UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) exam syllabus and pattern
This subject-wise outline follows the recruiting authority’s published scheme. Paper names and topic coverage can change by recruitment cycle, post or corrigendum; always use the current official notification for final details.
Preliminary Examination
- General Studies Paper I: current events; Indian history and national movement; Indian and world geography; polity and governance; economic and social development; environment, biodiversity and climate change; general science
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): comprehension; interpersonal and communication skills; logical reasoning and analytical ability; decision-making; general mental ability; basic numeracy and data interpretation. Qualifying at the notified threshold
Main Examination — written
- Qualifying Indian language and English; Essay; General Studies I (Indian heritage, history, geography and society); GS II (governance, Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations); GS III (technology, economy, biodiversity, environment, security and disaster management); GS IV (ethics, integrity and aptitude); two papers in one optional subject
Personality Test
- Assessment of suitability for public service; current affairs, intellectual qualities, judgement, leadership, clarity and integrity
UPSC official syllabus / notification ↗ · Check the latest notification and amendments before preparing.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) previous-year question tests
- Attempt available previous-year questions online
- Review your score, correct answers and explanations after submitting
- Save attempts and retake tests during active access
- Download the question paper after your test