UKPCS Syllabus 2026 PDF – Download Prelims & Mains Syllabus
UKPCS Syllabus 2026 – Detailed Prelims & Mains Syllabus
Get the detailed UKPCS syllabus for Preliminary and Main Examination, including General Studies, General Aptitude Test, General Hindi, Essay and Uttarakhand-specific General Studies papers.
The UKPCS Syllabus 2026 covers the complete syllabus for the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Interview/Personality Test. Candidates preparing for the Uttarakhand Combined State Civil/Upper Subordinate Services Examination should understand the syllabus paper-wise before planning their preparation.
The Preliminary Examination consists of General Studies and General Aptitude Test, while the Main Examination includes General Hindi, Essay and General Studies Papers I to VI. A substantial part of the syllabus also focuses specifically on Uttarakhand.
UKPCS Examination Scheme 2026
The Uttarakhand Combined State (Civil) Upper Subordinate Examination is conducted in three sequential stages.
Preliminary (Objective type) Examination
Main Examination (Written type)
Interview Examination
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective type)
| S. No. | Question Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Paper | General Studies | 150 (01 mark for each question) |
150 | 2 hours |
| 2 | Second Paper | General Aptitude Test | 100 (1.5 mark for each question) |
150 | 2 hours |
Note 1: The preliminary examination will be of objective type, in which the negative evaluation method will be adopted. For each wrong answer given by a candidate to a question or for more than one answer given by a candidate to the same question (even if one of the answers given is correct), one-fourth (1/4) mark of the marks prescribed for that question will be deducted.
Merit list: Merit list will be prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the first question paper (General Studies).
General Aptitude Test: Second question paper (General Aptitude Test) is a qualifying examination, in which it is mandatory to obtain 33 % marks of all category/sub category candidates.
2. Main Examination (Written type)
| Question Paper | Subject | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Hindi | 03 hours | 150 |
| 2 | Essay | 03 hours | 150 |
| 3 | General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) |
03 hours | 200 |
| 4 | General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.) |
03 hours | 200 |
| 5 | General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) |
03 hours | 200 |
| 6 | General Studies-IV (Ethics, integrity and Aptitude) |
03 hours | 200 |
| 7 | General Studies-V (Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand) |
03 hours | 200 |
| 8 | General Studies-VI (Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand) |
03 hours | 200 |
| Grand Total for Written Examination | 1500 | ||
| 3.Interview/Personality Test | 150 Marks | ||
| Grand Total(Written + Interview) | 1650 | ||
Important: All question papers are compulsory. It will be mandatory to obtain minimum 35 % marks in the General Hindi paper.
UKPCS Prelims Syllabus 2026 – General Studies
The First Paper of the UKPCS Preliminary Examination is General Studies. The detailed syllabus is given below as per the official notification.
Note:- Minimum 1/3 questions will be asked with the reference of state of Uttarakhand in total questions 150.
Unit- 1
Indian History, Culture and National Movement
Pre-Historic Period- Harappa Civilization, Vedic Civilization and Sangam Age - Mahajanapadas and rise of Magadh; Religious Movements - Jainism, Buddhism, Bhagavatism and Shaivism; Persian and Greek Contacts and other related aspects.
Mauryan Empire - Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and his Dhamma; Mauryan Administration, Economy, Society and Art; Kushanas and other related aspects.
Gupta Empire - Foundation, Consolidation and Decline; Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Skandagupta; Gupta Adminstration, Society, Economy, Literature and Art and other related aspects.
Post-Gupta Period- Harshavardhan, Pal, Pratihara, Rashtrakuta, Chola, Pallava Chandel, Paramar, Chauhan; Social, Economic and Cultural Development between 650 A.D. and 1200 A.D and related other Aspect.
Advent of Islam in India- Iltutmish, Balban, Alauddin Khalji, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Feroze Tughlaq, Sikandar Lodi and Ibrahim Lodi; Administration in Delhi Sultanate, Causes of decline of Delhi Sultanate, Society and Economy during Sultanate period, Indo-Islamic Architecture, Vijaynagar Empire, Sufism, Bhakti movement and other related aspects.
Mughal Empire - Babar, Shershah Suri, Akbar, Shahjahan, Aurangzeb and decline of Mughal Empire, Mughal administration, Jagirdari and Mansabdari systems, Society and Economy during the Mughal period, Literature, Art and Architecture; Maratha, Sikh and Jat and other related aspects.
Advent of Europeans - Portuguese, French, Dutch, British East India Company and British administration(1758-1857) and other related aspects, Economic impact of British rule and other related aspects.
Socio-religious Reform Movement during 19th Century and other related aspects.
Viceroys of India (1858-1947)
First War of Independence (1857), Tribal, Non-Tribal, Caste and Peasant movements during 19 th and 20 th century; British administration after 1857 and other related aspects.
Government of India Act 1858, Administrative, Social and Judicial systems after 1858- Administration, Social, Educational, Judicial Reforms and other related aspects.
Growth of Nationalism in India, Rise of National Movement.
