UPSC Civil Services Mains Syllabus

  Qualifying Papers (300 Marks Each)

  English

 (Both are of qualifying nature; marks are not counted for ranking.)

  Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics.

  Emphasis on clarity of thought, coherence, and effective expression.

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

• Indian culture – art forms, literature, architecture.

• Modern Indian history and freedom struggle.

• Post-independence consolidation & reorganization.

• World history – events, industrial revolution, wars, colonization, political philosophies.

• Indian society – diversity, women’s issues, globalization effects, social empowerment.

• Geography – physical geography, natural resources, factors affecting population, urbanization.

  Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations

• Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, features, amendments.

• Parliament, State Legislatures, Executive & Judiciary.

• Functions of government, separation of powers, dispute redressal.

• Governance – transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizen charters.

• Social Justice – welfare schemes, vulnerable sections, NGOs, SHGs.

• International relations – India & neighbors, bilateral/global groupings, diaspora.

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

• Indian economy – planning, growth, employment, inclusive development.

• Agriculture, land reforms, MSP, food processing.

• Science & Tech – IT, space, robotics, nanotech, biotechnology.

• Environment – conservation, pollution, climate change, EIA.

• Disaster management – preparedness, mitigation.

• Internal security – challenges, cyber security, money laundering, terrorism, border management.

  Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

• Ethics & Human Interface – determinants, consequences, dimensions of ethics.

• Human values – role of family, society, education.

• Attitude, moral & political attitudes, social influence.

• Emotional Intelligence – concepts & utilities in governance.

• Contributions of moral thinkers & philosophers.

• Public service values, ethics in public administration.

• Case Studies on ethical dilemmas in governance.

  Candidate can choose one optional subject from the UPSC prescribed list