.
Paper-V: GS-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, consequences, ethics in private/public relationships.
- Attitude: Structure, function, influence on thought and behavior.
- Aptitude for Civil Service: Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, tolerance.
- Emotional Intelligence: Concepts and application.
- Public Service Values: Accountability, ethical governance, corporate governance.
- Probity in Governance: Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Citizen's Charters, Corruption challenges.
- Case Studies: Pragmatic approach to resolve issues based on the above.
CSE Interview / Personality Test
The final stage is conducted at UPSC, New Delhi. It carries 275 Marks. A board of 5 members assesses the candidate's personality, leadership, and suitability for a career in public service.
- Total Interview Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Tests mental alertness, critical assimilation, and judgment balance.
- Final Merit: Counted out of total 2025 Marks (1750 Written + 275 Interview).