UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
IAS · IPS · IFS · IRS & 24+ Group A & B Services
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is the premier central recruitment exam in India. It selects candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and more than 20 other Group A and Group B services. The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary (Objective), Mains (Written), and Personality Test (Interview).
Common Syllabus & Exam Pattern (All Services)
All UPSC CSE services share the same Preliminary and Mains syllabus. Click on any paper below to view the official syllabus on the UPSC website.
Preliminary Exam (Objective – 400 marks)
Paper I – General Studies (GS)
200 marks · 100 questions
- Current Events: National & International importance
- History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern India & World History
- Geography: Physical, Human, Indian Geography
- Polity: Indian Constitution, Governance, Panchayati Raj
- Economy: Economic Development, Budget, Planning
- Science & Environment: General Science, Ecology, Biodiversity
Paper II – CSAT
200 marks · 80 questions · Qualifying (33% required)
- Comprehension: Reading & understanding passages
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Basic Numeracy: Numbers, Percentages, Data Interpretation
- General Mental Ability
Mains Exam (Descriptive – 1750 marks)
Essay
250 marks · 2 papers (3 hours each)
- Write essays on multiple topics (usually 4-5 choices)
- Topics from current affairs, philosophy, social issues, etc.
GS I – Heritage, History & Society
250 marks
- Indian Heritage, Art & Culture
- Modern History (1750 onwards) & Freedom Struggle
- World History (18th century onwards)
- Indian Society: Diversity, Poverty, Development
- Social Issues: Caste, Gender, Communalism
GS II – Polity, Governance & IR
250 marks
- Indian Constitution, Federalism, Judiciary
- Parliament, Executive, State Government
- Governance: Policies, Schemes, Administration
- International Relations: India's Foreign Policy
- International Organizations (UN, WTO, etc.)
GS III – Economy, Science & Environment
250 marks
- Economic Development: Growth, Planning, Budget
- Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure
- Science & Technology: Space, Defense, Biotechnology
- Environment: Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change
- Disaster Management, Internal Security
GS IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
250 marks
- Ethics & Human Interface: Essence, Determinants
- Attitude: Moral & Political Attitudes
- Aptitude: Emotional Intelligence, Empathy
- Public Service Values, Integrity, Probity
- Case Studies on Ethical Dilemmas
Optional I & II
250 marks each · Total 500 marks
- Choose one optional subject from the UPSC list (48 subjects)
- Paper I & II – 250 marks each (3 hours each)
- Syllabus varies by subject (History, PSIR, Geography, etc.)
Language Papers (Qualifying)
300 marks each · Qualifying (25% required)
- Paper A – Indian Language (any scheduled language)
- Paper B – English
- Comprehension, precis, translation, grammar & essay
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 – Timetable
The Mains examination will be held on the following dates. All papers are scheduled in two sessions: Forenoon (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon) and Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM).
All Group A & B Services – Detailed Guide
Click on any service below to expand its detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation resources. Each service has a dedicated page with complete information.
IAS – Indian Administrative Service Group A
Role: Administrative head of districts, state secretariats, and central ministries. The most coveted service.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT (same as CSE)
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II, Language papers (qualifying)
- Interview: 275 marks – assesses leadership, integrity, and decision-making
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Governance, Polity, and Administration
- Practice answer writing for GS II & IV
- Read NCERTs and standard books (Laxmikanth for Polity)
IPS – Indian Police Service Group A
Role: Leadership in police forces at state and central level – maintains law & order, crime investigation.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – focus on physical fitness, leadership, and ethical conduct
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Criminal Law, Internal Security, and Police Administration
- Practice case studies and decision-making questions
- Read police manuals and current affairs related to law & order
IFS – Indian Foreign Service Group A
Role: Diplomatic service of India – manages foreign relations, embassies, consulates, and international affairs.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests diplomatic skills, international relations knowledge, and personality
Preparation Resources
- Focus on International Relations, History, and World Geography
- Read foreign policy journals and current affairs
- Practice mock interviews with focus on global issues
IRS – Indian Revenue Service Group A
Role: Handles direct and indirect taxes – Income Tax, Customs, Central Excise. Policy & enforcement.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – focuses on financial acumen, integrity, and analytical ability
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Indian Economy, Taxation, and Finance
- Read economic surveys and budget documents
- Practice case studies on tax administration
IA&AS – Indian Audit & Accounts Service Group A
Role: Audits all central and state government accounts. Key role in financial accountability.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests financial knowledge, probity, and analytical skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Public Finance, Accounting, and Audit principles
- Read CAG reports and budget documents
- Practice numerical and analytical questions
IRMS – Indian Railway Management Service Group A
Role: Manages Indian Railways operations, infrastructure, finance, and commercial activities.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests management, technical, and administrative skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Infrastructure, Economy, and Transport
- Read railway budget and annual reports
- Practice technical and operational case studies
IPoS – Indian Postal Service Group A
Role: Overseas the world's largest postal network – postal operations, insurance, and financial services.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests management, communication, and financial skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Public Administration, Finance, and IT in services
- Read postal department reports and schemes
- Practice case studies on service delivery
IDAS – Indian Defence Accounts Service Group A
Role: Financial management for defence forces – budgeting, pay, pensions, and procurement audit.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests financial acumen, defence knowledge, and integrity
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Defence Economics, Public Finance, and Accounting
- Read defence budgets and audit reports
- Practice numerical and policy-based questions
ICAS – Indian Civil Accounts Service Group A
Role: Maintains the central government's accounts and financial systems. Ensures fiscal discipline.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests financial systems knowledge and analytical ability
