Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. For candidates aspiring to clear this exam, strategic preparation is crucial, along with staying informed about important dates and the exam schedule.

This article provides a detailed overview of the UPSC Mains Time Table 2025, including the expected schedule, exam calendar, and preparation timetable.

UPSC Mains Time Table Schedule 2025

UPSC Mains Examination 2025 for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is scheduled to begin on August 22, 2025, following the Preliminary stage. The Mains exam spans five days and consists of nine papers, including General Studies, Essay, and Optional Subject papers.

This rigorous examination is designed to assess not only the candidates’ depth of knowledge but also their ability to express their ideas clearly and manage time effectively under pressure.

The General Studies papers encompass a wide range of topics, such as current affairs, history, geography, and governance, while the Optional Subject papers allow candidates to showcase their expertise in a specialized area of their choice. The structure of the exam ensures a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s intellectual capabilities and their overall readiness for a career in civil services.

UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 Dates

The UPSC Mains 2025 exam is scheduled to begin on August 22, 2025. It will span five days, covering a total of nine papers. While the exact day-to-day schedule has not been released yet, the exam usually follows a format similar to previous years, with each day dedicated to specific papers, including:

• Essay Paper
• General Studies Papers I-IV
• Optional Subject Papers I & II
• Language Papers (Qualifying)

The detailed day-wise schedule will be published by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) closer to the date on their official website. Typically, the UPSC Mains exam lasts for 5-7 days, depending on the specific timetable released for that year.

To stay updated, regularly check the UPSC website for announcements regarding the exact schedule and any changes or adjustments to the exam dates. https://upsc.gov.in/

UPSC Mains Exam Calendar 2025

The UPSC Mains Exam Calendar 2025 has not been officially released yet. However, based on the typical timeline of previous years, the following are the expected key dates for the UPSC Mains 2025:

1. Start Date: August 22, 2025
2. End Date: The Mains exam typically spans 5-7 days, so it is expected to conclude by August 28-30, 2025.
3. Result Declaration: The results for the UPSC Mains exam are generally announced about 2-3 months after the examination, which means the results for UPSC Mains 2025 might be declared around November 2025.

Study Time Table for UPSC Mains Preparation

A well-structured study timetable is essential for effective preparation for the UPSC Mains exam. Below is a study timetable for UPSC Mains preparation, divided into phases based on the time available before the exam.

Phase 1: Initial Phase (6-8 months before the exam)

At this stage, your focus should be on understanding the syllabus, gathering study materials, and building a strong foundation.

Daily Routine (6-8 hours/day)

• Morning Session (4 hours)

1. 1. • General Studies Preparation (3 hours)
        • Focus on core subjects like Indian Polity, Geography, History, Economics, and Science & Technology.
        • Refer to NCERTs, standard textbooks, and current affairs.
      • Current Affairs (1 hour)
        • Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express for daily updates.
        • Make notes of important events, editorials, and government schemes.

• Afternoon Session (2 hours)

1. 1. • Optional Subject Study (2 hours)
        • Dedicate this time to studying your chosen optional subject. Focus on understanding concepts and building strong basics.

• Evening Session (2 hours)

1. • Answer Writing Practice (1 hour)
     • Practice writing answers regularly. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and structure.
   • Revision of Notes (1 hour)
     • Review the material covered in the past few days, and consolidate your notes.

Phase 2: Mid Preparation Phase (3-4 months before the exam)

This phase is crucial for intensive study and revision. The aim should be to cover the syllabus in depth and begin practicing writing essays and answers under timed conditions.

Daily Routine (8-9 hours/day)

• Morning Session (4 hours)

1. 1. • General Studies (3 hours)
        • Continue with in-depth preparation of General Studies I-IV, using reference books and notes. Focus on current affairs and their relevance to these papers.
      • Essay Writing Practice (1 hour)
        • Write practice essays on a variety of topics. Focus on structuring essays effectively and improving writing speed.

• Afternoon Session (3 hours)

1. 1. • Optional Subject Study (2 hours)
        • Continue working on your optional subject. Focus on revising key topics and solving past year’s questions.
      • Answer Writing Practice (1 hour)
        • Write answers for General Studies and optional subject topics. Emphasize time management and quality.

