UPSC Syllabus 2026, IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF

The UPSC IAS Syllabus covers GS, CSAT, nine Mains papers including Essay, four GS papers, two optional papers, and two qualifying language papers.

The official UPSC Syllabus PDF can be downloaded directly from the UPSC website upsc.gov.in or from the link provided above in the article.

UPSC allows 6 attempts for General, 9 for OBC, and unlimited attempts for SC/ST candidates within the prescribed age limits.

No, the UPSC Syllabus rarely changes and generally remains consistent over the years with only minor updates when necessary.

UPSC Mains Syllabus includes GS I to GS IV, Essay, two optional subject papers, and two qualifying language papers.

Yes, UPSC Prelims has negative marking with one-third of the marks deducted for each incorrect answer in both GS and CSAT papers.

The seven scoring UPSC Papers are Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, GS IV, and two optional subject papers.

UPSC Prelims marks are not counted for the final result as the exam only serves as a qualifying screening test for the UPSC Mains.

No optional subject is universally best for UPSC, but PSIR, Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Administration are popular due to scoring trends and strong overlap with the GS syllabus.

Yes, appearing in both Prelims papers is mandatory, as missing any paper disqualifies the attempt for that examination cycle.