UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 Prelims, Mains and Optional Papers
UPSC Exam Pattern is the cornerstone of preparation for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. The exam is a gateway to one of the most prestigious careers in India, and understanding its structure is critical for aspirants. The exam is held annually in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview (Personality Test). Here’s a breakdown of the UPSC exam pattern for 2025, covering the structure of each stage and paper.
What is the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025?
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 refers to the structure of the Civil Services Examination, which comprises three major stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Examination (Mains)
- Personality Test (Interview)
Each stage has its specific requirements, and understanding these stages helps aspirants prepare in a focused and organized manner.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 will follow a structure similar to the previous year’s pattern, with minor adjustments in some dates and paper content. Below is an in-depth look at the three stages:
1. UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
UPSC Prelims exam serves as a screening process to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination. UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 consists of two objective-type papers:
Paper I: General Studies (GS)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Subjects: This paper includes a wide range of topics such as:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question will be deducted for wrong answers.
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Subjects: This paper tests the candidate’s aptitude and includes topics such as:
- Comprehension
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (Numbers and their relations)
- Qualifying Paper: Candidates must secure at least 33% marks in this paper to qualify for the Mains examination.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 |
| Paper II | CSAT | 200 |
Duration: Each paper is 2 hours long.
Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
2. UPSC Mains Exam Pattern
UPSC Mains Exam is the second stage and is more comprehensive. It consists of nine papers, including General Studies, Essay, and Optional Subject papers:
Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A: Indian Language
- Paper B: English
General Studies Papers
- Paper I: General Studies – I (Indian Heritage, Culture, History, Geography)
- Marks: 250
- Topics: Indian culture, modern Indian history, world history, geography
- Paper II: General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, International Relations)
- Marks: 250
- Topics: Indian governance, Constitution, social issues, international relations
- Paper III: General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Environment, Security)
- Marks: 250
- Topics: Technology, economic development, environment, security, disaster management
- Paper IV: General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
- Marks: 250
- Topics: Ethics, moral philosophy, integrity, public administration ethics
Essay Paper
- Paper V: Essay
- Candidates are required to write two essays on topics of general interest. This paper tests a candidate’s ability to organize their thoughts, develop ideas, and present arguments logically.
- Marks: 250
- Topics: Candidates are required to write two essays on general topics.
Optional Subject Papers
Candidates must choose one optional subject from a list of over 40 subjects offered by UPSC. The optional subject has two papers:
- Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Paper I and Paper II
- Each paper is 250 marks, and candidates have 3 hours to attempt each paper.
- The optional subject papers aim to assess a candidate’s detailed understanding and knowledge of the subject they have chosen.
| Paper | Optional Subject Paper | Marks |
| Paper VI | Optional Paper I | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Paper II | 250 |
UPSC Exam Pattern:
| Paper | Type | Marks |
| UPSC Mains Paper A | Indian Language | 300 |
| UPSC Mains Paper B | English | 300 |
| UPSC Mains Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| UPSC Mains Paper II | General Studies 1 | 250 |
| UPSC Mains Paper III | General Studies 2 | 250 |
| UPSC Mains Paper IV | General Studies 3 | 250 |
| UPSC Mains Paper V | General Studies 4 | 250 |
| UPSC Mains Paper VI | Optional Subject | 250 |
| UPSC Mains Paper VII | Optional Subject | 250 |
| Total | 1750 |
NOTE– Paper A and Paper B are qualifying in nature and are not counted in the final merit.
Total Marks for Mains: 1750
Duration: Each paper is 3 hours long.
Negative Marking: There is no negative marking in the Mains Exam.
3. UPSC Personality Test (Interview)
Final stage in the UPSC Exam Pattern is the Personality Test or Interview. Candidates who clear the Mains exam are invited for the interview, which tests their personality, decision-making ability, and communication skills.
- Marks: The interview carries 275 marks.
- Duration: Typically lasts 30-45 minutes.
- Purpose: The Interview assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in civil services by testing their personality traits, general knowledge, clarity of thought, and decision-making ability.
- No predefined syllabus: The interview is based on the candidate’s Detailed Application Form (DAF), which includes academic qualifications, hobbies, interests, and any other personal details provided by the candidate.
The final result is determined by adding the marks obtained in the Mains and Interview stages.
UPSC Preparation Tips 2025
- Understand Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus and exam structure for Prelims, Mains, and Interview to effectively plan your preparation.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express and make concise notes for regular revision, ensuring you’re well-informed on national and international issues.
- Use Standard Books and Manage Time: Stick to NCERTs for foundational knowledge and use advanced books as needed. Prioritize subjects and manage time effectively with a structured daily, weekly, and monthly plan.
- Practice Writing and Take Mock Tests: Regularly write essays, answers, and case studies to enhance clarity and speed. Take mock tests for both Prelims and Mains to evaluate your performance.
- Focus on Revision and Well-being: Set a solid revision plan and maintain consistency, especially in the final months. Also, prioritize mental and physical health to manage stress effectively.
- Prepare for the Personality Test: Work on improving communication skills and clarity of thought. Practice mock interviews based on your DAF to get comfortable with the Interview process.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
- What is the structure of the UPSC Prelims Exam 2025?
- The UPSC Prelims consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I (200 marks) and CSAT Paper II (200 marks, with a minimum of 33% required to pass).
- How many papers are there in the UPSC Mains Exam 2025?
- The UPSC Mains consists of nine papers, including the Essay, General Studies (four papers), and two Optional Subject papers.
- Is there any negative marking in the UPSC Mains?
- No, there is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains Exam.
- Can I select any subject for the Optional Paper?
- Yes, candidates can choose from a wide range of optional subjects offered by the UPSC.
- How is the final result calculated?
- The final result is based on the combined marks of the Mains Exam and Personality Test (Interview).
- What is the weightage of the Personality Test in the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025?
- The Personality Test (Interview) carries 275 marks and is the final step in the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025.
