UPSC Syllabus 2025 – IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF by Vijetha IAS Academy
The UPSC Syllabus 2025 serves as the roadmap for Civil Services Examination preparation. It guides aspirants on what to study for both the Prelims and Mains stages, followed by the Interview/Personality Test.
At Vijetha IAS Academy, we believe that understanding the UPSC syllabus is the first step towards effective preparation. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus along with a downloadable PDF for your IAS journey.
UPSC Exam Pattern Overview
The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Screening Test
- Main Examination (Mains) – Written Descriptive Exam
- Personality Test (Interview) – Final Stage
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025
The Prelims Exam has two compulsory objective-type papers, each of 200 marks (total 400 marks). The marks in Prelims are not counted for final ranking but are used to shortlist candidates for Mains.
Key Details:
- Number of Papers: 2 (General Studies Paper I & CSAT/GS Paper II)
- Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 400 (200 each)
- Duration: 2 Hours each
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd for every wrong answer
- Medium: English & Hindi
General Studies Paper-I (200 marks, 2 hours)
This paper tests general awareness of candidates on a wide range of subjects:
- Current events of national & international importance
- History of India & Indian National Movement
- Indian & World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)
- Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues)
- Economic & Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives)
- General issues on Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
- General Science
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) (200 marks, 2 hours)
Also known as Civil Services Aptitude Test, this paper is qualifying in nature. Candidates need at least 33% marks to clear it.
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy (Class X level)
- Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, Class X level)
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025
The Mains Exam is descriptive in nature and comprises 9 papers. Out of these, 2 are qualifying, while 7 are counted for merit.
Mains Exam Structure
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Qualifying Papers (Indian Language & English)
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Comprehension of passages
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Precise Writing
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Usage and Vocabulary
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Short Essays
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Translation (for Indian Language paper)
Essay Paper (Paper I)
Candidates must write essays on multiple topics. Credit is given for clarity, originality, logical arrangement, and effective expression.
General Studies Papers
GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History, and Society
- Art & Culture (from ancient to modern times)
- Modern Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence consolidation
- World History (Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Political Philosophies)
- Salient features of Indian society, diversity, urbanization, women & population issues
- Globalization, Social Empowerment, Secularism, Regionalism, Communalism
- Physical Geography, resources, geophysical phenomena
GS Paper II – Governance, Polity, and International Relations
- Indian Constitution, federal structure, separation of powers
- Parliament & State Legislatures
- Executive & Judiciary, Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
- Representation of People’s Act
- Government policies, schemes, and e-Governance
- Role of civil services in democracy
- India’s relations with neighbours, global groupings & agreements
- International institutions & agencies
GS Paper III – Economy, Environment & Security
- Indian Economy, growth, planning & employment
- Inclusive Growth, Budgeting, Infrastructure
- Agriculture (crops, irrigation, subsidies, PDS, food security)
- Science & Technology, IT, Robotics, Biotechnology, IPR
- Environment, Pollution, Biodiversity, Disaster Management
- Internal Security, Cyber Security, Extremism & Border Security
GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
- Ethics and Human Interface
- Attitude, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence
- Civil Service Values, Probity in Governance
- Contributions of moral thinkers & philosophers
- Case Studies on ethical dilemmas
UPSC Optional Subjects 2025
Aspirants must select one optional subject (2 papers, 250 marks each). UPSC provides a list of 48 Optional Subjects including Anthropology, History, Geography, Sociology, Public Administration, Literature subjects, and more.
At Vijetha IAS Academy, Anthropology Optional is our most sought-after course, with proven results and India’s best test series program.
UPSC Interview (Personality Test)
- Conducted for 275 marks.
- Tests communication skills, confidence, analytical ability, ethical approach, and awareness.
- Final ranking is based on Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks.
UPSC Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
Candidates can download the official UPSC Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF to keep as a preparation guide. (Provide PDF link here for your site.)
Conclusion
The UPSC Syllabus 2025 is vast but manageable with the right guidance. A structured study plan aligned with the syllabus is the key to cracking the Civil Services Examination.
At Vijetha IAS Academy, we provide:
- GS Foundation Courses (Online & Offline)
- Anthropology Optional Coaching
- UPSC Test Series
- Personal Mentorship Programs
Want to crack UPSC with expert mentorship?
Join Vijetha IAS Academy – India’s Trusted UPSC Coaching Hub.
Expert Faculty | Small Batches | Personalised Mentorship | Proven Results
Enroll Now for Prelims & Mains 2025 Courses!