UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus - UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025/26

UPSC Syllabus

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims, Mains, Optional & Micro Details

Updated UPSC Syllabus for 2026-27: Detailed Insights for IAS Aspirants

Stay Ahead with the Most Comprehensive UPSC Syllabus for 2026

Preparing for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination? Get the Updated UPSC Syllabus for 2026-27, including Prelims, Mains, and Optional subjects, carefully broken down to help you plan your preparation effectively. Whether you're a first-time aspirant or reattempting, understanding the syllabus is your first step to success.

UPSC Syllabus 2026-27

1. UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Prelims exam is a screening test comprising two papers:

General Studies Paper I

Current events of National & International importance.
History of India & Indian National Movement.
Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India & the World.
Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization.
General Science.

CSAT (General Studies Paper II)

Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
Logical reasoning & analytical ability.
Decision making & problem solving.
General mental ability.
Basic numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

Tip: Focus on PYQs (Previous Year Questions) to understand recurring trends.

Download GS SCORE Updated UPSC Syllabus for a Micro-Topic Listing of UPSC Prelims 2026. (PDF LINK)

2. UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026

The Mains syllabus demands a deeper understanding of socio-political, economic, and environmental issues. The structure is as follows:

General Studies Paper I: Indian Heritage, Culture, and Geography of the World and Society.
General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, International Relations.
General Studies Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Disaster Management.
General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.

Download GS SCORE Updated UPSC Syllabus for a Micro-Topic Listing of UPSC Mains 2026. (PDF LINK)

How to Approach the Updated IAS Exam Syllabus for 2026?

Preparing for the 2026 exam requires a balance between strategy and hard work. Here’s how:

Understand the Micro-Listing: Prioritize sub-topics in line with UPSC's trends.
Integrate Current Affairs: Link static concepts with recent events.
Practice Answer Writing: Master essay and case study techniques.
Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions with UPSC-standard tests.

Ready to ace the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?

Download the Updated UPSC Syllabus for 2026-27 – Start your journey with the most detailed syllabus guide.
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FAQs

How can I download the 2026 UPSC syllabus?

Click here to download the Updated UPSC syllabus for free.

How can I get the PDF of the Updated UPSC Syllabus 2026?

Click on the DOWNLOAD PDF for updated UPSC Exam Syllabus 2026

What is the significance of micro-topic listing in the UPSC syllabus?

Micro-topic listing breaks down broad subjects into smaller, manageable topics. This helps aspirants focus on specific areas, improving understanding and enabling better revision.

Are there any changes in the CSAT syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2026?

No significant changes have been made to the CSAT syllabus. However, candidates are advised to focus on analytical reasoning, comprehension, and decision-making, as these areas have shown increased weightage in recent years.

What resources can help in understanding the updated UPSC syllabus?

You can refer to:

The official UPSC syllabus document.
Topic-wise handouts curated by expert faculties.
PYQ analysis and micro-topic compilations offered by coaching platforms.

How does the updated syllabus impact essay and ethics preparation?

The 2026 syllabus emphasizes the application of ethics in real-life situations and linking contemporary issues with core principles. Essays will require aspirants to combine analytical and creative writing skills while addressing diverse themes.

Can the updated syllabus help in selecting the best optional subject?

Yes, the updated syllabus provides clarity on the scope of each optional subject, helping aspirants align their interest and strengths with the subject's requirements.