UPSC Mains Syllabus

Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the 18th century until the present significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors or contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the world – including events from the 18th century to the present, such as the French Revolution, the industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and political philosophies.
Geography – Physical geography of the world and India, including climate, vegetation, and natural resources.
Social, Economic, and Political Geography of India and the World.

Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges related to the federal structure, devolution of powers, and finances up to local levels.
Separation of powers between various organs of government, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, and privileges.
Policymaking and implementation in the context of social justice and international relations.

Technology – developments in the field of Information and Communication Technology, biotechnology, space, and nanotechnology.
Economic Development – issues related to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Environmental conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, bio-diversity, and disaster management.
Security challenges and their management in the Indian context. Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human actions, dimensions of ethics, and moral dilemmas.
Attitude – content, structure, and function of attitude, influence of attitude on behavior, changes in attitude.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services – integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections of the society.
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service, philosophical basis of governance and probity, information-sharing and transparency in government, right to information, codes of ethics, accountability, and ethical governance.

Paper will have a choice of topics for the candidates to write an essay in around 1000-1200 words on general topics of national and international importance.
Topics can range from political, social, economic, ethical, environmental, and philosophical issues.

Two papers of the chosen subject.
Each paper will have questions based on the selected subject and the syllabus outlined for that subject.

Stick to the syllabus and avoid straying into unnecessary topics.
Make a personalized study timetable and prioritize your weak areas.
Focus on NCERTs for conceptual clarity before moving to advanced books.
Regularly revise the topics and keep a habit of self-assessment with mock tests.
Stay updated with current affairs, especially for GS II and III papers.
Don't neglect your health. A balanced routine helps in long-term retention.