The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) syllabus for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is vast and covers a wide range of topics. Here's a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for both Prelims and Mains:

Prelims:

General Studies Paper I:

• Current Events: National and international events, significant developments in various fields (politics, economy, science, technology, environment, etc.).

• History of India and the Indian National Movement: Ancient, medieval, and modern India, significant events, personalities, and contributions.

• Indian and World Geography: Physical, social, economic, and environmental geography of India and the world.

• Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, political system, governance, rights, and duties.

• Economic and Social Development: Indian economy, social development, poverty, inequality, and related issues.

• General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change: Environmental concerns, conservation, and sustainable development.

• General Science: Basic concepts of science, technology, and inventions.

​

General Studies Paper II:

• Comprehension: Ability to understand and interpret given texts.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and interact with others.

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and draw logical conclusions.

• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems effectively.

• General Mental Ability: General intelligence and problem-solving skills.

• Basic Numeracy: Basic mathematical concepts and calculations.

• Data Interpretation: Ability to interpret and analyze data presented in various forms (charts, graphs, tables, etc.).

​

Mains:

Essay:

• A test of your ability to express yourself clearly and comprehensively on a given topic.

Language Papers:

• English and a language from Schedule VIII of the Constitution.

General Studies Papers I-IV:

• General Studies Paper I: Indian history, Indian geography, Indian polity and governance, Indian economy, international relations, and security.

• General Studies Paper II: Ethics, integrity, aptitude, and current events.

• General Studies Paper III: Technology, environment, biodiversity, climate change, and disaster management.

• General Studies Paper IV: Indian society, social justice, social issues, and development.

Optional Subjects:

• You choose two optional subjects from a list of options, such as history, geography, political science, economics, sociology, and many others. The syllabus for each optional subject varies.

​

Interview:

• A personal interview to assess your suitability for the civil service.

​

Note: The syllabus may change slightly from year to year, so it's important to refer to the official UPSC notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information.