UPSC syllabus and exam pattern — the complete stage-by-stage guide
Before choosing an IAS coaching institute in Hyderabad, understand what the examination actually demands. Three stages, 2025 merit marks, and a syllabus that rewards structure far more than study hours.
Prelims (Civil Services Preliminary Examination)
Two objective papers on the same day. GS Paper I carries 200 marks and decides your cut-off; CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying at 33%. Prelims marks do not count towards the final rank.
How to prepare: Daily current affairs, NCERT-level fundamentals and repeated full-length mock tests.
Mains (Written Examination)
Nine papers: Essay, four General Studies papers, two Optional papers, and two qualifying language papers. 1750 marks count towards the final merit.
How to prepare: Structured answer writing with evaluation, essay practice and one well-chosen optional.
Personality Test (Interview)
275 marks before a UPSC board, built around your Detailed Application Form — graduation subject, home state, hobbies and service preference.
How to prepare: Mock interviews and DAF-based questioning with officers and ex-panel members.
Mains General Studies
What each General Studies paper covers
Each GS paper carries 250 marks. Answer writing against the clock — not extra reading — is what converts this syllabus into marks.
GS Paper I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society
GS Paper II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
GS Paper III
Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
GS Paper IV
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude, including case studies
Questions
UPSC syllabus and pattern — FAQs
How many papers are there in the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
Prelims has two objective papers (GS Paper I and CSAT). Mains has nine papers — Essay, four General Studies papers, two Optional papers and two qualifying language papers — of which 1750 marks count towards merit. The Personality Test adds 275 marks.
Do Prelims marks count in the final UPSC rank?
No. Prelims is only a screening stage. The final rank is decided by 1750 Mains marks plus 275 interview marks, a total of 2025 marks.
How long does it take to cover the UPSC syllabus?
A focused aspirant typically needs 10–12 months for a first full pass with revision, which is why the Pragnya IAS Foundation programme runs for 12 months with testing built in from the start.
Which optional subject should I choose?
Choose based on your background, material availability and overlap with General Studies. Sociology and Anthropology have shorter syllabi and strong GS overlap, and Political Science overlaps heavily with GS Paper II — all three run as dedicated batches in Hyderabad at Pragnya.