UPSC IAS Syllabus 2024 - Download Prelims & mains exam syllabus PDF here

UPSC IAS Syllabus 2024 - Download Prelims & mains exam syllabus PDF here

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on May 27, 2024 04:02 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
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Candidates before starting their preparation for the Civil Services exam are advised to download the IAS syllabus pdf and make a study plan accordingly. The IAS 2024 syllabus is available separately for prelims and mains for the UPSC IAS exam. Aspirants should check the exam patterns along with the IAS syllabus.
Download - UPSC IAS Syllabus PDF

This Story also Contains
  1. IAS Syllabus - Prelims
  2. IAS Prelims Syllabus 2024
  3. IAS Exam Pattern 2024 (Prelims)
  4. IAS Syllabus - Mains
  5. IAS Mains Syllabus 2024
  6. IAS Syllabus for Paper 6 & 7 (Optional Paper I & II)
  7. UPSC IAS Optional Subject 2024
  8. IAS Syllabus 2024 for Language Papers
  9. UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2024 (Mains)
UPSC IAS Syllabus 2024 - Download Prelims & mains exam syllabus PDF here
UPSC IAS Syllabus 2024 - Download Prelims & mains exam syllabus PDF here

The UPSC IAS syllabus is provided separately for all the General Studies papers. Along with that candidates can also check the IAS syllabus 2024 for optional subjects. As per the scheme of UPSC IAS 2024, there are two papers for the prelims exam while for the main exam, there are 9 papers that include two optional subjects and language papers.

IAS Syllabus - Prelims

Aspirants before starting their preparation, it is advised to go through the UPSC prelims syllabus 2024. The UPSC IAS syllabus 2024 will help you to know your weaker and stronger sections of the preparation level. The important topics for the prelims exam, as per the IAS syllabus are mentioned below.

Also Read -

UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
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IAS Prelims Syllabus 2024

IAS Syllabus for Paper 1 (General Studies 1)

  • Current events related to national and international importance.

  • General issues on Biodiversity and Climate Change, Environmental ecology specially climate change, solar inventions, green energy etc

  • Economic and Social Development specially Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Government schemes, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

  • General Science.

  • Indian and World Geography - Social, Physical, Economic Geography of India and the World.

  • Indian Polity and Governance - Political System, Constitution, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, Governor and President powers, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Fundamental Rights Issues, Directive policy of state principals

Also Read

IAS Syllabus for Paper 2 (General Studies 2)

  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills

  • Comprehension

  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability

  • Basic numeracy (orders of magnitude, numbers and their relations, etc.) (Class 10th level)

  • Decision-making and problem-solving

  • Questions on General mental ability

  • Data interpretation (graphs, charts, data sufficiency, tables etc. — Class 10th level

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IAS Exam Pattern 2024 (Prelims)

As per the UPSC IAS 2024 exam pattern for prelims, there are two papers General Studies 1 and 2. The total marks allotted for GS paper 1 is 100 marks while for GS paper 2 is 80 marks. The question paper of IAS prelims will be in English and Hindi.

IAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2024

Number of papers

Two (GS 1 & GS 2)

Language of paper

English

Hindi

Duration of exam

4 hours (2 hours each)

Number of questions

General Studies Paper 1: 100

General Studies Paper 2: 80

Maximum marks

400 (200 each)

Qualifying marks

33% for Paper 2

Quick Links

IAS Syllabus - Mains

The complete UPSC IAS syllabus for mains can be downloaded on the official website and also they can check here. The IAS exam syllabus for mains is available for each topic. According to the UPSC main syllabus 2024, candidates can check the IAS syllabus for seven General Studies papers, Optional papers and Language papers here.

Also Read - UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper

IAS Mains Syllabus 2024

UPSC IAS Syllabus for Paper 1

  • Essay: Candidates are required to write essays on various topics provided by the UPSC in the question paper. Some of the previous year's UPSC IAS Essay topics are given below.

Year

Essay topics download links

2023

Download here

2022

Download here

2021

Download here

IAS Syllabus for General Studies 1 (Paper 2)

The UPSC IAS syllabus for paper 2 is based on Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

  • Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

  • Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, the problems caused by it and the remedies.

