The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually updates the Civil Services Exam syllabus, which serves as a roadmap for aspirants aiming to join India’s most prestigious administrative services. The UPSC Syllabus 2025 includes topics across Prelims and Mains such as History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, and more, equipping candidates with a structured approach to prepare effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern and syllabus.
UPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025
| UPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025 WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Particulars | Prelims | Mains |
| Exam Date | 25 May 2025 | 22 August 2025 |
| Number of Papers | 2 | 9 |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) | Descriptive |
| Duration | 2 hours each | 3 hours each |
| Total Marks | 400 | 1750 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark deduction | None |
| Marks in Final Merit | Not counted | Yes |
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of Mains (1750 marks) and Interview (275 marks), totaling 2025 marks.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
| UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | No. of Questions | Duration |
| I | General Studies (GS) | 200 | 100 | 2 hours (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) |
| II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | 200 | 80 | 2 hours (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) |
Key Details:
- Nature of Questions: Multiple Choice (MCQ).
- Positive Marking: +2 for GS, +2.5 for CSAT.
- Negative Marking: -0.66 for GS, -0.83 for CSAT.
Syllabus for Prelims
- General Studies (GS Paper 1):
- Current Events: Significant national and international developments.
- Geography: Key aspects of Indian and World Geography, including physical, social, and economic dimensions.
- History: The history of India, with emphasis on the Indian National Movement.
- General Science: Basic scientific concepts and applications relevant to everyday life.
- Economic and Social Development: Topics like sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
- Indian Polity and Governance: Focus on the Constitution, public policies, rights issues, Panchayati Raj, and the political system.
- Environmental Issues: General topics on ecology, biodiversity, and climate change, without requiring specialized knowledge.
- CSAT (GS Paper 2):
The UPSC Prelims CSAT 2025 consists of 80 questions covering various areas, with a total of 200 marks. Candidates will have two hours to complete the exam, which is conducted in the evening session.- Key Areas Covered in CSAT:
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Interpersonal Skills including communication skills
- Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Key Areas Covered in CSAT:
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
| UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025 WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Qualifying Papers | Indian Language, English | 300 each |
| Paper-I | Essay Writing | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-VI & VII | Optional Subjects (2 Papers) | 250 each |
| Total (Written) | Sub Total (Mains) | 1750 |
| Personality Test | Interview | 275 |
| Grand Total | – | 2025 |
UPSC Syllabus for Mains:
UPSC Mains Language Paper Syllabus
The UPSC Mains Language Paper includes both English Language and Indian Language sections. The questions are based on the following general pattern:
| UPSC Mains 2025 Language Paper Syllabus WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | Topic | Description |
| English Language | Comprehension | Understanding and interpreting given passages. |
| Precis Writing | Summarizing passages in a concise manner. | |
| Usage and Vocabulary | Correct usage of words and understanding their meanings. | |
| Short Essays | Writing brief, coherent essays on given topics. | |
| Indian Languages | Comprehension | Understanding and interpreting given passages in the selected Indian language. |
| Precis Writing | Summarizing passages in the selected Indian language. | |
| Usage and Vocabulary | Correct usage of words and understanding their meanings in the selected language. | |
| Short Essays | Writing brief, coherent essays in the selected Indian language. | |
| Translation | Translating text from English to the selected Indian language and vice versa. | |
This paper tests candidates’ proficiency in language, including their ability to understand, interpret, and express ideas clearly.
UPSC Mains Essay Paper Syllabus
The Essay Paper in the UPSC Mains exam requires candidates to write essays on a variety of subjects, with a word limit of 1000-1250 words. Here are the key points to remember:
- Adherence to Topic: Candidates must strictly stick to the given topic and avoid deviating from the subject matter.
- Clarity and Structure: Essays should be logically organized, with clear, concise expressions and a well-structured argument.
- Conciseness: Avoid unnecessary elaboration. Focus on presenting ideas in a brief and effective manner.
- Expression: Candidates will be awarded credit for clarity, precision, and expression.
Preparation Tip
- Focus on Philosophical Topics: Practicing essays on philosophical and abstract subjects can help refine writing skills and improve coherence.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies Overview
| UPSC Syllabus for Mains General Studies Overview WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | |
|---|---|
| General Studies Paper | Topics |
| GS I | Indian Heritage, World History, Indian Society, Geography, Urbanization, Globalization. |
| GS II | Constitution, Polity, Governance, International Relations, Welfare Schemes, e-Governance. |
| GS III | Economy, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, Security. |
| GS IV | Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence, Moral Thinkers, Case Studies. |
UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies I
The General Studies I paper in the UPSC Mains exam covers a wide array of topics focusing on Indian Heritage, Culture, History, and Geography, as well as World History and Society. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics included:
- Indian Heritage and Culture
- Art Forms: Key aspects of Indian art forms, including architecture and literature from ancient to modern times.
