UPSC GS Syllabus 2025 – Mains Paper-Wise Breakdown

The UPSC GS Syllabus 2025–27 is the foundation for Civil Services preparation. This guide breaks down each General Studies paper — GS1 to GS4 — as per the latest pattern for Mains and Prelims. Whether you’re preparing for UPSC 2025, 2026, or 2027, this complete topic-wise syllabus helps streamline your strategy and focus on what truly matters.

Watch Video – Click 

UPSC General Studies Paper I (GS-I) – Detailed Syllabus Breakdown

1. Indian Heritage and Culture, Art Forms, Literature & Architecture

A. Indian Art Forms

• Paintings: Mural, Miniature, Mughal, Rajput, Pahari
• Dances: Classical (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, etc.), Folk, Modern
• Music: Hindustani and Carnatic Classical, Folk, Contemporary
• Puppetry: String, Shadow, Rod, Glove, Modern, Tribal
• Pottery: Ochre Coloured (OCP), Black and Red Ware (BRW), Painted Grey Ware (PGW), Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), Glazed/Unglazed
• Theatre: Classical Sanskrit, Regional, Modern
• Martial Arts: Kalaripayattu, Silambam, Thang Ta, Gatka, Mallakhamb

B. Indian Visual Arts

• Sculptures: Harappan, Mauryan, Post-Mauryan (Jain, Buddhist, Gupta), Medieval, Modern

C. Architecture

• Ancient: Harappan, Mauryan, Post-Mauryan, Gupta, Rock-cut (South, West, East)
• Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida, Vesara styles
• Cave Architecture: Buddhist, Jain, Gupta Period
• Medieval & Indo-Islamic: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal, Provincial, Sikh, Rajput
• Colonial & Modern: Indo-Saracenic, European influence, Post-Independence

D. Literature

• Vedic Literature: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas
• Classical Sanskrit Literature: Kalidasa, Vishakhadatta
• Ancient Religious Texts: Jain and Buddhist Literature
• Dravidian Literature: Sangam Texts
• Medieval Literature: Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Women Poets
• Modern Literature: Reformist and Nationalist Literature

2. Indian History

A. Ancient History

• Prehistoric Period: Stone Age, Chalcolithic, Iron Age
• Indus Valley Civilization: Urban planning, Society, Art, Decline
• Vedic Period: Aryan Migration, Vedic Texts, Varna System, Religion
• Mahajanapadas & Early Kingdoms: Haryanka, Shishunaga, Nanda
• Religious Reform Movements: Jainism and Buddhism, Mahavira & Buddha
• Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta, Bindusara, Asoka, Administration
• Post-Mauryan India: Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, Satavahanas, Art Schools (Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati)
• Gupta Period: Politics, Economy, Art, Golden Age, Harsha’s reign
• Southern Kingdoms: Satavahanas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas

B. Medieval History

• Delhi Sultanate: Slave, Khilji, Tughluq, Sayyid, Lodi Dynasties
• Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Later Mughals, Administration, Decline
• Sur Dynasty & Afghan-Maratha-Mughal Struggle
• Deccan Sultanates: Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Berar, Golconda, Bidar
• Rise of Marathas: Shivaji, Administration

C. Modern History

• 18th Century India: Decline of Mughals, Rise of Regional Powers
• British Expansion: Battles (Plassey, Buxar), Anglo Wars, Economic Policies
• Socio-religious Reforms: Brahmo, Arya Samaj, Aligarh Movement, etc.
• 1857 Revolt: Causes, Events, Leaders, Aftermath
• Rise of Nationalism: INC Formation, Moderates vs Extremists
• Mass Movements: Swadeshi, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India
• Constitutional Developments: Acts, Reforms, Round Table Conferences
• Partition & Independence: Communal Award, INA, Cabinet Mission, Mountbatten Plan

D. Post-Independence India

• Political Integration: Princely States, Linguistic Reorganisation
• Nation Building: Planning, Language Issue, One-Party Rule, Emergency, Coalitions
• Social Reforms: Tribal Rights, Women Movements, SHGs, Naxalism
• Science & Technology: Green Revolution, Operation Flood, DRDO, ISRO