Indian National Congress- Foundation, Moderates and Extremists.
Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi movement, Foundation of Muslim League, Surat Session and the split of Congress(1907), Morley-Minto Reform (1909).
First World War and Indian National Movement- Home Rule Movement, Lucknow Pact (1916), August Declaration of 1917, Indian Revolutionary Movements in India and abroad.
Gandhian era, Government of India Act (1919), Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala bagh Massacre (13 April, 1919), Khilafat Movement, Non Co-operation Movement, Chaurichaura- episode, Swaraj Party, Simon Commission, Nehru Report, 14th points of M.A. Jinnah, Lahore Session of Indian National Congress (1929), Civil Disobedience Movement, First Round Table Conference, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Second and Third Round Table Conference, Communal Award and Poona Pact.
Government of India Act (1935) - Demand of Pakistan, Cripps Mission, Quit India Movement, Cabinet Mission Plan, Indian National Army, Interim Government, Mountbatten Plan, Indian Independence Act(1947), Partition of India, India after Independence, New activities and Related Organizations and other related aspects.
History and Culture Of Uttarakhand
- Pre-historic Period.
- Proto-historic period.
- Ancient tribes of Uttarakhand
- Kuninda and Yaudheya
- Kartikepur dynasty
- Kattyuri dynasty
- Parmar dynasty of Garhwal
- Chand dynasty of Kumaon
- Gorkha Invasion and their rule in Uttarakhand
- British Rule
- Tehri Estate
- Freedom Movement in Uttarakhand- First war of Independence (1857) and Uttarakhand
- Role of Uttarakhand in India's national movement
- People's movements of Uttarakhand.
- other related aspects.
Indian and World Geography
The second unit of the UKPCS Preliminary Examination General Studies syllabus covers World Geography, Geography of India and Geography of Uttarakhand.
Unit- 2
Geography of world
Geography of world : Important Branches, Earth and Solar System, Lithosphere, Latitudes, Longitudes, Time, Rotation, Revolution, Eclipses, Continents, Mountains, Plateaus, Planes, Hydrosphere, Lakes and Rocks, Atmospheric layers, Composition, Solar Insolation, humidity. Ocenic relief, Currents, Tides, Temperature and Salinity. Agriculture, Plants, Insect, Livestock breeding, Power and Minerals Resources, Industries, Population, Species and Tribes, Migration, Transport, Communication, International boundary line, Environment and World Trade (Regional Economic Group), Geographical Glossary and other related aspects.
Geography of India
Geography of India : Geographic Introduction, Relief and Structure, Climate, Drainage system, Vegetation, Plants, Insect, Livestock breeding, Irrigation, Power, Soils, Water Resources, Agriculture, Minerals, Industries, Population and Urbanization, Transport, Communication System, Foreign Trade, Scheduled Caste/Tribes, Social ecologies, Domicile and Pollution and other related aspects.
Geography of Uttarakhand
Geography of Uttarakhand : Geographical location, Relief and Structure, Climate, Drainage system, Vegetation, Wild life, Minerals, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Irrigation, Major Cities and Tourist Places, Populations , Schedule Caste/Tribes, Transport Network, Power Resource and Industrial development, Natural hazards and other related aspects.
Indian Polity
Unit 3 covers Indian Polity, the Constitution of India, governance, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights-related issues, and the political system of Uttarakhand.
Unit- 3 — Indian Polity
National
- Parliamentary system
- Coalition Politics
- Regionalism, Casteism, Communalism, Terrorism and Naxalism
- Welfare : SC/ST/OBC’s and Minorities (with reference to constitutional provisions, legal framework, institutional arrangement, process and implications)
- Gender Politics (Equality, reservation, empowerment, welfare and safety/ security measures)
- Electoral reforms in India
- Governance : Institutions and process
- National integration
- Nuclear policy of India
- Environmental Concerns
- Economic and financial reforms: Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG) and its impact on politics and governance; planning machinery and planning process and banking sector (RBI, NABARD and IDBI etc)
- Institutional reforms in India like MNREGA, NRHM, JNNURM etc., Public private partnership (PPP) mode.
- Citizen Participation in Political and Administrative processes of the country
- Civil society
- Lok pal and Lok Ayukt
- Other related aspects.
