UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026, Download GS and CSAT Subject Wise PDF

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF is an essential document for candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026. UPSC Prelims 2026 is the first phase of the IAS Selection Process. The UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 comprises two papers: General Studies (covering history, polity, economy, geography, environment, science, and current affairs) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). In this article, we have discussed the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF in detail.

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UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF 2026

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

Candidate can check UPSC Prelims Subjectwise Weightage 2026 Here!

UPSC General Paper 1 Syllabus 2026

• Current events of National & International importance.
• History of India & Indian National Movement.
• Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• Indian & World Geography – Covers the Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India & the World.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization.
• Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• General Science

Candidate can check UPSC Syllabus 2026 Here!

IAS Prelims History Syllabus 2026

According to UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2026, it is evident that the exam will include questions on Indian History & the Indian National Movement. Below table has disuss about the important topics that Candidates should cover in preparation for this section of the exam.

Ancient History

• Prehistoric Cultures in India

• Indus Valley Civilization

• Vedic Period: Aryans and their settlements

• Mahajanapadas

• Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

• Maurya Dynasty: Administration, Economy, Ashoka’s Dhamma

• Post-Mauryan Period: Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas

• Gupta Age: Administration, Economy, Literature, Science, and Technology

• Regional States during the Gupta Era

Medieval History

• Early Medieval Period: Palas, Senas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas

• Delhi Sultanate: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodhi dynasties

• Provincial Kingdoms: Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Kingdoms, and Regional Kingdoms

• Mughal Empire: Establishment, Administration, Decline

• Marathas: Rise, Administration, Peshwas

• South Indian Kingdoms: Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Cheras, Hoysalas, Pandyas, Kakatiyas

Modern History

• European Penetration into India: Precursor events, Colonization, Governor Generals, and Viceroys

• British Policies and Impact: Revenue systems – Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, Mahalwari Systems

• Uprising Against British Rule & Major Revolts: Revolt of 1857, Important Movements

• Socio-Religious Reform Movements: Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Theosophical Society

• National Movement:

  • Rise of Indian Nationalism

  • Formation of Congress

  • Swadeshi Movement

  • Home Rule Movement

  • Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement

• Constitutional Developments: Acts of 1909, 1919, 1935 & Indian Independence Act 1947

• Independence & Partition of India: Plan, Events, Role of Indian Leaders

IAS Geography Prelims Syllabus 2026

According to the UPSC Prelims Geography Syllabus 2026, the section covers the Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of both India and the World. Candidates should review the detailed topics under each of the geographic areas listed below.

General Geography

• Universe & Earth Evolution

• Biogeography

  • Soil Characteristics

  • Vegetation Resources

Geomorphology

• Earth’s Interior

• Geology and Rock System

• Geomorphic Processes

• Earthquakes and Volcanism

• Distribution of Continents and Oceans

• Landforms and Their Evolution

• Landforms Across the World

Oceanography

• Hydrosphere

• Submarine Relief Features

• Temperature and Salinity

• Waves, Oceans, Currents, Tides

• Marine Resources

• Ocean Deposits and Corals

Climatology

• Atmosphere

• Inversion of Temperature

• Insolation and Heat Budget

• Air Mass, Fronts, Cyclones, and Jet Streams

• Wind and Pressure Belts

• Precipitation

• Climate Zones of the World

Human & Economic Geography

• Demography and Census

• Human Development

• Economic Activities

• Transport and Communication

• International Trade

• Settlement

Indian Geography

• Physiography of India
• Drainage System
• Climate
• Soils in India
• Natural Vegetation
• Population
• Settlements and Urbanization
• Land Resource
• Mineral Resource
• Energy Resource
• Agriculture & Basic Terminology
• Recent Developments in Agriculture
• Productivity of Crops
• Industry
• Transport
• Recent Developments in Industry & Transport

World Regional Geography

• Continents, Countries, and Cities
• Locations in News

Ecology & Environment

• Origin of Life Forms
• Basic Concepts of Ecology
• Ecosystem Functions
• Population Ecology
• Adaptation of Species & Interactions
• Terrestrial Ecosystem
• Aquatic Ecosystem
• Nutrient Cycling

Biodiversity

• Basics of Biodiversity

• Animal and Plant Diversity

• Threats to Biodiversity

• Biodiversity Conservation

• Estuaries, Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Wetlands

Resource Degradation & Management

• Environmental Pollution

• Climate Change

• Environmental Governance

IAS Polity Prelims Syllabus 2026

We have discussed the UPSC Prelims Polity Syllabus 2026, which covers sections like the Constitution of India, Government Structure, Judiciary, Federal Structure, Governance and Political Dynamics. Candidates should review the detailed topics under each of the preliminary polity areas listed below.

Constitution of India

• Historical Background

• Drafting Committee and Making of the Constitution

• Preamble

• Features of the Constitution

• Union and its Territory

• Citizenship

• Fundamental Rights

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• Fundamental Duties

• Amendments to the Constitution

• Basic Structure Doctrine

Government Structure

• President and Vice-President

• Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

• Parliament: Composition, Functions, and Procedures

• State Government: Governor, Chief Minister, and Council of Ministers

• State Legislature: Composition, Functions, and Procedures

• Local Government: Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipalities

• Union Territories and Special Areas

Judiciary

• Supreme Court: Jurisdiction and Powers

• High Courts: Jurisdiction and Powers

• Subordinate Courts

• Judicial Review

• Judicial Activism

Federal Structure

• Federalism: Center-State Relations

• Inter-State Relations

• Emergency Provisions

Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies

• Constitutional Bodies: Election Commission, UPSC, State PSCs, Finance Commission, CAG, etc.