3. World History

• Modern World Origins: Renaissance, Reformation, Discovery of Sea Routes
• Revolutions: American War of Independence, French Revolution, Russian Revolution
• Nation-State Formation: Italy and Germany Unification
• Political Ideologies: Communism, Capitalism, Socialism
• Colonialism & Imperialism: Impact on Asia and Africa
• World Wars: Causes, Events, Consequences, Peace Treaties
• Cold War: Origin, Proxy Wars (Korea, Vietnam, Cuba), End of USSR
• Post-War World: UN Formation, Decolonization, Rise of USA, China

4. Indian Society

• Structure & Features: Caste, Religion, Tribe, Ethnicity, Linguistics
• Unity in Diversity: Pluralism, Inclusion, Family System, Secularism
• Role of Women: Women’s Movements, Participation in Politics, SHGs
• Population Issues: Demographic Trends, Aging, Dividend, Policy Initiatives
• Poverty & Development: Causes, Consequences, Alleviation Policies
• Urbanization: Trends, Issues, Slums, Urban Planning
• Globalisation & Social Impact: Economic, Cultural, Women, Agrarian Changes
• Social Empowerment: Disadvantaged Groups, Government Schemes
• Communalism: Causes, Impact, Counter Measures
• Regionalism: Forms, Causes, Impact on Federalism
• Secularism: Indian vs Western Models, Challenges

5. World & Indian Geography

A. World Physical Geography

• Geomorphology: Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Landforms
• Climatology: Atmospheric Structure, Winds, Rainfall, Climate Types
• Oceanography: Salinity, Currents, Tides, Ocean Floor
• Soils: Types, Formation, Erosion, Conservation

B. Indian Physical Geography

• Physiography: Mountains, Plains, Plateaus
• Drainage: Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers
• Climate: Monsoon, Seasons, Climate Types
• Soils & Vegetation: Classification, Regional Types

C. Resources & Industries

• Resources Distribution: Water, Forest, Land, Minerals, Energy
• Agriculture: Cropping Patterns, Farming Types
• Industries: Iron & Steel, Textile, IT – Location Factors
• Transport & Communication: Railways, Ports, Roads, Telecom

D. Geophysical Phenomena

• Earthquakes, Tsunami, Cyclones, Volcanic Eruptions: Causes, Distribution, Impact
• Environmental Changes: Melting Ice, Desertification, Biodiversity Loss

UPSC General Studies Paper II (GS-II) – Simplified & Structured Syllabus

1. Indian Constitution

1.1 Historical Underpinnings & Evolution

• Regulating Act (1773) to the Indian Independence Act (1947)
• Formation and working of the Constituent Assembly
• Objective Resolution (1946)
• Drafting and Enforcement (26th Jan 1950)

1.2 Features of the Constitution

• Written and Lengthy Constitution
• Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
• Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
• Parliamentary System of Government
• Universal Adult Franchise
• Single Citizenship
• Secular State
• Fundamental Rights and Duties
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

1.3 Amendments and Basic Structure

• Amendment Procedure (Article 368)
• Important Amendments (42nd, 44th, 52nd, 73rd, 74th, 86th, 101st, 103rd, etc.)
• Doctrine of Basic Structure
• Key Judgements: Kesavananda Bharati, Minerva Mills, Golaknath, etc.

2. Federalism and Centre-State Relations

2.1 Division of Powers (7th Schedule)

• Union List, State List, Concurrent List
• Legislative, Executive and Financial Relations

2.2 Issues in Federalism

• Cooperative vs Competitive Federalism
• Role of Governors
• Commissions: Sarkaria, Punchhi, 2nd ARC
• Zonal Councils and Inter-State Councils

2.3 Devolution to Local Bodies

• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
• 11th and 12th Schedules
• Role of State Finance Commissions
• Panchayat Devolution Index

3. Separation of Powers and Redressal Mechanisms

3.1 Separation of Powers

• Doctrine of Separation and Checks & Balances
• Indian Context and Related Case Laws

3.2 Dispute Redressal Institutions

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
• Tribunals
• Right to Information (RTI)

4. Comparison with Other Constitutions

• USA (Presidential System)
• UK (Parliamentary Sovereignty)
• France (Republicanism)
• South Africa (Post-Apartheid Constitution)
• Australia (Federalism)

5. Parliament and State Legislatures

5.1 Structure and Functioning

• Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
• Legislative Assemblies and Councils
• Legislative Process

5.2 Powers and Privileges

• Parliamentary Conduct
• Committees (PAC, Estimates Committee, etc.)
• Anti-defection Law

6. Executive and Judiciary

6.1 Executive Structure

• Union: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers
• States: Governor, Chief Minister, State Council