International
- United Nations
- International Organization
- Environmental concerns at global level
- SAARC, ASEAN, SAFTA and another regional groups
- India’s Approach to major world issues: Disarmament, Human Rights and Globalization
- BRICS and its importance for India
- Other related aspects
Constitution of India
- Constitutional Development in India
- Constituent Assembly
- Preamble
- Basic Features of Indian Constitution (Including its various parts, Important articles and schedules)
- Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Directive Principles of State policy
- Constitutional Amendment method and important constitutional amendments
- Federal and Parliamentary system of Governance in India
- Parliamentary Committees (Public Accounts committee, Estimate Committee and Joint Parliamentary Committee)
- Constitutional Bodies : Election Commission and Comptroller and Auditor General
- Judiciary : Supreme Court and High Courts
- Other related aspects
Indian Polity
- Union Executive : President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Cabinet Secretariat, Central Secretariat and PMO
- State Executive : Governor and Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, State Secretariat and Chief Secretary
- Union Parliament and State Legislatures in India
- Election Machinery and Process
- Political Parties and Pressure Groups
- Politicians and Civil servant Relationships
- Development of Political Culture in India
- Agencies of Political socialization
- Evolution and Growth of Administrative system in India
- Re-organization of states in India
- Administration of Union Territories and other specified states and areas in India
- Administrative reforms (including various important Committees and Commissions)
- District Administration
- Other related aspects
Panchayati Raj
- Local Governance : 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts
- State Finance Commission : Functions and Role
- Devolution of powers to local bodies
- Types of local bodies in India : Municipal corporations, Municipal councils, Nagar Panchayat, Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samities and Zila Parishad
- Other related aspects
Public Policy
- Good Governance : Citizen Charter and E-Governance
- Prevention of Corruption and Lok Pal and Lok Ayuktas
- Right to Information
- Right to Education
- Right to services
- Other related aspects
Issues Concerning Rights
- Fundamental Rights
- Protection of Civil Right Act, 1955
- Various rights pertaining to protection of SCs, STs, Issues related Minorities, Women and Children and Old persons in India
- Other related aspects.
Political System of Uttarakhand
Political System of Uttarakhand :- Governance, Governor, Legislation, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Central State Relation, Public Services, Public Service Commission, Auditing, Advocate General, High Court and it’s jurisdiction, Provision for minorities, Schedule Caste/Tribes, Special State Selection Criteria, Official Language, Consolidated fund and Contingency Fund, Political Parties and Election, Local Government and Panchayati Raj, Community Development, Public Policy, Right Related Issues (Education, Employment, Development etc.) Governance (Prevention of Corruption, Lok Ayukt, Citizen charter, E-Governance, Right to Information, Samadhan Yojna etc.) and other related aspects.
General Science and Technology
Unit 5 covers General Science, Science and Technology in India, current scientific developments, ecology and environment, physical science, life science, computers and technology, and the natural resources of Uttarakhand.
Unit -5 — General Science and Technology
General Science
Question on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of Science including matters of every day observation and experince, as may be expected of a well educated person, who has not made a special study of any scientific discipline.
Science and Technology in India
Science and Technology in India: History and contribution.
Current Affairs — Science and Technology
Current affairs - National and International Awards, Prizes, Discoveries, Inventions, Science Congresses, Conferences, Solar technology, Application of new technology for human welfare, health and medicines, Environmental Awareness, Natural Bio resources, etc.
Scientific and Research Related Organizations
State, National and International Scientific and Reaserch Related other organizationsIUCN , WWF, IPCC, WHO, UNESCO, etc.
Information Technology
Information technology and application of computers in daily life, e-governance, etc.
Ecology and Environment
Ecology and environment- Habitat, community ecosystem, Structure and function, adaptations. Plants and their classification, Traditional agriculture, Commercial agriculture and Commercialization of agriculture, Production of agricultural crops and their regional distribution (State, National and International Level ) , Problems in agriculture field, Agricultural diversity, etc.
Natural Resources and Energy
Natural resources – Soil, water, air, forests, grasslands, wetlands, marine. Planning and management of Renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
Biodiversity and Environmental Crisis
Biodiversity – Threats and conservation. Ethics and usage
Environmental Crisis: Air, water, soil and space pollution. Laws and Acts, Global warning .
Global climate change – Causes and effects.
Remote Sensing, GIS and Weather Forecasting
Concept of remote sensing and GIS Applications.
Weather Forecasting.
Spreadsheet and Database Applications
Application of spread sheet and Data Base Applications.
Physical Science / Awareness — Computer and Information Processing
Physical Science/Awareness - Fundamentals of Computer and Information processing, Basic Computer organization, Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Problem solving Techniques and Computer Languages, Business data processing, Data Communication and Computer Networks and security, use of Internet and multimedia applications, Cloud computing, Application of PC, Software Packages, Basics of cyber law, etc.
Chemistry and Applied Science
Matter and its States, acids, bases and salts, origin and distribution of element, hard and soft water, heavy water, purification, batteries, fuel cells, corrosion, nuclear fission and fusion, elements of symmetry, polymers, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipid, hormones, vitamins, medicines and healthcare, dyes, cosmetics, food chemistry, etc.
Physics and Space Science
Mechanics, General properties of matter, Wave motion , Sound and electromagnetic waves, Heat, Light, Magnetism, Electricity, Atomic & Nuclear Physics, Astronomy and space physics. X-rays and semiconductor technology etc.
Life Science and Biotechnology
Life Science – Branches, contribution, Natural Resources and their management.
Biodiversity, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Bio products, Vaccines, Immunization, Health care, Genetically modified organisms, Global warming and climate change, Livestock breeding, Plants and Human welfare etc.
Scientific Glossary
Scientific Glossary.
