UPSC Mains Syllabus

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They are expected to keep close to the subject, arrange ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely. Credit is given for effective and exact expression.

• Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
• Indian culture: salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
• Modern Indian history from mid-18th century to present: events, personalities, issues
• The Freedom Struggle: stages and important contributors from different parts of the country
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation
• History of the world: industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of boundaries, colonisation, decolonization; political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism and their effects on society
• Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India
• Role of women and organisations; population issues; poverty and developmental issues; urbanisation, problems and remedies
• Effects of globalisation on Indian society
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism
• Salient features of the world's physical geography
• Distribution of key natural resources; factors for location of industries (primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Important geophysical phenomena: earthquakes, Tsunami, volcanic activity, cyclones; changes in geographical features, flora and fauna and their effects

• Constitution of India: historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure
• Union and States: functions and responsibilities; federal structure issues; devolution of powers and finances to local levels
• Separation of powers; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
• Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries
• Parliament and State legislatures: structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges
• Executive and Judiciary: organisation and functioning; Ministries and Departments; pressure groups and associations
• Representation of People’s Act: salient features
• Appointments to Constitutional posts; powers, functions and responsibilities of Constitutional Bodies
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
• Government policies and interventions for development; issues in design and implementation
• Development processes and industry: role of NGOs, SHGs, groups and associations, donors, charities, institutions and stakeholders
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; performance; mechanisms and institutions for protection and betterment
• Social Sector/Services: Health, Education, Human Resources
• Issues relating to poverty and hunger
• Governance, transparency and accountability; e-governance applications; citizens charters; institutional measures
• Role of civil services in a democracy
• India and neighbourhood; bilateral, regional and global groupings; agreements affecting India’s interests
• Policies and politics of developed and developing countries; Indian diaspora
• International institutions, agencies and forums: structure and mandate

• Indian Economy: planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, employment
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
• Government Budgeting
• Major crops and cropping patterns in various parts of the country