6.2 Judiciary

• Structure: SC, HCs, Subordinate Courts
• Jurisdiction and Independence
• Judicial Review

6.3 Government Machinery

• Ministries and Departments
• Cabinet Secretariat

7. Representation and Electoral Framework

7.1 Representation of People Act

• Key Features
• Electoral Reforms

7.2 Constitutional Posts

• UPSC, State PSCs
• Election Commission
• Finance Commission
• CAG, Attorney General, Advocate General
• Commissions for SCs, STs, Minorities, Women

8. Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-Judicial Bodies

• NITI Aayog
• RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA
• NHRC, SHRC, CIC, CVC
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas
• NCW, NCBC, NCMEI
• UGC, AICTE, FSSAI
• TRAI, AERB, CPCB, DGCA
• NGT, CAT, SAT, IPAB

9. Governance and Development

9.1 Government Policies & Interventions

• Sectoral Policies: Health, Education, Gender, etc.
• Flagship Schemes: MGNREGA, PMJDY, Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Skill India, etc.

9.2 Design and Implementation Issues

• Policy Gaps
• Resource and Institutional Constraints
• Monitoring & Evaluation Mechanisms

10. Development Industry and Social Capital

10.1 NGOs and Voluntary Sector

• Legal Framework (FCRA, Societies Act, Trusts Act)
• National Policy on Voluntary Sector (2007)
• Accreditation and Accountability

10.2 Self Help Groups (SHGs)

• Importance and Case Studies (e.g., Kudumbashree)
• Limitations and Reforms

10.3 Cooperatives

• Constitutional Status (97th Amendment)
• Challenges and Revitalisation

11. Transparency, Accountability & Civil Services

11.1 Good Governance

• Dimensions: Accountability, Rule of Law, Transparency
• Barriers & Reforms

11.2 E-Governance

• Models and Applications
• Successes and Challenges

11.3 Citizens’ Charters

• Sevottam Model
• Measures for Effectiveness

11.4 Civil Services

• Role in Democracy
• Issues and Reforms (ARC Reports)

12. Social Justice

12.1 Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Groups

• SC/ST, Minorities, Women, Children, Elderly, Disabled, Transgender
• Implementation and Performance

12.2 Legal and Institutional Framework

• Key Acts: POCSO, PCPNDT, Domestic Violence, Atrocities Act, Disability Act, etc.
• National Commissions and Ministries

13. Health, Education and Human Resources

13.1 Health

• NHM, UHC, Insurance, Infrastructure
• NFHS, NHP 2017, AMR, Maternal & Child Health

13.2 Education

• Challenges in Literacy, Infrastructure
• RTE, NEP, ASER, Financing Issues

13.3 Human Resource Development

• Skill India, NSDC
• Employment and Capacity Building

14. Poverty and Hunger

• Definitions and Measurement
• Key Schemes: NFSA, MDM, MGNREGA
• SDGs, Inequities in Food Distribution

15. International Relations

15.1 India and its Neighbours

• Relations with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar

15.2 Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings

• SAARC, BIMSTEC, BRICS, ASEAN, SCO, IORA, etc.
• India’s Participation and Interests

15.3 Global Issues Impacting India

• OBOR, INSTC, Trade Wars, UN Reforms, Climate Diplomacy, H-1B, South China Sea, etc.

15.4 Indian Diaspora

• Engagement Initiatives (OCI, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, etc.)
• Contributions and Challenges

15.5 International Institutions

• UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO, ADB, WEF, Commonwealth, etc.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III (GS-3): Complete Syllabus Breakdown

INDIAN ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT

1. Indian Economy and Issues Related to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

A. Planning in India

• Definition and Meaning of Planning
• Importance of Planning in Economic Development
• Types of Planning: Imperative, Indicative, Structural
• Objectives of Planning
• History of Indian Planning
• Planning Techniques Adopted in India
• Achievements and Limitations
• Criticism of Planning Process
• Transition from Planning Commission to NITI Aayog

B. Mobilization of Resources

• Types of Resources: Financial, Human, Natural
• Importance of Resource Mobilization
• Role of Savings and Investments
• Government Resources: Taxation (Direct & Indirect), Non-Tax Revenue
• Role of Banking Sector and NBFCs
• Capital Markets and Financial Instruments
• External Sources: FDI, FII, ODA, ECB
• Public Borrowing & Public Debt Management
• Challenges and Solutions

