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UPSC CSE Prelims · यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा सिलेबस

UPSC Prelims Syllabus: GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 Explained

UPSC Civil Services Prelims syllabus for General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2, with the exam pattern, marks, negative marking and a realistic study plan.

Conducted by
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility
Graduation in any discipline; final-year students can apply for Prelims.
Attempts
6 attempts for General category (relaxations for OBC, SC/ST and PwBD).
Negative marking
One-third of the marks allotted to that question for every wrong answer.
Question paper language
English and Hindi.
Last reviewed
2026

Exam pattern & stages

StageQuestionsMarksDurationMode
GS Paper 11002002 hoursOffline OMR
CSAT Paper 280200 (33% qualifying)2 hoursOffline OMR
Mains9 descriptive papers17503 hours eachWritten
InterviewPersonality test275~30 minutesIn person

Subject-wise syllabus

Indian Polity & Governance · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था

15–20 questions
  • Constitutional framework, Preamble and schedules
  • Fundamental Rights, Duties and Directive Principles
  • Union and State executive, legislature and judiciary
  • Federalism, Centre–State relations and local government
  • Constitutional and statutory bodies
  • Representation of People Act and electoral reforms

History & Indian Culture · इतिहास एवं संस्कृति

15–18 questions
  • Indus Valley, Vedic period, Mahajanapadas
  • Buddhism, Jainism, Mauryan and Gupta empires
  • Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi movements
  • Art, architecture, dance forms, music and literature
  • Modern India: British policies, revolts, socio-religious reform
  • Freedom struggle from 1885 to 1947

Geography · भूगोल

12–15 questions
  • Physical geography: geomorphology, climatology, oceanography
  • Indian geography: relief, drainage, soils, monsoon
  • Agriculture, cropping patterns and irrigation
  • Resources, industries and transport networks
  • Map-based questions on straits, ranges and rivers

Economy & Social Development · अर्थव्यवस्था

12–15 questions
  • National income, growth and development indicators
  • Money, banking, RBI monetary policy and inflation
  • Fiscal policy, budget, taxation and GST
  • External sector, balance of payments and trade
  • Poverty, employment, inclusion and flagship schemes

Environment & Ecology · पर्यावरण एवं पारिस्थितिकी

12–18 questions
  • Ecosystems, food chains, biodiversity hotspots
  • Protected areas, Ramsar sites and species conservation
  • Climate change conventions and India's commitments
  • Pollution, waste management and environmental laws

Science, Technology & Current Affairs · विज्ञान एवं समकालीन घटनाएँ

15–20 questions
  • Space, defence and nuclear programmes
  • Biotechnology, health and disease
  • Digital technology, AI and cyber security basics
  • National and international current events of 12–18 months

CSAT (Paper 2) · सीसैट

80 questions · qualifying
  • Reading comprehension (highest weight)
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision making and problem solving
  • Basic numeracy up to Class 10 level
  • Data interpretation: tables, charts and graphs

How to cover this syllabus

  1. 1Build the base with NCERTs (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, Polity and Economy before touching standard reference books.
  2. 2Read one newspaper for 60–75 minutes daily and convert it into monthly current affairs notes tied to syllabus headings.
  3. 3Attempt one Prelims mock every week from month three; treat CSAT seriously with two timed papers a month.
  4. 4Revise previous 10 years' question papers — UPSC repeats themes even when it never repeats questions.
  5. 5Prepare Mains answer writing in parallel; Prelims-only preparation wastes a full cycle.

Practise what you just read

Attempt free UPSC CSE Prelims mock tests and check your accuracy section by section.

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Free UPSC CSE Prelims lectures

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Frequently asked questions

Is CSAT Paper 2 counted in the UPSC merit list?

No. You only need 33% in CSAT to qualify. The Prelims cut-off is decided by GS Paper 1 marks alone.

How many questions should I attempt in UPSC Prelims?

Most selected candidates attempt 80–90 questions using elimination. Accuracy beats volume because of the one-third negative marking.

Can I clear UPSC Prelims with self-study?

Yes. A fixed source list, daily current affairs and weekly mock tests matter far more than coaching. Free lecture playlists cover almost the entire syllabus.

Other exam syllabus pages

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