Natural Resources of Uttarakhand
Natural Resources of Uttarakhand and their contribution to National and International Climate change, etc.
Current Events of State, National and International Importance
The sixth unit of the UKPCS Preliminary Examination General Studies syllabus focuses on current events at the State, National and International levels.
Unit -6
Current Events of State, National and International Importance
Current events of State, National and International Importance.
General Aptitude Test (Objective Test)
The Second Paper of the Preliminary Examination is the General Aptitude Test. The official notification specifies 100 questions, 150 marks and a time limit of 02 Hours.
Unit – 1
Unit – 1
Number of questions : 80 MM : 120
1 – Aptitude – Statement/propositions true and false statement (syllogism) Analogies, Similarities and differences, Observation, Mirror images.
2 - Communication and Inter personal Skills- Word building, Coding decoding, Numerical Operations.
3 – Logical and Analytical ability
Logic : Statements- Arguments, Statement- Assumptions, Statement- Courses of Action, Statement – Conclusions, Deriving Conclusions from passages, Theme Detection, Question-Statements, Ven Diagram, Arithmetic number series, Arithmetical reasoning and Figural Classification, Relationship concepts.
4 - Decision making and problem solving-Problme Solving, Decision-making, Visual memory, Discrimination, assertion and Reason.
5 - General mental Ability: Direction sense Test, Social Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Critical thinking, Puzzle Test, Alphabet test, Data sufficiency, Inserting the missing Character.
6 - Numerical identification- Number & their classification, test of divisibility of number, general properties of divisibility, test of prime number, division and remainder, remainder rules, two-line number series, sum rules on natural numbers.
7- Statistics Analysis- Presentation of Data through chart, graph, Tables, sufficiency of data
Unit – 2
English Language & Comprehension
Number of questions: 20 MM : 30
(Unit-2 -Para -08- Total number of questions -07, Para-09- Total number of questions -13 )
8& Comprehension skill in English language-
(A) There shall be a long passage in English for comprehension, followed by three objective-type questions, with multiple choices, of 1.5 mark each. These questions will test the candidate’s ability to comprehend the ideas contained in the passage as well as his/her knowledge of English language/grammar.
(B) The four questions (1.5 mark each) based on language/grammar may cover the following areas:
(i) Vocabulary
(ii) Antonyms
(iii) Synonyms
(iv) One-word substitution
(v) Phrases/phrasal verbs
(vi) Transformation of sentences
Hindi Language Comprehension
9- हिन्दी भाषा में बोधगम्यता कौशल-
(अ) हिन्दी –भाषा में बोधगम्यता कौशल हेतु दिए गए विस्तृत अपठित गद्यांश या अवतरण से, प्रतिपाद्य (विषयवस्तु), भाषा और व्याकरण पर आधारित, 06 वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न पूछे जाएंगे। प्रत्येक वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न डेढ़ अंक का होगा तथा प्रत्येक प्रश्न के चार वैकल्पिक उत्तर A, B, C, D होंगे। जिनमें केवल एक उत्तर ही सही होगा।
(ब) 07 वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न (प्रत्येक डेढ़ अंक) अपठित गद्यांश के कथ्य, शीर्षक, उद्देश्य, भाषा, लोकोक्ति एवं मुहावरा, अलंकार, शब्द–विवेक (तत्सम, तद्भव, देशज एवं विदेशी शब्द, पर्यायवाची शब्द, विलोम शब्द, शब्दार्थ), उपसर्ग, प्रत्यय, संधि, समास और क्रियारूप आदि पर आधारित होने चाहिए।
General Hindi
The General Hindi paper is part of the Uttarakhand Combined State (Civil) Upper Sub-ordinate Main Examination (Written type). The paper carries a maximum of 150 marks and has a duration of 3 hours.