- Literature and Architecture: Study of significant developments in literature and architectural styles throughout India’s history.
- Modern Indian History (18th Century to Present)
- Major events, personalities, and issues from the mid-18th century to the present.
- Focus on the Freedom Struggle: Key stages of the Indian independence movement and major contributors.
- Post-Independence India
- The consolidation and reorganization of India post-independence, including states’ reorganization and challenges faced.
- World History
- Key events from the 18th century, including the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, the colonization-decolonization process, and the evolution of political philosophies like communism, capitalism, and socialism.
- Indian Society and Diversity
- Study of Indian society’s characteristics, its diversity, and its evolution.
- Focus on issues like women’s roles, poverty, urbanization, and their associated problems and solutions.
- The effects of globalization on Indian society, including social empowerment and challenges like communalism and regionalism.
- Geography
- Indian and World Geography: Physical geography, including the distribution of natural resources across India and the world.
- Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and cyclones.
- Study of geographical features like water bodies, ice-caps, and changes in the landscape, and their effects on flora and fauna.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies II
The General Studies II paper in the UPSC Mains exam focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas included:
- Indian Constitution
- Historical Underpinnings: Evolution of the Indian Constitution, its features, significant provisions, and amendments.
- Basic Structure: Key elements and principles that form the foundation of the Constitution.
- Federal Structure & Devolution
- Union and State Functions: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States in India.
- Federal Challenges: Issues related to the federal structure, devolution of powers, and finances, including challenges faced at local levels.
- Separation of Powers & Redressal Mechanisms
- Separation of Powers: The relationship and division of powers between various branches of the government (Executive, Judiciary, Legislature).
- Dispute Redressal: Mechanisms and institutions for resolving disputes within the governance framework.
- Parliament and State Legislatures
- Structure and Functioning: Organization, working, and the conduct of business in Parliament and State Legislatures.
- Powers & Privileges: The powers, privileges, and associated issues arising in legislative bodies.
- Executive and Judiciary
- Executive: The structure and organization of the Executive (Ministries and Departments) and its functioning.
- Judiciary: Structure and role of the Judiciary, including key constitutional bodies and their functioning.
- Constitutional Bodies
- Representation of People’s Act: Salient features, including electoral reforms and the functioning of elections in India.
- Constitutional Posts: Appointment, powers, functions, and responsibilities of Constitutional bodies such as the President, CAG, Election Commission, etc.
- Regulatory Bodies: Statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies involved in governance.
- Government Policies & Social Development
- Development Policies: Government interventions in development sectors and issues related to policy implementation.
- Role of NGOs and Civil Society: The contribution of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and other institutional stakeholders in development.
- Welfare Schemes: Schemes for vulnerable populations (health, education, human resources) and their performance evaluation.
- Social Justice
- Social Sector Issues: Issues related to health, education, poverty, and hunger. Policies for the welfare and betterment of vulnerable sections.
- Rights Issues: The role of laws, institutions, and bodies for protecting the rights of marginalized communities.
- Governance & Transparency
- E-Governance: The role of technology in governance, including transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms.
- Civil Services: The role and ethical responsibilities of civil services in a democracy.
- Citizen Charters: Mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in government services.
- India and International Relations
- India’s Neighborhood Relations: India’s foreign relations and strategic engagements with neighboring countries.
- Global Groupings & Agreements: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements affecting India.
- International Organizations: Structure, mandate, and roles of important international organizations, including the United Nations, WTO, WHO, etc.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies III
The General Studies III paper in the UPSC Mains exam focuses on important subjects such as Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key topics:
- Indian Economy
- Planning and Resource Mobilization: Issues related to economic planning, mobilization of resources, and the growth and development of the economy.
- Economic Development: Key aspects of sustainable development, employment generation, and policies for economic growth.
- Agriculture
- Crop Patterns: Understanding of major crop types, cropping patterns, and irrigation methods/systems.
- Agricultural Challenges: Issues in storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce.
- E-Technology in Agriculture: The role of technology in modernizing agriculture, including tools that aid farmers.
