UPSC Civil Services Examination Syllabus 2026
Section-wise Topics & Exam Pattern
Every subject, section, and mark in one place — with free mock tests to practice each part of the UPSC Civil Services Examination paper.
What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus for 2026?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus covers 11 subjects: Current events of national and international importance, History of India and 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, CSAT: Comprehension & Interpersonal Skills, CSAT: Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, CSAT: Decision Making and Problem Solving, CSAT: Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation (Class X level). The exam has 100 questions across 1 section in 120 minutes, with negative marking.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 120 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| Total | 100 | 120 min |
Marking scheme: +2 correct · -0.66 wrong · 0 unanswered. Last updated: 2026-06-01.
Subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination Syllabus
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and 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
- CSAT: Comprehension & Interpersonal Skills
- CSAT: Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- CSAT: Decision Making and Problem Solving
- CSAT: Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation (Class X level)
Drill individual topics with free topic-wise practice tests before attempting full-length papers.
Is there negative marking in UPSC Civil Services Examination?
Yes. UPSC Civil Services Examination deducts marks for wrong answers in every section (0.33 mark per wrong answer). Unanswered questions carry no penalty, so skip questions you cannot eliminate options for.
How should I cover the UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus?
Work section by section: master one subject at a time with topic-wise practice, then combine sections in full-length mock tests under the real 120-minute timer. Analytics from each mock show which syllabus areas leak marks, so your revision targets weak topics instead of re-reading everything.
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