UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
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UPSC Prelims 2026: Exam Overview
Before starting preparation, aspirants must know the basic structure of the exam and the official schedule released by UPSC. This table provides a quick snapshot of the exam authority, pattern, and important dates for the UPSC Prelims 2026. .
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Stage 1 of CSE | Prelims (Screening Test) |
| Papers | General Studies (Paper I) & CSAT (Paper II) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Type of Questions | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs) |
| Notification Release Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Application Period | January 14 – February 3, 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Exam Start Date | August 21, 2026 |
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern defines the structure of the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. It consists of two objective-type papers – General Studies (GS) Paper and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both papers are conducted on the same day and are designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and analytical ability. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for strategizing time management and maximizing marks in the Prelims.
| Paper | Paper I |
|---|---|
| Subject | General Studies (GS) |
| No. of Questions | 100 |
| Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Nature | Considered for Cut-Off |
| Remarks | Covers Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Science & Tech. This paper is counted for the cut-off in Prelims. |
| Paper | Paper II |
|---|---|
| Subject | CSAT (Aptitude Test) |
| No. of Questions | 80 |
| Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Nature | Qualifying (33% required) |
| Remarks | Only qualifying in nature. Candidates must score 33% (66 marks).Includes comprehension, logical reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, numeracy, and data interpretation. |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 serves as the foundation for every aspirant preparing for the Civil Services Examination. It covers a wide range of subjects including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Current Affairs, and General Science, along with aptitude skills tested through the CSAT paper. Having a clear understanding of the syllabus helps candidates set the right priorities, streamline their preparation, and avoid missing crucial topics.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 – Paper I (General Studies)
- Current Events of National & International Importance
- Government schemes, national issues, international relations, and global events.
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian history.
- Freedom Struggle and contributions of leaders.
- Indian & World Geography
- Physical geography: Earth, climate, resources.
- Indian geography: Agriculture, industries, population.
- World geography: Maps, natural resources, human geography.
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Constitution of India, Parliament, State legislatures.
- Rights issues, public policies, Panchayati Raj.
- Indian Economy and Social Development
- Economic growth, poverty, inclusion, demographics.
- Budgeting, planning, and sustainable development.
- Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity
- Climate change, pollution, wildlife, environmental protection.
- International agreements and conventions.
- General Science & Technology
- Basic science concepts.
- Latest developments in biotechnology, IT, space, and defense.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 – Paper II (CSAT)
- Comprehension Skills
- Reading passages and answering related questions.
- Interpersonal Skills & Communication
- Decision-making, conflict resolution, communication-based questions.
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Statements, assumptions, coding-decoding, puzzles.
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
- Real-life situation-based questions.
- General Mental Ability
- Arithmetic, logical puzzles, basic intelligence tests.
- Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation
- Numbers, ratios, averages, percentages.
- Graphs, charts, and tabular data analysis.
Note: CSAT is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score at least 33% to pass.
Subject-Wise Weightage in UPSC Prelims 2026
Every year, UPSC tends to focus more on certain subjects than others. Understanding UPSC Prelims Subject-wise weightage can make your preparation more targeted and effective.
| Subject | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | 25–30% |
| History | 15–20% |
| Polity | 15% |
| Geography | 10–12% |
| Economy | 10–12% |
| Environment & Ecology | 15% |
| Science & Tech | 5–7% |
UPSC Prelims 2026 Subject-wise Syllabus
Current Events of National and International Importance
Current affairs are one of the most dynamic parts of the Prelims exam. Questions are often linked with government policies, international organizations, or events of global significance.
Key areas to focus on:
- Government schemes, flagship programs, and welfare initiatives.
- Important reports and indices published by organizations (UN, World Bank, IMF, etc.).
- International organizations: UN, WHO, WTO, BRICS, G20, ASEAN, etc.
- Major global events: climate summits, peace treaties, conflict zones, and international sanctions.
- Awards and honors: Nobel Prizes, civilian awards, sports achievements.
- Science and technology in current affairs (space missions, biotechnology, AI developments).
UPSC Prelims History Syllabus
UPSC gives significant importance to history, especially linking it with the freedom movement.
Ancient History:
- Prehistoric cultures, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period.
- Dynasties: Mauryas, Guptas, Sangam Age.
- Art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.
Medieval History:
- Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Vijayanagar Empire, Marathas.
- Bhakti and Sufi movements.
- Socio-cultural developments and administrative systems.
Modern History:
- Advent of Europeans in India.
