Important Topics For UPSC Prelims 2026, Subject Wise Topics

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is one of the most competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies (GS Paper I) and CSAT (GS Paper II).

To crack UPSC Prelims 2026, aspirants must focus on conceptual clarity, current affairs integration, and repeated revision of high-weightage topics. Below is a detailed subject-wise analysis of the most important topics for UPSC Prelims 2026.

1. History - Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2026

History is one of the most scoring yet dynamic sections in UPSC Prelims conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Questions are increasingly analytical, map-based, and linked with culture and current affairs.

A. Ancient History

1. Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization)

• Major sites and their features – Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan
• Town planning – Grid pattern, drainage system, granaries
• Trade and economy – Seals, dockyard at Lothal, trade with Mesopotamia
• Script and seals – Characteristics and undeciphered nature
• Agriculture and domestication of animals
• Religious practices – Mother Goddess, Pashupati seal
• Differences between Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
• Reasons for decline theories

2. Vedic Period (Early and Later Vedic)

• Political organization – Sabha and Samiti
• Social structure – Varna system evolution
• Economic life – Pastoralism to agriculture
• Religious concepts – Indra, Agni, Varuna
• Changes in Later Vedic period – Rise of monarchy
• Position of women in Vedic society
• Important Vedic texts – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda

3. Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha

• Sixteen Mahajanapadas – Locations and capitals
• Republics vs monarchies
• Reasons for Magadha’s rise – Iron deposits, elephant army, river advantages
• Important rulers – Bimbisara, Ajatashatru
• Administrative systems

4. Jainism and Buddhism

• Life and teachings of Mahavira and Buddha
• Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
• Jain Triratna and doctrines
• Buddhist councils – Locations and outcomes
• Spread of Buddhism in India and abroad
• Differences between Hinayana and Mahayana
• Impact on society and art

5. Mauryan Empire

• Chandragupta Maurya and establishment
• Administration under Ashoka
• Arthashastra by Kautilya
• Ashokan edicts – Rock and pillar edicts
• Dhamma policy
• Provincial administration
• Causes of decline

6. Gupta Empire (Golden Age)

• Administrative structure
• Coinage system
• Developments in science – Aryabhata
• Literature – Kalidasa
• Art and architecture – Temple beginnings
• Economy and trade
• Decline of Gupta Empire

7. Sangam Age and South Indian Kingdoms

• Chera, Chola, Pandya kingdoms
• Sangam literature
• Trade with Romans
• Administrative structure
• Cultural and social life

B. Medieval History

1. Delhi Sultanate

• Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties
• Iqta system
• Market reforms of Alauddin Khilji
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s experiments
• Administrative reforms
• Architecture – Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza

2. Mughal Empire

• Babur’s conquest and establishment
• Akbar’s administration – Mansabdari system
• Revenue system – Todar Mal reforms
• Jahangir and Shah Jahan period
• Aurangzeb’s policies
• Mughal architecture – Taj Mahal, Red Fort
• Causes of Mughal decline

3. Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms

• Administrative features
• Military organization
• Architecture – Hampi
• Battle of Talikota
• Trade relations

4. Bhakti and Sufi Movements

• Nirguna vs Saguna traditions
• Important saints – Kabir, Tulsidas, Mirabai
• Sufi silsilas – Chishti and Suhrawardi
• Impact on society
• Regional spread

5. Temple Architecture (Medieval Focus)

• Nagara style
• Dravida style
• Vesara style
• Temple components – Garbhagriha, Shikhara
• Important temples and patrons

C. Modern History

1. Advent of Europeans in India

• Portuguese arrival – Vasco da Gama
• Dutch, English, French trading companies
• Carnatic Wars
• Battle of Plassey and Buxar
• British expansion policies

2. Revolt of 1857

• Political, economic, military causes
• Immediate trigger
• Important leaders – Rani Lakshmibai, Tantia Tope
• Centres of revolt
• Consequences

3. Socio-Religious Reform Movements

• Brahmo Samaj
• Arya Samaj
• Aligarh Movement
• Young Bengal Movement
• Impact on Indian society

4. Indian National Movement (1885–1947)

• Formation of INC
• Moderate phase demands
• Extremist phase leaders
• Swadeshi movement
• Home Rule Movement
• Gandhian movements – Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India
• Role of revolutionary movements
• Subhas Chandra Bose and INA
• Cabinet Mission Plan
• Mountbatten Plan

5. Constitutional Developments

• Regulating Act 1773
• Pitt’s India Act 1784
• Charter Acts
• Indian Councils Acts
• Government of India Acts (1909, 1919, 1935)
• India Independece Act 1947

D. Art & Culture

1. Indian Architecture

• Stupa architecture – Sanchi
• Rock-cut architecture – Ajanta, Ellora
• Temple architecture styles
• Indo-Islamic architecture

2. Indian Paintings

• Ajanta murals
• Mughal paintings
• Rajput paintings
• Pahari paintings

3. Classical Dances and Music

• Bharatanatyam
• Kathak
• Odissi
• Hindustani vs Carnatic music

4. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cultural and natural sites in India

Recently added sites

Criteria for selection

2. Geography - Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2026

Geography is one of the most scoring and concept-oriented subjects in the UPSC Prelims conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Questions are increasingly analytical, map-based, and linked with current affairs such as climate change, disasters, agriculture, and international locations in news.

