Introduction to Syllabus for UPSC Mains Exam

Welcome to PreCrack! In India, if you are preparing for UPSC Exam, then you must be aware of the information that this exam conducted in three phases as Prelims at first & qualifying exam, then UPSC Mains Examination and in last, UPSC interview.

Details about Syllabus for UPSC Mains Exam

We have added a complete set of information about UPSC Mains Exam Topic wise below:

1. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Language Papers (Qualifying in Nature)

Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English

The aim of these papers is to assess candidates’ ability to read, comprehend, and effectively communicate ideas in both English and the chosen Indian language. The exam pattern includes:

A. Comprehension of Given Passages

• Understanding and analyzing serious prose passages in English and the Indian language.
• Identifying main ideas, details, and implied meanings.
• Making connections and drawing conclusions from the given text.

B. Precis Writing

• Summarizing lengthy passages into concise and coherent summaries.
• Retaining essential information while presenting it in a condensed form.
• Demonstrating paraphrasing skills and the ability to convey the essence of the original text.

C. Usage and Vocabulary

• Assessing grammar, syntax, and vocabulary proficiency in English and the Indian language.
• Identifying and correcting grammatical errors and improper word usage.
• Expanding vocabulary through exposure to various words and expressions.

D. Short Essays

• Writing brief essays on given topics in both English and the Indian language.
• Presenting ideas logically, clearly, and cohesively within a limited word count.
• Organizing arguments effectively and providing supporting evidence where necessary.

Indian Languages

Additionally, the Indian Languages paper includes:

A. Translation

• Translating passages between English and the Indian language.
• Ensuring accuracy, fluency, and faithfulness to the original meaning.
• Demonstrating proficiency in grammar, syntax, and idiomatic expressions in both languages.

2. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Essay Paper

These are some of the wide range of topics that cover a wide part of Essay Paper in UPSC Mains Exam:

1. Climate Change and Its Impacts on Global Societies
2. Role of Technology in Shaping the Future of Education
3. Women Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities
4. Healthcare Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Issues and Solutions
5. Globalization and Its Effects on Developing Economies
6. Environmental Conservation in the Era of Urbanization
7. Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap for Inclusive Growth
8. Ethics in Governance: Upholding Integrity and Accountability
9. Youth Unemployment: Strategies for Job Creation and Skill Development
10. Mental Health Awareness and Support Systems in Society
11. Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Food Security
12. Role of Media in Fostering Democracy and Public Awareness
13. Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Goals
14. Judicial Reforms for Timely Justice Delivery
15. Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Preserving Identity and History
16. Challenges of Refugee Crisis and Humanitarian Responses
17. Promoting Clean Energy Solutions for Environmental Sustainability
18. Poverty Alleviation Strategies in Developing Nations
19. Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Employment and Society
20. Strengthening International Relations for Global Peace and Security
21. Education: Transformative Power and Challenges in India
22. Judiciary: Pillar of Democracy and Legal Reforms
23. The Composite Culture of Indian Society: Unity in Diversity
24. Economic Growth: Sustainable Development and Inclusive Prosperity
25. Literacy: Empowering Minds and Transforming Societies
26. Poverty: Addressing Inequality and Socioeconomic Disparities
27. Natural Environment: Conservation and Sustainable Development
28. Water Disputes between States: Resolving Conflicts for Regional Cooperation
29. Democracy: Principles, Challenges, and Opportunities
30. Democracy in India: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects
31. Digital Economy: Opportunities and Challenges in the Digital Age
32. If Youth Knew, If Age Could: Bridging Generational Divides for Societal Progress
33. Indian Society is at a Crossroads: Navigating Challenges for Progress
34. An Unused Life is an Early Death: Maximizing Human Potential and Purposeful Living
35. Wisdom Finds Truth: Seeking Knowledge and Enlightenment in the Modern World
36. Public Administration: Accountability, Efficiency, and Citizen-Centric Governance
37. Women’s Empowerment: Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities
38. Economics: Policies, Growth, and Inclusive Development
39. Globalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Impact on Societies
40. Need for Transparency in Public Administration: Ensuring Accountability and Trust
41. Politics Without Ethics is a Disaster: Upholding Moral Values in Governance
42. Spirituality: Inner Peace, Harmony, and the Quest for Meaningful Living
43. The Price of Greatness is Responsibility: Leadership and Duty Towards Society
44. Women: Agents of Change, Drivers of Progress

