UPSC CSE Syllabus 2026 — Prelims, Mains & Interview
UPSC Civil Services Examination has three stages: Prelims (GS + CSAT), Mains (9 papers), and Personality Test. Prelims is screening; Mains + Interview decide the rank and service allocation.
Exam pattern
Prelims: GS Paper 1 (200 marks) + CSAT Paper 2 (200 marks, 33% qualifying). Mains: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II, Language papers.
Prelims — General Studies Paper 1
200 marks
- History of India
- Indian National Movement
- Geography
- Indian Polity & governance
- Economic & social development
- Environment & ecology
- General science
- Current events
Prelims — CSAT Paper 2
200 marks (qualifying)
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills
- Logical reasoning
- Decision making
- Basic numeracy
- Data interpretation
Mains — General Studies (overview)
GS I–IV
- Heritage & culture
- Governance & constitution
- Technology & economic development
- Ethics, integrity & aptitude
Preparation tips
- Build Prelims and Mains overlap — don't treat them as separate exams after first attempt.
- Optional subject choice affects Mains score heavily — pick based on interest and material availability.
FAQs
How many optional subjects in UPSC Mains?
One optional subject with two papers (Paper VI and VII), 250 marks each.