The UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus is vast and comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects across multiple disciplines. Understanding what subjects are included in the UPSC exam is crucial for planning your preparation strategy and allocating time effectively. The examination tests not just factual knowledge but also analytical ability, current awareness, and ethical understanding.
The subjects in UPSC vary across Prelims and Mains stages, with some overlap and some unique areas. This comprehensive guide will detail all the subjects covered in UPSC 2026, helping you understand the complete scope of the examination and prepare systematically.
Subjects in UPSC Prelims
Paper I: General Studies
This paper covers 7 major subject areas:
1. Current Events (National and International)
- Indian politics and governance
- International relations
- Economic developments
- Social issues
- Scientific progress
- Environmental concerns
- Sports and culture
2. History of India
- Ancient Indian History
- Medieval Indian History
- Modern Indian History (1757-1947)
- Indian National Movement
- Post-Independence consolidation
3. Geography
- Physical Geography of India and World
- Indian Geography (resources, climate, physiography)
- World Geography (continents, oceans)
- Economic and Social Geography
- Environmental Geography
4. Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Constitution
- Political system and dynamics
- Panchayati Raj
- Public policy
- Rights issues
- Governance mechanisms
5. Economic and Social Development
- Indian Economy basics
- Sustainable development
- Poverty and unemployment
- Social sector initiatives
- Inclusive growth
- Government schemes
6. Environmental Ecology and Climate Change
- General ecology
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
- Environmental pollution
- Conservation efforts
7. General Science
- Physics fundamentals
- Chemistry basics
- Biology essentials
- Scientific developments
- Technology applications
Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
This paper tests skills rather than subjects:
- Comprehension
- Logical reasoning
- Analytical ability
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Basic numeracy
- Data interpretation
Subjects in UPSC Mains
Paper I: Essay
Not a traditional subject but tests:
- Philosophical understanding
- Social awareness
- Economic knowledge
- Political insights
- Writing ability
- Analytical thinking
Paper II: General Studies I
Indian Heritage and Culture:
- Ancient, medieval, and modern culture
- Art forms and architecture
- Literature and philosophy
- Religious traditions
History:
- Modern Indian history (18th century onwards)
- Freedom struggle
- Post-independence India
- World history (events, industrialization, wars)
Geography:
- Physical geography features
- Distribution of natural resources
- Geographical phenomena
- Location of geographical features
Society:
- Indian society characteristics
- Diversity and pluralism
- Social empowerment
- Communalism and regionalism
- Women's issues
Paper III: General Studies II
Governance and Constitution:
- Indian Constitution
- Constitutional provisions
- Comparison with other constitutions
- Parliament and State Legislatures
- Executive and Judiciary
- Quasi-judicial bodies
Social Justice:
- Government policies
- Welfare schemes
- Development processes
- NGO role
International Relations:
- India's foreign policy
- Bilateral relations
- Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, etc.)
- Global institutions (UN, WTO, etc.)
Paper IV: General Studies III
Indian Economy:
- Economic planning
- Resource mobilization
- Inclusive growth
- Budgeting
- Land reforms
Agriculture:
- Major crops
- Irrigation systems
- Agricultural marketing
- Food processing
Science and Technology:
- Developments and applications
- IT, Space, Computers
- Biotechnology
- Intellectual property rights
Environment:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Environmental degradation
- Climate change
- Environmental impact assessment
Security:
- Internal security challenges
- Border management
- Terrorism
- Cyber security
Disaster Management:
- Types of disasters
- Mitigation strategies
- Crisis management
Paper V: General Studies IV
Ethics and Integrity:
- Ethics and human interface
- Attitude fundamentals
- Aptitude and values
- Emotional intelligence
- Public service values
- Probity in governance
- Case studies
Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject
One subject chosen from 48 options, covering specialized knowledge in that field.
