UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus — Prelims & Mains Complete Topic-wise Guide
The UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus is vast, covering virtually every aspect of governance, polity, history, geography, economy, science, ethics, and current affairs. Understanding the syllabus structure is crucial for efficient preparation.
Prelims GS Paper I (200 marks)
Current events of national and international importance, History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology and Climate Change, General Science.
Prelims CSAT Paper II (Qualifying — 200 marks)
Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Basic Numeracy, Data Interpretation, English Language Comprehension (Class X level). Minimum 33% qualifying marks.
Mains — GS Papers I to IV
GS-I: Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society. GS-II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations. GS-III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management. GS-IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude — case studies, emotional intelligence, public service values.
Essay Paper
Two essays from different sections (philosophical, socio-economic, current affairs, abstract). Each essay is ~1000-1200 words. Tests analytical thinking, clarity of expression, and balanced perspective.
Optional Subject
Candidates choose one optional subject from 48 subjects (ranging from Literature to Sciences to Engineering to Law). Two papers of 250 marks each. Choice of optional significantly impacts score and rank.
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
Prelims (Screening)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | 120 minutes | 1/3 per wrong answer |
| CSAT Paper II (Qualifying) | 80 | 200 | 120 minutes | 1/3 per wrong answer |
| Total | 180 | 400 |
Mains (Descriptive — Merit Papers)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| GS Paper I (History, Geography, Society) | 20 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| GS Paper II (Governance, Polity, IR) | 20 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| GS Paper III (Economy, Environment, S&T) | 20 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 14 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| Optional Subject Paper I | 8 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| Optional Subject Paper II | 8 | 250 | 180 minutes | N/A |
| Total | 92 | 1750 |
UPSC CSE Syllabus Overview
- Prelims GS-I (200): History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs
- Prelims CSAT (200, qualifying): Comprehension, Reasoning, Numeracy, Decision Making
- Mains GS I-IV (250 each): History-Culture-Geography, Governance-Polity-IR, Economy-Environment-S&T, Ethics
- Essay (250): Two essays from different topics
- Optional (250×2): One subject from 48 choices
