Are you preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025? Understanding the UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025 is your first step toward cracking one of the most prestigious exams in India. This article provides the detailed UPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus 2025, with downloadable PDF links and expert insights to streamline your preparation.
Table of Contents
Download UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025 – IPS, IFS, IAS Exam Syllabus
- UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 PDF
- UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 PDF
Overview of UPSC Examination
The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective Type
- Main Examination (Mains) – Written (Descriptive)
- Personality Test (Interview)
This exam tests a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, communication, and analytical abilities.
UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025– Prelims Syllabus 2025
The IAS Prelims is a qualifying screening test consisting of two objective-type papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS-I) | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (GS-II – Qualifying Paper) | 200 | 2 Hours |
General Studies Paper-I Syllabus
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
CSAT – General Studies Paper-II Syllabus
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy (Class X level)
- Data Interpretation (Class X level)
Note: CSAT is a qualifying paper. You must score 33% (66 marks) to qualify.
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 – UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025
The IAS Mains Exam is descriptive in nature and consists of nine papers, out of which seven are counted for merit and two are qualifying.
Structure of UPSC Mains Exam
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I (History, Geography, Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II (Polity, Governance) | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III (Economy, Tech, Environment) | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV (Ethics) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
| Total (Mains) | 1750 | |
| Interview (PT) | 275 | |
| Grand Total | 2025 |
UPSC Essay Paper Syllabus 2025
- Candidates will write essays on multiple topics
- Focus on clarity, coherence, structure, and effective expression
- Marks: 250
UPSC General Studies Syllabus for Mains
GS Paper 1 – Indian Heritage, History & Geography
- Art & Culture
- Modern Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- World History from the 18th century
- Indian Society & Diversity
- Role of Women, Globalization, Urbanization
- Physical Geography and Natural Resources
- Geophysical Phenomena and Environmental Changes
GS Paper 2 – Governance, Polity & International Relations
- Indian Constitution and Amendments
- Federal Structure, Parliament, and Judiciary
- Local Governance and Welfare Schemes
- NGOs, SHGs, Civil Services
- International Relations and Global Institutions
GS Paper 3 – Economy, Technology, Environment & Security
- Indian Economy and Economic Planning
- Agriculture, Food Processing, Land Reforms
- Science and Technology
- Environmental Issues and Disaster Management
- Internal Security, Cybersecurity, Money Laundering
GS Paper 4 – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
- Ethics in Public and Private Life
- Attitude and Emotional Intelligence
- Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
- Public Service Values and Governance
- Case Studies on Ethical Dilemmas
UPSC Interview (Personality Test) – 275 Marks
This stage evaluates:
- Mental Alertness
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership & Decision-Making
- Communication Skills
- Personality and Suitability for Public Service
Why is the UPSC Syllabus Important?
- Provides a clear direction for preparation
- Helps filter the most relevant topics
- Enhances time and resource management
- Improves answer quality and relevance
Quick Links to Download PDFs
UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus PDF
UPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus PDF
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025
1. What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)?
The UPSC CSE is a nationwide competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to prestigious posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. It comprises three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview (Personality Test).
2. What are the stages of the UPSC Examination 2025?
The UPSC exam is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Exam – Objective Type (Qualifying)
- Mains Exam – Descriptive Written Test
- Interview/Personality Test – Final stage
3. How many papers are there in the UPSC Prelims 2025?
There are two papers:
- Paper I – General Studies (GS I): 200 marks
- Paper II – CSAT (GS II): 200 marks (Qualifying with 33% marks)
4. What is the syllabus for General Studies Paper I in Prelims 2025?
The GS Paper I covers:
- Current Affairs (national & international)
- History of India & Freedom Movement
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economy & Social Development
- Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change
- General Science
5. Is CSAT qualifying in nature?
Yes, CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying in nature. You need to score a minimum of 33% (66 marks) to qualify.
6. What is the UPSC Mains exam pattern?
The Mains exam includes 9 papers:
- 2 Qualifying Papers: English & Indian Language (300 marks each)
- 7 Merit Papers: Essay, 4 GS Papers, and 2 Optional Subject Papers (250 marks each)
- Total Marks (Mains): 1750
- Interview (Personality Test): 275 marks
- Grand Total: 2025 marks
7. What are the General Studies (GS) papers in Mains?
- GS Paper 1: Indian Heritage, Culture, History, Geography & Society
- GS Paper 2: Polity, Constitution, Governance, International Relations
- GS Paper 3: Economy, Technology, Environment, Security
- GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
8. Is there any optional subject in UPSC Mains?
Yes, candidates must choose one optional subject, which includes two papers (Paper VI & VII) of 250 marks each.
9. What is the UPSC Essay Paper about?
The Essay Paper requires candidates to write two essays on given topics. It tests clarity, coherence, structured thought, and expression. It carries 250 marks.
10. What is evaluated in the UPSC Interview (Personality Test)?
The interview assesses:
- Mental Alertness
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Qualities
- Logical and Ethical Thinking
- Suitability for Civil Services
11. Why is understanding the UPSC syllabus important?
- Sets a clear path for preparation
- Filters out irrelevant topics
- Helps in smart time & resource planning
- Improves precision in answers
12. Where can I download the UPSC IAS Syllabus 2025 PDF?
You can download both PDFs here:
13. How many marks are needed to qualify the UPSC Mains and reach the interview stage?
You need to score high enough in the 1750-mark Mains (excluding qualifying papers) to be shortlisted for the 275-mark interview. The cutoff varies yearly based on category and competition.
14. What are some key topics to focus on for Prelims 2025?
- Current Affairs (last 1.5 years)
- Environment & Ecology
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Economic Development
- History of Modern India
- Geography (Maps & Locations)
15. What are the qualifying languages in Paper A of Mains?
Paper A is an Indian Language chosen by the candidate from the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is qualifying and mandatory unless you are from an exempt category (e.g., North-East states).