General Hindi — Detailed Syllabus
1. शब्द – रचना
उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय, सन्धि एवं समास, वचन एवं लिंग, व्याकरणिक कोटियाँ–संज्ञा, सर्वनाम, क्रिया, विशेषण, क्रिया–विशेषण, अव्यय के अनुप्रयोग, वाच्य परिवर्तन, कर्तृवाच्य / कर्मवाच्य / भाववाच्य
15 अंक2. शब्द–विवेक
(अ) शब्द–भेद
तत्सम, तद्भव, देशज, विदेशी, शंकर, रूढ़, यौगिक, योगरूढ़, पर्यायवाची, समानार्थी, विलोम, अनेकार्थी, समूहवाची, समरूप किन्तु भिन्नार्थक, वाक्य या वाक्यांश के लिए एक शब्द
(ब) शब्द–शुद्धि
15 अंक3. वाक्य–रचना
रचना के आधार पर वाक्य परिवर्तन (सरल,मिश्र एवं संयुक्त), व्याकरण के आधार पर वाक्य परिवर्तन (प्रश्नवाचक,विस्मयादिबोधक,सकारात्मक,नकारात्मक), विराम चिन्ह, वाक्य शुद्धि, स्लोगन लेखन
15 अंक4. मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ
मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ (अर्थ एवं वाक्य प्रयोग)
10 अंक5. पत्र लेखन
पत्र लेखन (अनौपचारिक एवं औपचारिक पत्र)
15 अंक6. (अ) प्रतिवेदन लेखन
(सरकारी एवं गैर सरकारी कार्यालयों, विद्यालयों,संगठनों में घटित होने वाली घटनाओं पर आधारित प्रामाणिक विवरण तैयार करना)
(ब) हिन्दी के प्रशासनिक शब्दों का अंग्रेजी अनुवाद
10 अंक + 10 अंक7. बोधन
(अपठित अवतरण पर पूछे गए बोध–प्रश्नों के उत्तर तैयार करना)
15 अंक8. सार लेखन / सारांश / संक्षेपण
(विस्तृत लेख,निबन्ध, प्रतिवेदन, भाषण,पत्र आदि की विषय–सामग्री को छोटा करके लगभग एक तिहाई रूप में प्रस्तुत करना)
15 अंक9. पल्लवन
(प्रसिद्ध सूत्रों,वाक्यों,सूक्तियों,कहावतों/लोकोक्तियों आदि की व्याख्या और विस्तार करना)
10 अंक10. हिन्दी अवतरण का अंग्रेजी में अनुवाद
हिन्दी अवतरण का अंग्रेजी में अनुवाद
10 अंक11. अंग्रेजी अवतरण का हिन्दी में अनुवाद
अंग्रेजी अवतरण का हिन्दी में अनुवाद
10 अंकEssay
The Essay paper is the second paper of the UKPCS Main Examination. Candidates are required to write essays from each of the three sections specified in the official syllabus.
Detailed Essay Syllabus
Section – A
- Literature and Culture
- Social sphere.
- Political sphere.
- Economic sphere : Agriculture, Industry and Trade.
Section – B
- Science, Environment and Technology
- National and International Events
- Natural Calamities : Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought, etc.
- National Development Programmes and projects.
Section – C
- Social structure of Uttarakhand.
- History and Culture, Art and Literature in Uttarakhand.
- Economic and Geographic Scenario of Uttarakhand, Tourism and Migration in Uttarakhand.
- Environment & Disaster and Disaster Management in Uttarakhand.
- Women Empowerment in Uttarakhand.
Essay Evaluation Criteria
- Accuracy of Language and Grammar, Proper Word Selection, and Legible Handwriting.
- Rendering of Original Thoughts related to the Subject.
- Presentation of Multi-dimensional and Comprehensive Understanding of the Subject.
- Systematic, Compatible, and Reasonable Revelation of Subject related thoughts and Essay Style.
- Clarity, Expression Ability and Expansion and Summarization ability with reference to the given subject.
General Studies-I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
General Studies-I — Detailed Syllabus
1. Indian Culture
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Modern Indian History
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.
3. The Freedom Struggle
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
4. Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization
Post – independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
5. History of the World
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, re-drawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
6. Indian Society and Diversity
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
7. Women, Population, Poverty and Urbanization
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and remedies.
8. Effects of Globalization
Effects of globalization on Indian society.
9. Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
10. World Physical Geography
Salient features of world’s physical geography.
11. Natural Resources and Industries
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
12. Important Geophysical Phenomena
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location – changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
General Studies-II
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
General Studies-II — Detailed Syllabus
1. Indian Constitution
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
2. Union and States — Federal Structure
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
3. Separation of Powers
Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
4. Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
5. Parliament and State Legislatures
Parliament and State legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
6. Executive and Judiciary
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary – Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal /informal associations and their role in the polity.
7. Representation of People’s Act
Salient features of the Representation of people’s Act.
8. Constitutional Posts and Bodies
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
9. Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-Judicial Bodies
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
10. Government Policies and Interventions
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
11. Development Processes and Development Industry
Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
12. Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and states and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
13. Social Sector and Services
Issues relating to development and management of social sector / services relating to health, Education, human Resources.
14. Poverty and Hunger
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
15. Governance, Transparency and Accountability
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e–governance-applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
16. Role of Civil Services
Role of civil services in a democracy.
17. India and International Relations
India and its neighborhood – relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and / or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate.
General Studies-III
Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
General Studies-III — Detailed Syllabus
1. Indian Economy and Employment
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment related topics.
2. Inclusive Growth
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
3. Government Budgeting
Government Budgeting.
4. Agriculture and Irrigation
Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issue and related constraints; e – technology in the aid of farmers.
5. Farm Subsidies, MSP, PDS and Food Security
Issue related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; public Distribution System – objectives, functioning, limitations, improvement; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal – rearing.
6. Food Processing and Related Industries
Food processing and related industries in India – scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
7. Land Reforms
Land reforms in India.
8. Liberalization and Industrial Policy
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
9. Infrastructure
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
10. Investment Models
Investment models.
11. Science and Technology
Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
12. Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
13. IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano and Biotechnology
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano – technology, bio – technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
14. Environment and Environmental Impact Assessment
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
15. Disaster and Disaster Management
Disaster and disaster management.
