Having an in-depth knowledge of UPSC Prelims Syllabus is essential for UPSC aspirants. This article will help you plan your study approach because it covers the full IAS Prelims Syllabus 2024. If a candidate is familiar with the comprehensive UPSC Prelims test syllabus, it helps to build confidence and makes it easy for them to prepare a strategy for clearing the exam.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus For IAS Exam 2024

Get the detailed UPSC Prelims syllabus for 2024 in one place. Throughout this deep dive post, candidates will learn how the prelims syllabus and its structure work, helping them prepare for subjects ranging from history to geography to science.

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Exam every year, and the preliminary round is known as UPSC Prelims. Candidates most commonly call it UPSC Prelims or IAS Prelims. The final phase of the test is the UPSC Interview. There is no standardised UPSC interview syllabus. Questions are asked from wide-ranging issues. It is advised that students completely review the IAS Prelims Syllabus. Candidates should note that there are no changes in UPSC Syllabus 2023 compared to UPSC Syllabus 2022 and UPSC Syllabus 2021.

The UPSC Prelims Syllabus has been released in the latest notification by the Union Public Service Commission. The IAS Prelims Exam 2023 was conducted on 28th May 2023, while the IAS Prelims 2024 exam is scheduled to be on 26th May 2024. As the prelims exam is the first stage consisting of GS 1 & GS 2 (CSAT) papers, candidates need to have a detailed understanding of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus which will allow them to prepare well for the upcoming IAS Exam. From history, geography, and economics to science, polity, and current affairs, the UPSC Prelims Syllabus Subject-Wise covers it all. In this article, we'll be discussing the UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus in detail, including its structure, important topics and more. Candidates can also download the UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF for free from the link given in this article below.

Also, check out CSAT Coaching For UPSC here to boost your chances of clearing the IAS prelims exam.

Overview of UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024

The Prelims Syllabus of UPSC is divided into two parts:

1. UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus For GS Paper 1
2. UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus for GS Paper 2 (also known as CSAT Syllabus)

Paper 1 is a general studies paper and tests aspirants' knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and science and technology. Paper 2, also known as CSAT paper tests aspirants' aptitude and comprehension skills.

• The IAS Prelims syllabus for Paper 1 is vast and covers a range of topics. The weightage of Paper 1 is 200 marks, and it consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• The IAS Prelims syllabus for Paper 2 is comparatively easier and covers topics such as comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Also, check out UPSC Interview Questions with Answers on the linked article.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF For IAS Exam

The UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF is available here for free. It is recommended to download and print a copy of the UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus PDF and keep it handy while preparing for the exam. Candidates can download the IAS Prelims Syllabus PDF with the link given in the table below.

Benefits Of Downloading UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF

Some of the top benefits of downloading the IAS Prelims Syllabus PDF are mentioned below:

1. This UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF helps in understanding the syllabus of UPSC prelims stage in a better way.
2. It provides a clear idea of the topics to be covered while preparing.
3. The UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus PDF helps in planning the preparation strategy effectively.
4. It saves time and effort in searching for the syllabus online.
5. The Civil services syllabus can be easily accessed and referred to any time and anywhere.
6. Helps to identify the important topics and focus on them.
7. Helps to avoid confusion and stay organized during the preparation.
8. Useful as a reference material for revision.

Let's start understanding the UPSC Prelims Detailed Syllabus. We will have a look at the various subjects & necessary topics to be covered while preparing for the IAS Prelims Exam 2024. Check out the complete UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus for GS 1 & GS 2 Papers in the below sections.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus For Paper 1

The UPSC Prelims Paper 1 Syllabus contains topics from history, geography, economy, polity & governance, general science, & most important current affairs.

• Current events of national & international importance.
• Indian History & Indian National Movement.
• Indian as well as World Geography-Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India & the World.
• Indian Polity 
• Economic and Social Development such as Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
• Common issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
• General Science.

Subject Wise UPSC Prelims Syllabus for GS-1

As explained earlier, the GS 1 Paper contains topics from various subjects. Candidates can have a look at the UPSC Prelims Syllabus Subject-Wise distribution in the below sections.

UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus For History

By looking at the official UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus for Paper 1, we can say that paper will have questions on the topic related to “Indian History & Indian National Movement”. Have a look at the detailed topics that need to be covered for the history section.

Ancient History Section

• Pre-Historic Times
• Indus Valley Civilization
• Rig Vedic Period
• Later Vedic Period
• Jainism
• Buddhism
• Mahajanpadas
• Mauryan Period
• Post-Mauryan Period
• Gupta Period
• Harshwardhana Period
• Sangam Period (South-Indian Dynasties)

Check out the Ancient History Syllabus for UPSC Prelims here.

