The UPPSC Syllabus 2025 encompasses the comprehensive range of topics candidates must master for the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services Examination. Understanding this syllabus is the fundamental first step toward effective exam preparation, as it outlines the exact subjects, topics, and sub-topics that will be tested across the Prelims and Mains stages. With the UPPSC PCS Prelims 2025 scheduled for October 12, 2025, a thorough grasp of the syllabus enables strategic study planning and focus on high-weightage areas.
This guide provides the complete subject-wise UPPSC Syllabus for both Prelims and Mains, along with the exam pattern, preparation strategy, and key resources.
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UPPSC Exam 2025: Complete Overview
The UPPSC PCS exam is conducted in three successive stages. The following table gives a quick overview of the entire examination process:
| Stage | Exam Name | Papers | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Preliminary Exam | 2 (GS I & CSAT) | Objective (MCQ) | 400 |
| Stage II | Main Exam | 8 | Descriptive (Conventional) | 1500 |
| Stage III | Interview/Personality Test | – | Oral | 100 |
🚨 Important Update: UPPSC has removed the optional subjects from the Mains Examination 2025. They have been replaced by two additional compulsory General Studies papers, making the mains a test of eight compulsory papers.
UPPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Prelims is a screening test, and its marks are not counted for the final merit list. However, qualifying for it is essential to appear for the Mains exam.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Studies I | 150 | 200 | 2 hours | Merit-ranking |
| Paper 2 | General Studies II (CSAT) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Qualifying (33% marks) |
Key Points:
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 0.33% (1/3rd) of the marks allocated for every incorrect answer
- Qualifying Paper: Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature. You need to score at least 66 marks (33%) to clear it. Only the marks of Paper I are considered for shortlisting for the Mains
UPPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025
Paper 1: General Studies I
This paper tests your general awareness and knowledge of a wide range of subjects. The UPPSC Prelims syllabus for GS Paper I is as follows:
- Current Events of National and International Importance: Knowledge of significant recent events, with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh.
- History of India and Indian National Movement: A broad understanding of social, economic, and political history, plus the nature of the freedom struggle and the growth of nationalism.
- India and World Geography: Covers physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world. World Geography requires a general understanding.
- Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc., with emphasis on Uttar Pradesh (Government Schemes, Governance Issues, etc.)
- Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, and Social Sector Initiatives, etc., etc., with emphasis on Uttar Pradesh (Economy, Agriculture, Social Issues, etc.)
- General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change: General awareness of these topics is expected; no subject specialisation is needed.
- General Science: Covers basic scientific concepts and their application in everyday life, as expected from a well-educated person without a scientific specialisation.
- Specific Knowledge regarding Education, Culture, Agriculture, Industry, Trade, Living & Social Traditions of Uttar Pradesh.
Paper 2: General Studies II (CSAT)
This paper assesses analytical and comprehension skills. The syllabus includes:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal Skills (including communication skills)
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Elementary Mathematics (up to Class X level):
- Arithmetic: Number Systems, Average, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interests, Work & Time, Speed, Time & Distance.
- Algebra: Factors of Polynomials, LCM & HCF, Remainder Theorem, Simultaneous Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations.
- Geometry: Constructions and theorems of triangles, rectangles, squares, trapeziums, and circles; Perimeter, Area, Volume, and Surface Area.
- Statistics: Data collection, classification, frequency distribution, graphical representation, and measures of central tendency.
- General English (up to Class X level): Comprehension, Active/Passive Voice, Parts of Speech, Transformation of Sentences, Direct/Indirect Speech, Punctuation, Spellings, Word meanings, Vocabulary & Usage, Idioms & Phrases and Fill in the Blanks
- General Hindi (up to Class X level): हिंदी वर्णमाला, विराम चिन्ह, संधि, समास, विलोम शब्द, पर्यायवाची शब्द, मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ, वाक्य शुद्धि, etc.