16. Development and Extremism
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
17. External State and Non-State Actors
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
18. Communication Networks, Media, Cyber Security and Money Laundering
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybers security; money – laundering and its prevention.
19. Border Security, Organized Crime and Terrorism
Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
20. Security Forces and Agencies
Various Security force and agencies and their mandate.
General Studies-IV
Ethics, integrity and Aptitude
The following broad areas will be covered:
General Studies-IV — Detailed Syllabus
1. Ethics and Human Interface
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinates and consequences of Ethics in – human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating value.
2. Attitude
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service
Aptitude and foundational values for civil service, integrity, impartiality and non–partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker – sections.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence – concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
5. Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
6. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
7. Probity in Governance
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
8. Case Studies
Case studies on above issues.
General Studies-V
Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand
General Studies-V — Detailed Syllabus
1. History of Uttarakhand
History of Uttarakhand - Prehistoric period, Proto-historic period, Major archeological sites of Uttarakhand, Ancient tribes of Uttarakhand, Kunindas and Yaudheyas, Katyuri dynasty, Parmar dynasty in Garhwal- Rule, Administration, society, Economy, Chand dynasty of Kumaon- Rule, Administration, society, Economy, Gorkha invasion and administration.
2. British Rule in Uttarakhand
British Rule in Uttarakhand- Administrative System, Land Revenue, Forest Management, Economy, Education and Health System, Growth of Vernacular journalism in Uttarakhand, Tehri state- Rule, Administration, Society, Economy, Religion and Culture, Uttarkhand State and National Movement, Prominent Freedom Fighters of Uttarakhand, Merger of the Tehri state.
3. Popular Movements in Uttarakhand
Popular Movements in Uttarakhand- Coolie Begar Movement, Dola Palki Movement, Chipko Movement, Anti-Liquor Movement, Social Reformers. Anti princely Tehri State movement, Movement of separate Uttarakhand state and its immediate and long-term consequences.
4. Society and Culture of Uttarakhand
Society and Culture of Uttarakhand- Family, Marriage and kinship system in Uttarakhand, Caste system and caste mobility in Uttarakhand: Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Others Backward Classes in Uttarakhand; Rural Power Structure, Urbanization and Industrialization in Uttarakhand, prominent Folk Songs, Folk dance and craft. Prominent Folk singers and folk artists of Uttarakhand, musical instruments, paintings, costumes & food habits, Religious places and Temples of Uttarakhand, Fairs and Festivals, Dialects and craft of Uttarakhand.
5. Uttarakhand State — Political, Local Administration and Public Policy
Uttarakhand State- Political, Local Administration and Public Policy; Political System in Uttarakhand, Party Politics, Regional Parties, Pressure groups.
6. Administrative System and Public Policy in Uttarakhand
Administrative system- Structure of the state government, Cabinet and Departments, Administrative Agencies and District and Tehsil level Administration. State Public Service Commission. Lok Ayukta, State Vigilance Agency. Local Self Government in Uttarakhand- Nature of urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions in Uttarakhand, State Finance Commission, State Election Commission. Public Policy in Uttarakhand, Good governance, Citizen's Charter and e-governance, prevention of corruption, Lok pal and Lokayukta, Right to information, Right to education, Right to service, Women Empowerment, MNREGA, Soldier’s Welfare and rehabilitation etc. Important Ayog in Uttarakhand.
7. Current Events in the Context of Uttarakhand State
Current events in the context of Uttarakhand state.
General Studies-VI
Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand
General Studies-VI — Detailed Syllabus
1. Geography of Uttarakhand
Geography of Uttarakhand- Location, Extent and Strategic Importance, Structure and relief, Climate, Drainage System, Natural Vegetation, Soil, Glacier, Lake and Climate Change. Resources- Forest, Water, Minerals and Land, Agriculture, Irrigation, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Industry. Transport – Road, Rail and Air.
2. Hydro-electric Projects, Water Scarcity and Solution
Hydro-electric Projects, Water Scarcity and Solution.
3. Tourism
Tourism – Problems and Prospects.
4. National Parks and Wild-life Sanctuaries
National parks and Wild-life sanctuaries.
5. Population, Settlement, Urbanization and Human Development
Population- Growth Rate, Density, Distribution, Sex Raito, Literacy, Migration- Pattern, Problem and solution. Rural Settlement- type and patterns, Urbanization and cities, Smart City. Tribal habitat, Human Development Index.
6. Economy of Uttarakhand
Economy of Uttarakhand- Main features of the state's economy :
7. Natural Resources
Natural Resources - Water, Forests, Minerals etc.
8. Economic Profile of the State
Economic profile of the State- State domestic products and its Components, Per Capita Income. Major sources of income; Agriculture & Horticulture, Medicinal Plants, Forest products, and Tourism etc.
9. Industrial Development
Industrial development: State MSME Policy, Large, Medium, Small, Cottage and Handicraft Industries, Investment scenario, Problems and Possibilities.