  • Effects of globalization on Indian society.

  • Modern Indian history from the middle of the eighteenth century till the present- famous personalities, significant events and issues.

  • Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity of India.

  • The Freedom Struggle — various stages and important contributions from famous personalities from all parts of the country.

  • History of the world including events from the 18th century - industrial revolution, redrawal of national boundaries, world wars, colonization, decolonization, capitalism, political philosophies like communism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on society.

  • Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

  • Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

  • Salient features of the world's physical geography.

  • Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including

  • Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

  • South Asia and the Indian subcontinent factors responsible for the location of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors

  • Industries in various parts of the world (including India).

IAS Syllabus for Paper 3 (General Studies 2)

The syllabus for UPSC IAS for paper 3 of mains is based on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations.

  • The Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution of the constitution, features of the constitution, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure of the constitution of India.

  • Functions and responsibilities of Union and States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges.

  • Separation of powers between various organs disputes redressal mechanisms and institutions.

  • Salient features of Representation of People's Act.

  • Development processes and development industry — the role of SHGs, NGOs, various groups and associations, charities, donors, institutional and stakeholders etc.

  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of population by Centre and States and performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

  • Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

  • Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

  • Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising.

  • Structure, organization and functioning of Executive and Judiciary— Ministries and Departments of Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in Polity.

  • Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

  • Issues relating to hunger and poverty.

  • Important aspects of governance, e-governance- applications, transparency and accountability, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures..

  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

  • Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

  • Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

  • Role of IAS in democracy.

  • India and its neighbourhood-relations

IAS Syllabus for Paper 4 (General Studies 3)

The Paper 4 of the UPSC IAS syllabus is based on Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

  • Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, planning, growth, development and employment.

  • Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

  • Government Budgeting.

  • Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

  • Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

  • Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

  • Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

  • Land reforms in India.

  • Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

  • Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

  • Investment models.

  • Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

  • Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

  • Disaster and disaster management.

  • Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

  • Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

  • Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybersecurity, money-laundering and its prevention.

  • Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

  • Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

  • Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

IAS Syllabus for Paper 5 (General Studies 4)

The IAS syllabus for paper 5 is based on Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

  • Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships.

  • Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; the role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

  • Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.

  • Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

  • Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply. Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

  • Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

  • Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

  • Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Information sharing and transparency in government, Philosophical basis of governance and Probity, Codes of Ethics, Right to Information, Codes of Conduct, Work culture, Citizen’s Charters, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

  • Case Studies on the above issues.

Quick Links

IAS Syllabus for Paper 6 & 7 (Optional Paper I & II)

UPSC IAS Optional Subject 2024

For the UPSC IAS mains exam, candidates need to choose their optional UPSC subjects. Check the list of UPSC IAS optional subjects mentioned below.

UPSC IAS Syllabus for Optional Papers 6 and 7

IAS Syllabus 2024 for Language Papers

The objective of the paper is to test candidates' ability to read and understand serious conversational texts and express ideas clearly and correctly in relevant English and Indian languages. The UPSC IAS paper pattern of questions would be broad as comprehension of given passages, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays and Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

UPSC IAS Syllabus - Indian Language Papers

Language

Script

Assamese

Assamese

Bengali

Bengali

Bodo

Devanagari

Dogri

Devanagari

Gujarati

Gujarati

Hindi

Devanagari

Kannada

Kannada

Kashmiri

Persian

Konkani

Devanagari

Maithili

Devanagari

Malayalam

Malayalam

Manipuri

Bengali

Marathi

Devanagari

Nepali

Devanagari

Odia

Odia

Punjabi

Gurumukhi

Sanskrit

Devanagari

Santhali

Devanagari or Olchiki

Sindhi

Devanagari or Arabic

Tamil

Tamil

Telugu

Telugu

Urdu

Persian

Quick Links

UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2024 (Mains)

As per the UPSC IAS mains exam pattern, there are 9 papers which include GS papers, Language papers and Optional papers. The UPSC question paper for mains will be of essay type. The duration of each paper will be 3 hours.