UPSC Mains Syllabus – General Studies-1, 2, 3, 4

3. UPSC Mains Exam – GS Paper-1 Syllabus – Topic wise

General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

Indian Culture

A. Salient Aspects of Art Forms:

• Classical dance forms (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, etc.)
• Classical music (Carnatic, Hindustani)
• Folk arts and crafts

B. Literature:

• Ancient texts (Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata)
• Medieval literature (Bhakti and Sufi poetry)
• Modern literary movements (Bengal Renaissance, Indian English literature)

C. Architecture:

• Indus Valley Civilization architecture
• Temple architecture (Dravidian, Nagara, Vesara styles)
• Colonial architecture (Indo-Saracenic, Neo-Gothic)

Modern Indian History

A. Middle of the Eighteenth Century to Present:

• Colonialism and British Rule
• Revolt of 1857
• Indian National Congress and the Freedom Movement
• Partition of India and Independence
• Post-Independence Period: Reorganization and Development

The Freedom Struggle

A. Various Stages:

• Early Resistance Movements
• Moderates and Extremists
• Non-Cooperation Movement
• Civil Disobedience Movement
• Quit India Movement

B. Important Contributors/Contributions:

• Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, etc.

World History

A. Events from the 18th Century:

• Industrial Revolution and Its Impact
• World Wars and Their Aftermath
• Colonization and Decolonization

B. Political Philosophies:

• Communism, Capitalism, Socialism

Salient Features of Indian Society

A. Diversity:

• Linguistic, Religious, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity
• Role of Women and Women’s Organizations
• Population Dynamics and Associated Issues
• Poverty and Developmental Challenges
• Urbanization: Issues and Remedies

Effects of Globalization on Indian Society

• Economic, Social, and Cultural Impacts
• Globalization and its Discontents

Social Empowerment

• Initiatives for Social Justice and Inclusion
• Challenges: Communalism, Regionalism, and Secularism

World’s Physical Geography

A. Distribution of Key Natural Resources:

• Minerals, Energy Resources, Agricultural Resources

B. Factors Affecting Industrial Location:

• Proximity to Raw Materials, Market, Labor, Transportation

Geophysical Phenomena

• Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Activity, Cyclones

A. Changes in Critical Geographical Features:

• Water Bodies, Ice Caps
• Effects on Flora and Fauna and Human Settlements

4.UPSC Mains Exam – GS Paper-2 Syllabus – Topic wise

General Studies-II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

A. Indian Constitution

• Historical Underpinnings and Evolution
• Salient Features and Significant Provisions
• Amendments and Basic Structure Doctrine

B. Federal Structure

• Functions and Responsibilities of Union and States
• Challenges to Federalism
• Devolution of Powers and Finances to Local Levels

C. Separation of Powers

• Between Various Organs of the Government
• Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions

D. Comparative Constitutional Analysis

• Comparison with Constitutional Schemes of Other Countries

E. Parliament and State Legislatures

• Structure, Functioning, and Conduct of Business
• Powers, Privileges, and Issues Arising Therefrom

F. Executive and Judiciary

• Structure, Organization, and Functioning
• Ministries, Departments, Pressure Groups
• Role of Judiciary in Upholding Constitutional Values

G. Representation of People’s Act

• Salient Features and Provisions

H. Constitutional Bodies

• Appointment, Powers, and Functions
• Election Commission, Finance Commission, etc.

I. Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-Judicial Bodies

• Role, Powers, and Functions
• National Human Rights Commission, CAG, etc.

J. Government Policies and Interventions

• Sector-Wise Development Policies
• Issues in Design and Implementation

K. Development Processes and Development Industry

• Role of NGOs, SHGs, Donors, etc.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Participation

L. Welfare Schemes and Vulnerable Sections

• Performance Evaluation and Mechanisms for Protection
• Laws, Institutions, and Bodies for Social Welfare

M. Social Sector Services

• Health, Education, Human Resources Management

N. Issues of Poverty and Hunger

• Causes, Impacts, and Policy Interventions

O. Governance, Transparency, and Accountability

• E-Governance Applications and Models
• Citizens Charters, Institutional Measures

P. Role of Civil Services

• in a Democratic Setup

Q. India and its Neighborhood

• Bilateral Relations and Regional Dynamics

R. International Agreements and Organizations

• Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings
• Agreements Affecting India’s Interests

S. Impact of Global Policies and Politics

• on India’s Interests and Diaspora

T. International Institutions and Fora

• Structure, Mandate, Role
• United Nations, World Bank, etc.