10. Infrastructure
Infrastructure: Physical – Road, Rail and Air transport, Banking and financial Institutions, Education, Health, Energy, Communication, Self Help Groups (SHGs).
11. Economic Planning and Policies
Economic Planning and Policies – State annual plans, Development Programmes, Schemes and Policies; Decentralized Planning- Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
12. Public Finance
Public Finance: Revenue receipts, State Taxes, Public Expenditure, Uttarakhand’s Budget.
13. Major Economic Problems of the State
Major economic problems of the State – Poverty, Migration, Natural Disasters, Environmental degradation.
14. Welfare Programs
Welfare programs- Youth, Child and Women welfare programs, Poverty alleviation programs, MNREGA, Food and Civil supply, soldiers welfare and rehabilitation etc.
15. Disaster Management
Disaster Management: Nature, types and effect of disaster, Important Factors of natural disaster and efforts to reduce it.
16. Natural Disasters and Disaster Management Challenges
Denudation, Earthquake, Cloud-burst, Forest Fire, Drought & Avalanche etc. Difficulties in disaster Management. Ecologically – Sensitive areas. Role of NDRF and SDRF.
17. Disaster Management Act-2005 and Anthropogenic Activities
Disaster Management Act-2005, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Disaster and impacts due to anthropogenic activites. Efforts of Uttarakhand Government.
18. Human Resource and Community Development in Uttarakhand
Human Resource and Community Development in Uttarakhand- Employment and Development: Human resource management, human resource development and its indicators in Uttarakhand. Nature and types of unemployment problem in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand government’s schemes. Rural development and community development schemes – role of related institutions and organizations including centrally and state sponsored schemes.
19. Education
Education - Role of education in human resource development and social change. System of education in Uttarakhand - problems and issues (including universalization and professionalization), education for women and other socially and economically deprived sections and minorities.
Right to Education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and National Secondary Education Abhiyan in Uttarakhand. Status of higher, technical and professional education in Uttarakhand. Role of various institutions (including Centre, State and other organizations) in the improvement of education.
20. Health as a Component of Human Resource Development
Health as a component of human resource development in Uttarakhand-
Health care system in Uttarakhand.
National Rural Health Mission and other related schemes.
Health and Nutrition.
Food Security Act etc.
Interview / Personality Test
The final stage of the UKPCS selection process evaluates candidates beyond written examination performance.
Interview / Personality Test — Official Syllabus
The test will relate to the matter of general interest keeping the matter of academic interest in view and for general awareness, intelligence, character, expression power/personality and general suitability for service.
How to Prepare for UKPCS 2026
A structured preparation strategy helps candidates cover the extensive UKPCS syllabus while maintaining a balance between General Studies, Uttarakhand-specific topics and current affairs.
Start with the Official Syllabus
Begin your preparation by going through the complete UKPCS syllabus. Divide the syllabus into smaller topics and maintain a checklist so that every area is covered. You can also explore the O2 IAS Academy Resources for additional preparation material.
Build Strong Prelims Fundamentals
Focus on Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, General Aptitude and current events. Regular revision and practice are essential for objective-type questions. Also refer to the UKPCS 2026 Notification for the latest examination details.
Give Special Attention to Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand-specific topics are an important part of the examination. Study the state's history, geography, economy, polity, society, culture, environment, disasters and current affairs systematically. Make Uttarakhand specific notes alongside your regular General Studies preparation.
Prepare Prelims and Mains Together
Do not treat Prelims and Mains preparation as completely separate stages. Develop conceptual understanding and regularly practise answer writing for Mains alongside objective-question practice. Use the detailed syllabus above as your topic-wise preparation checklist.
Practise Previous Year Questions
Solve previous year questions to understand the nature of the examination, identify recurring themes and assess your preparation. Previous year questions should be used along with the syllabus rather than preparing topics in isolation. Visit the O2 IAS Academy Resources section for study resources.
Revise Regularly
Create a revision cycle for static subjects, Uttarakhand topics, current affairs and factual information. Regular revision is particularly important because the syllabus covers a wide range of subjects. Keep revisiting completed topics instead of waiting until the end of the preparation.
Instead of studying without a defined structure, map your notes, books, current affairs and practice questions against the official syllabus. This makes it easier to identify uncovered topics and plan revision before the examination. For more preparation resources, visit the O2 IAS Academy Resources .
Need Help With Your UKPCS Preparation?
Confused about what to study, how to cover the syllabus, or how to balance Prelims and Mains preparation? Talk to an O2 IAS Academy teacher and get guidance for your UKPCS preparation.
Preparing for UKPCS 2026? Get the Right Guidance.
Confused about the UKPCS syllabus, preparation strategy, Prelims, Mains or answer writing? Talk to an O2 IAS Academy teacher and get guidance for your preparation.
Talk to a Teacher
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Frequently Asked Questions About UKPCS Syllabus 2026
Find answers to the most common questions about the UKPSC PCS syllabus, Prelims, Mains, General Studies papers, Uttarakhand-specific syllabus, exam pattern and preparation strategy.
