Duration: Two hours
Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)
This paper assesses candidates on:

-Significant national and global current affairs.

-History of India and the Indian freedom struggle.

-Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.

-Indian polity and governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues, etc.

-Economic and social development: sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and initiatives in the social sector.-

-General issues pertaining to ecology, biodiversity, climate change — without requiring subject specialization.

-General Science.

Paper II – Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (200 Marks)

Duration: Two hours
T-his qualifying paper evaluates:

-Reading comprehension.

-Interpersonal and communication skills.

-Logical reasoning and analytical thinking.

-General mental aptitude.

-Basic numeracy (up to Class X level: numbers, relations, magnitudes).

-Data interpretation (tables, charts, graphs, sufficiency — up to Class X level).

Important Notes:

-CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying in nature; candidates must secure at least 33% marks.

-Both papers feature multiple-choice, objective-type questions.

-Appearing in both papers is compulsory; absence in either disqualifies the candidate.

Main Examination

The Main Examination is designed to assess not just the candidate’s knowledge, but also their intellectual depth, critical analysis, and understanding of key issues relevant to public service. Questions in General Studies papers (Papers II–V) are crafted for a generally well-informed graduate, requiring no special expertise. The aim is to gauge awareness, clarity of thought, and ability to present balanced, concise answers.
The level of optional subjects (Papers VI & VII) is roughly that of an honours degree — above a bachelor’s and below a master’s — except Engineering, Law, and Medical Science, which are at the bachelor’s level.

Qualifying Papers

Indian Language & English
These papers test comprehension, articulation, and precise expression through:

-Reading comprehension.

-Precis writing.

-Vocabulary and usage.

-Short essays.

-Translation between English and the chosen Indian language.

General Studies Papers

Paper I – Essay

Candidates write essays on multiple topics. Emphasis is on sticking to the theme, organizing thoughts logically, and writing concisely with clarity and effectiveness.

Paper II – General Studies I

Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society

-Salient aspects of Indian culture, art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times.

-Modern Indian history (mid-18th century onward), key events, figures, and movements.

-Freedom struggle – phases, contributors, and regional impact.

-Post-independence consolidation and reorganization.

-Major world events from the 18th century: Industrial Revolution, world wars, boundary changes, colonization/decolonization, political deologies and their social impacts.

-Indian society: diversity, women’s issues, population challenges, poverty, urbanization, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism.

-Globalization’s impact on India.

-Physical geography of the world, natural resources distribution, factors influencing industries, major geophysical phenomena and their effects.

Paper III – General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations

-Evolution and features of the Indian Constitution, amendments, basic structure.

-Federal structure, center-state relations, local governance, financial devolution.

-Separation of powers, dispute resolution mechanisms.

-Comparison with other constitutional frameworks.

-Legislature and executive: structure, powers, functioning, privileges.

-Judiciary: structure, functioning, ministries, departments, pressure groups.

-Representation of People’s Act and constitutional offices.

-Statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies.

-Government policies and development interventions, role of NGOs, SHGs, and stakeholders.

-Welfare programs for vulnerable groups and mechanisms for their protection.

-Social sectors: health, education, HR development.

-Governance: transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizen charters.

-Civil services in democracy.

-India’s external relations: neighbors, bilateral/regional/global groupings, diaspora, policies of other nations.

-International institutions and their roles.

Paper IV – General Studies III

Economy, Technology, Environment, Security & Disaster Management

-Indian economy: planning, resource mobilization, growth, development, employment.

-Inclusive growth.

-Budgeting.

-Agriculture: cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, marketing, subsidies, MSP, PDS, food security, animal husbandry.

-Food processing industries: scope, supply chains.

-Land reforms.

-Liberalization and industrial growth.

-Infrastructure: energy, transport, investments.

-Science & technology: developments, applications, achievements, indigenization, IPR issues.

-IT, space, robotics, nanotech, biotech.

-Environmental conservation, pollution, impact assessment.

-Disaster management.

-Extremism and development linkages.

-Internal security: cyber security, media’s role, money laundering, organized crime, terrorism, border management, security forces.

Paper V – General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
-This paper examines integrity, ethics, and problem-solving through case studies and theory.

-Ethics: concepts, determinants, consequences, private and public morality.

-Human values: family, society, education, teachings of leaders, reformers, administrators.

-Attitude: its structure, influence, moral/social/political attitudes, persuasion.

-Foundational values of civil service: impartiality, integrity, empathy, public service.

-Emotional intelligence: concepts, applications.

-Moral thinkers and philosophers.

-Ethics in public administration: dilemmas, laws, conscience, accountability, corporate governance.

-Probity: transparency, RTI, codes of ethics/conduct, citizen charters, service quality, corruption challenges.

-Case studies on the above themes.

Writing a Strong Essay in UPSC

When crafting an essay for the Mains, keep in mind:

-Diverse Perspectives: Bring in multiple viewpoints, examples, and arguments to show depth and analytical ability.

-Relevance: Stay focused on the topic to maintain coherence and clarity.

-Clarity & Language: Write formally but simply, supporting your analysis with relevant data and examples.

-Evidence: Use credible facts, quotes, or case studies to back your arguments.

A thoughtful, well-organized essay reflects your critical thinking and communication skills — essential for success in the Civil Services Examination.