UPSC Philosophy Syllabus and Books for Preparation
Master the complete Philosophy optional with topic-wise syllabus coverage and topper-recommended booklist for UPSC Mains.
Get the full UPSC Philosophy syllabus for both Paper I & II, along with a curated list of essential books. Simplify your preparation and boost your score with insights from toppers and structured study resources.
Paper I: Indian and Western Philosophy
Part A: Indian Philosophy
General Characteristics
- Common features of Indian philosophical systems.
Carvaka Philosophy
- Epistemology and metaphysics.
Jainism
- Theory of reality, knowledge, and ethics.
Buddhism
- Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and concepts of Anatta and Nirvana.
Nyaya and Vaisheshika
- Logic, categories, and theory of causation.
Samkhya and Yoga
- Dualism, theory of evolution, and eight limbs of Yoga.
Purva Mimamsa
- Theory of knowledge, language, and ritualism.
Vedanta
- Advaita, Visistadvaita, and Dvaita schools.
Part B: Western Philosophy
Plato and Aristotle
Theory of Forms, substance, causation, and actuality.
Rationalism
Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz: epistemology and metaphysics.
Empiricism
Locke, Berkeley, and Hume: theory of knowledge and skepticism.
Kant
Synthetic a priori judgments and categories.
Hegel
Dialectical method and absolute idealism.
Analytic Philosophy
Moore, Russell, and Wittgenstein: language and logic.
Logical Positivism
Verification principle and rejection of metaphysics.
Phenomenology and Existentialism
Husserl, Heidegger, and Sartre: consciousness and existence.
📘 Paper II: Socio-Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion
Part A: Socio-Political Philosophy
Social and Political Ideals
Equality, justice, liberty, and rights.
Forms of Government
Democracy, socialism, and theocracy.
Political Ideologies
Marxism, anarchism, and liberalism.
Human Rights
Concept and theories.
Social Institutions
Family, marriage, and education.
Caste and Gender
Social stratification and feminism.
Development and Environmental Ethics
Sustainable development and ecological concerns.
Part B: Philosophy of Religion
Nature and Scope
Definitions and approaches.
Arguments for the Existence of God
Ontological, cosmological, and teleological arguments.
Problem of Evil
Theodicy and free will defense.
Religious Experience
Mysticism and revelation.
Faith and Reason
Compatibility and conflicts.
Religious Pluralism
Interfaith dialogue and tolerance.
Secularism
Separation of religion and state.
📚 Topper-Recommended Booklist for Philosophy
To excel in Philosophy, consider the following books, widely recommended by successful candidates:
A Critical History of Western Philosophy by Y. Masih
A History of Philosophy by Frank Thilly
An Introduction to Indian Philosophy by Dutta & Chatterjee
A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy by C.D. Sharma
Social and Political Philosophy by O.P. Gauba
Introduction to Religious Philosophy by Y. Masih
Philosophy of Religion by John Hick
Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy by Simon Blackburn
Additionally, referring to previous years’ question papers, and staying updated with current affairs through newspapers and journals will enhance your preparation.