UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025, IAS Prelims Syllabus Pdf, GS, CSAT

UPSC prelims syllabus judges a candidate’s conceptual clarity, knowledge and aptitude. Though, the UPSC CSE prelims syllabus is considered quite vast and challenging. Effectively planning and covering the whole syllabus can be a challenging task. Therefore, simplifying the UPSC prelim syllabus 2025 is essential to crack this tough exam.

UPSC Prelim Syllabus

UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination in India, designed to assess a candidate’s general knowledge and aptitude for a career in the civil services. It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Paper I evaluates a candidate’s understanding of diverse subjects like current affairs, history, geography, governance, and science. Paper II tests basic analytical skills, reasoning, and comprehension abilities.

The Prelims serve as a screening test, and only those who meet the required cutoff for Paper II are considered for the next stages of the examination. The exam aims to ensure that candidates possess a well-rounded knowledge base and the ability to think critically, which are essential for administrative roles.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam Pattern

UPSC Prelim exam is considered the first stage in cracking civil service examinations. Civil service preliminary exam is an objective-type examination that selects candidates for the next round of Mains exam. Paper I is touted as the general study exam. Paper II is the CSAT exam that is known as a qualifying exam.

Click here to now UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern in detail.

Key points to note for the Prelims Exam Pattern:

• The type of questions in both the papers are of objective type.
• The exam is conducted in both Hindi and English language.
• The total weightage of both the papers is 400 marks as set in the official notifications.
• ⅓ negative marking is done for each wrong answer. 
• The qualifying marks for the GS paper I is decided by the commission. 
• Qualifying marks are 33% in the CSAT examination.

UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus 2025 

UPSC Prelims syllabus covers a wide range of topics aimed at assessing candidates’ knowledge and abilities. The exam consists of two compulsory papers: the General Studies Paper and the CSAT Paper. Paper I focuses on in-depth subjects such as Indian history, general issues, economic and social development, and numeracy, among others. It also includes sections on current affairs and economic topics. The General Studies Paper evaluates candidates’ understanding of various important areas, including national and international developments. The CSAT Paper II, on the other hand, assesses candidates’ aptitude, including logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numeracy skills.

Below is the detailed syllabus for both papers:

1. General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I)

This paper is intended to test candidates’ knowledge and understanding of various subjects relevant to the civil services.

Syllabus Topics:

• Current Events of National and International Importance
  • Major events happening in India and around the world, covering political, economic, social, and environmental developments.
• History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History.
  • Indian National Movement, its leaders, and significant events.
  • Cultural history of India.
• Indian and World Geography
  • Physical geography of the world and India (climate, soil, natural resources, etc.).
  • Indian geography, including population, agriculture, and urbanization.
  • Geographical features and location of important places.
• Indian Polity and Governance
  • Constitution of India, its features, amendments, and provisions.
  • Parliament, Judiciary, and Executive, their functions and relations.
  • Governance, public policies, and their implementation.
  • Rights issues, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized groups.
• Economic and Social Development
  • Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives.
  • Government schemes for economic and social development.
  • Economic reforms and government policy on agriculture, industry, and services.
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
  • Basic ecology and environmental issues.
  • Biodiversity conservation and national parks.
  • Impact of climate change on various ecosystems and the planet.
• General Science
  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and other scientific topics from a basic understanding level.
  • Developments in the field of science and technology and their implications.

2. UPSC Prelims Syllabus for CSAT

UPSC Prelims CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II assesses candidates’ general aptitude, reasoning, and analytical skills. It is a qualifying paper, with a minimum required score of 33% to pass. The syllabus for CSAT includes the following key areas:

• Comprehension:

1. 1. • This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written passages. Candidates must answer questions based on the given text, focusing on both general understanding and specific details.

• Interpersonal Skills and Communication:

1. 1. • Effective communication and understanding of interpersonal dynamics.

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability:

1. 1. • Includes puzzles, patterns, and analytical reasoning questions.
      • Candidates are expected to solve logical puzzles and identify patterns to demonstrate their reasoning abilities.

• Numerical Ability and Data Interpretation:

1. 1. • Covers Class X-level mathematics, including basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and graph interpretation.
      • Candidates need to analyze and interpret data presented in various forms such as tables, graphs, and charts.

• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving:

• Situational judgment and ethical dilemmas.
• Candidates are required to make decisions based on given scenarios and solve problems efficiently, testing their practical and ethical decision-making abilities.

UPSC CSE Prelims History Syllabus 

UPSC Civil Service Exam on history covers all key topics on Indian History and Indian National Movement. There are several important topics that are covered under this category for the preliminary exams.

Topics on Ancient History

• Prehistoric Indian Culture
• Topic on Indus Valley Civilization 
• History of Aryans 
• Topics on Buddhism
• Topics on administration and rise of Maurya destiny 
•  Post Mauryan destiny period
• Topics on Gupta Age

Topics on Medieval History

• Topic on early medieval period 
• Period of slave dynasty, Delhi sultanate, Tughlaq dynasty and Lodhi dynasty.
• Provincial kingdom topics 
• The establishment, administration and decline of Mughal empires
• The establishment, administration and decline of Marathas 
• Topics on the rise of South Indian Kingdom 

Topics on Modern History 

• The penetration of European into India and other important events 
• All about the British policies and the impact they made on the revenue system
• Major revolt against the Britishers including the Revolt of 1857 
• Socio-religious reforms and movements 
• Important movements related to the Britishers history
• Independence and Indian Partition 

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Geography 

The Geography topics in the UPSC CSE Prelims syllabus comprises Physical and Economic Geography of India. Candidates can check all Geography related topics for the exam.

