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General Studies Paper I (Prelims)
- Current Events
- History of India
- Indian Polity & Governance
- Geography
- Economic & Social Development
- Environment & Ecology
UPSC CSE Syllabus Guide 2026
Civil Services Examination- Conducting Body
- Union Public Service Commission
- Exam Mode
- Offline
- Exam Level
- Graduate
- Selection Process
- Prelims, Mains, Interview
- Official Website
- upsc.gov.in
1
Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted annually to recruit candidates for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Central Civil Services through a three-stage selection process comprising Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test.
2
Syllabus
The UPSC CSE syllabus is divided into 4 subjects. Review each section topic-wise before starting mock tests and previous year papers.
CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
- Comprehension
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Decision Making
- Basic Numeracy
- Data Interpretation
General Studies (Mains)
- Indian Heritage & Culture
- Governance
- Constitution
- International Relations
- Economy
- Science & Technology
Essay & Optional Subject
- Essay Writing
- Optional Subject Paper I
- Optional Subject Paper II
3
Exam Pattern
| Stage | Papers | Marks | Duration | Mode | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | GS Paper I + CSAT | 400 | 2 Hours Each | Offline | 1/3 Marks |
| Main Examination | 9 Papers | 1750 | 3 Hours Each | Offline | No |
| Personality Test | Interview | 275 | Varies | Offline | No |
- Stage
- Preliminary Examination
- Papers
- GS Paper I + CSAT
- Marks
- 400
- Duration
- 2 Hours Each
- Mode
- Offline
- Negative Marking
- 1/3 Marks
- Stage
- Main Examination
- Papers
- 9 Papers
- Marks
- 1750
- Duration
- 3 Hours Each
- Mode
- Offline
- Negative Marking
- No
- Stage
- Personality Test
- Papers
- Interview
- Marks
- 275
- Duration
- Varies
- Mode
- Offline
- Negative Marking
- No
4
Syllabus Guide
Study Strategy
Preparation strategy for Prelims & Mains
Coming SoonRecommended Books
Best books for UPSC preparation
Coming SoonPrevious Year Papers
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers
Coming SoonPreparation Timeline
12 Month UPSC Study Plan
Coming SoonPrevious Year Cutoff
UPSC CSE Prelims Cutoff (Out of 200)
| Year | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78-85 (Expected) | 76-82 (Expected) | 68-74 (Expected) | 65-70 (Expected) | 75-81 (Expected) |
| 2025 | 92.66 | 92.00 | 84.00 | 82.66 | 89.34 |
| 2024 | 87.98 | 87.28 | 79.03 | 74.23 | 85.92 |
| 2023 | 75.41 | 74.75 | 59.25 | 47.82 | 68.02 |
| 2022 | 88.22 | 87.54 | 74.08 | 69.35 | 82.83 |
- Year
- 2026
- General
- 78-85 (Expected)
- OBC
- 76-82 (Expected)
- SC
- 68-74 (Expected)
- ST
- 65-70 (Expected)
- EWS
- 75-81 (Expected)
- Year
- 2025
- General
- 92.66
- OBC
- 92.00
- SC
- 84.00
- ST
- 82.66
- EWS
- 89.34
- Year
- 2024
- General
- 87.98
- OBC
- 87.28
- SC
- 79.03
- ST
- 74.23
- EWS
- 85.92
- Year
- 2023
- General
- 75.41
- OBC
- 74.75
- SC
- 59.25
- ST
- 47.82
- EWS
- 68.02
- Year
- 2022
- General
- 88.22
- OBC
- 87.54
- SC
- 74.08
- ST
- 69.35
- EWS
- 82.83
5
Frequently Asked Questions
How many attempts are allowed in UPSC?
General category candidates get 6 attempts. OBC candidates get 9 attempts, while SC/ST candidates can attempt until the upper age limit.
Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.
Can final year students apply for UPSC?
Yes, provided they fulfill the educational qualification before the prescribed cutoff date mentioned in the official notification.
Is UPSC conducted online?
No. UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode.
Which optional subject is best for UPSC?
There is no universally best optional subject. Candidates should choose based on interest, graduation background, and availability of study resources.
What is the qualifying mark for CSAT?
Candidates must score at least 33% marks in CSAT (General Studies Paper II).
What is the salary of an IAS officer?
The basic salary of an entry-level IAS officer starts at Pay Level 10 under the 7th CPC, along with various allowances.
How long should one prepare for UPSC?
Most successful candidates prepare for around 10 to 18 months with a structured study plan and regular revision.