{"id":1880,"date":"2026-06-17T12:02:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T06:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=1880"},"modified":"2026-06-18T11:02:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T05:32:23","slug":"upsc-mains-syllabus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/upsc-mains-syllabus\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026, GS Paper 1, 2, 3, 4 Syllabus PDF"},"content":{"rendered":"

The UPSC Mains Syllabus<\/strong> comprises nine theory papers, with marks from seven papers contributing to the final merit list. The other two papers, English and Indian Language, are qualifying, requiring candidates to achieve a minimum score of 25% to be considered for selection.<\/p>\r\n

The UPSC Mains Syllabus is a comprehensive framework designed for candidates aiming to excel in the Civil Services Examination, one of India\u2019s most prestigious and competitive exams. As the second phase of the UPSC CSE selection process, it covers a wide range of subjects and topics essential for success.<\/p>\r\n

The syllabus for UPSC Mains 2026 is detailed below, and aspirants can also download the UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n

Also Read: <\/strong>UPSC Prelims Result 2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026<\/h2>\r\n

The UPSC Mains syllabus is comprehensive and aims to evaluate a candidate's academic talent and ability to present knowledge in a clear and coherent manner.<\/p>\r\n

The Mains examination consists of nine papers, which include:<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Paper<\/strong><\/td>\r\nSubject<\/strong><\/td>\r\nDuration<\/strong><\/td>\r\nTotal marks<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper A<\/td>\r\nCompulsory Indian language<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n300 (Qualifying)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper B<\/td>\r\nEnglish<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n300 (Qualifying)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper I<\/td>\r\nEssay<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper II<\/td>\r\nGeneral Studies I \u2013 Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper III<\/td>\r\nGeneral Studies II \u2013 Governance, Constitution, Welfare Initiatives, Social Justice & International Relations<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper IV<\/td>\r\nGeneral Studies III \u2013 Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper V<\/td>\r\nGeneral Studies IV \u2013 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper VI<\/td>\r\nOptional Subject \u2013 Paper I<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Paper VII<\/td>\r\nOptional Subject \u2013 Paper II<\/td>\r\n3 hours<\/td>\r\n250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n

Each paper is designed to test specific aspects of a candidate\u2019s knowledge and aptitude, encouraging a broad and diverse preparation strategy. A deep understanding of the syllabus and focused study on each area is crucial for success in the UPSC Mains Examination. Join Our <\/span>UPSC Mains Test Series<\/b><\/a> - Master Answer Writing, Track Your Progress, and Excel in the UPSC Mains Examination.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

UPSC Mains Topic Wise Syllabus<\/h2>\r\n

The Mains syllabus encompasses diverse fields such as Indian Heritage and Culture, Governance, Technology, Economic Development, and Ethics, among others. Each paper and its topics are crafted to test different facets of a candidate's intellect, from factual knowledge and conceptual clarity to critical thinking and ethical reasoning.<\/p>\r\n

This detailed, topic-wise breakdown is essential for aspirants to strategize their preparation, enabling them to cover every aspect of the syllabus comprehensively.<\/p>\r\n

UPSC Mains Syllabus Language Papers<\/h2>\r\n

UPSC Mains Language papers- Paper A and Paper B are only qualifying in nature, candidates should not be complacent. Failing to score at least 25% in either paper will result in their remaining answer sheets not being evaluated.<\/p>\r\n

Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying)<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n

Candidates can choose any one of the Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The paper is designed to test the candidates\u2019 ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express their ideas clearly and correctly.<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Assamese<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nOdia<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Bengali<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nPunjabi<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Gujarati<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nSanskrit<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Hindi<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nSindhi<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Kannada<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nTamil<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Kashmiri<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nTelugu<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Konkani<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nUrdu<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Malayalam<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nBodo<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Manipuri<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nDogri<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Marathi<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\nMaithili<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Nepali<\/strong><\/td>\r\nSanthali<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n

Paper B: English (Qualifying)<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n

The English paper aims to test the candidates\u2019 ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express their ideas clearly and correctly in English.<\/p>\r\n

UPSC Mains Syllabus- Essay Papers<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper, carrying 250 marks, requires candidates to write two essays on topics related to society, governance, economy, philosophy, environment, and contemporary issues. It tests clarity of thought, coherence, originality, and balanced analysis.<\/p>\r\n

Paper-I: Essay:<\/strong> Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.<\/p>\r\n

Join Our <\/span>UPSC Mentorship Program<\/b><\/a> \u2013 Learn from experienced mentors, clear your doubts, and keep your preparation on the right track.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

UPSC Mains Syllabus General Studies Paper 1<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Paper-II: General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n