UPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide for Prelims, Mains, Optional Subjects, and Interview

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious exams in India, recruiting candidates for top positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. If you’re preparing for the UPSC 2026 exam, understanding the syllabus is crucial for strategic preparation. As of August 2025, no major changes have been announced for the UPSC Syllabus 2026, making it identical to the 2025 syllabus. The exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview (Personality Test). This comprehensive guide covers the detailed UPSC CSE Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, optional subjects, and preparation tips to help you rank on the first page of search results for queries like “UPSC Syllabus 2026” or “IAS Syllabus 2026.”

Here we’ll break down each section with accurate information sourced from reliable platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aspirant, this guide will provide everything you need to ace the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026.

UPSC Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

Before diving into the syllabus, let’s understand the UPSC CSE 2026 exam pattern. The exam is conducted in three phases:

• Preliminary Examination (Prelims): Objective-type, qualifying stage. Total marks: 400 (2 papers).
• Main Examination (Mains): Descriptive-type, merit-based. Total marks: 1750 (9 papers).
• Personality Test (Interview): Oral assessment. Total marks: 275.

The final merit list is based on Mains + Interview scores (2025 marks total). Prelims is only for screening and not counted in the final ranking. The UPSC 2026 notification is expected in early 2026, with Prelims likely in May 2026.

Stage	Papers	Marks	Duration	Type
Prelims	GS Paper 1 & CSAT (Paper 2)	200 each	2 hours each	Objective
Mains	9 Papers (2 Qualifying + 7 Merit)	1750 total	3 hours each	Descriptive
Interview	Personality Test	275	20-30 minutes	Oral

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Prelims 2026 is the first hurdle, consisting of two papers. It’s objective and tests general awareness and aptitude. Marks from Prelims aren’t added to the final score, but you need to qualify (minimum 33% in CSAT) to reach Mains.

UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 (200 Marks)

This paper focuses on factual knowledge and current affairs. Key topics include:

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change (no subject specialization required).
• General Science. Focus on NCERT books for basics and newspapers for current events to cover this UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 effectively.

UPSC Prelims CSAT Syllabus 2026 (Paper 2, 200 Marks)

CSAT is qualifying (33% minimum) and tests analytical skills. Topics include:

• Comprehension.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
• Decision-making and problem-solving.
• General mental ability.
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) – Class X level.
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.) – Class X level. Practice previous year questions to master this section of the IAS Prelims Syllabus 2026.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Mains 2026 is the core stage, with 9 descriptive papers. Papers A and B are qualifying (300 marks each, 25% minimum), while the rest contribute to merit. Total merit marks: 1750.

Qualifying Papers in UPSC Mains 2026

• Paper A: Indian Language (300 Marks): Choose from Eighth Schedule languages (e.g., Hindi, Tamil). Topics: Comprehension, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays, Translation from English to Indian Language and vice-versa.
• Paper B: English (300 Marks): Comprehension, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays.

These are at Matriculation level and qualifying only.

UPSC Mains Essay Syllabus 2026 (Paper 1, 250 Marks)

Write essays on multiple topics. Expect to arrange ideas orderly and express concisely. Credit for effective expression. Topics can be philosophical, social, or current issues-based.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 (250 Marks)

Covers Indian Heritage, History, Geography, and Society:

• Indian Culture: Art Forms, Literature, Architecture from ancient to modern times.
• Modern Indian History: Mid-18th century to present – events, personalities, issues.
• Freedom Struggle: Stages, contributors from different regions.
• Post-Independence: Consolidation, reorganization.
• World History: 18th century events like Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Colonization, Decolonization, Political Philosophies (Communism, Capitalism, Socialism).
• Indian Society: Salient features, Diversity, Role of Women, Population Issues, Poverty, Urbanization, Globalization Effects, Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism.
• Geography: World’s Physical Features, Natural Resources Distribution, Industrial Locations, Geophysical Phenomena (Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Cyclones), Changes in Geographical Features.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus 2026 (250 Marks)

Focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations:

• Indian Constitution: Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure.
• Federal Structure: Union-State Functions, Challenges, Devolution of Powers.
• Separation of Powers, Dispute Redressal.
• Comparison with Other Constitutions.
• Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, Functioning, Powers.
• Executive and Judiciary: Organization, Functioning.
• Representation of People’s Act.
• Constitutional Posts, Bodies.
• Statutory, Regulatory, Quasi-Judicial Bodies.
• Government Policies, Interventions for Development.
• Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections.
• Social Sector Issues (Health, Education, HR).
• Poverty, Hunger Issues.
• Governance: Transparency, Accountability, E-Governance.
• Civil Services Role in Democracy.
• India and Neighbors.
• Bilateral, Regional, Global Groupings.
• Policies of Developed/Developing Countries Affecting India.
• International Institutions.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Syllabus 2026 (250 Marks)