- British administration and economic policies.
- Revolt of 1857 and its significance. Socio-religious reform movements (Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, etc.).
- Indian National Movement: Moderates, Extremists, Gandhian phase, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement.
- Contribution of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh.
UPSC Prelims Geography Syllabus
Geography questions often combine physical, social, and environmental aspects.
Physical Geography:
- Earth and its structure, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere.
- Geomorphology: volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building.
- Climate: monsoons, Cyclones, jet streams, El Niño/La Niña.
Indian Geography:
- Physiographic divisions of India: Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic Plain, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, Islands.
- River systems: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Peninsular rivers.
- Agriculture: cropping patterns, irrigation, Green Revolution, food security.
- Mineral resources, industries, transport, communication.
- Population distribution, migration trends, and urbanization.
World Geography:
- Continents, oceans, and natural resources distribution.
- Geographical features: deserts, forests, tundra, grasslands.
- Global climatic zones and their characteristics.
- Human geography: population, settlement patterns, economic activities.
UPSC Prelims Polity Syllabus
Polity is one of the most high-weightage sections in Prelims.
Core Topics:
- Constitution of India: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties.
- Union and State Government: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers.
- Parliament and State Legislatures: structure, powers, privileges.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, Judicial Review, Judicial Activism.
- Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.
- Constitutional bodies: Election Commission, UPSC, CAG, Finance Commission.
- Non-constitutional bodies: NITI Aayog, NHRC, SHRC.
- Current issues in governance, transparency, and accountability.
- Right to Information (RTI), Right to Education (RTE).
- Public policy implementation and welfare programs.
UPSC Prelims Economy Syllabus
Economy questions range from basic concepts to current economic policies.
Core Areas:
- Basic concepts: GDP, GNP, Inflation, Deflation, Fiscal and Monetary policy.
- Economic reforms in India: Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization.
- Budget, taxation system, subsidies, disinvestment.
- Indian agriculture: productivity, credit, reforms, MSP.
- Industries and infrastructure development.
- Banking sector, RBI’s role, money supply.
- International trade and balance of payments.
- Economic surveys and government initiatives.
- Social development: poverty alleviation, employment schemes, health and education policies.
- Sustainable development and inclusive growth.
UPSC Prelims Environment and Ecology Syllabus
Environment-related topics have gained prominence in the last decade.
Core Areas:
- Ecology and ecosystems – structure and function.
- Food chains, food webs, ecological pyramids.
- Biodiversity: hotspots, endangered species, conservation efforts.
- Protected areas: national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves.
- Climate change and its impact.
- International conventions: Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol, CBD.
- Environmental governance in India: Pollution Control Boards, Environment Protection Act, Wildlife Protection Act.
- Renewable energy, afforestation, waste management, sustainable initiatives.
UPSC Prelims Science and Tech Syllabus
This section is a mix of NCERT basics and current developments.
General Science:
- Physics: motion, electricity, energy, nuclear science.
- Chemistry: atomic structure, periodic table, acids and bases, polymers, everyday chemistry.
- Biology: human physiology, plant physiology, genetics, biotechnology.
Science & Technology:
- Space technology: ISRO missions, NASA collaborations, Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan.
- Information technology: AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Quantum Computing.
- Biotechnology: GM crops, cloning, stem cells, bioethics.
- Defense technology: missiles, DRDO projects, cyber security.
- Health and medicine: vaccines, epidemics, modern health innovations.
Recommended Books for UPSC Prelims 2026
- History:NCERTs, Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir.
- Polity:Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth.
- Geography:NCERTs, Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong.
- Economy:Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Economic Survey, Budget.
- Environment:Environment by Shankar IAS.
- Science & Tech:NCERTs + Current Affairs.
- CSAT:R.S. Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude), Arihant (Reasoning).
Sources for Current Affairs Preparation
- Newspapers:The Hindu, The Indian Express.
- Magazines:Yojana, Kurukshetra, EPW.
- Government Sources:PIB, PRS, Rajya Sabha TV.
- Monthly Compilations:Coaching institutes and reliable websites.
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Meet Your Faculty
He is a young and dynamic faculty in UPSC CSE field who has himself appeared in UPSC Interview and scored 120+ consecutively 3 times in UPSC Prelims. Overall he has appeared for 4 Mains and 1 Interview in UPSC CSE. He has also cleared various other competitive exams like IBPS PO (Selected as PO and worked there for more than 2 years), UPSC EPFO (reserve list) etc. This experience makes him understand the challenges and limitations that aspirants face in preparing for UPSC CSE.
