This article provides a detailed overview of the number of papers in the UPSC Mains, offering insights into the structure of the exam and explaining the various components. By understanding the papers involved and their relevance, candidates can strategize better for their preparation.

The article explains the purpose of each paper, emphasizing their role in evaluating both general and specialized knowledge, analytical skills, and writing abilities.

UPSC Mains Exam?

The UPSC Mains exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. With a success rate of only about 15%, clearing the Mains and advancing to the interview stage is a significant challenge.

The interview stage also has a rejection rate of approximately 50%, meaning that even after reaching this phase, candidates face intense scrutiny. Ultimately, only about 1% of the candidates make it to the final merit list. In 2023, an estimated 13,00,000 candidates applied for just 1,255 vacancies, illustrating the highly competitive nature of the exam.

How Many Papers in UPSC Mains?

The UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers, each serving a unique purpose. Of these, two papers are qualifying in nature and are compulsory. These are the Language Papers (one Indian language and English), which are meant to assess the candidate’s proficiency in writing and understanding language. The remaining seven papers include subjects like Essay, General Studies (1 to 4), and Optional Paper, with the latter being chosen by the candidate based on their area of interest. The exam is structured to test both general and specialized knowledge.

What are the Nine Papers in UPSC Mains Exam

The UPSC Mains exam includes the following nine papers:

• Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying)

• Paper B: English (Qualifying)

While the marks from the qualifying papers (Indian Language and English) do not contribute to the final merit list, they serve an important function in testing language proficiency.

• Paper 1: Essay

The Essay paper in the UPSC Mains evaluates a candidate’s ability to write a coherent, structured, and insightful essay on a given topic. It tests clarity of thought, expression, and the depth of understanding. Candidates are required to present balanced arguments, supported by relevant examples, within a specified word limit.

• General Studies I

General Studies I covers topics related to Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography. It focuses on understanding India’s historical evolution, from ancient to modern times. The paper includes questions on cultural diversity, significant cultural movements, architecture, literature, and religious developments in India. It also emphasizes world history, including major revolutions and events that shaped the global landscape. In addition, the paper tests candidates’ knowledge of physical geography, including the earth’s physical features, climate, and the relationship between human societies and the environment. Indian geography, such as rivers, soil, and resources, is also integral to this paper. An understanding of historical events and geographical concepts is necessary to answer the questions effectively.

• General Studies II

General Studies II is primarily focused on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. It assesses candidates’ understanding of the Indian political system, the functioning of Parliament, judiciary, and the executive. Topics like the Federal structure, the role of the President, and key constitutional bodies like the Election Commission and the CAG are covered. The paper also includes social issues, such as poverty, gender, health, and education, and how the government tackles these challenges. International relations, including India’s foreign policy, regional and global political dynamics, and international treaties, are also tested. This paper evaluates a candidate’s comprehension of political governance and the interplay between various national and international systems.

• General Studies III

General Studies III focuses on topics related to Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. The paper assesses candidates’ knowledge of economic policies, financial institutions, agriculture, and industrial development in India. It also covers the application of technology and its impact on the economy, including sectors like IT, biotechnology, and space technology. Environmental challenges, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development are major themes. Additionally, the paper explores national security concerns, internal and external security, and issues like terrorism, cyber threats, and border security. Disaster management strategies, including preparedness and response mechanisms for natural disasters, are also an essential part of the syllabus.

• General Studies IV

General Studies IV deals with Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude, focusing on the moral aspects of governance, public administration, and personal conduct. It tests candidates on their ability to analyze ethical dilemmas, public administration ethics, and the role of values in decision-making processes. The paper includes theoretical aspects of ethics, such as ethical theories, codes of conduct, and values in public life. It also focuses on emotional intelligence, attitude, and aptitude required for civil services. Candidates are expected to demonstrate how ethical considerations can guide governance, and how integrity and transparency should be upheld in administration. This paper assesses a candidate’s emotional quotient and ethical judgment, crucial for handling public administration responsibilities.

• Paper 6: Optional Subject Paper 1

• Paper 7: Optional Subject Paper 2

Paper 6 and Paper 7 are part of the UPSC Mains exam. Both papers assess in-depth knowledge of the candidate’s chosen subject, with each carrying 250 marks. They consist of subjective questions, requiring detailed, analytical, and well-structured answers across both halves of the syllabus.

UPSC Mains Exam Structure and Marks Distribution

Each paper is conducted over multiple days, and the evaluation includes both qualitative and quantitative assessments. While the marks from some papers are counted for final selection, others are qualifying in nature. This structure ensures that candidates are well-rounded in terms of knowledge and skills.

The first two papers (A and B) are qualifying, while the others are counted for the final merit ranking. The essay and general studies papers focus on assessing a candidate’s analytical, general knowledge, and writing skills. The two optional papers allow candidates to showcase their expertise in a subject of their choice.

 List of Papers in UPSC Mains Exam

Here is a list of papers in the UPSC Mains Exam along with their weightage in a table format:

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains exam is a challenging and comprehensive stage of the Civil Services Examination, with a total of nine papers, each designed to test different aspects of a candidate’s abilities. From general studies to optional subjects, the papers ensure that candidates are evaluated on both their breadth and depth of knowledge. While two papers are qualifying, the others contribute directly to the final ranking. Preparing for these papers requires strategic planning and consistent effort, and understanding the structure can help candidates tailor their approach to maximize their chances of success.

How Many Papers in UPSC Mains FAQs

Q1. How many papers are in the UPSC Mains exam?

Answer: The UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers in total. These include seven General Studies papers, one Essay paper, one Compulsory English paper, and two papers in the chosen Optional subject, making a total of nine papers.

Q2. How many papers in UPSC Mains are qualifying?

Answer: Two papers are qualifying: the Indian language paper and the English paper.

Q3. Is the Essay paper compulsory in UPSC Mains?

Answer: Yes, the Essay paper is compulsory and is one of the main papers in the exam.

Q4. Are the marks from the qualifying papers counted in the final selection?

Answer: No, the marks of the qualifying papers (Indian Language and English) are not considered in the final merit list but are required for eligibility.

Q5. Is there a negative marking in the General Studies papers?

Answer: No, negative marking applies only to the objective-type questions in the Preliminary exam, not in the Mains exam.