The complete syllabus for Preliminary, Main and Interview stages, in English. Sourced from the official UPSC notification — see the latest CSE notification for any year-specific changes.
Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social, Economic
Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues
Economic and Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change — general issues
General Science
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem-solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
Comprehension of given passages
Precis writing, usage and vocabulary
Short essays and translation between English and the chosen Indian language
Comprehension of given passages
Precis writing, usage and vocabulary
Short essays
Essay writing on multiple topics, testing structured and original thinking
Indian culture — art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian history from the 18th century and the Freedom Struggle
Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country
World history from the 18th century — industrialisation, world wars, redrawing of nations
Salient features of Indian society, diversity, and social empowerment
Distribution of natural resources, geographical features across the world including India
Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, federal issues
Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections and their performance mechanisms
India and its neighbourhood relations; bilateral, regional and global groupings
Indian economy — planning, resource mobilisation, growth, development, employment
Government budgeting; inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Land reforms, agriculture and food processing
Science and technology — developments and their applications in everyday life
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, disaster management
Linkages between development and spread of extremism; internal security
Ethics and human interface; determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions
Attitude — content, structure, influence on thought and behaviour
Aptitude and foundational values for civil service
Emotional intelligence and its use in governance and administration
Case studies on the above ethical issues
One optional subject chosen by the candidate from the UPSC-notified list, examined across two papers
An interaction assessing suitability for a career in public service, not merely knowledge
Cross-check every topic above against UPSC's own published notification.