What is the syllabus of UKPCS 2026? +
The UKPCS 2026 syllabus covers Prelims, Mains and the Interview/ Personality Test. The Preliminary Examination includes General Studies Paper-I and General Aptitude Test (Paper-II). The Main Examination consists of General Hindi, Essay, General Studies-I, General Studies-II, General Studies-III, General Studies-IV, General Studies-V and General Studies-VI.
How many papers are there in the UKPCS Preliminary Examination? +
The UKPCS Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Aptitude Test (Paper-II).
Paper-I covers areas such as Indian History, Culture and National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity, Economic and Social Development, General Science and Technology, and Current Events of State, National and International Importance.
Is UKPCS Prelims Paper-II qualifying in nature? +
The General Aptitude Test is the second paper of the UKPCS Preliminary Examination. Candidates should carefully follow the official examination notification and syllabus for the applicable qualifying and merit-related provisions.
What is the syllabus of UKPCS Mains Examination? +
The UKPCS Mains syllabus includes General Hindi, Essay, General Studies-I, General Studies-II, General Studies-III, General Studies-IV, General Studies-V and General Studies-VI.
The General Studies papers cover Indian heritage and culture, history, geography, governance, constitution and polity, social justice, international relations, technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, disaster management, ethics, integrity and aptitude, along with extensive knowledge of Uttarakhand.
Which UKPCS Mains papers are related specifically to Uttarakhand? +
General Studies-V and General Studies-VI are titled “Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand”.
These papers cover subjects including Uttarakhand history, society, culture, political and administrative systems, geography, economy, infrastructure, disaster management, human resource development, education, health, welfare programmes and current events related to the state.
What topics are covered in UKPCS General Studies-I? +
General Studies-I covers Indian heritage and culture, modern Indian history, the Freedom Struggle, post-independence consolidation, world history, Indian society, women and social issues, globalization, social empowerment, world physical geography, natural resources, industrial location and important geophysical phenomena.
What is covered in UKPCS General Studies-II? +
General Studies-II focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations. Important areas include the Indian Constitution, federal structure, separation of powers, Parliament and State legislatures, Executive and Judiciary, constitutional and statutory bodies, government policies, welfare schemes, social sector issues, governance, transparency, accountability, civil services and India's international relations.
What topics are included in UKPCS General Studies-III? +
General Studies-III covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security and disaster management. It includes the Indian economy, inclusive growth, budgeting, agriculture, subsidies, food processing, land reforms, liberalization, infrastructure, science and technology, environmental issues, disaster management and internal security.
What is the syllabus of UKPCS General Studies-IV? +
General Studies-IV covers Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. Major areas include ethics and human interface, attitude, aptitude and foundational values for civil service, emotional intelligence, moral thinkers and philosophers, public service values and ethics in public administration, probity in governance and case studies.
How important is Uttarakhand GK for UKPCS preparation? +
Uttarakhand-specific topics are an important part of the UKPCS syllabus, particularly in General Studies-V and General Studies-VI. Candidates should prepare Uttarakhand history, geography, society, culture, economy, administration, political system, environment, disaster management and state-specific current events systematically.
Does the UKPCS syllabus include current affairs? +
Yes. Current events form part of the Preliminary syllabus, including current events of state, national and international importance. The Mains syllabus also requires candidates to connect contemporary issues with governance, economy, society, environment, security, international relations and Uttarakhand-specific developments.
What is the marks distribution for the UKPCS Interview? +
The UKPCS Interview/Personality Test carries 150 marks. The official syllabus states that the test relates to matters of general interest while keeping academic interest in view, along with general awareness, intelligence, character, expression power/personality and general suitability for service.
Is the UKPCS syllabus different from the UPSC syllabus? +
There is considerable overlap in broad areas such as history, geography, polity, economy, science and technology, environment, ethics and current affairs. However, UKPCS has a strong Uttarakhand-specific component, especially in the Mains examination. Candidates should therefore prepare the official UKPCS syllabus separately rather than relying only on UPSC-oriented preparation.
How should I prepare the UKPCS syllabus for Prelims and Mains together? +
Start by dividing the syllabus into subject-wise topics and identify areas common to Prelims and Mains. Build conceptual understanding first, then combine current affairs, previous-year questions, answer writing and regular revision. Uttarakhand-specific topics should be prepared continuously rather than left until the end.
Where can I find the detailed UKPCS 2026 syllabus? +
You can refer to the detailed syllabus given above and verify the latest official information through the official UKPSC website .
For additional preparation resources, you can also explore the O2 IAS Academy Resources and the UKPCS Notification 2026 page.
How can I get guidance for UKPCS 2026 preparation? +
If you are unsure how to cover the UKPCS syllabus, prioritize topics, plan Prelims and Mains preparation, or approach Uttarakhand-specific subjects, you can connect with the O2 IAS Academy team through the Talk to a Teacher section on this page.
