UPPSC Syllabus 2025: Download PCS Syllabus PDF for Prelims & Mains Exam

The Commission mentioned the syllabus for each stage in the official notification. The candidates must read and understand the topics given in the official syllabus. The candidates can see here the UPPCS syllabus for prelims and main exam separately. 

UPPCS Prelims Syllabus - General Studies - 1

The UPPSC notification defines the UPPSC prelims syllabus in detail. The list of the topics given in the official notification is given below.

Current events of national and international importance

On Current Events of National and International Importance, candidates will be expected to know about them.

History of India & Indian National Movement

In History, emphasis should be on broad understanding social, economic and political aspects of Indian History. In the Indian National Movement, the candidates are expected to have a synoptic view of nature and character of the freedom movement, growth of nationalism and attainment of Independence.

India and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic geography of India and the World

In World Geography only general understanding of the subject will be expected.
Questions on the Geography of India will relate to Physical, Social & Economic Geography of India.

Indian Polity and Governance

Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.:- In Indian Polity, Economic and Culture, questions will test knowledge of country’s political system including Panchayati Raj and Community Development, broad features of Economic policy in India and Indian Culture.

Also Read: Syllabus for Current Affairs

Economic and Social Development

Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.:- The candidates will be tested regarding problems and relationship between Population, Environment and Urbanisation.

General Science

Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of Science, including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be expected of a well-educated person, who has not made a special study of any scientific discipline.

General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change that do not require subject specialisation. General awareness of the subject is expected from candidates.

UPPSC main exam is a descriptive type exam where the candidates are required to write conventional answers in the answer sheet. The Commission released the UPPCS exam dates in the official calendar. The candidates are required to prepare the UPPSC exam syllabus with factual orientation, whereas the IAS syllabus is not so factually oriented. UPPSC syllabus is the key to the selection of the candidate. UPPSC syllabus is very similar to the IAS syllabus. In addition, the candidates must also prepare the Uttar Pradesh-specific topics. UPPSC question papers ask a mix of traditional and modern questions in their prelims and main exam.

The main exam is the main part of the UPPSC exam in real terms. The marks secured in the UPPSC PCS main exam are the deciding factor in the final selection. With the change in UPPCS exam pattern, new syllabus of the UPPSC main exam came into force. 

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The paper-wise official UPPSC syllabus is given below

UPPCS Main Essay Syllabus

The candidates need to write three essays (in about 700 words) in three hours. There will be three sections in the UPPSC Essay question paper and the candidates need to choose one topic from each section. The section-wise syllabus is:

Section A: (1) Literature and Culture. (2) Social sphere. (3) Political sphere.

Section B: (1) Science, Environment and Technology. (2) Economic Sphere (3) Agriculture, Industry and Trade.

Section C: (1) National and International Events. (2) Natural Calamities, Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought etc. (3) National Development programmes and projects.

UPPCS Main General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus

General Studies Paper I is the most static paper of the UPPSC PCS main exam. This paper has the least current orientation and the candidates should prepare it keeping in mind that its topics will be useful in other exams as well. The list of topics is as follows:

1- History of Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2- Modern Indian History (from A.D.1757 to A.D. 1947): Significant events, personalities and issues, etc.

3- The Freedom Struggle- its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. 

4- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country (till 1965A.D.). 

5- History of the world will include events from 18th century to the middle of the 20th century such
as French revolution of 1789, the industrial revolution, World Wars, redraw of national boundaries, Socialism, Nazism, Fascism etc-their forms and effect on the society.

6- Salient features of Indian Society and culture.

7- Role of Women in society and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

8- Meaning of liberalization, privatization and globalization and their effects on the economy, polity and social structure.

9- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

10- Distribution of major natural resources of World- Water, Soils, Forests in reference to South and South-East Asia with special reference to India. Factors responsible for the location of industries (with special reference to India).

11- Salient features of Physical Geography- Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone, Ocean Currents, winds and glaciers.

12- Oceanic resources of India and their potential.

13- Human migration-refugee problem of the World with a focus on India.

14- Frontiers and boundaries with reference to Indian sub-continent.

15- Population and Settlements- Types and Patterns, Urbanization, Smart Cities and Smart Villages.

16- Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh – History, Culture, Art, Architecture, Festival, Folk-Dance, Literature, Regional Languages, Heritage, Social Customs and Tourism.

17- Specific knowledge of U.P.- Geography- Human and Natural Resources, Climate, Soils, Forest, Wild-Life, Mines and Minerals, Sources of Irrigation.

