The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview (Personality Test). In this post, we’ll focus on the UPSC Mains Syllabus in detail, breaking down each paper to help aspirants prepare strategically.
Whether you’re starting your UPSC journey or revising for the upcoming exam, understanding the UPSC Mains syllabus thoroughly is crucial to success.
Overview of UPSC Mains Exam
The UPSC Mains is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination and consists of 9 papers, out of which 7 papers are counted for merit ranking, and 2 are qualifying in nature. All papers are descriptive and are designed to test a candidate’s intellectual depth, analytical skills, and clarity of thought.
Total Marks: 1750 (Merit) + 600 (Qualifying)
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
- Medium: English / Hindi or any language listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution
UPSC Mains Syllabus – Paper-wise Breakdown
1. Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying) – 300 Marks
This paper tests the candidate’s proficiency in any one of the Indian languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. The language must be chosen by the candidate while filling out the UPSC application form.
Syllabus Highlights:
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis writing
- Translation (from English to the chosen language and vice versa)
- Grammar and basic language usage
- Essay writing
Note: Candidates from the North-Eastern states (like Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim) who do not have Hindi as a compulsory subject in school are exempt from this paper.
2. Paper B – English (Qualifying) – 300 Marks
This paper is also qualifying in nature and tests the candidate’s command over the English language.
Syllabus Highlights:
- Essay writing
- Precis writing
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar and vocabulary usage
- Translation (English to Indian Language and vice versa)
3. Paper I – Essay – 250 Marks
Candidates are required to write two essays, each from a choice of topics. This paper tests clarity of thought, coherence, and the ability to express complex ideas effectively.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice essay writing regularly
- Read newspapers and magazines for diverse perspectives
- Work on introductions and conclusions
- Use real-life examples and data wherever possible
4. Paper II – General Studies I (GS1) – 250 Marks
This paper focuses on Indian heritage, history, geography, and society.
Syllabus Topics:
- Indian culture and heritage
- Modern Indian history (freedom struggle, post-independence)
- World history (18th century onwards)
- Indian society (diversity, social empowerment, communalism)
- Geography (physical, social, economic aspects of India and the world)
5. Paper III – General Studies II (GS2) – 250 Marks
This paper covers governance, polity, international relations, and social justice.
Syllabus Topics:
- Indian Constitution – features, amendments, comparison with other countries
- Governance and public policies
- Role of NGOs, SHGs, and civil society
- Parliament and State Legislatures
- Separation of powers and dispute redressal
- Government schemes and their implementation
- International relations and global organizations
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
6. Paper IV – General Studies III (GS3) – 250 Marks
This paper focuses on economic development, technology, environment, and internal security.
Syllabus Topics:
- Indian economy and issues related to planning and budgeting
- Inclusive growth and government initiatives
- Science and technology in everyday life
- Environmental conservation and climate change
- Disaster management
- Internal security challenges and cyber security
- Role of external state and non-state actors
7. Paper V – General Studies IV (GS4) – 250 Marks
This is the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper. It evaluates the candidate’s moral and ethical values in governance and personal life.
Syllabus Topics:
- Ethics and human interface
- Attitude, aptitude, and foundational values for civil service
- Emotional intelligence
- Public/Civil service values and ethics in public administration
- Probity in governance
- Case studies related to ethical dilemmas
8 & 9. Paper VI & VII – Optional Subject Papers I & II – 250 Marks Each
Candidates must choose one optional subject, which has two papers. The optional subject can be any from the list provided by UPSC, including subjects like:
- Anthropology
- Geography
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Literature of any Indian language
Optional Subject Strategy:
- Choose a subject based on interest and background
- Refer to UPSC’s recommended books and previous year papers
- Make concise notes for revision
- Practice answer writing regularly
UPSC Mains: Key Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Break down each GS paper and optional paper topic-wise. Keep a checklist for tracking progress. - Read NCERTs and Standard Books
Begin with NCERTs for clarity, then move to advanced books like Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (History), etc. - Make Short Notes
Condense each topic into bullet points, mind maps, and flowcharts for quick revision. - Practice Answer Writing Daily
Follow the UPSC format: Introduction → Body → Conclusion. Stick to the word limit and time yourself. - Solve Previous Year Papers
Analyzing PYQs helps you understand the demand of the paper and types of questions asked. - Focus on Current Affairs
Link current events with GS topics. Use sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, and Yojana magazine. - Mock Tests Are Crucial
Take full-length test series and get them evaluated to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the UPSC Mains syllabus is half the battle won. It’s not just about hard work, but about smart, strategic preparation. Focus on concept clarity, regular answer writing, and a holistic understanding of the syllabus. Remember, UPSC tests your depth of knowledge, ethical perspective, and your ability to remain calm under pressure.
With consistency and dedication, clearing Mains is possible for every serious aspirant.
FAQs About UPSC Mains Syllabus
Q1. Are the qualifying papers important?
Yes, you must score at least 25% in both qualifying papers. Otherwise, the rest of the Mains papers will not be evaluated.
Q2. What is the best optional subject?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Choose based on your interest, background, and availability of resources.
Q3. Is current affairs part of Mains?
Absolutely. Current affairs are integrated across all GS papers and must be studied with a dynamic approach.
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