Paper I – General Studies (GS)

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)
• Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues)
• Economic and Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives)
• Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
• General Science

Paper II – CSAT (Qualifying, 33% marks needed)

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (Class X level) — Data Interpretation

UPSC Mains Syllabus

Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying)
Paper B – English (Qualifying)
Paper I – Essay
Paper II – GS I: Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography of World & Society
Paper III – GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations
Paper IV – GS III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management
Paper V – GS IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject (Paper I & II)

Recommended Books – Subject-Wise

History

• Bipan Chandra – India’s Struggle for Independence
• Spectrum – A Brief History of Modern India
• NCERT Class 6-12 (Old & New)
• Nitin Singhania – Indian Art and Culture

Geography

• NCERT Class 6-12 Geography
• G.C. Leong – Certificate Physical and Human Geography
• Majid Husain – Indian and World Geography

Polity

• M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (most recommended)
• NCERT Class 9-12 Political Science

Economy

• Ramesh Singh – Indian Economy
• NCERT Class 9-12 Economics
• Economic Survey & Union Budget (latest year)

Environment & Ecology

• Shankar IAS – Environment
• NCERT Biology (relevant chapters)

Science & Technology

• NCERT Class 6-10 Science
• Current affairs sources (PIB, The Hindu Science section)

Ethics (GS IV)

• Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
• 2nd ARC Report (Ethics in Governance)

Current Affairs

• The Hindu / Indian Express (daily)
• Yojana & Kurukshetra magazines
• PIB (Press Information Bureau)
• Any monthly current affairs compilation

CSAT

• Arihant/Disha Publication CSAT books
• Previous year papers practices