UPSC Civil Services (IAS) exam
Everything for the UPSC Civil Services exam in one place. Solve past papers first. Then see the pattern and the syllabus. Every syllabus topic links to our notes and practice questions.
UPSC previous year papers
Every paper is solved, with an explanation for each answer. Pick a year to start.
What is the UPSC exam pattern?
The exam has three stages. Each stage picks who goes to the next one.
1. Prelims
Two objective papers. GS Paper I decides who goes to Mains. CSAT only needs a pass.
400 marks · screening only2. Mains
Nine written papers. Seven count for rank. Two language papers only need a pass.
1750 marks count3. Interview
A board talks with you. It checks if you suit a career in public service.
275 marks- Both Prelims papers are 2 hours long. Each Mains paper is 3 hours long.
- Prelims has negative marking. A wrong answer costs one-third of that question’s marks.
- Prelims marks do not count in the final rank. They only decide who sits Mains.
- You need a graduate degree to apply. Final-year students can also apply.
- For general category candidates, the age limit is 21 to 32 years, with 6 attempts. Reserved categories get more age and attempts.
What is in the Prelims syllabus?
Two papers of 200 marks each. Use the Study and Practice links next to each topic.
General Studies Paper I
200 marks100 questions. This score decides who qualifies for Mains.
- Current events of national and international importance.Current affairs Read
- History of India and the Indian National Movement.
- Indian and world geography: physical, social and economic.
- Indian polity and governance: Constitution, panchayati raj, public policy, rights.
- Economic and social development: poverty, inclusion, population, social sector.
- Environment, biodiversity and climate change.
- General science.
CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
200 marks · qualifying80 questions. You need 33% to pass. Extra marks do not add to your rank.
- Comprehension and English language skills.
- Logical reasoning, analytical ability and general mental ability.
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class 10 level).
- Decision-making, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
What is in the Mains syllabus?
Nine written papers. Seven count for your rank.
The Essay paper is worth 250 marks. You write essays on a few topics. It rewards clear thinking and a well-built argument. Two language papers (one Indian language, one English) carry 300 marks each. You need 25% in each, and they do not count in the rank.
GS Paper I: heritage, history, society, geography
250 marksCulture, history and the world we live in.
- Indian art, literature and architecture, from ancient to modern times.
- Modern Indian history from the mid-18th century, and the freedom struggle.
- India after independence: how the country was joined and reorganised.
- World history from the 18th century: revolutions, world wars, empires.
- Indian society: diversity, women, poverty, population, globalisation.
- World and Indian physical geography, resources, earthquakes and cyclones.
GS Paper II: Constitution, governance, international relations
250 marksHow India is run, and how it deals with the world.
- Constitution, Parliament, executive, judiciary, federalism and constitutional bodies.
- Government schemes, welfare of weaker sections, health and education.
- India and its neighbours, global groups and international bodies.
GS Paper III: economy, technology, environment, security
250 marksGrowth, science and keeping the country safe.
- Indian economy: planning, growth, budgets, farming and infrastructure.
- Science and technology: space, IT, biotech and their use in daily life.
- Environment, pollution, conservation and disaster management.
- Internal security, border management and cyber security.
How do you choose the optional subject?
Two papers of 250 marks each. You pick one subject from 48 choices.
The highlighted subjects are the most popular. They overlap a lot with the GS papers. Choose a subject you enjoy and can score in.
What happens in the UPSC interview?
The last stage. It is worth 275 marks and has no fixed syllabus.
- A board checks your suitability for public service, not just your knowledge.
- It looks for clear thinking, balanced judgement, alertness and leadership.
- Questions can come from your studies, your home state, current affairs and your hobbies.
How is the final rank calculated?
Only Mains and Interview marks count. The total is 2025.
| Paper | Marks | Counts for rank? |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims GS Paper I | 200 | No, screening only |
| Prelims CSAT | 200 | No, 33% to pass |
| Mains language papers (2) | 300 + 300 | No, 25% to pass each |
| Mains Essay | 250 | Yes |
| Mains GS Papers I to IV | 4 × 250 = 1000 | Yes |
| Mains Optional Papers I and II | 2 × 250 = 500 | Yes |
| Interview | 275 | Yes |
| Total for final rank | 2025 | 1750 Mains + 275 Interview |
How should you prepare?
Four simple habits that add up over a long preparation.
1. Start with NCERT books
Read NCERT books for history, geography, polity and economy first. Then move to bigger books.
2. Solve real papers
Solve past papers with a timer. Start with the papers at the top of this page.
3. Follow current affairs daily
Read one good daily source. Link each news item to a syllabus topic. Our current affairs page helps.
4. Revise on a schedule
Go back to old topics every few weeks. Repeated recall is what you remember on exam day.