UPSC Syllabus — Prelims, Mains & Interview

The UPSC Civil Services syllabus is divided into three stages: Preliminary (objective), Mains (written descriptive) and Personality Test (interview). Prelims contains GS Paper I (static + current affairs) and GS Paper II (CSAT — qualifying). Mains includes nine papers: a compulsory essay, four General Studies papers, two optional papers (subject chosen by candidate), one language paper (qualifying) and one English paper (qualifying). The interview assesses personal suitability and articulation.

Quick tip: Start with the official syllabus document and map static topics (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment) against daily current affairs.

UPSC Notification — Apply, Vacancies & Instructions

UPSC publishes an official notification every year listing the number of vacancies, dates for Prelims/Mains, eligible categories, and application procedure. Always download the PDF from upsc.gov.in and read eligibility, fee details and instruction sheet before applying. Notifications also mention important links like Admit Card availability and correction windows.

Exam Date / Calendar — Keep a Planner

Dates for Prelims and Mains are announced in the notification and often posted in an annual calendar on the UPSC website. Mark registration deadlines, admit card issue, examination dates and result declarations in a calendar app. Use backward planning: set major milestones (complete NCERTs, finish GS syllabus, revise twice, mock test cycles).

Eligibility — Age, Attempts & Educational Qualifications

Basic eligibility includes Indian citizenship (or eligible category), a recognized degree, and age within prescribed limits. There are specified maximum attempts with relaxations for reserved categories. Check the notification for exact age/attempt rules and changes.

How to Prepare — Strategy & Timetable

Effective preparation blends: strong basics (NCERTs), standard reference books, daily current affairs, regular answer-writing for Mains, and timed mock-tests. Create a weekly routine with dedicated slots for static subjects, current affairs, optional subject, CSAT practice and revision. Consistency and simulated exam conditions for tests matter more than long hours without focus.

Best Books & Resources

Start with NCERTs (History, Polity, Geography, Economics basics). Move to standard texts: Laxmikanth for Polity, Bipin Chandra/Romeo for Modern India, Ramesh Singh/Mankiw for Economy fundamentals, G.C. Leong for Geography basics, and standard environment/environment reports for Ecology. Combine with good monthly/current affairs compilations and test series.

Current Affairs — Newspapers & Monthly Notes

Read a national newspaper daily (e.g., The Hindu/Indian Express) and summarize key editorials. Use monthly compilations from trusted coaching or independent services to link news with static syllabus. Practice writing synoptic answers to current topics with facts, causes, and policy suggestions.

Previous Year Papers — Pattern & Question Type

Solving previous years’ Prelims and Mains papers helps understand trend, repeated areas, and question style. Time yourself. For Mains, study model answers and examiner comments to learn structure and presentation.

CSAT / Aptitude — Qualifying but Important

CSAT is qualifying with a fixed cutoff. Do not ignore it. Practice comprehension, basic arithmetic, logical reasoning, and decision-making. A quick daily CSAT practice (30–45 minutes) keeps the paper manageable.

Optional Subjects — Choosing & Scoring

Choose an optional you are comfortable with — overlap with your graduation or interest helps. Consider availability of quality teachers, source books, and the subject’s scoring trend. Focus on concept clarity and answer writing for both papers.

Mains Answer Writing — Structure & Presentation

Use a clear introduction, structured body with headings/bullets, and conclude. Use facts, data, quotes (sparingly), and policy suggestions. Practice 2–3 answers daily under timed conditions and get feedback through a reliable test series.

Interview / Personality Test — DAF & Mock Interviews

Interview preparation includes a clear, honest DAF (Detailed Application Form), awareness of your background and optional subject, current affairs, and mock interviews with constructive feedback. Work on communication, body language and clarity of thought.

IAS Coaching — Online vs Offline

Coaching can provide structure, notes, and feedback. Use coaching selectively: for answer-writing, test series, or guidance. Many aspirants succeed via self-study with disciplined schedules plus selective online courses.

Cut-off & Result — Understanding Selection

Cut-offs depend on vacancy, difficulty, and category. Prelims cut-off determines Mains qualification. Focus on scoring above expected cut-off in Prelims, and build high-quality answers for Mains to get through to final ranking.

Toppers’ Strategy — Case Studies

Read interviews and strategy notes of recent toppers. Common themes: consistent routine, focus on basics, regular answer-writing, targeted revision, smart sources, and psychological resilience. Adopt what fits your temperament.

NCERTs for UPSC — Which Classes & Subjects

NCERTs from class 6 to 12 for History, Geography, Political Science, and Science are core. For Economy, start with class 11–12 basics. NCERTs build conceptual clarity and are the foundation before advanced texts.

Mock Tests & Test Series — Importance & Plan

A structured test schedule with analysis is crucial. Use mocks to identify weak areas, practice time management, and simulate exam pressure. Post-mock honest analysis drives improvement.

Salary & Services — What to Expect

Clearing UPSC places you into services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS etc. Salary, allowances and perks vary with cadre and post. The career also includes training, field postings, and long-term administrative responsibilities.