A. Physical Geography

Physical Geography forms the foundation of many environment and disaster-related questions. Conceptual clarity is essential.

1. Structure of the Earth

• Interior of the Earth – Crust, Mantle, Core
• Continental vs Oceanic crust
• Composition and density variations
• Evidence for Earth’s interior – Seismic waves
• Types of seismic waves – P-waves, S-waves, Surface waves
• Shadow zones and their significance
• Rock types – Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic
• Rock cycle and its processes

2. Geomorphology (Landforms)

• Endogenic and exogenic forces
• Plate tectonic theory
• Continental drift theory
• Sea-floor spreading
• Types of mountains – Fold, Block, Volcanic
• Earthquakes – Causes and distribution
• Volcanoes – Shield and composite volcanoes
• Weathering – Mechanical, Chemical, Biological
• Erosion and depositional landforms (river, wind, glacier)

3. Climatology

• Composition and structure of atmosphere
• Heat budget of Earth
• Insolation and temperature distribution
• Pressure belts and wind systems
• Planetary winds – Trade winds, Westerlies
• Monsoon mechanism – Indian monsoon
• Jet streams and their significance
• Cyclones – Tropical vs Temperate
• El Niño and La Niña
• Climate change and global warming

4. Oceanography

• Ocean relief – Continental shelf, slope, abyssal plains
• Ocean currents – Warm and cold currents
• Coriolis effect
• Tides – Spring and Neap tides
• Salinity and temperature distribution
• Upwelling and downwelling
• Marine resources

B. Indian Geography – High Weightage Area

Indian Geography questions are often map-based and current-linked (rivers, projects, reserves).

1. Physiography of India

• Himalayan divisions – Greater, Lesser, Shivalik
• Northern plains formation
• Peninsular plateau features
• Coastal plains and islands
• Important mountain passes
• Western and Eastern Ghats

2. Indian Drainage System

• Himalayan rivers – Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
• Peninsular rivers – Godavari, Krishna, Narmada
• Tributaries and their origin
• River linking projects
• Flood-prone areas
• Major dams and reservoirs

3. Indian Climate

• Factors affecting Indian climate
• Southwest and Northeast monsoon
• Retreating monsoon
• Western disturbances
• Cyclone-prone regions
• Climatic regions of India

4. Soils of India

• Alluvial soil
• Black soil (Regur)
• Red soil
• Laterite soil
• Mountain soil
• Soil erosion and conservation methods

5. Agriculture in India

• Cropping seasons – Kharif, Rabi, Zaid
• Green Revolution
• Major crops and producing states
• MSP and agricultural reforms
• Irrigation methods
• Agricultural schemes

6. Mineral and Energy Resources

• Coal distribution
• Petroleum and natural gas regions
• Iron ore belts
• Bauxite and manganese
• Renewable energy potential
• Atomic minerals

7. Transport and Communication

• Major ports
• National highways
• Inland waterways
• Railway zones
• International trade routes

C. Human Geography

Human Geography questions are conceptual and data-oriented.

1. Population Geography

• Population growth trends
• Demographic transition model
• Population pyramid types
• Migration – Push and pull factors
• Urbanization trends
• Census data interpretation

2. Economic Geography

• Industrial location factors
• Types of industries
• SEZs and industrial corridors
• Global trade routes
• World agriculture types
• Resource distribution

3. Indian Polity - Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2026

Indian Polity is one of the most important and high-scoring subjects in the UPSC Prelims conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Questions are largely conceptual, statement-based, and directly derived from the Constitution, constitutional bodies, governance structures, and recent developments.

For UPSC Prelims 2026, aspirants must focus on constitutional provisions, amendments, landmark judgments, and current governance issues.

A. Historical Background & Making of the Constitution

Understanding the evolution of constitutional development helps eliminate tricky statement-based questions.

