The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and prestigious exams in
India. To succeed, aspirants must first thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus, which serves as the
foundation for smart and targeted preparation.
The Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC is a three-stage process—Prelims, Mains, and
Interview—designed to assess a candidate’s academic knowledge, clarity of thought, analytical
ability, and personality traits suitable for public administration. Vedanta IAS Academy delivers a
streamlined approach with focused study modules, expert faculty, and regular evaluation, all aligned
to the official UPSC syllabus.
UPSC Prelims Syllabus
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Prelims act as a screening test. It comprises two objective-type papers:
-
General Studies Paper I – 200 Marks
Covers:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic Development & Social Issues
- Environmental Ecology & Biodiversity (basic level)
- General Science
-
CSAT (General Studies Paper II) – 200 Marks
Qualifying in nature (33% minimum),
includes:
- Reading Comprehension
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Mental Ability and Class X-level Numeracy
Vedanta’s Approach:
- Detailed topic-wise classes with regular revisions
- Daily current affairs capsules
- Weekly tests simulating UPSC pattern
- Separate CSAT skill-building workshops
Stage 2: Mains Examination
The Mains is a descriptive written test comprising nine papers, of which seven are counted for
merit.
Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A: Any Indian language (as per the Constitution's Eighth Schedule) – 300 Marks
- Paper B: English – 300 Marks
Merit-Based Papers:
- Essay – 250 Marks
Two essays on socio-political, economic, or philosophical issues.
-
General Studies I – 250 Marks
- Indian Heritage & Culture
- Modern Indian History
- World History
- Indian Society
- Geography
-
General Studies II – 250 Marks
- Indian Constitution & Governance
- International Relations
- Welfare Schemes & Social Justice
-
General Studies III – 250 Marks
- Indian Economy
- Technology & Innovation
- Environment & Disaster Management
- Internal Security
-
General Studies IV – 250 Marks
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Case studies on administrative decision-making
- Optional Paper I & II – 2 x 250 Marks
Vedanta offers coaching for high-scoring optionals
including PSIR, History, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, and Literature subjects.
Vedanta Mains Support:
- Daily answer writing sessions
- Personalized feedback on written responses
- Model answers based on UPSC directives
- Mains Test Series with expert evaluation
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview) –
275 Marks
The final stage tests the candidate’s personality traits like integrity, clarity of expression,
critical thinking, and awareness of issues.
Vedanta’s Interview Guidance:
- DAF Analysis Workshops
- Realistic Mock Interviews with ex-bureaucrats
- Panel Feedback and Personality Grooming
Resources and Student Tools
- Complete UPSC syllabus handbook
- Prelims and Mains planner (month-wise)
- GS & Optional previous year question compilations
- Access to Vedanta's Learning Portal with videos, notes, and test series
Admission Note
Vedanta IAS Academy’s flagship Integrated Foundation Course (GS + CSAT + Optional) begins June 6,
2026. Batches are available in weekday and weekend formats.
To Register or Inquire:
Vedanta IAS Academy – Delhi's Premier UPSC Coaching Institute
+91 9911753333