• Non-Constitutional Bodies: NITI Aayog, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Lokpal, etc.

Political Dynamics

• Political Parties: National and Regional

• Elections and Electoral Reforms

• Representation of People’s Act

• Anti-Defection Law

• Pressure Groups

• Public Opinion and Media

Governance

• Good Governance Concepts

• E-Governance

• Transparency and Accountability: RTI, Citizen's Charter

• Public Policies

• Institutions and Bodies for the Welfare of Vulnerable Sections (SC/ST, Women, Children, Minorities, etc.)

Social Justice

• Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

• Mechanisms, Laws, and Institutions for Protection & Empowerment

International Relations

• Important International Institutions, Agencies, and Fora

IAS Economy Prelims Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Prelims Economy Syllabus outlines the broad topic of Economic & Social Development, which encompasses areas such as Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, and more.

Basic Concepts

• Macroeconomic Concepts

• Microeconomic Concepts

• Economic Measurements

• National Income & Its Calculation

• Economic Growth and Development

• Inflation

Money & Banking

• Money: Functions & Classification

• Financial Markets & Its Instruments

• Banking Structure in India

Public Finance in India

• Budgeting

• Fiscal Policy

• Center-State Distribution

• Tax Structure in India

Planning

• Meaning, Objective & History

• Planning Institutions

• Five-Year Plans in India

• NITI Aayog

Open Economy

• Foreign Trade Concepts

• International Organizations

• Trade Agreements

• Recent Developments

Economic Sectors

• Poverty

• Employment and Unemployment

• Government Schemes and Programmes

IAS General Science Prelims Syllabus

Science & Technology

• Recent Scientific Developments

• Applications of Science in Daily Life

Space

• Indian Space Program (ISRO Initiatives, Missions, and Achievements)

• International Space Agencies and Collaborations

• Satellites: Types and Applications

• Space Exploration and Technologies

IT and Communication

• Digital India Initiatives

• Cybersecurity and Data Protection

• 5G and Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

• Blockchain and Quantum Computing

Materials, Nanotechnology, and Robotics

• Advancements in Material Science

• Applications of Nanotechnology

• Robotics and Automation

Defence

• Missile Technology and Defence Systems

• Indigenous Defence Production & Procurement

• DRDO and Defence Innovations

Nuclear Technology

• Nuclear Energy and Power Plants

• Nuclear Proliferation and Treaties

• India’s Nuclear Policy

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) & Other Issues

• Patent Laws and Copyrights

• Geographical Indications (GI Tags)

• India’s Role in Global IPR Framework

Biotechnology

• Genetics and Genome Editing (CRISPR, GM Crops)

• Biopharmaceuticals and Vaccines

• Biotechnology Applications in Agriculture & Medicine

• Biosafety and Bioethics

IAS Art & Culture Prelims Syllabus

The UPSC Prelims Art and Culture Syllabus 2026 has been discussed below

Architecture

• Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian Architecture

• Temple Architecture (Nagara, Dravidian, and Vesara Styles)

• Indo-Islamic and Colonial Architecture

• Rock-Cut Caves and Stupas

Sculpture

• Harappan, Mauryan, and Post-Mauryan Sculptures

• Gupta and Chola Period Sculptures

• Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu Sculptural Art

Paintings

• Prehistoric Cave Paintings (Bhimbetka, etc.)

• Mural Paintings (Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, etc.)

• Miniature Paintings (Pahari, Rajput, Mughal, Deccan, etc.)

• Modern Indian Paintings and Artists

Pottery Tradition

• Harappan Pottery

• Painted Grey Ware and Northern Black Polished Ware

• Terracotta Art and Pottery Styles of Different Regions

Numismatics (Coins & Currency in Indian History)

• Coins of Ancient India (Punch-marked, Satavahana, Gupta, etc.)

• Medieval and Mughal Coinage

• British and Modern Indian Coins

Performing Arts

• Classical Dance Forms of India (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, etc.)

• Folk Dances of India

• Indian Music (Classical, Folk, and Contemporary)

• Theater and Puppetry Traditions

Religion and Literature

• Vedic and Post-Vedic Literature

• Buddhist and Jain Literature

• Sanskrit, Tamil, and Medieval Literature

• Persian, Urdu, and Modern Indian Literature

• Sacred Texts of Major Religions

National and Regional Festivals

• Religious and Cultural Festivals (Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, etc.)

• Tribal and Regional Festivals

• Harvest Festivals of India

• Fairs and Cultural Events (Kumbh Mela, Pushkar Fair, etc.)

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level) Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. — Class X level)

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UPSC Prelims Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Understand what topics are covered, the marking scheme, and the overall structure of the exam to focus your study efforts effectively.
2. Make a Study Plan: Allocate time wisely among the different subjects, focusing more on your weaker areas.
3. Regular Revision: Consistently revise the subjects you have studied to ensure the information is retained. Utilize online resources and UPSC Prelims books to boost your prep.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers: UPSC Prelims previous year paper will help you understand the trend of questions and improve your time management skills.
5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources daily to keep up with national and international events.

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