UPSC Prelims Syllabus
Everything you need to know about General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT), including question patterns, mark deductions, and recommended priority topics.
Prelims Structure & Rules
GS Paper I (Merit Paper)
100 Questions | 200 Marks
Counts towards your Prelims cutoff rank. Each correct answer gives +2 marks. Each wrong answer deducts -0.66 marks (1/3rd penalty).
GS Paper II: CSAT (Qualifying Paper)
80 Questions | 200 Marks
Qualifying nature only. Aspirants must score at least 33% (66.67 marks). Correct answer gives +2.5 marks; wrong answer deducts -0.83 marks.
General Studies Paper I: Subject-Wise Micro Breakdown
1. Current Events of National & International Importance
Government initiatives, socio-economic surveys, national indices, bilateral agreements, multilateral summits (G20, BRICS, UN, COP climate summits), scientific milestones, defense procurements.
2. History of India & Indian National Movement
Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic culture, Buddhism & Jainism, Mauryan & Gupta administrations.
Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Mughal administrative systems, Bhakti & Sufi traditions.
Modern Indian History: British expansion, Socio-religious reform movements, 1857 revolt, Indian National Congress phases, Gandhian mass movements, constitutional milestones up to 1947.
3. Indian & World Geography
Physical geography (geomorphology, climatology, oceanography), biogeography, drainage systems and river basins of India, mineral & agricultural resource distribution, industrial location factors, world physiography and strategic choke points.
4. Indian Polity & Governance
Constitutional historical background, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, Union and State Executive & Legislature, Judiciary, Federal dynamics, Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies, Constitutional and Statutory bodies.
5. Economic & Social Development
National income accounting, monetary & fiscal policy, inflation, banking sector reforms, budget & taxation, external sector & balance of payments, inclusive growth, sustainable development goals (SDGs), poverty alleviation, agriculture economics.
6. Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
Ecosystem dynamics, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, Ramsar wetland sites, IUCN Red List species, international environmental conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, CITES), environmental protection acts in India.
7. General Science & Technology
Developments in Space technology (ISRO missions), Defense technology, Biotechnology & genetic engineering, Information technology, AI, quantum computing, renewable energy, nanotechnology, public health & immunology.
CSAT (Paper II) Micro Breakdown
For complete details on logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative aptitude, read our dedicated Detailed CSAT Syllabus & Strategy Guide.