UPSC IAS Mains Exam Pattern 2024

Number of papers

9

Language of paper

English

Hindi

Descriptive paper

Duration of exam

3 hours each

Subjects

Language paper

  • Compulsory Indian language (Paper A)

  • English (Paper B)

  • Essay (Paper 1)

  • General Studies I (Paper 2)

  • General Studies II (Paper 3)

  • General Studies III (Paper 4)

  • General Studies IV (Paper 5)

  • Optional I (Paper 6)

  • Optional II (Paper 7)

Number of questions

Part A and B: 300 each

General Studies and Optional Paper: 250 each

Maximum marks

1750

Quick Links

IAS Syllabus - Personality Test

Candidates who qualify in the UPSC IAS mains exam will be called for Personal Interview/Personality Test. The total marks allotted to the Personality Test is 275. The question will be based on matters of general interest. Candidates will be interviewed by a Board nominated by the UPSC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the optional subjects for UPSC 2024?

The optional subjects of IAS 2024 are: Agriculture, Management, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Mathematics, Anthropology, Mechanical Engineering and many more. You can refer to the above article for the complete list of UPSC 2024 optional subjects.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

Hello!
IRAS (Indian Railway Accounts Service) officers can be posted in both cities and rural areas since Indian Railways has offices and operations nationwide. They typically work in divisional offices, zonal offices, workshops, and production units. Transfers do happen but are usually not very frequent and depend on government policies and organizational needs.

Hope this helps!

To become an IAS officer, you must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and then undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). While any bachelor's degree is acceptable, choosing a degree that aligns with the UPSC syllabus, particularly in humanities and social sciences, can be advantageous.

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE):

This is the primary exam for becoming an IAS officer, involving three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test (Interview).

Any Bachelor's Degree:

A graduate degree from a recognized university is the basic requirement to be eligible for the CSE.

Beneficial Degrees:

Degrees in humanities and social sciences, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), can be helpful due to the syllabus overlap with subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics.

Optional Subject:

You can choose an optional subject in the Mains exam, and a BA degree can provide a wide range of options.

Hope it helps!!

Hello!!

That's a great goal—and your background as a research scholar can actually be a big asset in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), which is the path to becoming an IAS officer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer:

1. Understand the Exam Structure

The UPSC CSE has three stages:

Prelims: Objective (GS Paper + CSAT)

Mains: Descriptive (9 papers)

Interview: Personality Test

2. Check Eligibility

Age: 21 to 32 (for General category)

Degree: Any graduate degree (you already qualify)

3. Choose Your Optional Subject

Choose something you’re comfortable with (can be from your research field if it's available).

Popular optionals: Sociology, Geography, PSIR, Anthropology, etc.

4. Build a Study Plan

Since you're a research scholar, time management is key.

Daily 4–6 hours of focused study can work if you're consistent.

Focus on:

NCERTs (6th–12th)

Standard books (like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History)

Current Affairs (The Hindu, Indian Express, or PIB + Monthly compilations)

5. Join a Test Series (Optional but Helpful)

For Prelims and Mains: to build speed, writing skills, and clarity.

6. Practice Answer Writing

Mains is all about articulation. Practice with previous year questions and mock tests.

7. Appear for the Exam

Notification comes out around February.

Prelims is in May/June, Mains in September, and Interview early next year.

How to Align This With Your Research Schedule:

Create a realistic time-table that includes 2–3 hours on weekdays, and more on weekends.

Use your research experience for deeper understanding and essay writing.

If your goal is to become an IAS officer, choose a degree that supports UPSC preparation and also provides a good backup:

BA in Political Science, History, Geography, or Economics is ideal for IAS.
BSc or BCom is fine too, but you'll need to study humanities separately for UPSC.
For backup, pick a subject with good job prospects like BBA or Computer Science.

KCET is required only if you're planning professional courses like Engineering or Agriculture. It's not needed for BA or general degrees.

After 10th for IAS

Hello aspirant,

For becoming IAS , you have to first complete your graduation from any background from any recognised university or college. If you are in your final year, then also you are eligible. After that you have to give an entrance exam name UPSC . If you will clear this exam then according to your marks you may get the IAS position.

To know about UPSC entrance exam, kindly go through the given link:

https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse

All the best!!

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