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UPPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The Mains exam is descriptive and crucial for final selection. The total marks for the written Mains exam are 1500.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Hindi | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper 2 | Essay | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper 3 | General Studies 1 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper 4 | General Studies 2 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper 5 | General Studies 3 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper 6 | General Studies 4 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper 7 | General Studies 5 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper 8 | General Studies 6 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Total | – | 1500 | – |
UPPSC Mains Syllabus 2025
1. Paper 1: General Hindi (150 Marks)
This paper tests proficiency in Hindi
- दिये गए गद्य खण्ड का अवबोध एवं प्रश्नोत्तर (Comprehension of a given prose passage and Q&A)
- संक्षेपण (Precis Writing)
- सरकारी एवं अर्धसरकारी पत्र लेखन, तार लेखन, कार्यालय आदेश, अधिसूचना, परिपत्र (Official and semi-official letter writing, telegraph writing, office orders, notification, circulars)
- शब्द ज्ञान एवं प्रयोग (Word knowledge and usage) – उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय प्रयोग, विलोम शब्द, वाक्यांश के लिए एकशब्द, वर्तनी एवं वाक्य शुद्धि (Prefixes and suffixes, antonyms, one-word substitution, spelling, and sentence correction)
- लोकोक्ति एवं मुहावरे (Idioms and Proverbs)
2. Paper 2: Essay (150 Marks)
The essay paper has three sections. Candidates must select one topic from each section and write an essay of about 700 words on each:
- 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, (3) National Development Programmes and Projects.
General Studies Papers (200 Marks Each)
3. GS Paper I: History, Culture, Geography, and Society
- History of Indian Culture
- Modern Indian History (1757-1947) & The Freedom Struggle
- Post-Independence Consolidation (till 1965)
- World History (18th to mid-20th century)
- Indian Society and Culture, Role of Women, Social Empowerment, Poverty, Urbanization
- World Geography & Distribution of Natural Resources
4. GS Paper II: Polity, Governance, and International Relations
- Indian Constitution: Evolution, Features, and Basic Structure
- Functions of Union and States, Federal Structure, Finance Commission
- Parliament, State Legislatures, Executive, and Judiciary
- Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-Judicial Bodies (like NITI Aayog)
- Government Policies, Welfare Schemes, and Governance Issues
- India’s Relations with Neighboring Countries and Global Groupings
5. GS Paper III: Economy, Technology, and Environment
- Economic Planning in India, Role of NITI Aayog, SDGs
- Issues of Poverty, Unemployment, and Social Justice
- Agriculture, Major Crops, Irrigation, Food Security & PDS
- Industrial Policy, Effects of Liberalization and Globalization
- Science and Technology, IT, Space Technology, IPR
- Environmental Security, Disaster Management
6. GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Ethics and Human Interface
- Attitude, Aptitude, and Foundational Values for Civil Service
- Emotional Intelligence
- Contributions of Moral Thinkers
- Public Service Values, Probity in Governance, and Case Studies
7. GS Paper V: General Studies V – Uttar Pradesh Specific Topics
This paper focuses exclusively on issues related to Uttar Pradesh:
- History, Civilisation, Culture, and Ancient Cities of UP
- Architecture, Museums, Archives, and Archaeology of UP
- Contributions of UP in the Freedom Struggle & Eminent Personalities
- Rural, Urban and Tribal issues: social structure, festivals, music, folk dances, literature, and languages/dialects of UP
- Political System of UP: Governance, Center-State Relation
- Public Service, Public Service Commission, High Court and its jurisdiction in UP
- Local Self Government, Public Policy, and Right to Information in UP
8. GS Paper VI: General Studies VI
- This paper typically covers a synopsis of the topics covered in the other GS papers and may include dynamic elements. It is advised to refer to the latest official notification for the most precise and detailed syllabus for this paper.
Special Focus on Uttar Pradesh
As evident from the syllabus, having a specialised knowledge of Uttar Pradesh is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. In the Prelims GS Paper I, questions on History, Polity, Economy, and Geography are often framed with reference to Uttar Pradesh. The entire GS Paper V of the Mains is dedicated to Uttar Pradesh, covering its history, culture, polity, governance, and contemporary issues in depth. This makes it imperative for aspirants to regularly follow UP current affairs and study the state’s specific context.
How to Download the Official UPPSC Syllabus 2025 PDF
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission releases the official syllabus PDF along with the notification on its website. To download it:
- Visit the official UPPSC website: uppsc.up.nic.in
- Look for the “Latest Notification” or “Advertisement” section.
- Find the notification for “Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination 2025”.
- The syllabus is usually provided as a link or annexure within the notification.