Medieval History Section

• Major Dynasties of Early Medieval India (Pratiharas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas)
• Cholas and South-Indian Kingdoms
• Early Muslim Invasions
• The Delhi Sultanate
• Afghans, Rajputs & Mughals
• Establishment of the North-Indian Empire
• The Mughal Empire
• Marathas and the Other Indian States
• The decline of the Mughal Empire
• Vijaynagar Empire

Modern History Section

• Advent of Europeans
• British Expansion
• Administration before 1857
• Economic Policies of the British
• Impact of British Administration
• Revolt of 1857
• Administrative Changes after 1857
• Development of Civil Services
• Development of Education
• Development of Press
• Socio-Religious Reforms
• Peasant Movements
• Revolutionary Nationalism
• Indian National Movement-I (1905-1918)
• Indian National Movement-II (1918-1929)
• Indian National Movement-III (1930-1947)
• Governors-General and Viceroys of India
• Constitutional Development of Indian

UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus For Geography

As per the UPSC Prelims Syllabus, the Geography portion comprises the Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India & the World. To prepare well for this subject in the prelims exam, candidates must check out the detailed topics of various sections of geography given below.

General Geography Section

• Universe
• Earth Evolution

Bio Geography Section

• Soil Characteristics
• Vegetation Resources

Geomorphology Section

• Earth’s Interior
• Geology and Rock System
• Geomorphic Process
• Earthquakes and Volcanism
• Distribution of Continents and Oceans
• Landforms and their evolution
• Landforms across the world

Oceanography Section

• Hydrosphere
• Submarine Relief Features
• Temperature and Salinity
• Waves, Oceans, Currents, Tides
• Marine Resources
• Ocean, Deposits and Corals

Climatology Section

• Atmosphere
• Inversion of Temperature
• Insolation and Heat Budget
• Air Mass, Fronts, Cyclones and Jet Streams
• Wind and Pressure Belts
• Precipitation
• Climate Zones of the World

Human and Economic Geography Section

• Demography and Census
• Human Development
• Economic Activities
• Transport and Communication
• International Trade
• Settlement

Indian Geography Section

• Physiography of India
• Drainage System
• Climate
• Soils in India
• Natural Vegetation
• Population
• Settlements and Urbanization
• Land Resource
• Mineral Resource
• Energy Resource
• Agriculture and Basic Terminology
• Recent development in agriculture
• Productivity of Crops
• Industry
• Transport
• Recent developments in Industry and Transport

World Regional Geography Section

• Continents, Countries, and Cities
• Location in News

Ecology & Environment Section

• Origin of Life Forms
• Basic Concepts of Ecology
• Ecosystem Functions
• Population Ecology
• Adaptation of Species and Interactions
• Terrestrial Ecosystem
• Aquatic Ecosystem
• Nutrient Cycling

Biodiversity Section

• Basics of Bio-Diversity
• Animal and Plant Diversity
• Threats to Biodiversity
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Estuaries
• Mangroves
• Coral Reliefs
• Wetlands
• Resource Degradation and Management
• Environmental Pollution
• Climate Change
• Environmental Governance

IAS Prelims Syllabus For Polity

Have a look at the topic-wise distribution of the polity syllabus for the prelims exam in the table below.

• Evolution of the Consitution
• Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
• Union & Its Territory
• Citizenship
• Fundamental Rights
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Fundamental Duties
• System of Governance
• Union Executive
• Union Legislature
• State Executive
• State Legislature
• Local Government
• UT and Special Areas
• Judiciary
• Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies
• Political Dynamics (Political Parties, Elections, Pressure Groups)
• Governance
• International Relations

UPSC Civil Services Prelims Syllabus For Economy

The UPSC IAS Syllabus for Prelims mentions the broad topic of Economic & Social Development which includes Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc. Have a look at the detailed topics that need to be covered under the Economy section for the prelims exam.

• Basic Concepts
  • Macroeconomic Concepts
  • Microeconomic Concepts
• Economic Measurements
  • National Income & Its Calculation
  • Economic Growth and Development
  • Inflation
• Money & Banking
  • Money Function & Classification
  • Financial Markets & Its Instruments
  • Banking Structure in India
• Public Finance in India
  • Budgeting
  • Fiscal Policy
  • Centre-state Distribution
  • Tax Structure in India
• Planning
  • Meaning, Objective & History
  • Planning Institutions
  • Five-Year Plans in India
  • NITI Aayog
• Open Economy
  • Foreign Trade Concepts
  • International Organizations
  • Trade Agreements
  • Recent Development
• Economic Sectors
  • Poverty
  • Employment and Unemployment
  • Government Schemes and Programmes

IAS Prelims Syllabus For General Science

In the UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus, applicants should not spend much time preparing General Science from theory books as most questions come from topics/issues in the news. Some focus areas as a broad reference are given below.

• Science & Technology in India
• Space
• IT and Communication
• Materials, Nano Technology and Robotics
• Defence
• Nuclear Technology
• Intellectual Property Rights and Other Miscellaneous Issues
• Biotechnology

Check the Latest UPSC IAS Exam Date Notice

UPSC Prelims Syllabus For Art & Culture

Some of the important art & culture topics for the UPSC exam are Folk & Classical Dances of India, Mural Painting, Miniature Painting, etc. For UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1, it is important to study the art & culture topics mentioned in the table below.