Important Topics:

• Regulating Act of 1773
• Pitt’s India Act 1784
• Charter Acts (1813, 1833, 1853)
• Indian Councils Acts (1861, 1892, 1909)
• Government of India Acts (1919 & 1935)
• Cripps Mission, Cabinet Mission Plan
• Constituent Assembly – Composition and committees
• Drafting Committee and role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
• Sources of the Indian Constitution
• Enforcement date and significance of 26 January 1950

B. Features, Amendments & Schedules of the Constitution

UPSC frequently asks questions on basic structure and amendments.

Important Topics:

• Salient features of the Indian Constitution
• Federal vs Unitary features
• Parliamentary form of government
• Basic Structure Doctrine
• Procedure of Constitutional Amendment (Article 368)
• Important Constitutional Amendments (42nd, 44th, 73rd, 74th, 86th, 101st, etc.)
• All 12 Schedules – Key provisions
• Parts of the Constitution and their relevance

C. Fundamental Rights, Duties & DPSP

This is one of the most important and repeatedly asked areas.

Important Topics:

• Articles 12–35 (Fundamental Rights)
• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
• Writs – Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition, Quo Warranto
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
• Fundamental Duties
• Relationship between FRs and DPSPs

D. Union Executive

Questions are mostly conceptual and related to powers and limitations.

Important Topics:

• President – Election process and powers
• Ordinance-making power
• Veto powers – Absolute, Suspensive, Pocket veto
• Vice-President – Role and removal
• Prime Minister – Powers and functions
• Council of Ministers – Collective responsibility
• Attorney General of India

E. Parliament (Very High Priority)

Parliament-related questions appear almost every year.

Important Topics:

• Composition of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
• Qualifications and disqualifications
• Parliamentary procedures – Question Hour, Zero Hour
• Types of Bills – Money Bill, Financial Bill, Constitutional Amendment Bill
• Budget process
• Joint sitting
• Parliamentary Committees
• Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)
• Privileges of Parliament

F. Judiciary

Judiciary is increasingly important due to current affairs relevance.

Important Topics:

• Structure of Supreme Court
• Appointment of judges (Collegium system)
• Judicial Review
• Judicial Activism and PIL
• High Courts – Jurisdiction and powers
• Subordinate courts
• Removal of judges
• Landmark judgments related to basic structure

G. Federalism & Centre-State Relations

UPSC tests understanding of federal provisions and emergency powers.

Important Topics:

• Legislative, Administrative & Financial relations
• Seventh Schedule – Union, State & Concurrent Lists
• Inter-State Council
• Finance Commission
• GST Council
• Emergency provisions – National, State, Financial
• President’s Rule

H. Local Government (73rd & 74th Amendments)

Local governance questions are concept-based.

Important Topics:

• Panchayati Raj structure
• Gram Sabha powers
• State Election Commission
• State Finance Commission
• Urban Local Bodies – Municipal Corporations
• Reservation provisions

I. Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies

Highly important for statement-based questions.

Constitutional Bodies:

• Election Commission
• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
• Union Public Service Commission
• Finance Commission
• National Commission for SC/ST

Non-Constitutional Bodies:

• NITI Aayog
• National Human Rights Commission
• Central Vigilance Commission
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas

J. Governance & Transparency

Increasingly important due to current affairs linkage.

Important Topics:

• Right to Information Act
• Citizen Charter
• E-Governance initiatives
• Social audit
• Accountability mechanisms
• Whistleblower protection

K. Important Articles (Frequently Asked in Prelims)

• Article 14 – Equality before law
• Article 19 – Freedoms
• Article 21 – Right to life
• Article 32 – Constitutional remedies
• Article 368 – Amendment procedure
• Articles related to Emergency provisions
• Articles related to Centre-State relations

4. Economy - Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2026

Economy questions in UPSC Prelims conducted by the Union Public Service Commission are increasingly conceptual, application-based, and linked with current affairs.

For UPSC Prelims 2026, aspirants must focus on conceptual clarity and link static topics with current economic developments.

A. Basic Concepts of Economics (Foundation Area)

These concepts form the base of many tricky statement-based questions.

Important Topics:

• GDP, GNP, NDP, NNP – Differences and calculation methods
• Real vs Nominal GDP
• Base year and GDP deflator
• Inflation – CPI vs WPI
• Core inflation
• Stagflation and deflation
• Types of unemployment
• Fiscal deficit, revenue deficit, primary deficit
• Balance of Payments – Current & Capital account
• Exchange rate systems – Fixed vs Floating

B. Banking & Monetary Policy (Very Important)

UPSC frequently asks questions related to RBI and monetary tools.

Important Topics:

• Role and functions of RBI
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
• Repo rate, Reverse repo, MSF, Bank Rate
• CRR and SLR
• Open Market Operations
• Inflation targeting
• Digital currency (CBDC)
• Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)
• Basel norms
• Financial inclusion initiatives

C. Fiscal Policy & Budget

Budget-related questions are highly probable.