💡 Pro Tip: Always rely on the syllabus provided in the latest official notification, as the commission may introduce minor changes.
UPPSC Prelims 2025: Subject-Wise Weightage & Key Focus Areas
Knowing the syllabus is the first step; knowing where to focus your efforts is the next. An analysis of recent UPPSC Prelims GS Paper I papers reveals clear trends in how the 150 questions are distributed. The following table breaks down the approximate weightage for the major subject areas, helping you prioritise your study time effectively.
| Subject Area | Approximate Question Range (Out of 150) | Weightage Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Current Events (National & International) | 25 to 35 Questions | Highest/Most Volatile |
| History of India (especially Modern) | 20 to 25 Questions | High/Stable |
| Indian Polity & Governance | 20 to 25 Questions | High/Stable |
| Geography (India & World) | 18 to 25 Questions | High/Stable |
| General Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) | 12 to 18 Questions | Moderate/Stable |
UP Specific Knowledge | 8 to 12 Questions | Moderate/Increasing |
Pro Tip for Aspirants: This data shows that over half the paper consistently comes from four core areas: Current Events, History, Polity, and Geography. Allocate your preparation time accordingly, ensuring you stay updated with daily current affairs, especially those related to Uttar Pradesh, given its increasing focus.
Preparation Strategy for UPPSC Exam 2025
- Start with the Syllabus: Use the syllabus as your checklist. Mark topics as you complete them.
- Focus on NCERTs: Build your foundation with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 for core subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy.
- Integrate UP-Specific Study: Dedicate time weekly to read about Uttar Pradesh’s history, culture, economy, and current affairs.
- Practice Answer Writing: For Mains, regular answer writing practice is non-negotiable. Focus on structure, presentation, and sticking to the word limit.
- Revision is Key: Regularly revise static subjects and keep updating your current affairs notes.
UPPSC Syllabus 2025 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many stages does the UPPSC PCS exam have?
The examination is conducted in three progressive stages:
1) Preliminary Examination (Objective Type),
2) Main Examination (Written/Descriptive Type), and
3) Interview (Personality Test).Is there negative marking in the UPPSC Prelims exam 2025?
Yes. There is negative marking for incorrect answers in the Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper I and II). Typically, 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted for every wrong answer.
Have Optional Subjects been removed from the Mains exam?
Yes, the previous system of choosing an Optional Subject has been discontinued. They have been replaced by two new descriptive papers (Papers V and VI) focusing specifically on Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge and related topics.
Is the CSAT (Paper II of Prelims) score counted in the ranking?
No. The General Studies Paper II, also known as CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test), is a qualifying paper. You must score a minimum of 33% to pass, but your marks from this paper are not counted toward the Prelims merit list.
Where can I find the UPPSC syllabus in Hindi?
The official UPPSC notification and syllabus are released in both Hindi and English on the commission’s website, uppsc.up.nic.in. Many coaching institutes and educational portals also provide the UPPSC syllabus in Hindi for the convenience of aspirants.
What is the weightage of the Uttar Pradesh-specific section?
The weightage is substantial. In the Prelims, several questions in GS Paper I are linked to Uttar Pradesh. More importantly, the entire General Studies Paper V in Mains, worth 200 marks, is dedicated to Uttar Pradesh. Ignoring UP-specific topics can severely impact your final score.
How should I prepare for the new GS V and GS VI papers?
For GS V, focus exclusively on resources related to Uttar Pradesh’s history, culture, economy, polity, and current affairs. For GS VI, a strong command over the other GS papers (I to IV) and regular practice of answer writing on contemporary and analytical topics is essential.
Is the CSAT paper in Prelims difficult to qualify?
The CSAT is a qualifying paper. The difficulty level is generally moderate, set at the Class X level. With consistent practice of comprehension, reasoning, and basic mathematics, most candidates can clear the 33% cutoff. However, it should not be taken lightly.
How many attempts are allowed for the UPPSC exam?
Unlike UPSC, there is no fixed number of attempts for the UPPSC exam. Candidates can appear for the exam as long as they meet the age criteria, which is 21-40 years (with age relaxation for reserved categories).
What is the marking scheme for UPPSC Prelims?
Each correct answer in Prelims earns you 1.33 marks, and for every incorrect answer, 0.33 marks are deducted as negative marking. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.