Subject-wise Detailed Coverage
History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern):
Ancient History:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic Period
- Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Period
- South Indian kingdoms
Medieval History:
- Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Empire
- Regional kingdoms
- Bhakti and Sufi movements
Modern History:
- British expansion (1757-1857)
- First War of Independence
- Social and religious reform movements
- Indian National Movement
- Gandhian era
- Post-independence consolidation
Geography (Physical, Indian, World):
Physical Geography:
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Oceanography
- Biogeography
Indian Geography:
- Physiographic divisions
- Climate and vegetation
- Natural resources
- Agriculture and industries
World Geography:
- Continents and oceans
- Major geographical features
- Climate zones
- Resource distribution
Polity and Governance:
Constitutional Framework:
- Preamble and features
- Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Directive Principles
- Constitutional amendments
Political System:
- Union and State Executive
- Parliament and State Legislatures
- Judiciary
- Constitutional bodies
Governance:
- Public policy
- E-governance
- Transparency and accountability
- Citizen charters
Economy:
Basic Concepts:
- National income
- Inflation
- Fiscal and monetary policy
- Banking system
Indian Economy:
- Five-year plans
- Economic reforms
- Sectors (agriculture, industry, services)
- Government schemes
Current Economic Issues:
- GST
- Demonetization
- Digital economy
- Inclusive growth
Environment and Ecology:
Ecology:
- Ecosystems
- Food chains
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
Environmental Issues:
- Pollution (air, water, soil)
- Climate change
- Global warming
- Ozone depletion
Environmental Laws:
- Environmental Protection Act
- Wildlife Protection Act
- Forest Conservation Act
- International conventions
Science and Technology:
Physics:
- Mechanics
- Optics
- Electricity
- Modern physics
Chemistry:
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Everyday chemistry
Biology:
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Human physiology
- Diseases and immunity
Technology:
- Space technology
- Nuclear technology
- Biotechnology
- Information technology
Current Affairs Integration
Current affairs is not a separate subject but integrates with all subjects:
Political Current Affairs:
- Government policies and schemes
- Political developments
- Electoral reforms
- Governance issues
Economic Current Affairs:
- Budget highlights
- Economic surveys
- Policy changes
- International trade
Social Current Affairs:
- Social movements
- Women's issues
- Education and health
- Social justice
International Current Affairs:
- Bilateral relations
- International organizations
- Global issues
- Geopolitical developments
Science and Technology Current Affairs:
- Scientific discoveries
- Technological innovations
- Space missions
- Health breakthroughs
Environmental Current Affairs:
- Climate conferences
- Environmental disasters
- Conservation efforts
- Pollution issues
Coverage Period:
- For Prelims: Last 12-18 months
- For Mains: Last 12 months
- For Interview: Until interview date
Sources:
- Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express)
- Monthly magazines (Yojana, Kurukshetra)
- Government reports
- PIB releases
- Economic Survey and Budget
Optional Subject Coverage
The optional subject provides depth in one specific area:
Popular Optional Subjects:
1. Public Administration:
- Administrative theory
- Indian administration
- Public policy
- Development administration
2. Sociology:
- Sociological theories
- Indian society
- Social change
- Social problems
3. Geography:
- Physical geography
- Human geography
- Economic geography
- Regional planning
4. History:
- Ancient and medieval world
- Modern world
- Indian history
- Historiography
5. Political Science:
- Political theory
- Comparative politics
- International relations
- Indian politics
6. Economics:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Indian economy
- Development economics
7. Anthropology:
- Physical anthropology
- Social anthropology
- Indian anthropology
- Applied anthropology
8. Psychology:
- Psychological theories
- Cognitive psychology
- Social psychology
- Applied psychology
Each optional has detailed syllabus covering both theoretical and applied aspects.
Preparation Strategy by Subject
High Priority Subjects:
1. Polity (15-20% of total questions):
- Read Constitution of India
- Study M. Laxmikanth
- Follow current political developments
- Practice previous years' questions
2. Current Affairs (20-25% of total questions):
- Read newspaper daily
- Make monthly notes
- Integrate with static portions
- Revise regularly
3. History (12-15% of total questions):
- Read NCERT books (6-12)
- Study standard reference books
- Make timeline charts
- Focus on modern history
4. Geography (10-12% of total questions):
- Study NCERT books
- Practice map work
- Understand geographical phenomena
- Link with current issues
5. Economy (10-12% of total questions):
- Read NCERT books
- Study Economic Survey
- Follow budget and policies
- Understand basic concepts
Medium Priority Subjects:
6. Environment (10-12% of total questions):
- Study ecology basics
- Follow environmental issues
- Understand climate change
- Know international conventions
7. Science & Technology (8-10% of total questions):
- Revise NCERT science
- Follow scientific developments
- Understand applications
- Focus on everyday science
8. Ethics (Entire Mains paper):
- Understand ethical concepts
- Study case studies
- Develop ethical perspective
- Practice answer writing
Integrated Approach:
- Don't study subjects in isolation
- Find connections between subjects
- Use current affairs to link subjects
- Make comprehensive notes
- Revise regularly
Conclusion
The UPSC examination covers a vast array of subjects spanning humanities, sciences, current affairs, and ethics. The subjects are not tested in isolation but require integrated understanding and ability to connect different areas of knowledge. From ancient history to modern technology, from Indian polity to international relations, from environmental ecology to economic development - the examination tests your comprehensive awareness of the world around you.
Success in UPSC requires not just covering all subjects but understanding their interconnections and relevance to contemporary issues. The key is to build a holistic understanding rather than compartmentalized knowledge. Choose your optional subject wisely to complement your General Studies preparation. Stay updated with current affairs and integrate them across all subjects.
Use UPSC.AI's comprehensive subject modules to cover all areas systematically. Our AI-powered platform provides subject-wise study materials, practice questions, and performance analytics to help you master each subject effectively. Remember, UPSC is not about memorizing facts but about developing a comprehensive worldview and analytical ability to address complex governance challenges.