UPSC Prelims 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus & Study Resources

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2026 is the first step for thousands of aspirants dreaming of joining prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. This exam tests your knowledge across a broad range of subjects through two objective papers: General Studies and CSAT. With the exam scheduled for May 24, 2026 (Sunday), aspirants now have approximately 10 months to prepare for this highly competitive examination that attracts lakhs of candidates annually.

This guide provides essential information about the UPSC Prelims 2026 syllabus, exam dates, and recommended resources to help you qualify for this crucial stage of your UPSC journey.

The Union Public Service Commission has released the official exam calendar for 2026. Here are the crucial dates for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026:

• Notification Release: January 14, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 3, 2026
• UPSC Prelims Exam Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
• UPSC Mains Exam Date: August 21, 2026 (Friday)

With the exam date set, it’s important to understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and the best resources available to maximize your preparation.

The UPSC Prelims is the first and crucial stage of the Civil Services Examination, designed to test your broad knowledge and aptitude across a wide range of subjects. Here’s how the exam is structured:

Important Note: Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature with a minimum requirement of 33% marks (66.67 marks out of 200). Only Paper I marks count for ranking and qualification to the Mains.

Understanding the syllabus thoroughly is the first step toward smart preparation. Here's the official UPSC Prelims Syllabus for 2026 to help you align your study plan with the exam's demands.

Paper I - General Studies (200 marks, 100 questions)

• Current Events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography.
• Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues.
• Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives.
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change - General issues without subject specialization.
• General Science covers basic scientific concepts.

Paper II - CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) (200 marks, 80 questions)

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills, including communication abilities
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (Class X level)
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables - Class X level)

Also read: How to Start UPSC Exam 2026 Preparation: A Complete Guide to Success

Selecting the right set of books is one of the most important steps in your UPSC Prelims 2026 preparation. Below is a subject-wise list of highly recommended books, trusted by toppers and experts for building strong fundamentals and mastering key topics.

For General Studies Paper I:

For CSAT Paper II:

Also Read: UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026: Complete Preparation Guide with Topper Strategies

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The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 represents a significant opportunity for aspirants to begin their journey toward prestigious administrative positions. With proper planning, the right resources, and consistent preparation following the official syllabus, success in this challenging examination is achievable. The key lies in understanding the comprehensive nature of the syllabus, selecting appropriate study materials, and maintaining a disciplined approach throughout the preparation period.

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