C. Economic Growth and Development

• Definitions and Differences
• Key Determinants of Growth
• Indicators of Development (HDI, GDI, MPI)
• Jobless Growth and Pro-Poor Growth
• Balanced vs. Unbalanced Growth
• Development Models: Market-Based, Planned, Mixed Economy
• Challenges to Sustainable Development

D. Employment

• Nature: Rural vs. Urban, Formal vs. Informal
• Important Terms: LFPR, WPR, Unemployment Rate
• Employment Trends across Sectors
• Issues: Underemployment, Disguised Unemployment
• Quality of Employment
• Skill Development Initiatives
• Government Schemes: MGNREGA, PMKVY, etc.

2. Inclusive Growth and Related Issues

• Meaning and Importance of Inclusive Growth
• Core Components: Education, Health, Financial Inclusion
• Indicators and Monitoring
• Challenges: Social Inequality, Gender Divide, Regional Disparities
• Government Initiatives: JAM Trinity, SHG-Bank Linkage

3. Government Budgeting

• Importance of Budgeting
• Budget Structure: Revenue Account (Receipts and Expenditure), Capital Account (Receipts and Expenditure)
• Types of Budgets: Zero-Based, Outcome-Based, Gender Budgeting
• Deficits: Fiscal Deficit, Revenue Deficit, Primary Deficit
• FRBM Act and Fiscal Consolidation

4. Land Reforms in India

• Need and Objectives
• Key Components: Abolition of Intermediaries, Tenancy Reforms, Land Ceiling, Consolidation of Landholdings
• Outcomes and Challenges
• Modern Initiatives: Digital Land Records, Land Leasing Policies, LARR Act 2013

5. Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

• Liberalization Timeline since 1991
• Impacts on Agriculture, Industry, Services
• Economic Reforms and Sectoral Changes
• Globalization and Privatization Effects
• Make in India, Startup India, and Industrial Corridors

6. Industrial Policy and Growth

• Industrial Policy Pre-1991 and Post-1991
• Policy Measures: Industrial Licensing, FDI Liberalization
• National Manufacturing Policy
• Role of SEZs and Industrial Clusters

7. Infrastructure

• Key Sectors: Energy (Thermal, Hydro, Renewable), Transport: Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways
• Challenges in Infrastructure Financing
• Government Programs: PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, Sagarmala

8. Investment Models

• Types: Public Investment, Private Investment, PPP (BOT, BOOT, Hybrid Annuity)
• FDI and FII
• Cluster-Based Investment Models
• Examples: NIP, InvITs, REITs

AGRICULTURE & RELATED ISSUES

1. Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

• Food, Cash, Plantation Crops
• Regional Crop Diversity
• Types of Cropping: Mono, Mixed, Inter, Relay
• Factors Affecting Patterns

2. Irrigation Systems and Storage

• Types: Surface, Sub-surface, Drip, Sprinkler
• Sources: Canal, Well, Tank, Rainwater
• Irrigation Issues and Reforms
• Environmental Impacts

3. Agricultural Marketing & Transport

• APMC Acts and Mandis
• e-NAM and Digital Platforms
• Cold Chains, Warehousing, Grading
• Contract Farming and FPOs

4. E-Technology and Technology Missions

• ICT Tools in Farming
• m-Kisan, Soil Health Cards, AgriStack
• Technology Missions on Oilseeds, Cotton, etc.

5. Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

• Direct and Indirect Subsidies
• Fertilizer, Power, Seed Subsidies
• MSP Mechanism and Reforms
• WTO Concerns and Price Distortion

6. Public Distribution System and Food Security

• Objectives and Functioning
• Role of FCI
• Aadhaar-based Targeted Delivery
• Limitations and Reforms

7. Buffer Stocks

• Procurement Policy
• Food Security Act
• Problems: Storage Losses, Fiscal Burden

8. Animal Rearing Economics

• Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries Economics
• Livestock Insurance and Cooperatives

9. Food Processing Industry

• Importance and Potential
• Challenges: Logistics, Skill, Regulation
• Value Chain: Upstream & Downstream
• SAMPADA Scheme and FPI Clusters

UPSC GS Paper-IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude – Topic-wise Syllabus Breakdown

