IAS Exam Prelims & Mains Syllabus 2025

UPSC IAS Exam Stages

The UPSC IAS exam is a three-stage process that consists of:

1. Preliminary Examination: This is the first stage of the IAS exam. It is an objective type test consisting of two papers – General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test. The General Studies paper comprises questions related to current affairs, Indian history, Indian polity, geography, and economics, while the Civil Services Aptitude Test paper tests the candidates’ analytical and comprehension skills.

2. Main Examination: Those who qualify for the preliminary examination are eligible to appear for the Main examination. It consists of 9 papers, out of which 7 are considered for ranking purposes. The papers include Indian languages, English, essay, general studies, and optional subjects.

3. Personality Test (Interview): Those who qualify for the Main examination are called for the personality test or interview. It is the final stage of the IAS exam and comprises a personal interview conducted by a board of experts to assess the candidate’s personality, mental ability, and suitability for the civil services.

The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main examination and the interview.

1. UPSC IAS Prelims Exam Pattern

The UPSC IAS Prelims Exam Pattern comprises of two papers – General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both the papers are conducted on the same day in two sessions, and each paper is of 200 marks.

The General Studies Paper I consists of 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks. It covers topics such as Current events of national and international importance, History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, and General Science.

The General Studies Paper II or CSAT paper is the second paper of the Prelims. The CSAT paper is of qualifying nature, and a candidate needs to score a minimum of 33% marks in this paper to qualify for the Main exam.

The CSAT paper is designed to test the candidate’s aptitude and analytical skills, and it includes topics like comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy, and data interpretation.

The CSAT paper has 80 questions and is of 200 marks. The duration of the paper is 2 hours. The questions in the CSAT paper are of objective type, with multiple-choice options.

It is important for candidates to prepare well for the CSAT paper, as it is a qualifying paper, and a candidate’s score in this paper does not count towards the merit list. However, qualifying the CSAT paper is essential for a candidate to be eligible for the Main exam.

Note 1 : Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

Note 2 : The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.

Note 3 : It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.

2. UPSC IAS Mains Exam Pattern

• Candidates who qualify for the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Main exam.
• The Main exam consists of 9 descriptive type papers, out of which 7 papers are counted for merit ranking.
• The Main exam is conducted over a period of 5-7 days.
• The 7 papers are: Paper-I (Essay), Paper-II (General Studies-I), Paper-III (General Studies-II), Paper-IV (General Studies-III), Paper-V (General Studies-IV), Paper-VI (Optional Paper-I), Paper-VII (Optional Paper-II).

Note: The marks of both the qualifying papers (Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language & Paper B: English) are not added for final merit. Both the question papers are of 300-300 marks. The minimum qualifying marks in Indian language is 25% (75) and in English also the minimum qualifying marks are 25% (75).

3. UPSC IAS Exam Interview

• Candidates who qualify the Main exam are called for the Personality Test/Interview.
• The interview is conducted by a panel of experts and is for a duration of 30-40 minutes.
• The interview tests the candidate’s personality, suitability for a career in civil services, and general knowledge.

(i) The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of the candidate’s career. The candidate will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the Interview/Personality Test is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The Interview/Personality Test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms this is really an assessment of not only intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

(ii) The technique of the Interview/Personality Test is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.

(iii) The Interview/Personality Test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own State or Country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well-educated youth.

4. UPSC IAS Final Merit

The final selection of candidates is based on the candidate’s performance in the Main exam and Personality Test/Interview.

Note: The final merit and rank is made by adding the marks of the candidate’s main examination and interview.

Markhor UPSC

The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is a large wild goat species native to Central Asia and parts of South Asia, mainly within Pakistan, the Karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan, and the Himalayas. It has a worldwide population of around 5,000.

Markhor is known for its distinctive corkscrew horns, which can grow up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length. The name "Markhor" is derived from Persian and means "snake eater," possibly referring to the spiral shape of its horns.

Markhors inhabit steep, rocky terrain at high altitudes, ranging from 600 to 3,600 meters (2,000 to 11,800 feet) above sea level. They are known for their agility and climbing abilities, allowing them to navigate the rugged landscapes in search of food. 

Markhors face various threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and competition with domestic livestock for resources. Conservation efforts are underway in some regions to protect and preserve these unique and endangered wild goats. The species is also the national animal of Pakistan, where it is considered a symbol of wildlife conservation.

Markhor Characteristics

Markhors exhibit several distinct characteristics:

1. Classification:

The Markhor belongs to the genus Capra, which includes several other species of wild goats. Here is the classification of the Markhor:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Bovidae
• Subfamily: Caprinae
• Genus: Capra
• Species: Capra falconeri

2. Scientific Name:

The scientific name for the Markhor is Capra falconeri.

