UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2025, Check Topic wise General Studies 1 Syllabus
UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2025 covers History, Geography, Art and Culture, and Indian Society. The candidate can check the UPSC Mains General Studies 1 Syllabus for the IAS exam here.
Anil Solonki7 Aug, 2025
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UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2025: The notification of the UPSC exam has detailed the syllabus of GS Paper 1. The GS 1 Paper also known as UPSC Mains Paper II evaluates candidates on four key subjects. Around 20 questions will be asked in this paper having a weightage of 250 marks.
The UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus mentions a complete list of topics that will be asked in the UPSC Mains Paper II. Major subjects that are covered in the UPSC GS 1 Paper are History, Geography, Art and Culture, and Indian Society. Read on for topic wise syllabus and books to cover them.=UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus 2025
As you start preparation for UPSC GS Paper 1, go through the syllabus first and have an idea of topics that must be studied. The UPSC General Studies I Paper is titled 'Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. ' This paper is held next day after the UPSC Essay paper and its exam pattern is as follows:- There are a total of 20 questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH
- All questions are compulsory and candidates will have 3 hours to complete the paper.
- Answers to Question Nos. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words each.
- Answers to Questions Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words each.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorised by the UPSC Admit Card which means candidates who have opted for 'Hindi' during the UPSC application can not write answers in English .
- Questions 1 to 10 are assigned 10 marks, whereas questions 11 to 20 are assigned 15 marks.
UPSC General Studies I Subjects
The UPSC Mains notification simply mentions the topics and does not categorize them into subjects. However, experts have distributed these topics into four subjects, which are further divided into subtopics. Here is the list of key subjects:| Subjects in UPSC GS 1 Paper | |
| Subjects | Topics |
| Art & Culture | Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times |
| History |
|
| Geography |
|
| Indian Society | Social Issues, Demographics, and Developments in Indian Society |
Also Read: UPSC Syllabus 2025
UPSC GS Paper 1 Subject Wise Syllabus 2025
Candidates are advised to memorize the UPSC GS Paper 1 syllabus and the keywords given in the topics mentioned in it. From previous years' question papers, It has been observed that UPSC usually frames questions within a few major topics directly or indirectly. The breakdown of UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus in major topics is given here subject-wise:| UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus | |
| Subject | Sub-Topics |
| 1. History | Modern History:
Post-independence History:
World History:
|
| 2. Art & Culture |
|
| 3. Geography |
|
| 4. Indian Society |
|
Also Read UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025
Important Topics in UPSC GS 1 Syllabus
As we know the syllabus is vast for the UPSC GS 1 Paper, however, not all sections are equally important for the exam. Therefore, focus on key topics in each subject to complete the syllabus in a limited time. The table below contains the important topics of General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Mains :| Subjects | Topics |
| 1. Art & Culture |
|
| 2. Modern History |
|
| 3. India after Independence & Political Philosophies |
|
| 4. World History |
|
| 5. Society of India |
|
| 6. Geography |
|
List Of Books For UPSC GS Paper 1
Books have a significant role in UPSC GS Paper 1 preparation. Here is the list of subject-wise books for UPSC GS Paper 1 that form the foundation of the exam.- History Books
- NCERT-VI to XII
- Ancient India-RS Sharma
- History of Medieval India-Satish Chandra
- A Brief History of Modern India-Spectrum
- Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe
- India After Independence-Bipan Chandra
- PW UPSC Wallah History Combo
- Art and Culture Books
- Introduction to Indian Art for Class XI (NCERT)
- PW UPSC Wallah Art and Culture
- Geography
-
- School Atlas - Orient Black Swan
- Geography NCERTs (Class XI and XII)
- Certificate Physical & Human Geography by GC Leong
- PW UPSC Wallah Geography
- Society
-
- XI Standard NCERT on Indian Society
- XII Standard NCERT (Chapters on Communalism, Secularism, and Urban Issues such as Poverty, Housing, etc.
- PW UPSC Wallah Society Book
UPSC GS Paper 1 Previous Year Question Papers
Solving UPSC GS Paper 1 is recommended by toppers to gauge the difficulty level of the questions in this paper. The table below contains the list of direct links to Previous year question papers of UPSC GS Paper 1 for the years, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020:| UPSC GS Paper 1 Previous Year Question Papers | |
| Year | Download Link |
| 2023 | UPSC GS Paper 1 2023 |
| 2022 | UPSC GS Paper 1 2022 |
| 2021 | UPSC GS Paper 1 2021 |
| 2020 | UPSC GS Paper 1 2020 |
How to Prepare for UPSC GS Paper 1?
Preparing for the General Studies Paper 1 of the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a comprehensive approach covering a wide range of topics. Candidates can use the Preparation strategy given below to prepare effectively:- Understand the Syllabus: The first step is to thoroughly understand the syllabus for GS Paper 1. It includes topics such as Indian Heritage and Culture, History of India, Indian Society, Geography of India and the World, and Current Events of National and International Importance.
- Collect Study Material: Gather all the necessary study material including textbooks, reference books, NCERT books (especially for history, geography, and sociology), previous years’ question papers, and online resources.
- Create a comprehensive Study Routine: Develop a study routine that covers all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Allocate specific time slots for each subject and make sure to stick to your schedule.
- Read NCERT Books: NCERT books are essential for building a strong foundation in subjects like history, geography, and sociology. Start with Class 6 to 12 NCERT textbooks and ensure that you understand the concepts thoroughly.
- Refer to Standard Reference Books : Along with NCERT books, refer to standard reference books for in-depth knowledge and understanding of various topics. Use PW OnlyIAS Combo Set to cover the syllabus comprehensively.
- Notes Making: Create concise notes of all the factual as well as important concepts, It aids in summarizing complex topics, highlighting key points, and facilitating quick revision. It also enhances understanding, boosts memory retention, and serves as a valuable reference during the exam preparation process.
- Practice Previous Years’ Question Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern, question format, and difficulty level. It will also help you identify the strengths and weaknesses in your preparation and time management.
- Focus on Demand of The Question: It involves carefully analyzing the question, identifying the key components, and addressing them directly in your answer. Try to read questions 2-3 times if it is a difficult one. By doing so, candidates demonstrate their ability to comprehend the question's requirements and provide relevant and precise responses, which is essential for scoring well in the exam.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Mains 2025 | UPSC Optional Subject | UPSC GS 4 Paper Syllabus |
| UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 | UPSC GS 2 Paper Syllabus | UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus |
UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus FAQs
What is GS 1 in UPSC Mains?
GS 1 in UPSC Mains is the General Studies Paper I, focusing on Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society.
What is the syllabus of GS paper 1 of UPSC Mains?
The syllabus of GS paper 1 of UPSC Mains includes topics from History, Geography, Art and Culture, and Indian Society.
How to prepare for UPSC Mains GS paper 1?
Understand the syllabus, gather study materials, follow a study routine, read NCERT books, make concise notes, and practice previous years' question papers.
Which book is best for UPSC Mains GS paper 1?
The PW OnlyIAS UPSC Mains Combo Set is best to complete the syllabus for GS Paper 1.
What is the syllabus of geography in the GS 1 Paper of UPSC Mains?
The geography syllabus includes physical geography, distribution of natural resources, location of industries, and important geophysical phenomena.
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