UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Syllabus Tamil Nadu Coaching
Complete UPSC Syllabus Tamil Nadu Aspirants
Understanding the UPSC exam begins with knowing the syllabus thoroughly. At Kanchi Valluvan IAS Academy, we guide aspirants with a detailed and updated UPSC Syllabus Tamil Nadu Coaching module. Covering all stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Interview — our syllabus breakdown helps students plan their preparation effectively. Whether you are a beginner or a reattempt candidate, this comprehensive guide includes General Studies, CSAT, Optional Subjects, and the Personality Test structure. Our expert faculty ensures you stay aligned with the latest UPSC trends and expectations.
Phase 1: Prelims Examination Syllabus
Syllabus for Paper I (General Studies) -
200 Marks
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require any subject specialization
- General Science
Syllabus for Paper II (CSAT) -
200 Marks
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)
Phase 2: Mains Examination Syllabus (1750 Marks)
Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English
The aim of these papers is to test the candidates’ ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express ideas clearly and correctly, in English and an Indian language.
| Qualifying Papers | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Paper-A |
One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution |
300 |
|
Paper-B |
English |
300 |
|
PAPERS TO BE COUNTED FOR MERIT |
||
|
Paper-I |
Essay |
250 |
|
Paper-II |
General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) |
250 |
|
Paper-III
|
General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
|
250 |
|
Paper-IV |
Genera Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
|
250 |
|
Paper-V |
General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
|
250 |
|
Paper-VI |
Optional Subject – Paper 1
|
250 |
|
Paper-VII |
Optional Subject – Paper 2
|
250 |
|
Sub Total (Written Test)
|
|
1750 |
|
|
275 |
|
|
Grand Total |
|
2025 |
Important Points:
Compensatory time of twenty minutes per hour shall be permitted for the Blind candidates and the candidates with locomotor disability and cerebral palsy where dominant (writing) extremity is affected to the extent of slowing the performance of function (minimum of 40% impairment) in both the Civil Services (Preliminary) as well as in the Civil Services (Main) Examination.
UPSC Syllabus 2025 – Qualifying Papers in Indian Languages and English | UPSC Syllabus Tamil Nadu
English Language:
- Comprehension of given passages.
- Precise Writing.
- Usage and Vocabulary.
- Short Essays.
Indian Languages:
- Comprehension of given passages.
- Precise Writing.
- Usage and Vocabulary.
- Short Essays.
- Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.
UPSC Mains Syllabus – Papers Counted for Ranking (7 Papers) | UPSC Syllabus Tamil Nadu
Paper I: Essay
2 essays to be written, each from a set of topics.
Usually one philosophical/societal, one related to policy/development.
Tests coherence, logic, language, and critical thinking.
Paper II: General Studies I
Indian culture: Art forms, literature, architecture
Modern Indian history: Important events, freedom struggle, leaders
World history: Events from 18th century – industrial revolution, world wars, colonization, decolonization
Indian society: Diversity, globalization, role of women, poverty, population
Geography: Physical, resources, agriculture, important geophysical phenomena
Paper III: General Studies II
Constitution: Features, amendments, federalism, comparison with other countries
Governance: Institutions, ministries, e-governance, transparency
Polity: Parliament, State Legislature, Judiciary, Elections
Welfare schemes: For vulnerable sections, health, education
International Relations: India and neighbors, global organizations (UN, WTO, IMF), bilateral/multilateral agreements
Paper IV: General Studies III
Economy: Inclusive growth, budgeting, agriculture, infrastructure, investment models
Science & Tech: IT, space, biotech, indigenization
Environment: Conservation, pollution, climate change, environmental impact assessments
Security: Terrorism, cyber security, border management
Disaster Management: Types, risk assessment, response, mitigation
Paper V: General Studies IV
Ethics in public service, attitude, emotional intelligence
Case studies on moral dilemmas and decision making
Integrity, probity, civil service values
Role of family, society, education in shaping ethics
Public/Civil service ethical dilemmas
✅ This paper uses theory + case studies format.
Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject –
Paper I & II
Literature (any language like Tamil, English, Hindi, etc.)
Humanities: History, Geography, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Administration
Science/Tech: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Engineering subjects
Others: Law, Economics, Agriculture, Management, Medical Science
✅ Choosing the right optional is crucial. It should align with your strengths or graduation background.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
No syllabus; it’s a test of personality, not knowledge.
Conducted by a board of experts at UPSC.
Tests clarity of expression, logical reasoning, awareness, empathy, decision-making, leadership.
Questions can be from:
DAF (Detailed Application Form)
Current affairs
Hobbies
Background, optional subject, home state issues
