UPSC CSE Syllabus 2027
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS)
Exam Pattern
| # | Subject / Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Studies Paper 1 | 33 | 404 |
| 2 | CSAT (Paper 2) | 33 | 404 |
| 3 | Mains GS I-IV | 33 | 404 |
| 4 | Optional Paper | 33 | 404 |
| 5 | Essay | 33 | 404 |
| 6 | Interview | 33 | 404 |
| Total | 200 | 2425 | |
Syllabus by Subject
General Studies Paper 1
Key topics covered as per the official UPSC CSE syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for General Studies Paper 1.
View General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus →CSAT (Paper 2)
Key topics covered as per the official UPSC CSE syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for CSAT (Paper 2).
View CSAT (Paper 2) Syllabus →Mains GS I-IV
Key topics covered as per the official UPSC CSE syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for Mains GS I-IV.
View Mains GS I-IV Syllabus →Optional Paper
Key topics covered as per the official UPSC CSE syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for Optional Paper.
View Optional Paper Syllabus →Essay
Key topics covered as per the official UPSC CSE syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for Essay.
View Essay Syllabus →Interview
Key topics covered as per the official UPSC CSE syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for Interview.
View Interview Syllabus →Eligibility & Attempts
EEligibility Criteria
Graduate degree, age 21-32 years
ANumber of Attempts
6 for General, 9 for OBC, unlimited for SC/ST till age
Exam Schedule
Frequency
Once a year
Next Exam Date
May 2027
Registration Opens
February 2027
Preparation Tips
- 1Start with NCERT books (Class 6-12) for History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science foundation
- 2Current affairs preparation must be daily — maintain a notes diary from newspapers and PIB for Prelims and Mains
- 3CSAT (Paper 2) requires qualifying marks only — allocate 2-3 weeks dedicated preparation to clear the 33% threshold
- 4Practice previous year UPSC Prelims papers under timed conditions — question pattern and difficulty remain consistent
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice with Free Mock Tests
Now that you know the UPSC CSE syllabus, put your preparation to the test. Attempt free mock tests that mirror the real exam pattern.