3. Subspecies:

The Markhor (Capra falconeri) has several recognized subspecies, each adapted to different regions of its range. These subspecies exhibit variations in horn shape, body size, and coat color, reflecting their adaptations to the specific environments in which they live. These subspecies include:

1. Astorian Markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri): Found in the Astor Valley in Pakistan.

2. Bukharan Markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri): Native to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and possibly Afghanistan.

3. Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis): Inhabits parts of northern India and Pakistan, particularly the Kashmir region.

4. Suleiman Markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni): Found in the Sulaiman Range of Pakistan.

5. Chiltan Markhor (Capra falconeri chiltanensis): Inhabits the Chiltan Range in southwestern Pakistan.

6. Kabul Markhor (Capra falconeri megaceros): Native to eastern Afghanistan.

7. Western or Spin Ghar Markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri): Found in the western regions of Afghanistan.

8. Nuristan Markhor (Capra falconeri nuristanica): Inhabits the Nuristan province of Afghanistan.

4. Habitat:

Markhors are adapted to survive in rugged and mountainous terrain. Their habitat preferences include steep and rocky landscapes at high altitudes. Here are some key aspects of the Markhor's habitat:

(i) Geographical Range:

The Markhor's range extends across Central Asia, including parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Specific subspecies may be found in distinct regions within this range.

(ii) Altitude:

Markhors are typically found at elevations ranging from 600 to 3,600 meters (2,000 to 11,800 feet) above sea level. They are well-adapted to the challenges posed by high-altitude environments.

(iii) Terrain:

Markhors inhabit areas with steep and rocky terrain, including cliffs, ledges, and rocky outcrops. Their agility and climbing abilities allow them to navigate these challenging landscapes effectively.

(iv) Vegetation:

Their habitats often consist of sparse vegetation, including grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They typically inhabit shrub forests made up primarily of oaks, pines, and junipers.

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Together with Satpura National Park and the Pachmarhi Sanctuary, it forms the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

The sanctuary derives its name from the River Bori. Notably, it holds the distinction of being India's first forest reserve, known as the Bori Reserve Forest.

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary features mixed deciduous and bamboo forests, which are part of the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion. This makes it a significant transition zone between the forests of western and eastern India. 

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. It is situated in the northern foothills of the Satpura Range. The sanctuary is bounded by the Satpura National Park to the north and east, and the Tawa River marks its western boundary.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is the Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Raja Bhoj Airport is approximately 140 kilometers (about 87 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is the Hoshangabad Railway Station, located in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary can be accessed from this railway station, which is approximately 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) away.

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: The history of the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary can be traced back to the establishment of India's oldest forest preserve, known as the Bori Reserve Forest. In 1865, this forest reserve was officially declared along the banks of the Tawa River, forming the nucleus of what is now recognized as the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Early Conservation Efforts: As the first forest reserve in India, the Bori Reserve Forest played a pioneering role in emphasizing the importance of wildlife protection and conservation. In its early years, efforts were made to safeguard the region's natural resources and wildlife species, setting the foundation for future conservation initiatives.

3. Evolution into Bori Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1977, recognizing the ecological significance and the need for further protection, the Bori Reserve Forest evolved into the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. This transformation aimed to ensure the continued preservation of the area's diverse flora and fauna, solidifying its status as a protected sanctuary.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary was established as part of India's commitment to protect and conserve its rich biodiversity.

The sanctuary's name, derived from the Hindi words "Bagh" (Tiger) and "Dara" (Home), reflects its significance as the "home of tigers." Bagdara is renowned for its diverse flora, encompassing deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine vegetation, as well as hosting medicinal plants and flowering trees.

Among its most notable features is the abundance of wildlife, including iconic species such as tigers, panthers, deer, and hyenas. The sanctuary's rich avian diversity attracts birdwatchers, offering glimpses of various bird species thriving within the protected area.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sidhi district of the Madhya Pradesh, India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Varanasi Airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport), which is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 190-220 kilometers away from the Sidhi district, depending on the specific location within the district.

Nearest Railway Station:

The closest railway station to the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rewa Railway Station in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Rewa is a major city in the region and is approximately 90-120 kilometers away from the Sidhi district.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1978. During this period, India had already launched Project Tiger, an initiative aimed at conserving the country's tiger population and preserving their natural habitats. Recognizing the urgency to safeguard tigers and their ecosystems, the Government took steps to establish this sanctuary.

2. Etymology: The name Bagdara is derived from two Hindi words: "Bagh," which means tiger, and "Dara," which translates to home. Therefore, the sanctuary's name conveys its significance as the "home of tigers."

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary covers an expansive area of approximately 478 square kilometers.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rugged and diverse terrain, which includes snow-covered peaks, high-altitude plateaus, glaciers, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.

The sanctuary is not easily accessible due to its remote location and challenging terrain. It falls within the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region, which is characterized by extreme weather conditions and limited vegetation. The sanctuary's inaccessibility has helped preserve its pristine natural environment and protect its wildlife.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the easternmost reaches of the Karakoram range in Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. 