Topics on General Geography

• Universe 
• Biogeography 
• Earth 
• Vegetation Resources 
• Soil characteristics
• Geomorphic process 
• Earth’s interior 
• Earthquakes and volcanic events 
• Landforms across the World 
• Submarine features 
• Waves and Oceans 
• Marine resources 

Topics on Climatography

• Atmosphere 
• Temperature inversion 
• Air mass, Cyclones, Fronts and Jet Streams
• Wind and pressure belts 

Topics on Human and Economic Geography

• Human development 
• Demography and Census 
• Economic Activities 
• International Trade 
• Transport and Communication 
• Settlement 

Topics on Indian Geography

• Indian Physiography 
• Climate 
• Drainage System
• Soils in India 
• Population 
• Natural Vegetation 
• Mineral Resources 
• Productivity of crops 
• Transport 
• Industry 
• Agriculture and its basic terminology 
• Recent developments in transport 

Topics on World Geography

• Continents and countries 
• Location news 
• Geographical terms 

Topics on Biodiversity

• Biodiversity basics 
• Animal and plant biodiversity 
• Estuaries 
• Coral reefs 
• Mangroves 
• Environmental Pollution
• Wetlands 
• Environmental Governance 

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Polity 

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for polity mentions the broad range of topics on Indian politics, constitution, governance and other key topics. 

Topics on Indian Constitution

• Historical background 
• Drafting committee of the constitution 
• Features of the constitution 
• Citizenship bold
• Fundamental Rights 
• Basic Structure Doctrine

Topics on Government Structure

• President 
• Council of Ministers 
• Composition and Functions of Parliament 
• Local Government 
• State Legislature and its composition topics 
• Union Territories 

Topics on Judiciary

• Supreme Court and its power 
• High court and its power
• Subordinate Courts 
• Judicial Activism 
• Judicial review 

Topics on Federal Structure

• Federalism and its relations 
• Inter-state relations 
• Constitutional bodies like Election Commission and UPSC 
• Non-constitutional Bodies 

Topics on Political Dynamics

• About political parties on National and Regional level
• Election reforms 
• Anti-defection laws
• Representation of People’s Act 
• Pressure group 
• Media and public opinion 

Topics on Governance

• E-governance 
• Good governance topics 
• Public policies 
• Institutions for the welfare SC/ST, women and vulnerable section of the society
• Social justice issues on vulnerable section 

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Economy 

The UPSC prelim exam syllabus for the economy covers topics like Economic development, social development , Inclusion, Poverty, Demographics among others. 

Basic concepts on Economy

• Microeconomics concepts 
• Macroeconomics concepts 
• Inflation 
• National income and ways to calculate it 
• Economic development and the overall growth

Basic concepts on Banking

• Money functions
• Concepts related to banking 
• Banking structure of India 
• Financial market and its concepts 

Topics related to Public Finances and its methods in India

• All about budgeting 
• Fiscal policy 
• Financial issues 
• Tax structure of India 

Basic concepts related to Planning

• Meaning and importance of Planning 
• Basics and history 
• Planning Institutions 
• Niti Aayog
• Five year plans of India 

Basic Concepts related to Open Economy

• Concepts on Foreign Trade 
• All about International Organizations 
• Recent Development 
• Trade Agreements 

Topics on Economic Sector such as

• Poverty 
• Unemployment and its key concepts 
• Government programs and the related schemes 

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for General Science 

Several General Science topics are also covered under paper I of UPSC prelims syllabus. These topics include broader areas on Science and Technology.

• IT and communication 
• Space 
• Defense 
• Material 
• Nuclear Technology 
• Nanotechnology and Robotics 
• Biotechnology 
• Intellectual Property Rights 

UPSC Prelims Syllabus for Art and Science 

Some of the vital topics related to Art and Technology are also included in the paper I of UPSC prelims. It is a wise idea to study all the important topics mentioned below:

Topics on Art and Culture:

• Architecture
• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Numismatics
• Pottery traditions
• Religions and Literature
• National and religious festivals

How to Cover UPSC Prelims Syllabus?

Covering the UPSC Prelims Syllabus efficiently requires a well-structured study plan, consistency, and focused preparation. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the syllabus:

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

• General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II each have distinct areas of focus. Paper I covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, and current affairs, while Paper II evaluates your aptitude, reasoning, and decision-making skills.
• Start by breaking down the syllabus into smaller, manageable sections for each subject and focus on mastering key topics within each area.

2. Create a Timetable

• Develop a daily or weekly timetable allocating specific time slots to each subject. Prioritize topics based on their importance and weightage in the exam. Include time for revision and practice tests.
• Balance your time between General Studies (GS) and CSAT, as both papers are essential for your success.

3. Focus on NCERTs and Standard Books

• Begin with NCERT textbooks (6th to 12th grade) to build a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy. NCERTs simplify concepts and help you grasp fundamentals.
• Refer to standard reference books like M. Laxmikant for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and Economic Survey for current economic affairs.

4. Current Affairs

• Stay updated with daily current affairs through newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express and supplement with monthly magazines such as Yojana or Kurukshetra.
• Make concise notes for better revision.

5. Practice PYQs and Mock Tests

• Regularly solve UPSC mock tests to improve time management and identify weak areas.
• Practice previous years’ papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and types of questions.

6. Revision and CSAT

• Keep time for continuous revision, especially for General Studies. For CSAT, focus on enhancing your logical reasoning, comprehension, and numerical skills.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus FAQ