The complete UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus on one page — Prelims (GS + CSAT) and Mains (Essay, GS I–IV). Tick each topic as you finish it: your progress bar updates instantly and is saved on this device, so this page doubles as your revision tracker.
Every section links to our full Exam-Ready Notes for that area. New explainers are published weekly — the checklist stays valid for UPSC 2027 and beyond because the CSE syllabus is notification-stable.
Prelims — Paper I (General Studies) All notes → Current events of national and international importance History of India and the Indian National Movement Indian and World Geography — physical, social, economic geography of India and the world 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 General issues on Environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change General Science Mains — GS I (History, Culture, Society, Geography) All notes → Indian culture — art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times Modern Indian history — from mid-18th century to present: personalities, issues and freedom struggle The Freedom Struggle — stages, important contributors from different parts of the country Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation of India History of the world — industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, decolonisation Political philosophies — communism, capitalism, socialism, effects on society Salient features of Indian society and diversity of India Role of women and women’s organisation, population and associated issues, poverty and development issues Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism Salient features of world’s physical geography Distribution of key natural resources across the world; industries in various regions Important geophysical phenomena — earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones; geographical features and their location changes Mains — GS II (Polity, Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, IR) All notes → Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; federal issues; devolution of powers and finances Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with other countries Parliament and State legislatures — structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges Executive and Judiciary — structure, organisation and functioning; Ministries and Departments; pressure groups Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act Appointment and powers of various constitutional posts, statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising from their design and implementation Development processes and the development industry — NGOs, SHGs, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; performance of these schemes; bodies for protection of vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to health, education, human resources Issues relating to poverty and hunger Important aspects of governance — transparency and accountability, e-governance, citizens’ charters Role of civil services in a democracy India and its neighbourhood — relations; bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India; effect of developed/developing countries’ policies on India International institutions — structure and mandate Mains — GS III (Economy, Agriculture, S&T, Environment, Security, DM) All notes → Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth and development Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Government Budgeting Major crops and cropping patterns in India; different types of irrigation; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce; e-technology in the aid of farmers Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; public distribution system; land reforms in India Effects of liberalisation on the economy; changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth Infrastructure — energy, ports, roads, airports, railways; investment models Science and technology — developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; achievements of Indians in S&T Indigenisation of technology and developing new technology; awareness in space, computers, robotics, nano-tech, bio-tech Intellectual property rights Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management Linkages between development and spread of extremism; role of external state and non-state actors in creating threats to internal security Challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges Security forces and agencies and their mandate; border areas — organised crime and terrorism Various security forces and agencies and their mandate; cybersecurity — money-laundering and prevention Mains — GS IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) All notes → Ethics and Human Interface — essence, determinants and consequences of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships Human values — lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values Attitude — content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes Aptitude and foundational values for civil service — integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion Emotional intelligence — concepts and their utilities and application in administration and governance Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world Public/Civil service values and ethics in public administration — status and problems; ethical concerns in government and private institutions; laws, rules and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance Probity in governance — concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; information sharing and transparency in government; right to information; codes of ethics and conduct; citizen’s charters; work culture; quality of service delivery; utilisation of public funds; challenges of corruption Case studies on the above issues 