Important Topics:

• Union Budget structure
• Consolidated Fund of India
• Contingency Fund
• Public Account
• Direct vs Indirect taxes
• GST – Structure and GST Council
• FRBM Act
• Subsidies – Food, Fertilizer, Fuel
• Public debt management

D. External Sector & International Institutions

• IMF functions
• World Bank Group institutions
• WTO structure
• SDR (Special Drawing Rights)
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• Trade agreements
• Currency depreciation & appreciation

E. Agriculture & Inclusive Growth

• MSP mechanism
• Food security and PDS
• Crop insurance schemes
• Agricultural credit
• SHGs and microfinance
• Rural employment programs

5. Environment & Ecology - Important Topics For UPSC Prelims 2026

Environment has become one of the highest-weightage subjects in recent Prelims exams. Questions are conceptual, current-linked, and statement-based.

A. Ecology Basics (Core Concepts)

Important Topics:

• Ecosystem components
• Food chain and food web
• Ecological pyramids
• Biomes of the world
• Biodiversity levels – Genetic, species, ecosystem
• Keystone and flagship species
• Ecotone and edge effect
• Ecological succession

B. Biodiversity & Conservation

• Biodiversity hotspots
• Endangered species categories (IUCN)
• Wildlife corridors
• Biosphere reserves
• National parks and sanctuaries
• Conservation strategies – In-situ and Ex-situ
• Project Tiger, Project Cheetah and other conservation projects

C. Environmental Pollution

• Air pollutants – Primary & secondary
• Water pollution sources
• Eutrophication
• Noise pollution
• Solid waste management
• Plastic pollution

D. Climate Change & International Conventions

Highly important for Prelims 2026.

Important Topics:

• Greenhouse gases
• Global warming potential
• Carbon sequestration
• Carbon trading
• UNFCCC
• Kyoto Protocol
• Paris Agreement
• COP meetings
• REDD+ mechanism

E. Environmental Laws in India

• Environment Protection Act 1986
• Wildlife Protection Act
• Forest Conservation Act
• National Green Tribunal
• Biological Diversity Act

6. Science & Technology

Science & Technology questions are increasingly application-based and linked to current developments rather than static theory.

A. Space Technology

• ISRO missions
• Satellite types
• PSLV vs GSLV
• Cryogenic engine
• Navigation systems (NavIC)
• Space exploration programs

B. Biotechnology

• DNA, RNA basics
• Recombinant DNA technology
• CRISPR-Cas9
• mRNA vaccines
• Stem cells
• GM crops
• Biofortification

C. Information Technology

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Blockchain
• Quantum computing
• Cybersecurity
• 5G and communication technology

D. Defence & Nuclear Technology

• Nuclear fission vs fusion
• Nuclear reactors
• Ballistic missiles
• Hypersonic technology
• Defence research organizations

E. Health & Emerging Technologies

• Vaccine technologies
• Nanotechnology
• Robotics
• Renewable energy technologies
• Hydrogen fuel

7. CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)

The CSAT (General Studies Paper II) is the qualifying paper in UPSC Prelims conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Although it requires only 33% (66.66 out of 200 marks) to qualify, many serious aspirants fail due to underestimation of this paper.

A. Reading Comprehension (Highest Weightage Area)

Reading comprehension carries the highest weightage in CSAT. Passages are often lengthy and analytical.

Important Areas:

• Central idea identification
• Tone and inference-based questions
• Fact vs opinion distinction
• Logical conclusions
• Assumption-based questions
• Vocabulary in context
• Statement strengthening and weakening
• Author’s perspective analysis

B. Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

Logical reasoning questions are moderate to difficult and test clarity of thought.

Important Topics:

• Syllogism
• Statement and conclusion
• Statement and assumption
• Cause and effect
• Coding-decoding
• Blood relations
• Seating arrangement (linear & circular)
• Direction sense
• Data sufficiency
• Analytical puzzles

C. Basic Numeracy (Class X Level)

Although labeled as basic numeracy, questions can be calculation-intensive.

Important Topics:

• Number system
• Percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Average
• Profit and loss
• Simple and compound interest
• Time and work
• Time, speed, and distance
• Boats and streams
• Probability
• Permutation and combination
• Mixture and allegation

D. Data Interpretation

Questions are based on graphs, charts, and tables.

Important Topics:

• Bar graphs
• Pie charts
• Line graphs
• Tables
• Caselets

E. Decision Making & Problem Solving

Although fewer in number in recent years, decision-making questions test ethical and administrative ability.

Important Areas:

• Administrative decision-making scenarios
• Ethical dilemma situations
• Logical judgment-based problems
• Choosing the most practical and lawful option

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