UPSC 2026 Syllabus – Complete Overview
Here’s the complete UPSC 2026 syllabus for both Prelims and Mains stages. A clear understanding of the syllabus helps streamline your preparation for General Studies, Essay, and Optional Subjects.
Official UPSC Syllabus (PDF)UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the Civil Services Exam, consisting of two objective-type papers.
Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic
- Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj
- Economic and Social Development
- Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change
- General Science
Paper II – CSAT (Qualifying)
- Comprehension and communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision making and problem solving
- General mental ability
- Numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
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UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
The Mains Examination evaluates analytical ability, conceptual understanding, and writing skills. It consists of nine descriptive papers.
Qualifying Papers
- Paper A – Indian Language (300 Marks)
- Paper B – English (300 Marks)
Merit Papers
- Paper I – Essay
- Paper II – General Studies I (Indian Heritage, History, Geography)
- Paper III – General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, IR)
- Paper IV – General Studies III (Tech, Economy, Environment, Security)
- Paper V – General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)
- Paper VI & VII – Optional Subject Papers I & II
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UPSC Optional Subjects 2026 (List of 25 Subjects)
Candidates can choose one optional subject consisting of two papers. Below is the full list:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering ⚡ (Video Course Available)
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics 📐 (Video Course Available)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Telugu Literature 🗣️ (Video Course Available)
- Zoology
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Video Courses & Multilingual Test Series
At Indian Civils, we provide tailored video courses and comprehensive test series for UPSC 2026 preparation, helping you score higher and prepare smarter.
Video Courses
- Mathematics Optional – Available in Telugu & Hinglish
- Electrical Engineering Optional – Available in Telugu & Hinglish
- Telugu Literature Optional – Comprehensive video course for Telugu aspirants
Test Series (Multilingual)
Our UPSC Test Series are available in multiple languages to meet diverse aspirant needs:
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Telugu
- Tamil
Whether you’re choosing an optional subject or aiming for top rank in GS papers, our video lectures and multilingual test series ensure you’re fully supported. View All Courses
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