Includes Economy, Agriculture, Science, Environment, Security:

• Indian Economy: Planning, Resource Mobilization, Growth, Employment.
• Inclusive Growth, Budgeting.
• Agriculture: Cropping Patterns, Irrigation, Storage, Marketing, E-Technology.
• Subsidies, PDS, Food Security.
• Food Processing Industries.
• Liberalization Effects, Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports).
• Investment Models.
• Science and Technology: Developments, Applications, Everyday Effects, Achievements, IP Rights.
• Indigenization, Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-Tech, Bio-Tech.
• Environment: Conservation, Pollution, Degradation, EIA, Disaster Management.
• Security: Internal Challenges, Extremism, Cyber Security, Money Laundering, Border Management.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus 2026 (250 Marks)

Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude:

• Ethics: Essence, Determinants, Consequences in Human Actions.
• Dimensions: Private/Public Relationships.
• Human Values: Lessons from Great Leaders, Role of Family/Society/Education.
• Attitude: Content, Structure, Function, Influence on Thought/Behavior.
• Moral/Political Attitudes, Social Influence.
• Aptitude for Civil Services: Integrity, Impartiality, Empathy.
• Emotional Intelligence: Concepts, Utilities.
• Public Service Values: Ethics in Administration, Ethical Concerns, Governance.
• Probity: Public Service Concept, Information Sharing, RTI, Codes of Ethics/Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Service Delivery, Corruption Challenges.
• Case Studies.

UPSC Mains Optional Subjects Syllabus 2026 (Papers 6 & 7, 250 Marks Each)

Choose one optional subject (2 papers). Level: Honours degree. List of Optional Subjects for UPSC 2026:

1. Agriculture
2. Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
3. Anthropology
4. Botany
5. Chemistry
6. Civil Engineering
7. Commerce & Accountancy
8. Economics
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Geography
11. Geology
12. History
13. Law
14. Management
15. Mathematics
16. Mechanical Engineering
17. Medical Science
18. Philosophy
19. Physics
20. Political Science & International Relations
21. Psychology
22. Public Administration
23. Sociology
24. Statistics
25. Zoology
26. Literature of any one language: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English. Detailed syllabi for each optional are available on the official UPSC website. Choose based on your background for better scoring in UPSC Mains 2026.

UPSC Interview Syllabus 2026 (Personality Test, 275 Marks)

No fixed syllabus, but it assesses personality, suitability for civil services. Questions cover current affairs, bio-data, hobbies, and situational scenarios. The board evaluates mental caliber, leadership, integrity, and balanced judgment. It’s a conversation to gauge your public service aptitude.

Preparation Tips for UPSC Syllabus 2026

To rank high in UPSC 2026:

1. Start Early: Begin with NCERTs for basics.
2. Current Affairs: Read The Hindu/Indian Express daily.
3. Mock Tests: Practice for Prelims (objective) and Mains (answer writing).
4. Optional Choice: Select based on interest and scoring potential (e.g., Geography, Public Admin popular).
5. Revision: Make notes, revise regularly.
6. Resources: Standard books like Laxmikant (Polity), Spectrum (History).
7. Health & Balance: Maintain consistency with breaks.

Aim for integrated preparation covering static and dynamic topics.

FAQs on UPSC Civil Services Syllabus 2026

1. Is there any change in UPSC Syllabus for 2026?

No official changes announced. It’s the same as 2025.

2. How many optional subjects are there in UPSC 2026?

There are 26 optional subjects, including 23 literature languages.

3. What is the qualifying marks for CSAT in Prelims 2026?

Minimum 33% (66/200 marks).

4. Can I download UPSC Syllabus 2026 PDF?

Yes, from the official UPSC website or reliable sources like Vajiram & Ravi.

5. How to prepare for UPSC Interview 2026?

Focus on DAF (Detailed Application Form), current events, and mock interviews.

This guide is optimized with key phrases like “UPSC Syllabus 2026 PDF,” “IAS Prelims Syllabus 2026,” and more to help it rank high. Stay updated via official UPSC notifications. Best of luck for your UPSC journey!