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Public Financial Management, Accounting, and Budgeting
- Read finance commission reports and budget documents
- Practice numerical and case study questions
ICLS – Indian Corporate Law Service Group A
Role: Manages corporate regulation, competition law, and company law enforcement.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests legal knowledge, corporate governance, and analytical skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Corporate Law, Competition Law, and Governance
- Read company law and SEBI regulations
- Practice legal case studies and policy analysis
IIS – Indian Information Service Group A
Role: Media and communication for government – press, advertising, and public outreach.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests communication, media knowledge, and public relations skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Mass Communication, Media Ethics, and Current Affairs
- Read government press releases and media reports
- Practice communication and policy analysis
ITS – Indian Trade Service Group A
Role: Promotes India's international trade, handles trade policy, and export-import regulations.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests trade policy knowledge, economics, and negotiation skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on International Trade, Economics, and Commerce
- Read trade policy documents and WTO reports
- Practice case studies on trade negotiations
IOFS – Indian Ordnance Factories Service Group A
Role: Manages the Ordnance Factories network that produces defence equipment and ammunition.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests technical, industrial, and management skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Defence Production, Industrial Policy, and Technology
- Read defence procurement and production reports
- Practice technical and operational case studies
IDES – Indian Defence Estates Service Group A
Role: Manages defence lands, cantonments, and estate properties across India.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests land management, legal, and administrative skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Land Administration, Legal Framework, and Property Management
- Read defence estate and cantonment board reports
- Practice legal and administrative case studies
ISS – Indian Statistical Service Group A
Role: Provides statistical support and data analysis for government policy-making.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests statistical knowledge, data analysis, and analytical skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Statistics, Economics, and Data Analysis
- Read government statistical reports and surveys
- Practice numerical and data interpretation questions
IES – Indian Economic Service Group A
Role: Provides economic advice and policy analysis for central government ministries.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests economic knowledge, policy analysis, and analytical skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Public Policy
- Read economic surveys and budget documents
- Practice economic policy case studies
CES – Central Engineering Service Group A
Role: Provides engineering expertise for central government infrastructure projects.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests engineering knowledge, project management, and technical skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Civil/Mechanical Engineering, Infrastructure, and Project Management
- Read government infrastructure reports and standards
- Practice technical and project-based case studies
CSS – Central Secretariat Service Group A & B
Role: Provides administrative support to central government ministries and departments.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests administrative, coordination, and policy skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Governance, Public Administration, and Office Management
- Read central government manuals and procedures
- Practice administrative and policy case studies
DANICS – Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Civil Service Group B
Role: Administrative service for Union Territories – Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests UT administration, governance, and local law knowledge
Preparation Resources
- Focus on UT Administration, Local Laws, and Urban Governance
- Read Delhi and UT administration reports
- Practice administrative and legal case studies
DANIPS – Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Police Service Group B
Role: Police service for Union Territories – Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests policing, law, and security management
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Criminal Law, UT Policing, and Law & Order
- Read police manuals and UT security reports
- Practice case studies on crime and policing
PCS – Pondicherry Civil Service Group B
Role: Administrative service for the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests UT administration and governance
Preparation Resources
- Focus on UT Administration, Local Laws, and Urban Governance
- Read Puducherry administration reports
- Practice administrative and legal case studies
PPS – Pondicherry Police Service Group B
Role: Police service for the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests policing and law enforcement skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Criminal Law, UT Policing, and Law & Order
- Read police manuals and UT security reports
- Practice case studies on crime and policing
AFHQ – Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service Group B
Role: Civilian administrative support for the Armed Forces Headquarters.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests defence administration and coordination skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Defence Administration, Protocol, and Coordination
- Read armed forces headquarters manuals
- Practice administrative and coordination case studies
RBSS – Railway Board Secretariat Service Group B
Role: Administrative and secretarial support for the Railway Board.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Prelims: GS Paper I & CSAT
- Mains: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II
- Interview: 275 marks – tests railway administration and coordination skills
Preparation Resources
- Focus on Railway Administration, Policy, and Infrastructure
- Read railway board reports and manuals
- Practice administrative and policy case studies
Previous Year Papers (Common for all services)
Practice with authentic UPSC papers from the last 10 years. All papers include answer keys and detailed explanations.
Downloads & Sample Papers
Free resources to kickstart your UPSC preparation. Includes mock tests, sample papers, booklists, and topper notes.
General Preparation Strategy
- Prelims: Focus on conceptual clarity, solve previous 10 years' papers, attempt mock tests regularly.
- Mains: Develop answer writing skills, practice with time-bound writing, and revise GS topics periodically.
- Optional: Choose a subject you are comfortable with; cover the syllabus thoroughly and practice past papers.
- Interview: Stay updated on current issues, know your DAF (Detailed Application Form) deeply, and practice mock interviews.
Quick Access to All Service Pages
Each service page contains detailed syllabus, exam pattern, previous papers, strategy, and downloadable resources specific to that service.