UPPCS Main General Studies Paper 2 Syllabus

This paper demands the knowledge of the Indian Constitution, the important Acts passed by the Parliament and important historical judgements related to the basic structure of the constitution of India. The list of the topics are as follows

1- Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure, Role of Supreme Court in the evolution of basic provisions of Constitution.

2- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

3- Role of Finance Commission in Centre-State financial relations. 

4- Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Emergence and use of alternative dispute redressal mechanisms.

5- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other major democratic countries.

6- Parliament and State legislatures- structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers and privileges and concerned issues.

7- Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary: Ministries and Departments of the Government, Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

8- Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

9- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, Powers, functions and their responsibilities.

10- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies including NITI Aayog, their features and functioning.

11- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design, implementation and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

12- Development processes- the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

13- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes, mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

14- Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

15- Issues relating to poverty and hunger, their implication on the body politic.

16- Important aspects of governance. Transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential, citizens, charters and institutional measures.

17- Role of Civil Services in a democracy in the context of emerging trends.

18- India and its relationship with neighbouring countries.

19- Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/ or affecting India's interest.

20- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests- Indian diaspora.

21- Important International Institutions, Agencies their structure, mandate and functioning.

22- Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh regarding Political, Administrative, Revenue and Judicial System.

23- Current affairs and events of Regional, State, National and International importance.

UPPCS Main General Studies Paper 3 Syllabus

This is the most dynamic paper of UPPSC PCS main exam. This paper's topics run in consonance with the current events all the time. The candidates need to update the textbooks for the new data and figures released by the government from time to time. The list of the topics are as follows

1- Economic planning in India, objectives and achievements. Role of NITI Aayog, Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).

2- Issues of Poverty, Unemployment, Social justice and inclusive growth.

3- Components of Government Budgets and Financial System.

4- Major Crops, Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce, e-technology in the aid of farmers.

5- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices, Public Distribution System (PDS)- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks and food security, Technology missions in agriculture.

6- Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

7- Land reforms in India since independence.

8- Effects of liberalization and globalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

9- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

10- Science and Technology-developments and applications in everyday life and in National Security, India's Science and Technology Policy.

11- Achievements of Indians in science & technology, indigenization of technology. Developments of New technologies, transfer of technology, dual and critical use technologies.

12- Awareness in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Space Technology, Computers, Energy resources, nanotechnology, microbiology, biotechnology. Issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR), and digital rights.

13- Environmental security and Ecosystems, Conservation of Wildlife, Biodiversity, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

14- Disaster as a Non-traditional security and safety challenge, disaster mitigation and management.

15- Challenges of International Security: Issues of Nuclear proliferation, Causes and spread of extremism, Communication networks, the role of media and social networking, Basics of cybersecurity, money laundering and human trafficking. 
16- India's internal security challenges: Terrorism, corruption, insurgency and organised crimes.

17- Role, kind and mandate of security forces, higher defence organizations in India 

18- Specific knowledge of Uttar Pradesh Economy:-

• Overview of UP Economy: State Budgets. Importance of Agriculture, Industry,
• Infrastructure and physical resources. Human Resources and Skill development.
• Government Programmes and Welfare Schemes.

19- Issues in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry.

20- Law and Order and Civil Defence with special reference to U.P.

UPPCS Ethics Syllabus

Ethics paper is introduced recently and the teachers are in the process to devise a strategy for the candidates. This paper was introduced to check the moral orientation of the candidates.

The list of the topics are as follows.

Ethics and Human Interface

Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human action, dimensions of ethics, ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values-lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators, the role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude

Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour, moral and political attitudes, social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public services, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.

Emotional Intelligence - concept and dimensions, its utility and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration

Status and problems, ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions, laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance, accountability and ethical governance, strengthening of moral values in governance, ethical issues in international relations and funding, corporate governance.

Probity in Governance

Concept of public service, the philosophical basis of governance and probity, information sharing and transparency in government. Right to Information, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, citizen's charter, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Case studies on the above issues.

UPPSC Main General Studies Paper 5 Syllabus

This paper is concerned with the historical folklore of the state. It is the basic General Knowledge about the state.

