17 May Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains 2026
Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains 2026
? Polity (Prelims + Mains GS-2)
- Fundamental Rights & Duties
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
- Emergency Provisions
- Amendment of the Constitution
- Judicial Review & Judicial Activism
- Parliament and State Legislature – Structure, Functioning
- President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers
- Governor & Chief Minister – Powers and Functions
- Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies (e.g., EC, CAG, NITI Aayog)
- Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies
- Separation of Powers
- Federalism – Issues and Challenges
- Election Laws and Reforms
? History & Culture (Prelims + Mains GS-1)
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic Age and Later Vedic Age
- Mauryan and Gupta Empires
- Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements
- South Indian Kingdoms (Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas)
- Freedom Struggle: 1857 Revolt to 1947
- Indian National Congress sessions and leaders
- Revolutionary Movements and Tribal Uprisings
- Important Cultural Institutions (IGNCA, ASI)
- UNESCO Heritage Sites in India
- Indian Architecture and Paintings
? Geography (Prelims + Mains GS-1)
- Climatology and Atmospheric Circulation
- Ocean Currents and Marine Resources
- Indian Monsoon and Rainfall Patterns
- Rivers and Drainage System in India
- Mineral and Energy Resources
- Soils of India and Soil Conservation
- Agriculture Patterns in India
- Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Plate Tectonics
- Natural Disasters and Disaster Management
- Urbanization and Migration
? Economy (Prelims + Mains GS-3)
- GDP, GNP, NNP Concepts
- Inflation, Deflation, and Stagflation
- Budget, Fiscal Policy and FRBM Act
- Monetary Policy and RBI Tools
- Taxation Structure and GST
- Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development
- Banking Reforms and NPAs
- Financial Inclusion and Digital India
- Unemployment and Poverty
- Five-Year Plans (Historical Relevance)
- MSME Sector and Startups in India
- Balance of Payments and Current Account Deficit
? Environment and Ecology (Prelims + GS-3)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Climate Change and Global Warming
- Important International Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, CITES)
- National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, and Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Pollution and Control Measures
- Environmental Laws in India (EPA, Forest Act)
- Disaster Management Act
- Carbon Trading and Green Bonds
? Science and Technology (Prelims + GS-3)
- ISRO Missions (Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan)
- DRDO Projects and Defence Technology
- Space Technology – PSLV, GSLV, Satellites
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Cyber Security and Blockchain Technology
- Quantum Computing and Supercomputers
- Green Energy Technologies (Solar, Hydrogen)
? Current Affairs (Prelims + All Papers)
- Recent Supreme Court Judgments
- New Government Schemes and Policies
- Economic Survey and Union Budget 2026
- International Relations and Summits
- Reports from NITI Aayog, World Bank, IMF
- Election Commission Reforms
- India’s Border Disputes and Defense Exercises
- Social Justice Issues (Caste, Gender, Minorities)
?️ Essay and Ethics (GS Paper 4)
- Case Studies on Ethics in Public Administration
- Integrity, Honesty, and Accountability
- Work Culture and Civil Service Values
- Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
- Philosophers and Thinkers (Kautilya, Gandhi, Aristotle)
- Essay Topics on Education, Health, Environment, Economy
- Role of Media, Technology and Youth
? Strategy Tips
- Prepare static subjects from standard books and revise regularly.
- Make short notes for each of the above topics.
- Regularly practice MCQs for prelims and answer writing for mains.
- Keep a monthly current affairs compilation for dynamic topics.
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