5. UPSC Mains Exam – GS Paper-3 Syllabus – Topic wise

General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

A. Indian Economy

• Planning, Resource Mobilization, Growth, and Development
• Employment Generation and Issues
• Inclusive Growth and Challenges

B. Government Budgeting

• Fiscal Policy, Budget Allocation, Expenditure Priorities

C. Agriculture and Food Processing

• Major Crops and Cropping Patterns
• Irrigation Systems and Agricultural Technologies
• Farm Subsidies, Minimum Support Prices
• Food Distribution Systems and Food Security
• Food Processing Industries and Supply Chain Management

D. Land Reforms

• Historical Context, Objectives, Implementation

E. Liberalization and Industrial Policy

• Effects on Economy and Industrial Growth

F. Infrastructure Development

• Energy, Transportation (Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways)
• Investment Models and Public-Private Partnerships

G. Science and Technology

• Developments, Applications, and Effects
• Indian Achievements in S&T, Indigenous Technology
• Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-Technology

H. Environmental Conservation

• Pollution Control, Environmental Impact Assessment
• Biodiversity Conservation, Wildlife Protection

I. Disaster Management

• Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
• Mitigation Strategies and Community Resilience

J. Development and Extremism

• Linkages Between Development and Extremism

K. Internal Security Challenges

• Role of State and Non-State Actors
• Cybersecurity Threats, Money Laundering

L. Border Security and Organized Crime

• Management of Border Areas, Counter-terrorism Strategies

M. Security Forces and Agencies

• Mandates, Roles, and Coordination Efforts

6. UPSC Mains Exam – GS Paper-4 Syllabus – Topic wise

General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

A. Ethics and Human Interface

• Essence and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions
• Dimensions of Ethics: Private and Public Relationships
• Lessons from the Lives of Great Leaders and Reformers
• Role of Family, Society, and Education in Inculcating Values

B. Attitude

• Content, Structure, and Function of Attitude
• Influence of Attitude on Thought and Behavior
• Moral and Political Attitudes
• Social Influence and Persuasion

C. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service

• Integrity, Impartiality, and Non-partisanship
• Objectivity and Dedication to Public Service
• Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion
• Emotional Intelligence: Concepts and Application in Governance

D. Contributions of Moral Thinkers

• Insights from Indian and Global Philosophers
• Relevance of Moral Philosophy in Contemporary Society

E. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration

• Status, Problems, and Ethical Concerns
• Laws, Rules, and Conscience as Ethical Guides
• Accountability and Ethical Governance
• Strengthening Ethical Values in Governance

F. Probity in Governance

• Concept of Public Service and Philosophical Basis
• Information Sharing and Transparency
• Right to Information and Codes of Ethics
• Quality of Service Delivery and Utilization of Public Funds
• Challenges of Corruption and Measures to Combat it

G. Case Studies

• Practical Application of Ethical Principles
• Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas in Governance and Administration

UPSC Mains Syllabus – Optional Papers

In UPSC Civil Service Mains Examinations, there are 25 Optional Subjects and one paper on Literature that you may have to opt. Now adding complete Details about UPSC Mains Examinations Optional Subjects Syllabus is quite vast and hectic to understand. This is why, we have added complete syllabus for UPSC Optional Subjects by adding Links for each subject that will take you to dedicated optional subject syllabus page of PreCrack.

Some of these Links are Not Active for now. We’ll make them actve as soon as Pages Created!

1. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Agriculture Optional Subject
2. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Subject
3. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Anthropology Optional Subject
4. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Botany Optional Subject
5. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Chemistry Optional Subject
6. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Civil Engineering Optional Subject
7. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Commerce and Accountancy Optional Subject
8. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Economics Optional Subject
9. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Electrical Engineering Optional Subject
10. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Geography Optional Subject
11. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Geology Optional Subject
12. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for History Optional Subject
13. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Law Optional Subject
14. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Management Optional Subject
15. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Mathematics Optional Subject
16. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Mechanical Engineering Optional Subject
17. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Medical Science Optional Subject
18. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Philosophy Optional Subject
19. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Physics Optional Subject
20. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Political Science and International Relations Optional Subject
21. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Psychology Optional Subject
22. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Public Administration Optional Subject
23. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Sociology Optional Subject
24. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Statistics Optional Subject
25. UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Zoology Optional Subject

Lastly,

UPSC Mains Syllabus – Topic wise for Literature of any one of the following languages:

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

FAQs for UPSC Mains Syllabus

Question-1: What is the structure of the UPSC Mains examination?

Answer. The UPSC Mains examination comprises nine papers, including two qualifying language papers and seven merit-based papers.

Question-2: How many marks are allotted to the UPSC Mains examination in total?

Answer. The total marks for the UPSC Mains examination amount to 1750, with each paper carrying a different weightage.

Question-3: What subjects are covered under the General Studies papers in UPSC Mains?

Answer. The General Studies papers cover topics such as Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society, Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.

Question-4: How many essays are required to be written in the Essay paper of UPSC Mains?

Answer. Candidates are required to write two essays in the Essay paper, each on a different topic.

Question-5: How many marks are allotted to the Optional Subject papers in UPSC Mains?

Answer. The Optional Subject papers carry a total of 500 marks, divided into two papers of 250 marks each.

Question-6: What is the significance of the language papers in UPSC Mains?

Answer. The language papers are of qualifying nature and are not counted towards the final merit. Candidates need to secure a minimum qualifying mark in these papers.

Question-7: What is the focus of the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper in UPSC Mains?

Answer. The Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper assess candidates’ attitude, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving skills in dealing with societal issues.

Question-8: How are the Indian Language and English papers in UPSC Mains evaluated?

Answer. The Indian Language and English papers are qualifying in nature, and candidates need to secure a minimum qualifying mark as prescribed by UPSC.

Question-9: What breadth of topics do the General Studies papers cover in UPSC Mains?

Answer. The General Studies papers cover a wide range of subjects, including Indian society, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and international relations.

Question-10: What skills does the Essay paper in UPSC Mains test?

Answer. The Essay paper evaluates candidates’ ability to express ideas coherently, critically analyze issues, and present structured arguments.

Question-11: How do optional subject papers contribute to UPSC Mains?

Answer. Optional subject papers allow candidates to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in a specific subject area of their choice.

Question-12: What is the total number of optional subjects available for UPSC Mains?

Answer. As of the latest information, there are around 26 optional subjects available for candidates to choose from in UPSC Mains.

Question-13: What is the purpose of the General Studies papers in the UPSC Mains examination?

Answer. The General Studies papers aim to assess candidates’ comprehensive understanding of various aspects of Indian society, governance, economy, environment, and international relations.

Question-14: How are the marks distributed among the different papers in UPSC Mains?

Answer. Each paper in UPSC Mains carries a different weightage of marks, ranging from 250 to 250 marks for the Essay paper and 500 marks for each optional subject paper.

Question-15: What is the role of the language papers in the UPSC Mains examination?

Answer. The language papers are of qualifying nature and serve to ensure candidates possess a basic proficiency in Indian languages and English, but their marks do not contribute to the final ranking.

Question-16: How are candidates expected to approach the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper in UPSC Mains?

Answer. Candidates are required to demonstrate their ethical decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, and aptitude for public service through real-life scenarios and case studies.

Question-17: What resources are available for candidates to prepare for the optional subject papers in UPSC Mains?

Answer. Candidates can access a variety of study materials, books, online resources, and coaching programs tailored to each optional subject to aid in their preparation.

Question-18: How do the optional subject papers impact the final ranking in UPSC Mains?

Answer. The optional subject papers carry significant weightage in the final ranking, as they contribute a total of 500 marks, making them crucial for a candidate’s overall performance.

Question-19: Are there any limitations on the choice of optional subjects for UPSC Mains?

Answer. Candidates are free to choose any optional subject from the list provided by UPSC, based on their interest, background, and level of comfort with the subject matter.

Question-20: What is the level of difficulty expected in the UPSC Mains examination?

Answer. The UPSC Mains examination is known for its challenging nature, requiring candidates to demonstrate in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and effective communication across a wide range of subjects.