UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the next year’s Preliminary Examination on 25 May 2025. Prelims is the first step for candidates aspiring to serve in various civil services in India. The UPSC Prelims is designed to test the aspirants’ aptitude and their awareness of current affairs and general knowledge.
Understanding the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 in detail is crucial for effective preparation. Here is a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus for 2025, the exam pattern, the subject-wise syllabus, and some essential tips to cover the syllabus efficiently.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 Overview
The UPSC syllabus prelims are divided into two qualifying papers, each worth 200 marks. In Paper 1 which is General Studies, 100 multiple choice questions each. Paper 2 is also known as CSAT or General Studies II. It includes 80 questions in total. To understand the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 and exam pattern better, candidates can walk through this article:
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 Overview | |
| Particular | Details |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date | 25 May 2025 |
| Number of Papers | Two Papers Paper I – General Studies Paper 2 – General Studies or CSAT |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective Type) |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours each |
| Total Marks | 200 marks for each paper (Total of 400 marks) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd Mark for every wrong answer |
| Language of Exam | English & Hindi |
| Qualifying Marks | 33% in CSAT Paper UPSC Cut-off in GS Paper |
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates must familiarize themselves with the type of questions asked, the marking scheme, and the overall structure of the exam. Here, we have provided the detailed UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 to help them understand better:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 | |||
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
| General Studies Paper 1 | 100 Questions | 200 | 1/3rd for every wrong answer & Zero for no answer |
| (CSAT) General Studies Paper 2 | 80 Questions | 200 | 1/3rd for every wrong answer & Zero for no answer |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF 2025
The UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF download is available on the official website, UPSC.gov.in. The syllabus PDF is available in both UPSC prelims syllabus in Hindi and English. To begin preparing for the UPSC 2025 exam, candidates should download the UPSC Syllabus 2025 for GS and CSAT papers.
UPSC Prelims Paper I Syllabus
The UPSC Paper 1 is known as General Studies (GS) which covers dynamic topics of general awareness and current affairs. UPSC prelims syllabus for GS paper tests candidate’s awareness of the surroundings and current affairs. While topic names in the UPSC syllabus for prelims paper 1 are provided in brief, the actual syllabus is vast including:
- Current events of National & International importance.
- History of India & Indian National Movement.
- Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- Indian & World Geography – Covers the Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India & the World.
- General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization.
- Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- General Science
UPSC Prelims Paper II Syllabus
The UPSC Paper 2 (CSAT) required candidates to have basic knowledge of English/Hindi, Mathematics, and Reasoning ability. While minimum qualifying marks are 33%. CSAT syllabus for UPSC PDF is provided on the official website. It generally covers class 10th level topics on:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level)
Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. — Class X level)
Tips to Cover the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025
To conquer the UPSC Prelims Syllabus for 2025, it’s essential to understand the exam syllabus and prepare thoroughly. Here are some strategies to help candidates navigate and master the vast syllabus efficiently:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Understand what topics are covered, the marking scheme, and the overall structure of the exam to focus your study efforts effectively.
- Make a Study Plan: Allocate time wisely among the different subjects, focusing more on your weaker areas.
- Regular Revision: Consistently revise the subjects you have studied to ensure the information is retained. Utilize online resources and books for UPSC Prelims to boost up your prep.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Prelims’ previous year papers will help you understand the trend of questions and improve your time management skills.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources daily to keep up with national and international events.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 FAQs
How many papers are there in UPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus?
There are two papers in the UPSC Prelims: General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II.
Is there a negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd for each wrong answer in both papers.
What is the qualifying mark for the CSAT paper?
The qualifying mark for the CSAT paper is 33% of the total marks.
Can I choose the language of the exam?
Yes, the UPSC Prelims exam questions are provided in both Hindi and English.
From where can I download the UPSC Prelims syllabus PDF?
Candidates can download the UPSC Prelims syllabus PDF from the official website. It is released along with the exam notification.
