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 [caption id="attachment_26302" align="aligncenter" width="300"] UPSC General Studies (GS) Syllabus Breakdown 2025–27[/caption] 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