• Architecture
• Sculpture
• Paintings
• Pottery Tradition
• Numismatics
• Performing Arts
• Religion and Literature
• National and Regional Festivals

UPSC Prelims Syllabus For Paper 2 (CSAT)

The GS Paper 2 in the prelims exam is also known as CSAT. This paper is just qualifying in nature, however, candidates should not take it lightly as often aspirants fail in this paper. The UPSC CSAT syllabus consists of various aptitude questions. The detailed preliminary syllabus for the CSAT paper is mentioned below.

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numerical skills (Class X level) (orders of magnitude, numbers & their relations, etc.)
• Data Interpretation (Class X level) (graphs, charts, tables, data sufficiency etc.)

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern For The Year 2024

The Prelims examination will include two papers which will be objective-type papers. For every incorrect answer marked, there will be a negative marking of 1/3rd of the assigned marks. 

Important Points Related to UPSC Prelims Syllabus 

• Prelim exams based on English and Indian languages (Papers A and B) are qualifying, which means that marks secured in these do not determine a candidate's rank.
• For candidates to ensure consideration of their essays, general studies exams, and optional subjects, they must meet the minimum criteria of securing 25% in “The Indian Language” and another 25% in “English.”
• Only marks obtained from Papers I - VI are used to determine the merit ranking of candidates.
• Candidates can choose to answer all the papers, except the Qualifying Language Papers (Paper-A and Paper-B), in any of the languages enlisted in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
• All question papers (except literature of language papers) are printed in Hindi and English only.
• A time compensation of twenty minutes per hour is permitted for blind candidates and those with locomotor disabilities or cerebral palsy. This applies to both the Prelims and Mains Examination.

Questions to Ace Your Exams

Q1.What are the subjects for IAS prelims?  
List of IAS Subjects:-

• Latest Current Affairs
• Static GK
• History of India and the Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography
  • Physical Geography
  • Social Geography
  • Economic Geography
• Indian Polity and Governance
  • Constitution
  • Public Policy Rights
  • Political System
  • Rights Issues
  • Panchayati Raj
• Economic and Social Development
  • Sustainable Development
  • Poverty
  • Inclusion
  • Demographics
  • Social Sector Initiatives
• Environment and Ecology
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate Change
• Science and Technology

Q2.What is the syllabus of UPSC prelims? Is UPSC Prelims very hard?    
The General Studies Paper I and the CSAT curriculum are the two papers included in the UPSC Prelims syllabus. A wide range of topics are covered in GS Paper I, including current affairs, research, politics, economy, and history. The CSAT Paper II assesses the analytical, deductive reasoning, and comprehension capabilities of applicants. Both tests evaluate the applicants' mastery of core ideas and their capacity for efficient knowledge application.
Yes, the UPSC Prelims test is extremely difficult owing to negative markings. It's objective in nature. Therefore, you have to choose one of four answers. The way the alternatives are presented will make it difficult for you to decide which is correct. For every incorrect response, there is ⅓ negative marking to make it even harder.

Q3.What should I study for IAS prelims?  Can I prepare for the IAS in 3 months?    
One of the most important aspects of the preliminary stage is current affairs. Candidates should watch daily current affairs videos to stay up to speed and constantly prepare for current affairs. It has the potential to be a game changer in clearing the IAS Prelims. Prepare the current affairs subject for a minimum of eighteen months and make extensive revisions. A well-crafted action plan is essential for clearing the IAS exam in 3 months. Having a plan is essential if you want to pass the IAS Exam on your first try.  Keep a strict daily schedule over the three months leading up to the preliminary exam, and adjust your body and mind to the test's timing. Utilize sample UPSC question papers to master and assess your level of readiness.

Q4.How many papers are there in the IAS prelims?    
According to the UPSC test schedule, there are two papers in the preliminary exam (GS Paper 1 and CSAT) and nine papers in the main exam (one mandatory exam in English and Indian language, one optional paper each in GS1, GS2, GS3, and GS 4). In UPSC preliminary exams, 400 total marks are awarded, including 200 points for each paper. Due to the objective nature of both tests, it is possible to receive the highest possible score on the UPSC exam. 

Conclusion

The UPSC Prelims Syllabus serves as a roadmap for aspiring civil servants, outlining the subjects they need to cover for the Preliminary Examination. IAS Syllabus of Prelims UPSC covers a wide range of topics, including history, geography, economics, science, and current affairs. Mastering this syllabus is essential for cracking the Civil Services Examination and pursuing a fulfilling career in public service. With dedication and focus, candidates can navigate through the CSE Prelims syllabus and be well-prepared to take on the challenges of the prelims exam.

We hope this article on the UPSC Prelims Syllabus helps clear all your doubts related curriculum of the Prelims exam stage. You can also download our Testbook App and get expert guidance, study materials, access to mock tests, and much more.