How This Helps Your UPSC Prep
ExamAI covers UPSC alongside JEE, NEET, and other exams, with free MCQ practice and study notes — no login, no subscription, and offline access after first use. Full unit-by-unit web courses like the JEE/NEET ones exist for JEE and NEET subjects only right now; UPSC subjects are next on our list.
Prelims Syllabus
UPSC Prelims has two papers. Paper I (General Studies) is the one that counts toward your merit ranking; Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only — you just need to clear a minimum threshold.
1 General Studies Paper I
Covers current events of national and international importance; History of India and the Indian National Movement; Indian and World Geography (physical, social, economic); Indian Polity and Governance (constitution, political system, panchayati raj, public policy, rights issues); Economic and Social Development (sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives); General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change; and General Science.
2 General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
A qualifying-only paper testing comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, general mental ability, and basic numeracy (data interpretation, class X level).
Mains Paper Structure
Mains consists of nine papers, of which two (a compulsory Indian language and English) are qualifying only. The remaining seven — Essay, four General Studies papers, and two Optional Subject papers — count toward the final ranking.
The Seven Merit-Counting Papers
Essay — one paper testing structured, well-argued writing on a chosen topic. General Studies I–IV cover, respectively: Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World and Society; Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations; Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management; and Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude. Optional Subject Papers I & II let a candidate go deep on one subject of their choice from a fixed list.