1. History, Civilization, Culture and Ancient Cities of UP.
2. Architecture, their significance and maintainability, museum, archive and archaeology of UP.
3. Contributions of UP in Pre and post 1857 freedom struggles of India.
4. Eminent freedom fighters and personalities of UP.
5. Rural, Urban and Tribal issues: social structure, festivals, fairs, music, folk dances, literature and languages/dialects, social customs of UP.
6. Political System of UP: Governance, Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, State Assembly and State Council, Center-State Relation.
7. Public Service, Public Service Commission, Auditing, Advocate General, High Court and its jurisdiction in UP.
8. Special State Selection Criteria, Official Language, Consolidated Fund and Contingency fund, Political Parties and State Election Commission of UP.
9. Local Self Government: Urban and Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Right-related issues in UP.
10. Good Governance, Eradication of Corruption, Lokayukta, Citizen Charters, EGovernance, Right to Information, Redressal Policy.
11. Land Reforms and its impact in UP.
12. Issues Related to Security in UP.(I) Linkage between development and spread of extremism.(ii) Role of External, State and Interstate actors in creating challenges to internal security through communication networks, media and social networking sites,(iii) Basic rules of cyber security, money laundering and its prevention.(iv) Various security forces and agencies and their mandate.(v) Security challenges and their management in
    border areas, linkage of organized crimes with terrorism.
13. Law and Order and Civil Defense in UP.
14. Medical and Health issues in UP
15. State Education System of UP.
16. Contribution of U P in development of India,
17. Current Affairs of UP.
18. Implementation of Jal Shakti Mission and other central welfare scheme in UP.
19. NGOs in UP: Issues, Contribution and Impact.
20. Tourism in UP: Issues and prospects.
21. Emphasis on Innovation in various fields in UP: Issues and it's impact on employement and socio-economic development of the society.

UPPSC Main Syllabus for General STtudies Paper 6

1- Overview of Economy of UP: Main features of economy and State Budgets, Infrastructure and importance of Physical Resources.
2-Trade, Commerce and industries of UP.
3-UP Government Schemes, Projects and Planned Development for welfare of People, Human Resources and Skill Development.
4-Investment in UP: Issues and Impact
5- Public Finance and Fiscal Policy, Tax and Economic Reforms, One District One Product Policy of UP Government.
6-Planning and management of renewable and non-renewable energy resources of UP.
7-Demography, Population and Censuses of UP.
8-Commercialization of agriculture and production of agricultural crops in UP.
9-UP New Forest Policy.
10-Agro and Social Forestry in U.P
11-Agricultural Diversity, Problems of agriculture and their solutions in UP.
12-Developmental Indices of UP in various fields.
13- Geography of UP: Geographical Location, Relief and Structure, Climate, Irrigation, Minerals, Drainage System and Vegetation.
14-National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in UP.
15-Transport Network in UP.
16-Power Resources, Infrastructure and Industrial Development of UP.
17-Pollution and Environmental Issues in UP, Pollution Control Board and its functions.
18-Natural Resources of UP-Soil, Water, Air, Forests, Grasslands, Wetlands.
19-Climate Change and Weather Forecasting issues in UP.
20- Habitat and Ecosystem, structure and function, adjustment, Flora and Fauna with reference to UP.
21-Science and Technology: Its issues, advancements and efforts in UP.
22- Aquaculture, Viticulture, Sericulture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Arboric culture in UP and its impact on development of UP.
23-Evolvement of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the development of UP.

The UPPCS exam pattern and syllabus complement each other. The candidates should understand the UPPCS exam pattern to best utilise the time allotted for the exam and score better in the exam. A good understanding of the exam pattern can help in better time management during the exam. There is a separate syllabus for the UPPSC PCS prelims and main exam but the candidate should take an integrated approach to the UPPSC syllabus because most of the topics are common and we can say that the main syllabus is an extension of the prelims syllabus. Working on the minute details of the syllabus can change the UPPSC PSC result.

UPPSC Prelims Exam Pattern

The prelims exam is the screening exam that weeds out the undeserving candidates for the main exam. The prelims comprise two papers, the details of which are given below.

The candidates can see here the UPPSC exam pattern for the main exam. The General Studies Paper-II is qualifying in nature only and the candidates need not worry about that paper. The marks secured in the General Studies paper-I are considered for the prelims result. Both stages of the UPPSC exam are important hence we will see them separately.

Also Read: UPPSC application form

UPPSC Main Exam Patttern

The UPPSC main exam is a descriptive exam where the candidates are required to write conventional essay-type answers in the answer booklet provided by the Commission. The candidates can see here the UPPSC main exam pattern here:

The above details are taken from the official notification. 

The candidates can see here the important questions related to the UPPSC syllabus.