- Science and Technology
- Technological Developments: Impact of recent technological advancements on everyday life.
- Achievements of Indians in Science: Focus on indigenization of technology, development of new technologies, and innovation in areas like IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology.
- Intellectual Property Rights: Awareness of IPR issues and how they relate to innovation and technology.
- Environment
- Environmental Conservation: Measures for environmental protection, conservation of natural resources, and addressing pollution.
- Environmental Degradation: Addressing challenges related to the degradation of ecosystems, including soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Methods to assess the impact of projects or policies on the environment.
- Disaster Management
- Disaster Preparedness: The role of government and agencies in disaster management and preparedness strategies.
- Disaster Response and Recovery: Understanding response mechanisms, relief efforts, and the recovery process post-disaster.
- Internal Security
- Threats to National Security: The role of external state and non-state actors in creating security challenges for India.
- Cybersecurity: Basics of cybersecurity, issues related to digital security, and online threats.
- Money Laundering Prevention: Understanding of mechanisms and laws in place to combat money laundering.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies IV
The General Studies IV paper evaluates candidates’ ethical conduct, integrity, and aptitude, focusing on their ability to tackle social issues and conflicts. Below is a tabular representation of the key topics covered:
| UPSC Syllabus for Mains General Studies IV WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Description |
| Ethics and Human Interface | Understanding ethics in human actions, dimensions of ethics in personal and public life, and human values from the teachings of leaders, reformers, and administrators. |
| Attitude | Examining the content, structure, and function of attitude, its relation with thought and behavior, and the influence of social, moral, and political attitudes. |
| Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service | Key qualities such as integrity, impartiality, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, and compassion towards vulnerable sections of society. |
| Emotional Intelligence | Concepts of emotional intelligence and its application in administration and governance. |
| Moral Thinkers and Philosophers | Contributions from notable moral thinkers and philosophers, both from India and worldwide. |
| Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration | Ethical issues in public administration, accountability, governance, and the role of laws, regulations, and conscience in decision-making. |
| Probity in Governance | Focus on the philosophical basis of governance, transparency, information sharing, and challenges related to corruption and public fund utilization. |
| Case Studies | Case studies that explore ethical dilemmas, governance issues, and the application of ethical principles in real-world scenarios. |
This paper aims to assess how well candidates can apply ethical reasoning in both public and private sector situations.
UPSC Mains 2025 Optional Subjects List
In the UPSC Mains exam, candidates are required to choose one Optional Subject. Each chosen subject has two papers (Paper I and Paper II). Below is the list of available Optional Subjects for the UPSC Mains 2025 exam:
| UPSC Mains 2025 Optional Subject List WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | |
|---|---|
| Category | Optional Subjects |
| Agriculture and Sciences | Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Medical Science, Physics, Zoology |
| Engineering | Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
| Social Sciences | Economics, Geography, Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology |
| Arts and Humanities | Philosophy, History, Law, Literature in any of the following languages – English, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili |
| Other Disciplines | Statistics, Geology, Management |
Candidates can choose any one of the above subjects based on their interest and academic background. Each subject will have two papers in the Mains exam, which will be counted in the final merit list.
UPSC Exam Preparation Strategy
- Study NCERTs: Build a strong foundation with NCERT books for History, Geography, Polity, and Economics.
- Read Newspapers: Stay updated with The Hindu, Indian Express, and government publications like PIB.
- Mock Tests: Regularly attempt Prelims and Mains test series to evaluate performance.
- Optional Subject Mastery: Choose an optional subject you’re comfortable with and dive deep into its syllabus.
- Revise Frequently: Consolidate what you’ve studied with regular revision schedules.
- Focus on Ethics & Essay: Practice writing structured essays and solving ethics case studies.
UPSC Interview Syllabus
- The Interview or Personality Test (275 marks) evaluates candidate’s communication skills, decision-making, leadership qualities, and general awareness.
- Dress Code: Formal attire is recommended.
- Key Areas:
- Current Affairs.
- Candidate’s DAF (Detailed Application Form).
- Social, Economic, and Political issues.
Conclusion
The UPSC Syllabus 2025 provides a structured framework for aspirants to excel in the Civil Services Exam. Understanding the exam pattern and preparing a strategy tailored to the syllabus is crucial for success. With consistent efforts, disciplined study schedules, and a focus on conceptual clarity, achieving success in UPSC CSE 2025 is well within reach.
Start your journey today and make sure to stay updated with official notifications. Good luck!
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