Sourabh possesses the distinguishing feature of qualifying for Personality Test (Interview) of UPSC CSE in both of his attempts. Along with this, he has also scored 285+ score in Public Administration optional in both of his attempts. His expertise lies in giving right and honest guidance to aspirants and in the span of last 1.5 years, he has mentored 1000+ students across the country. Before joining Prepp IAS, he had been associated with Vision IAS as a guest faculty.
Senior Faculty in UPSC CSE field with experience of teaching multiple subjects in multiple leading civil services coaching institutes. He has appeared for 4 mains and 2 interviews in UPSC CSE, with two 140+ scores in Prelims. His exam-oriented teaching jazzed up with wit makes classes interactive and interesting which can surely help students in solving questions.
He is a teacher by passion and has experience of more than 5 years in teaching and guiding UPSC CSE Aspirants. He has taught in many reputed offline and online institutes like VISION IAS, Dheya IAS, Future IAS, residential coaching of Haj Committee of India etc. He himself has appeared for Personality Test (Interview) for UPSC and understands the demand of the exam. He has guided thousands of UPSC Aspirants across India in past 5 years.
He is a young and dynamic faculty in UPSC CSE field who has himself appeared in UPSC Interview and scored 120+ consecutively 3 times in UPSC Prelims. Overall he has appeared for 4 Mains and 1 Interview in UPSC CSE. He has also cleared various other competitive exams like IBPS PO (Selected as PO and worked there for more than 2 years), UPSC EPFO (reserve list) etc. This experience makes him understand the challenges and limitations that aspirants face in preparing for UPSC CSE.
Sourabh possesses the distinguishing feature of qualifying for Personality Test (Interview) of UPSC CSE in both of his attempts. Along with this, he has also scored 285+ score in Public Administration optional in both of his attempts. His expertise lies in giving right and honest guidance to aspirants and in the span of last 1.5 years, he has mentored 1000+ students across the country. Before joining Prepp IAS, he had been associated with Vision IAS as a guest faculty.
Senior Faculty in UPSC CSE field with experience of teaching multiple subjects in multiple leading civil services coaching institutes. He has appeared for 4 mains and 2 interviews in UPSC CSE, with two 140+ scores in Prelims. His exam-oriented teaching jazzed up with wit makes classes interactive and interesting which can surely help students in solving questions.
He is a teacher by passion and has experience of more than 5 years in teaching and guiding UPSC CSE Aspirants. He has taught in many reputed offline and online institutes like VISION IAS, Dheya IAS, Future IAS, residential coaching of Haj Committee of India etc. He himself has appeared for Personality Test (Interview) for UPSC and understands the demand of the exam. He has guided thousands of UPSC Aspirants across India in past 5 years.
He is B. Tech in Electronics and Communication and teaching CSAT from 2017 . He has worked with many reputed institutes in the field of UPSC like SRIAS, ALS and many others. Prior to that he has taught aptitude and reasoning under campus placement drive in different reputed universities like Banasthali University, Mody University.
She has over 5 years of expertise in teaching Ethics for UPSC CSE. She has scored 130 marks on the Ethics paper herself and understands the intricacies of the subject matter. Her teaching methodology involves a balanced approach between theoretical concepts and practical application, which helps students grasp the subject matter in a comprehensive manner.
She is a dedicated educator for past 6 years who believes in the concept of Learner’s First. She has taught in many reputed offline and online institutes like Edukemy and Edge IAS. She herself wrote 02 UPSC CSE Mains and appreared in State PSC interview twice.
She holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from UIET, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and an MBA in Finance from UBS, Panjab University. Additionally, they have earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology from the State University of South Florida, Tampa, USA. With 5 UPSC attempts, 4 Mains qualifications, and 2 interviews (2013, 2017), she brings a wealth of experience and insights into the Civil Services Examination. Having worked with prominent institutions like Study IQ, Career Launcher, Unacademy, GS Score, Analog IAS, Insight, Drishti IAS, KSG, and Tathastu, she has been instrumental in guiding aspirants toward success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- General Studies (Paper I) – 200 marks, considered for cut-off.
- CSAT (Paper II) – 200 marks, qualifying with 33% minimum.
- Current Affairs: 25–30%
- History: 15–20%
- Polity: 15%
- Geography: 10–12%
- Economy: 10–12%
- Environment: 15%
- Science & Tech: 5–7%
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