• Evening Session (2 hours)

1. • Current Affairs and Revision (1 hour)
     • Continue following newspapers and revise important current events.
   • Mock Tests (1 hour)
     • Take mock tests for General Studies and optional subjects to improve time management and speed.

Phase 3: Final Phase (1-2 months before the exam)

In this phase, focus on revising key topics, solving mock tests, and improving answer-writing techniques. You should be in the final stages of your preparation and need to consolidate your knowledge.

Daily Routine (8-10 hours/day)

• Morning Session (4 hours)

1. 1. • General Studies Revision (2 hours)
        • Focus on revising key topics from General Studies papers, emphasizing current affairs and core concepts.
      • Optional Subject Revision (2 hours)
        • Revise your optional subject thoroughly, focusing on areas where you are weak.

• Afternoon Session (3 hours)

1. 1. • Answer Writing Practice (2 hours)
        • Write answers for General Studies and your optional subject. Simulate exam conditions for time management.
      • Essay Writing Practice (1 hour)
        • Continue writing essays under timed conditions.

• Evening Session (3 hours)

1. • Mock Tests and Analysis (2 hours)
     • Take full-length mock tests and practice solving papers under exam conditions.
   • Relaxation and Mindfulness (1 hour)
     • Take time for relaxation, meditation, or light exercise to manage stress.

Phase 4: Last Week Before the Exam

In the final week, the focus should be on revision, rest, and maintaining calmness.

Daily Routine (5-6 hours/day)

• Morning Session (2-3 hours)

1. 1. • Last-Minute Revision (2 hours)
        • Focus on revising important points and consolidating your notes.

• Afternoon Session (1-2 hours)

1. 1. • Answer Writing (1 hour)
        • Write short answers for important topics. Focus on improving precision and time management.
      • Current Affairs Revision (1 hour)
        • Revise the important news and government policies.

• Evening Session (1-2 hours)

1. • Mock Tests or Practice Papers (1 hour)
     • Take a mock test for General Studies or Optional subjects.
   • Relaxation and Mental Preparation (1 hour)
     • Stay calm, focus on positive thinking, and avoid overloading yourself with new information.

By following this study timetable and customizing it according to your personal needs, you will be well-prepared for the UPSC Mains 2025.

Tips for UPSC Mains Preparation

• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. Stick to your timetable and make incremental progress.

• Focus on Answer Writing: It is crucial to practice answer writing regularly to improve speed, structure, and articulation.

• Revise Regularly: Continuous revision is essential to retain the vast syllabus.

• Follow a Healthy Routine: Ensure proper sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being.

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains 2025 is expected to follow a structure and schedule similar to the exams of previous years. Although the specific dates have not been officially released, based on historical trends, candidates can anticipate the exam to begin around mid-September and last for approximately a week. Staying prepared and understanding the schedule will help aspirants manage their time effectively. While the UPSC exam timetable provides a general framework, aspirants must remain flexible to adapt to any last-minute changes announced by the commission.

UPSC Mains Time Table FAQs

Q1. When will the UPSC Mains 2025 start?
Answer: The UPSC Mains 2025 is scheduled to begin on August 22, 2025. This exam will span several days, typically lasting around 5-7 days, covering a total of 9 papers, including General Studies, Essay, and Optional Subject papers.

Q2. Will there be breaks between the papers in 2025?
Answer: Yes, breaks are expected between the papers, especially between the General Studies and Optional Subject papers, similar to previous years.

Q3. What is the duration of each UPSC Mains paper?
Answer: The duration of each paper in the UPSC Mains 2025 is 3 hours. This applies to all papers, including the General Studies papers, the Essay paper, and the Optional Subject papers AND Language papers.

Q4. Can the UPSC Mains 2025 dates change?
Answer: Yes, the UPSC Mains 2025 dates can change. While the UPSC exam schedule is typically planned and released well in advance, there could be unforeseen circumstances or changes that might lead to a shift in the dates. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for any updates, changes, or announcements regarding the exam schedule.

Q5. Will the UPSC Mains 2025 be conducted online?
Answer: No, the UPSC Mains exam is still conducted in pen-and-paper format, and there are no indications that it will be held online.