1. Ethics and Human Interface

• Definition and Essence of Ethics
  • Meaning, nature, and importance of ethics in life and society
  • Why ethics matters in personal and public life
• Determinants of Ethics in Human Actions
  • Role of intention, motive, action, and consequences
  • Relationship between means and ends
• Consequences of Ethical and Unethical Behavior
  • Impact on individuals, society, and institutions
• Dimensions of Ethics
  • Personal ethics vs. Professional ethics
  • Individual ethics vs. Societal ethics
• Ethics in Private and Public Relationships
  • Trust and honesty in family, friendships, workplaces, and public offices
• Human Values
  • Universal values such as truth, compassion, love, and justice
• Sources of Human Values
  • Role of family, society, and educational institutions
  • Cultural traditions, religion, and spiritual practices
• Learning from Lives and Teachings
  • Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
  • Reformers such as Swami Vivekananda, B.R. Ambedkar
  • Administrators and historical figures exemplifying ethics

2. Attitude

• Definition and Components
  • Cognitive (thoughts), Affective (feelings), Behavioral (actions)
• Functions of Attitude
  • Knowledge function, ego-defensive function, value-expressive function
• Attitude Formation and Change
  • Influence of family, peer groups, media, education
• Influence on Behavior
  • How attitudes guide and shape individual behavior in society
• Moral and Political Attitudes
  • Examples of moral dilemmas and ideological biases
• Social Influence and Persuasion
  • Role of communication, propaganda, peer pressure, and leadership

3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services

• Definition of Aptitude
  • Natural ability or talent to perform tasks efficiently
• Core Values for Civil Servants
  • Integrity – Honesty, uprightness, and consistency in actions
  • Impartiality & Non-partisanship – Fairness and neutrality in decision-making
  • Objectivity – Unbiased approach, based on facts and logic
  • Dedication to Public Service – Commitment to public welfare
  • Empathy – Understanding others’ emotions and needs
  • Tolerance – Respect for diversity in society
  • Compassion for Weaker Sections – Protecting rights of the marginalized

4. Emotional Intelligence (EI)

• Concept and Components
  • Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, Social skills
• Benefits of EI in Public Life
  • Enhancing decision-making, leadership, and stress management
• Application of EI in Administration and Governance
  • Conflict resolution, teamwork, and citizen interface

5. Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers

• Indian Thinkers
  • Buddha, Mahavira, Chanakya, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi
• Western Thinkers
  • Plato, Aristotle, Kant, John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham
• Themes Covered
  • Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue ethics, Ethical relativism
• Relevance to Modern Administration
  • How classical ideas guide contemporary ethical conduct

6. Values and Ethics in Public Administration

• Meaning and Role of Ethics in Governance
  • Foundation for transparency, trust, and accountability
• Status and Challenges
  • Ethical lapses in government and corporate sectors
  • Issues of nepotism, favouritism, and misuse of authority
• Sources of Ethical Guidance
  • Constitution, legal framework, civil service code, personal conscience
• Ethical Dilemmas in Public and Private Institutions
  • Conflict between personal and professional interests
  • Case-based decision-making
• Ethical Governance
  • Elements: Accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law
• International Ethics
  • Ethics in foreign aid, humanitarian intervention, diplomacy
• Corporate Governance
  • Principles: Disclosure, Board integrity, Stakeholder engagement

7. Probity in Governance

• Definition and Importance
  • Upholding integrity, honesty, and moral uprightness in administration
• Philosophical Basis of Governance
  • Dharma, Rule of Law, Good governance
• Concept of Public Service
  • Civil servants as trustees of public interest
• Transparency and Accountability
  • Tools: RTI Act, audits, performance appraisal
• Instruments of Ethical Governance
  • Code of Ethics – Guidelines on moral conduct
  • Code of Conduct – Rules for acceptable behavior
• Citizen’s Charters
  • Mechanism to ensure service delivery standards
• Work Culture and Service Quality
  • Promoting punctuality, discipline, responsiveness
• Utilization of Public Funds
  • Efficiency, honesty, and public benefit orientation
• Corruption and Its Challenges
  • Types: Political, bureaucratic, corporate
  • Preventive tools: Vigilance commissions, anti-corruption laws

8. Case Studies

• Purpose
  • Assess ethical decision-making, integrity, and problem-solving
• Areas Covered
  • Personal integrity vs. public responsibility
  • Workplace dilemmas, conflict of interest, whistleblowing
  • Public fund misuse, citizen service denial, bureaucratic apathy
• Skillsets Tested
  • Ethical reasoning, empathy, stakeholder analysis, practical solutions