Specifically, it lies in the northeastern part of the district, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the northwest. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, also known as Leh Airport. The airport is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of the sanctuary. From Leh Airport, visitors can reach the sanctuary by road.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a considerable distance from the sanctuary, approximately 720 kilometers (447 miles) south of Leh. From Jammu Tawi Railway Station, visitors would need to travel by road or air to reach the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history as a protected area. Here are some key points about its establishment and development:

1. Establishment: The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987. It was designated as a protected area with the aim of conserving the unique biodiversity of the region.

2. Conservation Importance: The sanctuary was created to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in the Karakoram range. This region is known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude ecosystems, and presence of rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard.

3. Challenges and Management: The remote and inaccessible location of the sanctuary poses challenges for effective management and conservation efforts. However, authorities have implemented measures to control poaching, promote sustainable tourism, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the sanctuary's ecological integrity.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary spans an approximate area of 5,000 square kilometers (1,931 square miles). It encompasses a portion of the Karakoram range of the Himalayas, characterized by its rugged terrain, snow-covered peaks, glaciers, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. 

The sanctuary's vast size allows for the conservation of diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan wolf, ibex, blue sheep, musk deer, and various bird species.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary,  is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the union territory of Ladakh, India.

The sanctuary is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, which includes high-altitude desert, grasslands, and several lakes. It is situated at an average altitude of around 4,500 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various species of wildlife that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the region. Some of the notable wildlife species found in the sanctuary include Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, and several species of migratory birds.

The sanctuary is an important habitat for the endangered Tibetan antelope, which is prized for its fine wool known as shahtoosh. Efforts have been made to protect the Tibetan antelope and combat illegal wildlife trade in the area.

The Changthang region is also culturally significant, with many nomadic communities like the Changpa herders living in the area. These herders rely on traditional practices such as animal husbandry and yak rearing for their livelihood. The Korzok Monastery located in this sanctuary is a major tourist attraction.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Changthang plateau in Leh district of Ladakh, India. It is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh and extends to Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar Lake.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, Ladakh. It is located approximately 200 kilometers away from the sanctuary. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu, with regular flights operating to and from Leh.

Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the region of Ladakh does not have a railway network. The closest major railway station is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, located in Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir. From Jammu, one can travel to Leh by road or choose to fly to Leh from Jammu. The distance from Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary to Jammu Tawi Railway Station is approximately 480 kilometers by road. 

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich history that is closely intertwined with the cultural and ecological heritage of the region. Here are some key aspects of its history:

1. Traditional Land of the Changpa Nomads: The Changthang plateau has been inhabited by the Changpa nomadic communities for centuries. The Changpas are traditional herders who rely on animal husbandry, primarily rearing yaks, sheep, and goats, for their livelihood. They have a deep connection with the land and have practiced sustainable herding practices for generations.

2. Cultural Significance: The Changthang region, including the wildlife sanctuary, holds immense cultural significance. It is home to several monasteries, including the Korzok Monastery, which is an important spiritual center for the local communities. The traditional lifestyle and cultural practices of the Changpa nomads contribute to the cultural heritage of the area.

3. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Established: The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary was officially designated as a protected area in 1987. This step was taken to conserve the unique flora, fauna, and the ecological balance of the region.

4. Recognition as a Ramsar Site: Tso Kar, one of the lakes within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, was designated as a Ramsar site in 2020. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance recognized for their ecological significance. Tso Kar is an important breeding ground for several bird species and supports a unique wetland ecosystem.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important wildlife corridor between the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji National Park. 

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pantnagar Airport. It is situated in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, and is approximately 120 to 130 kilometers (about 75 to 81 miles) away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is Ramnagar Railway Station. It is situated in Ramnagar town, which is around 30 to 35 kilometers (approximately 19 to 22 miles) away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is closely linked with the larger context of conservation efforts in the region and the establishment of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

1. Early Conservation Efforts: The region that now comprises the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was once extensively forested and inhabited by a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and various other fauna. As human settlements expanded and economic activities grew, these forests faced increasing threats from deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction.

2. Creation of Corbett National Park: In 1936, the famous Jim Corbett National Park (earlier known as Hailey National Park) was established in the area. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park was India's first national park and aimed to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and other wildlife species.

3. Expansion and Formation of Corbett Tiger Reserve: In 1973, the Indian government launched "Project Tiger," a conservation initiative aimed at protecting the endangered tiger species. Under this project, the Corbett National Park was declared a tiger reserve, and its boundaries were expanded to include the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1987, the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was established to serve as a buffer zone for the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 301.18 square kilometers and helps provide a safe passage for wildlife between Corbett National Park and the Rajaji National Park, further enhancing biodiversity conservation in the region.