UPSC Syllabus 2021 - upsc mains syllabus

Here, you will find the complete syllabus of UPSC IAS Syllabus 2021 for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. This is considered one of the toughest and the most prestigious examinations conducted in India.

To understand the UPSC IAS Syllabus 2021 exam, one needs to understand the IAS syllabus. This helps to eliminate wasteful efforts like reading unnecessary topics leading to a loss of time and effort. It is highly important to keep yourself strictly aligned to the expectations of the UPSC from day one.

UPSC main syllabus is available in the official UPSC IAS notification released at upsc.gov.in.

The UPSC subjects in civil services are designed to judge you on your understanding of things around you as only an informed and responsible person can make informed decisions as a civil servant for the betterment of our society. UPSC is conducted for the recruitment of various designated posts viz IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and allied services.

UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in the following three phases:

Phase 1 Preliminary Examination (Objective Section)

Phase 2 Main Examination (Subjective Section)

Phase 3 Personality Development Test

Check Out the UPSC Exam Calendar here

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Section)

The Preliminary Examination is the first round of the selection process. Aspirants should appear for two general studies papers of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. They should note that General Studies Paper-II, also known as Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

General	Number of Ques.	No. of Marks	Duration of exam
Paper- I	100	200	2 hours
Paper- II	80	200	2 hours
Total	180	400	4 hours

UPSC Syllabus 2021 for Preliminary Exam: Paper- I

The IAS Syllabus for UPSC Prelims Exam includes the following topics:

Current Events of National and International Importance.
History of India and Indian National Movement.
Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization General Science
General Science

UPSC IAS Syllabus for Preliminary Exam: General Studies Paper-II

The GS-II in UPSC Prelims is also called Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT includes the following topics:

Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc., – Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc., – Class X level)

Phase 2: UPSC Civil Services Main Examination (1750 Marks)

UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers that are held over 4-5 days. Out of these, only seven papers are merit-oriented. The rest two papers including the Compulsory Indian Language paper and Compulsory English paper are qualifying in nature.

Candidates who have qualified in the Prelims round will only be called to attend the Mains round. The mains round consists of a written exam which is followed by a personality test. Candidates who have cleared the mains round will be appointed as civil servants. Main exam involves a written exam and personality test.

The examination consists of

Qualifying papers:

Paper I – An Indian language selected by the candidates
Paper II – English (Qualifying Only)

Papers to be counted for merit:

Essay (Paper III)
General Studies (Paper IV-VII)
Optional Subjects (Paper VIII-IX)

Paper	Name of paper	Marks Allotted
A	One of the Indian languages to be selected by the candidate from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the constitution (Qualifying only)	300 (Qualifying Only)
B	English (Qualifying Only)	300 (Qualifying Only)
1	Essay Paper	250
2	General Studies I	250
3	General Studies II	250
4	General Studies III	250
5	General Studies IV	250
6	Optional Subject Paper I	250
7	Optional Subject Paper II	250
	IAS Main (written)Total	1750
	IAS Interview	275
	Total	2025

The papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates who attain 25% marks in both the language papers as a minimum qualifying standard in these qualifying papers, will be taken cognizance of, for evaluation.

In case a candidate does not qualify in these language papers, then the marks obtained by such candidates will not be considered or counted.

Structure of the language papers:

The types of questions asked are –

Essay – 100 marks
Reading comprehension – 60 marks
Precis Writing – 60 marks
Translation:
1. English to compulsory language (e.g Hindi) – 20 marks
2. Compulsory language to English – 20 marks

Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks

The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.

UPSC IAS Syllabus 2021 – Essay Paper

Officially, there isn’t anything mentioned about the IAS essay paper syllabus in the UPSC notification, only a broad outline is provided.

But the expectation from the candidates has been mentioned in the notification. “They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”

UPSC always gave topics from Philosophy, Public Administration, and International scenarios. The worldview and the thinking power of the candidates are tested through these essays. They are judged on the basis of how they see the engrossed problems and what solution they provide for the problems.

UPSC Syllabus 2021 – General Studies Paper-I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the industrial revolution, world wars, re-drawl of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, 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.

UPSC IAS Syllabus 2021- General Studies Paper-II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
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.
Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
Government strives to have a workforce that reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
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.
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
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.
Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Role of civil services in a democracy.
India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

UPSC IAS Syllabus 2021- General Studies Paper III

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major crops-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.
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.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment models.
Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Disaster and disaster management.
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybersecurity; money laundering and its prevention.
Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

UPSC IAS Syllabus 2021- Ethics

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper includes questions that test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. These questions may utilise the case-study approach to determine the aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:

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.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
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.
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.
Case Studies on the above issues.

Optional Subjects

The UPSC Mains syllabus gives a list of 48 Optional Subjects which include Literature of different languages. Candidates need to choose any one of the ‘Optional Subjects’ from the list of subjects. The optional subject carries 500 marks out of 1750. It is around 30% of the total. So, the candidates are suggested to select the optional subject very carefully because it can make or break the dream of becoming an IAS officer.

List of all 48 Optional Subjects

Phase 3: IAS Interview/UPSC Personality Test (275 Marks)

This is the last stage of you becoming an IAS/IPS officer. Once you qualify Prelims & Mains both then you are allowed to sit in the interview.

Generally, this interview is 30-45 minutes and a panel of 5 members conducts this interview.

Candidates who qualify the UPSC Mains Exam will be called for the ‘Personality Test/Interview’. These candidates will be interviewed by a Board appointed by the UPSC.
The objective of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in the civil services by a board of competent and unbiased observers.
The interview is more of a purposive conversation intended to explore the mental qualities and analytical ability of the candidate.
The Interview test will be of 275 marks and the total marks for written examination is 1750. This sums up to a Grand Total of 2025 Marks, based on which the final merit list will be prepared.

IAS Syllabus Preparation Tips

Now that you have a glimpse of the UPSC mains syllabus, we thought it would be helpful to give you some tips for the preparation of the UPSC exam. These few tips will help you in preparing for the IAS syllabus holistically and thoroughly. It’s time to do the work in a Smart way.

Tip 1: Mind-Map the IAS Syllabus

Since the syllabus of the IAS exam is wide, it is important to read it extremely carefully multiple times to mind-map the syllabus thoroughly. You should have an understanding of the UPSC IAS syllabus 2021 to filter out irrelevant content from the relevant one. It will save you a lot of time in your preparation and also help you in structuring your timetable.

Tip 2: Get IAS Micro Topics Syllabus PDF

The best way to achieve mind-mapping of the UPSC main syllabus is to keep a copy of micro-topics with you. It will further breakdown the IAS syllabus into important micro topics that you need to prepare for the IAS exam.

Tip 3: Build Your Foundation

Now, talking about how to cover the UPSC main syllabus , first and foremost, it is important to build a strong foundation. Read NCERTs of all the standard subjects.

Tip 4: Strengthen Your Concepts

Strengthen your concepts with the standard books on each subject to establish the roots of your basic knowledge.

Tip 5: Revise! Revise! Revise

Revision is really the key to the UPSC IAS syllabus 2021! It helps in conceptual clarity and concept-retention. Make it a habit to revise whatever you read on a particular day in the night. Dedicate specific days in your weekly and monthly planner specifically to revision. The UPSC exam is not about how much you study but how much you’re able to retain from the UPSC syllabus 2021.

You should take a 360-degree approach for your UPSC syllabus 2021 preparation and should not let go of any topic which is relevant to your UPSC exam. This is the mantra of success to clear the UPSC exam.