UPPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025 (Prelims, Mains & Interview) | SteelFrame IAS
UPPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025 – Complete, Updated & Easy-to-Follow Guide
Last updated: 11 September 2025 • Verified with official/leading sources
Preparing for UPPSC (UPPCS)? Here’s the most practical and up-to-date guide on the exam pattern and syllabus for Prelims, Mains and Interview, including negative marking rules, qualifying criteria, paper-wise topics and a downloadable PDF.
What is UPPSC / UPPCS?
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination, commonly called UPPCS, to recruit Group A & B officers for the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
UPPSC Exam Pattern 2025 (Overview)
| Stage | Papers | Question Type | Marks & Duration | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 2 papers: GS-I & CSAT (GS-II) | Objective MCQs | 200 marks each • 2 hrs each | CSAT is qualifying at 33%; merit based on GS-I. Negative marking ~1/3 per wrong answer. |
| Mains | 8 papers (descriptive): Hindi, Essay, GS-I to GS-VI | Descriptive / Conventional | Hindi & Essay: 150 each • Each GS: 200 • Total 1500 | From 2023, optionals removed and replaced by GS-V & GS-VI. |
| Interview | — | Personality Test | 100 marks | Final merit = Mains (1500) + Interview (100) |
Tip: Target GS-I for Prelims merit; secure CSAT ≥ 33% safely with regular practice.
UPPSC Prelims Syllabus
Paper I – General Studies (GS-I)
- Current events of national & international importance
- History of India & Indian National Movement
- Geography of India & the World (physical, social, economic)
- Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution, public policy, Panchayati Raj, rights issues)
- Economic & Social Development (poverty, inclusion, demographics, sustainable development)
- Environment, Ecology, Climate Change & Biodiversity
- General Science
Paper II – CSAT (GS-II) – Qualifying (33%)
- Comprehension; interpersonal & communication skills
- Logical reasoning & analytical ability; decision-making & problem-solving
- General mental ability; basic numeracy & data interpretation (Class X level)
- General English & General Hindi (Class X level)
Negative Marking: UPPSC Prelims employs approximately 1/3rd negative marking for incorrect answers. Attempt intelligently and avoid random guesses.
UPPSC Mains Syllabus (8 Papers)
| Paper | Nature | Marks | Indicative Themes / Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hindi | Descriptive | 150 | Grammar, comprehension, précis & composition |
| Essay | Descriptive | 150 | Multi-dimensional essays incl. UP-specific issues |
| General Studies I | Descriptive | 200 | Indian Heritage & Culture, History, World History, Society, UP Art & Culture |
| General Studies II | Descriptive | 200 | Polity, Constitution, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations |
| General Studies III | Descriptive | 200 | Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science & Tech, Disaster Management |
| General Studies IV | Descriptive | 200 | Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude; case studies |
| General Studies V | Descriptive | 200 | UP-focused governance, security, development, welfare & local issues |
| General Studies VI | Descriptive | 200 | UP-specific economy, geography, society, planning & resources |
Note: From 2023, optional subjects were removed and replaced by GS-V and GS-VI. The time for each Mains paper is typically 3 hours.
Interview / Personality Test
The interview evaluates personality, integrity, awareness, clarity of expression, decision-making and state-specific understanding.
- Marks: 100
- Final Merit = Mains (1500) + Interview (100)
Preparation Tips (SteelFrame IAS Approach)
- Phase 1 (8–10 weeks): NCERT + standard books + UP-specific notes. Daily 2 hours Current Affairs.
- Phase 2 (6–8 weeks): Topic-wise tests for GS-I; CSAT drills 30–40 mins/day.
- Mains Build-up: Start answer-writing early (3 answers/day). Use GS-V & VI UP-centric examples.
- Revision Pyramid: 3-2-1 cycles (3rd, 2nd, final revision). Condense notes to 40–50 pages/GS paper.
- Interview: Mock panels; UP economy & governance briefs; personal DAF deep-dive.
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UPPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus – FAQs
Has the UPPSC pattern changed recently?
Yes. From 2023, optionals were removed and two additional GS papers (V & VI) were added.
Is CSAT qualifying? How much is needed?
Yes, CSAT is qualifying. You need at least 33% in CSAT.
Is there negative marking in Prelims?
Yes, generally 1/3rd marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
Do Prelims marks count for final selection?
Prelims is for screening: only GS-I decides the cut-off; final merit is Mains + Interview.
How many Mains papers and total marks?
Eight papers: Hindi (150), Essay (150), GS-I to GS-VI (200 each) = 1500 marks.
Download UPPSC official notification Syllabus & Exam Pattern PDF
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Note: Always check the latest UPPSC notification for any micro-changes before the cycle you’re applying to.