📜 UPSC Mains Syllabus (with micro-topic checklist)

Structure: 9 papers over 5–7 days. Papers A & B qualifying (25%). Merit = 7 papers × 250 = 1750 marks + Interview 275 = 2025 total.

Paper I — Essay

Two essays (one from each section), ~1000–1200 words each, 125 marks each. Topics span philosophy, society, polity, economy, S&T, international affairs. Judged on: exact adherence to subject, orderly arrangement of ideas, concise expression.

Paper II — GS-I (Heritage, History, Geography, Society)

• [ ] Indian culture: art forms, literature, architecture — ancient to modern
• [ ] Modern Indian history (mid-18th century onwards): events, personalities, issues
• [ ] Freedom Struggle — stages, contributors from different regions
• [ ] Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation
• [ ] World history (18th century onwards): industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of boundaries, colonization/decolonization, communism–capitalism–socialism
• [ ] Salient features of Indian society; diversity of India
• [ ] Role of women & women's organizations; population; poverty; urbanization — problems & remedies
• [ ] Effects of globalization on Indian society
• [ ] Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism
• [ ] Physical geography — salient features, world distribution of key natural resources; location of industries
• [ ] Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones; geographical features and their changes (water bodies, ice caps, flora–fauna) and effects

Paper III — GS-II (Polity, Governance, Social Justice, IR)

• [ ] Constitution: historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, basic structure
• [ ] Union & State functions; federal issues; devolution of powers & finances to local levels
• [ ] Separation of powers; dispute redressal mechanisms
• [ ] Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries
• [ ] Parliament & State legislatures — structure, functioning, privileges
• [ ] Executive & judiciary structure; ministries; pressure groups; RPA features
• [ ] Appointments to constitutional posts; statutory/regulatory/quasi-judicial bodies
• [ ] Government policies & interventions; implementation issues
• [ ] Development processes & industry — NGOs, SHGs, institutional stakeholders
• [ ] Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; performance of these schemes
• [ ] Social sector: health, education, human resources; poverty & hunger issues
• [ ] Governance: transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizens charters
• [ ] Role of civil services in a democracy
• [ ] India & neighbourhood; bilateral/regional/global groupings affecting India's interests
• [ ] Effect of developed/developing countries' policies on India; diaspora
• [ ] Important international institutions — structure, mandate

Paper IV — GS-III (Economy, S&T, Environment, Security, Disaster Management)

• [ ] Indian economy: planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, employment
• [ ] Inclusive growth; budgeting
• [ ] Cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, transport & marketing of agri produce; e-technology for farmers
• [ ] Farm subsidies & MSP; PDS; food security; buffer stocks; technology missions; animal-rearing economics
• [ ] Food processing industries — scope, location, supply chain
• [ ] Land reforms in India
• [ ] Liberalization effects; industrial policy changes
• [ ] Infrastructure: energy, ports, roads, airports, railways
• [ ] Investment models
• [ ] S&T developments & applications in everyday life; indigenization; achievements of Indians
• [ ] Awareness: IT, space, computers, robotics, nanotech, biotech; IPR issues
• [ ] Conservation, environmental pollution & degradation, EIA
• [ ] Disaster and disaster management
• [ ] Linkages between development & spread of extremism
• [ ] Internal security: role of external state & non-state actors; communication networks, media, social media; cyber security; money laundering
• [ ] Border security; organized crime–terrorism linkages
• [ ] Security forces & agencies — mandate

Paper V — GS-IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)

• [ ] Ethics & human interface: essence, determinants, consequences; dimensions; ethics in private & public relationships
• [ ] Human values — lessons from lives of great leaders, reformers, administrators; role of family, society, educational institutions
• [ ] Attitude: content, structure, function; influence on thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion
• [ ] Aptitude & foundational values for civil service: integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication, empathy, tolerance, compassion
• [ ] Emotional intelligence — concepts, utilities, application in administration & governance
• [ ] Contributions of moral thinkers & philosophers (India & world)
• [ ] Public/civil service values & ethics in public administration; ethical concerns & dilemmas; laws/rules/regulations/conscience as sources of guidance; accountability; ethical governance; strengthening moral values; international relations & funding ethics; corporate governance
• [ ] Probity in governance: concept of public service; philosophical basis; information sharing & transparency; RTI; codes of ethics/conduct; citizen's charters; work culture; service delivery quality; public funds utilization; challenges of corruption
• [ ] Case studies on above issues (≈125 of 250 marks)

How to use this file

Convert every line into a question bank: for each micro-topic write 2–3 probable questions and prepare 250-word skeleton answers. Tick only when the skeleton exists in your notes.