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UPSC Syllabus 2026 Released for Prelims, Mains & Interview – Download PDF

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  • Updated January 27, 2026 03:48 PM
  • by S Muktha

UPSC Syllabus 2026 Released for Prelims, Mains & Interview – Direct Link to Download Syllabus PDF here

  • UPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the detailed syllabus for Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, commonly known as IAS Exam. Candidates preparing for UPSC CSE recruitment can download the official syllabus PDF, exam pattern, and marking scheme from this page. This comprehensive guide covers subject-wise topics for Prelims (GS Paper 1 & CSAT), Mains (Essay, GS 1-4, Optional, Languages), preparation strategy, and important books for the UPSC exam. No major changes in syllabus for 2026; it remains consistent with previous years (refer to official UPSC notification when released).

UPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus 2026 - Overview

Exam NameUPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 / IAS Exam
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post NameIAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B Services
Exam ModeOffline (Pen & Paper)
Exam TypePrelims: Objective (MCQ); Mains: Descriptive
Total Questions (Prelims)GS Paper 1: 100; CSAT: 80
Total MarksPrelims: 400 (qualifying); Mains + Interview: 2025 (merit)
Exam DurationPrelims: 2 hours each paper; Mains: 3 hours per paper
Negative MarkingYes in Prelims (1/3 marks deducted for wrong answers)
Selection ProcessPrelims (screening) + Mains (written) + Interview/Personality Test
Exam LanguageEnglish/Hindi (Prelims & Mains); Optional regional languages for some papers
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in
  • Before diving into the detailed syllabus, candidates should understand the basic exam structure. The table below provides essential information about the UPSC CSE recruitment exam 2026.

Download UPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus 2026 PDF

  • The official UPSC Syllabus PDF 2026 is available in the notification. Candidates can access the complete syllabus with all subject-wise topics, weightage, and exam pattern details.
  • Click Here to Download UPSC Syllabus PDF 2026
  • Note: This is the official link from UPSC website. The PDF includes the complete and updated syllabus for 2026 exam (check latest notification for any minor updates or dates).

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

  • Understanding the UPSC Prelims exam pattern 2026 is crucial for effective preparation. Prelims is screening stage; marks not counted in final merit.

Key Highlights of Prelims Exam Pattern:

Paper/SubjectNo. of QuestionsMarksDuration
General Studies Paper 1 (GS-1)1002002 Hours
General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT - Qualifying)802002 Hours
Total1804004 Hours
  • Important Points:
  • Each correct answer carries 2 marks (GS1) / 2.5 marks (CSAT)
  • Negative marking: 1/3 marks deducted for each wrong answer
  • No marks for unattempted questions
  • CSAT is qualifying (minimum 33% or 66 marks required)
  • GS Paper 1 decides cutoff for Mains qualification
  • Question paper available in English/Hindi

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026

PaperSubjectMarksDuration
Paper AIndian Language (Qualifying)3003 Hours
Paper BEnglish (Qualifying)3003 Hours
Paper 1Essay2503 Hours
Paper 2General Studies 12503 Hours
Paper 3General Studies 22503 Hours
Paper 4General Studies 32503 Hours
Paper 5General Studies 4 (Ethics)2503 Hours
Paper 6Optional Subject Paper 12503 Hours
Paper 7Optional Subject Paper 22503 Hours
Total (Merit)1750-
  • Mains consists of 9 papers (total 1750 marks for merit + 2 qualifying papers). Descriptive type.
  • Important Points: Language papers qualifying (25% marks required); Interview 275 marks; Final merit out of 2025 (Mains + Interview).

UPSC Syllabus 2026 - Subject Wise Topics

  • The UPSC syllabus 2026 is vast and integrated. Below is the complete breakdown.

Q1. Where can I download the UPSC Syllabus 2026 PDF?

  • Download from official UPSC website https://upsc.gov.in or links provided above.

Q2. What is the exam pattern for UPSC 2026?

  • The examination consists of 9 papers, including 2 qualifying language papers, 1 essay paper, 4 General Studies papers, and 2 optional subject papers.

Q4. What are the main subjects in UPSC syllabus?

  • The syllabus includes General Studies (History, Polity, Economy, Geography, Environment, and Science), CSAT, Essay, Ethics, and an Optional Subject.
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