The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of the most prestigious examinations in India – the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This exam is the gateway to some of the most sought-after positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central government services. UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims), the Main Examination (Mains), and the Interview (Personality Test).

In this article, we will focus on the UPSC Mains Exam, its structure, syllabus, key highlights, subject list, comparison with the Prelims, marking criteria, and other important details.

What is the UPSC Mains Exam?

UPSC Mains Exam is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination. It is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, analytical skills, and depth of understanding on various subjects. Unlike the Prelims, which primarily focus on objective-type questions, the Mains consists of written papers and assesses the candidate’s ability to present ideas and solutions in a comprehensive manner.

The Mains stage consists of nine papers, which are both mandatory and optional, designed to evaluate the candidate’s intellectual ability, writing skills, and overall aptitude for a career in the civil services.

UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Structure

The UPSC Mains Exam has a detailed and structured format. It is conducted over several days, with each paper testing different aspects of the candidate’s skills and knowledge. Here’s a breakdown of the UPSC Mains Exam structure:

1. General Studies Papers (Papers 1-4)

• Paper 1: Essay
• Paper 2: General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)
• Paper 3: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations)
• Paper 4: General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

2. Optional Subject Papers (Papers 5-6)

• Candidates can choose one subject from a list of optional subjects provided by UPSC. These papers test the candidate’s in-depth understanding of the subject chosen.

3. Language Papers (Papers 7-8)

• Paper 7: Indian Language
• Paper 8: English These papers are qualifying in nature, meaning that candidates must score a minimum mark to pass, but they do not count towards the final ranking.

4. Personality Test (Interview)

• The final stage of the UPSC exam is the Personality Test (interview), which assesses a candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC Mains Exam is highly detailed and demanding, consisting of both objective and subjective components. Below is an outline of the exam pattern:

• Essay Paper (Paper 1)

1. 1. • Duration: 3 hours
      • Marks: 250
      • Candidates are required to write an essay on any one topic out of a set of topics. The essay tests the candidate’s ability to write coherently and logically, while also demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.

• General Studies Papers

1. 1. • Each of the four General Studies papers (Papers 2-5) carries 250 marks, with a total of 1000 marks.
      • The subjects include topics ranging from Indian culture and history to international relations and technology.

• Optional Subject Papers (Papers 5 and 6)

1. 1. • Marks: 250 for each paper, totaling 500 marks.
      • The candidate can choose one subject from a list of options. This subject should align with the candidate’s academic background and interests.

• Language Papers (Papers 7 and 8)

1. • Marks: 300 in total (150 for each paper).
   • The language papers are qualifying in nature, and candidates must secure a minimum of 25% in each paper to pass. These papers are available in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, and various Indian languages.

UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Syllabus

The UPSC Mains syllabus is extensive and requires a well-rounded approach to preparation. Below is an outline of the syllabus for each paper:

UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Key Highlights

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: The UPSC Mains exam evaluates a candidate on a variety of subjects ranging from general studies to their chosen optional subject.
2. Essay Writing: The essay paper is crucial, as it assesses a candidate’s ability to present their ideas clearly and persuasively.
3. Subjective Nature: Most of the papers in the Mains exam are subjective and require detailed written responses, assessing critical thinking and clarity of expression.
4. Language Papers: Language papers are qualifying but require a minimum level of proficiency in Indian and English languages.
5. Flexibility in Subject Choice: Candidates can choose one optional subject from a wide range, allowing them to align the exam with their interests and academic background.

Comparison of UPSC Mains and Prelims

The UPSC Prelims is an objective-type exam, primarily designed to test a candidate’s basic knowledge and aptitude. It is an eliminatory stage, meaning only those who pass the Prelims can sit for the Mains. In contrast, the UPSC Mains is a detailed and subjective exam that requires in-depth preparation, with written responses evaluated for both content and presentation.

• Prelims: Objective questions, two papers (General Studies and CSAT), marks: 400
• Mains: Subjective questions, nine papers (including General Studies, Essay, Optional, and Language papers), marks: 1750

UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Marking Criteria

• General Studies Papers: Each of the four General Studies papers is marked out of 250, contributing 1000 marks in total.
• Optional Subject Papers: The two optional subject papers are marked out of 250 each, contributing 500 marks in total.
• Essay Paper: This paper is also marked out of 250 marks.
• Language Papers: These papers are qualifying in nature and are marked out of 300 marks.
• Total Marks: The total marks for the Mains Exam are 1750. However, the Personality Test (interview) adds another 275 marks, bringing the total to 2025 marks.

Conclusion

UPSC Mains Exam is a critical stage in the Civil Services Examination, demanding a comprehensive understanding of diverse subjects, critical thinking, and excellent writing skills. With a carefully structured pattern, an extensive syllabus, and a rigorous evaluation system, the Mains exam serves to assess a candidate’s readiness for a career in the civil services. Aspirants must be well-prepared to tackle this challenging exam, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application, to emerge successful in the highly competitive environment of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

UPSC Mains Exam FAQs

Q1. What is the UPSC Mains Exam?

Answer: The UPSC Mains Exam is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination. It evaluates candidates on their knowledge, writing skills, and critical thinking. The exam consists of nine papers, including General Studies, an Essay, and an optional subject chosen by the candidate.

Q2. How many papers are there in the UPSC Mains Exam?

Answer: The UPSC Mains Exam consists of nine papers. These include General Studies, an Essay, an Optional Subject, and Language Papers. Some papers are qualifying, while others are scored and contribute to the final ranking.

Q3. Can I choose any subject in the UPSC Mains Exam?

Answer: Yes, candidates can choose an optional subject from a list provided by UPSC for the Mains Exam. The subject should be one that aligns with the candidate’s interests, background, and strengths, as it plays a significant role in their overall score.

Q4. What is the purpose of the Essay Paper in UPSC Mains?

Answer: The Essay Paper tests a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly, logically, and in a well-structured manner. Candidates write an essay on a given topic, showcasing their analytical skills, knowledge, and writing proficiency in about 1000-1200 words.

Q5. What is the role of the Language Papers in UPSC Mains?

Answer: The Language Papers (Indian Language and English) in UPSC Mains are qualifying papers. Candidates must score a minimum percentage (usually 25%) to pass. These papers assess language proficiency but do not affect the final ranking.