UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus — History, Geography and Society Explained
May 4, 2026 · 8 min read · My UPSC Syllabus
GS Paper 1 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination is a 250-mark paper requiring written answers. The questions test depth of understanding, analytical ability, and the capacity to present arguments coherently.
GS Paper 1 of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination is a 250-mark paper requiring written answers. The questions test depth of understanding, analytical ability, and the capacity to present arguments coherently. This guide explains every section of the official syllabus with specific subtopics.
INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE:
Ancient art: Indus Valley seals, Mauryan pillars (Ashokan), Ajanta-Ellora cave paintings, Buddhist stupa architecture, Gandhara and Mathura sculpture schools, Gupta period temples. Medieval art: Dravidian and Nagara temple architecture (Brihadeeswarar, Khajuraho, Konark), Islamic architecture in India (Qutb Minar, Taj Mahal), miniature painting schools (Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, Deccan). Modern art: Bengal School, folk art traditions (Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra), classical music (Hindustani, Carnatic).
MODERN INDIAN HISTORY (Mid-18th Century to Independence):
Battle of Plassey 1757 to Independence 1947. British economic policies (de-industrialisation, drain of wealth, land revenue systems). 1857 Revolt. Rise of nationalism, INC 1885, Moderate-Extremist split. Gandhian era: Rowlatt Act, NCM, CDM, Quit India 1942, Cabinet Mission, partition.
WORLD HISTORY (18th Century Onwards):
American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, European colonialism, World Wars I and II, Russian Revolution, Cold War, decolonisation, Non-Aligned Movement, post-Cold War globalisation.
INDIAN SOCIETY:
Caste system, tribal communities, women's issues, population dynamics, urbanisation, globalisation and social change, secularism, communalism, regionalism.
GEOGRAPHY:
Physical geography of India, world geography, physical/human/economic geography, resource distribution, population, transportation, international trade.
Mains GS1 questions are analytical — avoid listing facts without connecting cause, consequence, and contemporary relevance.
Tags: GS Paper 1, Mains, Syllabus, History, Geography