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Ultimate Guide to UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025: Detailed Breakdown for IAS Aspirants

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of the most esteemed and challenging examinations in India. With the UPSC Mains Examination forming the second critical stage after the Prelims, understanding its detailed syllabus is essential for success. This comprehensive guide on the UPSC Mains syllabus for 2025 aims to provide all the necessary insights to help you prepare effectively and achieve your IAS, IPS, or IFS aspirations.

Overview of the UPSC Mains Examination Structure

The UPSC Mains consists of nine papers, which include both qualifying and merit-ranking exams. Let’s dive into each paper to understand the syllabus and its requirements.

Qualifying Papers in UPSC Mains

Paper A: Indian Language (300 Marks)

  1. Comprehension of passages: Understanding text and answering related questions.
  2. Precis Writing: Summarizing given content succinctly.
  3. Usage and Vocabulary: Demonstrating language command.
  4. Short Essays: Writing essays on various topics.
  5. Translation: Translating from English to the chosen Indian language and vice versa.

Note: Candidates must choose an Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Paper B: English Language (300 Marks)

  1. Comprehension of passages: Interpretation and analysis of written content.
  2. Precis Writing: Condensing lengthy passages.
  3. Usage and Vocabulary: Language skills assessment.
  4. Short Essays: Articulating thoughts on various subjects.

These qualifying papers are crucial as they test the basic proficiency necessary for clear communication and effective writing, which are key in civil services.

Merit-Ranking Papers in UPSC Mains

Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)

  1. Essay Writing: Candidates must write essays on multiple topics, emphasizing clarity, coherence, and articulation of ideas.

Paper II: General Studies-I Syllabus(250 Marks)

Indian Heritage and Culture:
  1. Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

History:

  1. Modern Indian History: Significant events, issues, and personalities from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present.
  2. The Freedom Struggle: Its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
  3. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
  4. World History: Events from the 18th century such as the industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc. – their forms and effect on society.
Geography:
  1. Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
  2. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
  3. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, etc., geographical features, and their location changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Paper III: General Studies-II Syllabus(250 Marks)

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations:
  1. Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
  2. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels, and challenges therein.
  3. Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
  4. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
  5. Parliament and State legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.
  6. Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
  7. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
  8. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
  9. Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies.
  10. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
  11. Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
  12. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
  13. Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
  14. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
  15. Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.
  16. Role of civil services in a democracy.
  17. India and its neighborhood- relations.
  18. Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
  19. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
  20. Important International institutions, agencies, and fora- their structure, mandate.

Paper IV: General Studies-III Syllabus(250 Marks)

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management:
  1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
  2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
  3. Government Budgeting.
  4. Major crop-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
  5. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
  6. Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
  7. Land reforms in India.
  8. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy, and their effects on industrial growth.
  9. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
  10. Investment models.
  11. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
  12. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
  13. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
  14. Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
  15. Disaster and disaster management.
  16. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
  17. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
  18. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
  19. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
  20. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Paper V: General Studies-IV Syllabus (250 Marks)

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:
  1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators; the role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
  2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
  3. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality, and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections.
  4. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
  5. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
  6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
  7. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
  8. Case Studies on the above issues.

Paper VI and VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II (250 Marks Each)

Candidates select an optional subject, with each paper delving deep into the chosen field. Optional subjects span a wide array of disciplines such as:

  1. Literature (languages like English, Hindi, etc.)
  2. History, Geography, Public Administration
  3. Sociology, Psychology, Economics
  4. Anthropology, Political Science, and many others.

Preparing for UPSC Mains

A strategic approach is vital for UPSC Mains success. Here are some tips:

  1. Comprehensive Reading: Utilize standard reference books, NCERTs, and current affairs magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra for robust preparation. Regularly reading newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express is essential for staying updated on national and international issues.
  2. Optional Subject Focus: Choose an optional subject that aligns with your interests, academic background, and scoring potential. Deep dive into the syllabus, study previous years’ question papers and practice writing answers.
  3. Practice Writing: The Mains exam tests your ability to present coherent and concise arguments. Regularly practice writing essays, answers for General Studies, and case studies for the Ethics paper. Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy.
  4. Ethics and Case Studies: Engage with various ethical scenarios and case studies to enhance your practical understanding. Develop a clear understanding of ethical theories and concepts, and practice applying them to real-world situations.
  5. Answer Writing Practice: Join a test series to regularly practice writing answers under exam conditions. This will help improve your time management, structure your answers effectively, and help you gain confidence.
  6. Revise Regularly: With a vast syllabus, regular revision is key. Make concise notes for quick revisions before the exam. Focus on the high-yield areas and topics that frequently appear in the exam.
  7. Mock Tests and Feedback: Participate in mock tests to simulate the exam environment. Get your answers evaluated by experts or peers to identify areas of improvement and refine your answer-writing skills.
  8. Balanced Study Plan: Allocate time wisely across all papers, including the qualifying papers. Ensure a balanced focus on General Studies, Essay, Optional subjects, and Ethics. Break your study schedule into manageable chunks to avoid burnout.
  9. Current Affairs Integration: Integrate current affairs with your General Studies preparation. Relate current events to the static syllabus to enhance your understanding and provide a holistic answer in the exam.
  10. Stress Management: The preparation journey can be intense. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, exercise, or hobbies to maintain a healthy study-life balance. Staying positive and motivated is crucial for long-term preparation.

The UPSC Mains Examination is a rigorous assessment of a candidate’s knowledge, analytical skills, and writing abilities. With a well-structured preparation plan and a thorough understanding of the syllabus, aspirants can enhance their chances of success. Stay consistent, disciplined, and focused on your IAS, IPS, or IFS goals. Best of luck in your UPSC journey!

For a complete overview, check out the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 to kickstart your IAS preparation.

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