Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) in India. The UPSC Mains Exam is the second stage of the examination, following the Preliminary Examination. This stage is crucial as it tests the in-depth knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills of candidates.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Mains exam pattern, marking scheme, structure, and recent changes to help you understand everything you need to know about the examination.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains exam is designed to evaluate candidates on a range of academic abilities, including general studies, essay writing, and specialized knowledge in optional subjects. The exam consists of 9 papers.

UPSC Mains Exam General Structure

The UPSC Mains exam pattern includes the following papers:

• Paper A: Indian Language (300 Marks) 

• • • This is a qualifying paper, and candidates must select one Indian language from the list of languages provided by UPSC. It is primarily a test of basic understanding and language proficiency. The marks of this paper are not considered for ranking, but candidates must score at least 25% of the total marks to qualify.

• Paper B: English Language (300 Marks)

• • • Like Paper A, this is also a qualifying paper. The purpose is to test a candidate’s proficiency in English. It is also a 300-mark paper, with 25% being the minimum qualifying score.

• Paper I to Paper VI

• • • These are the General Studies Papers and Optional Papers, each worth 250 marks. These papers evaluate candidates’ knowledge in various fields.
    • General Studies Paper I (250 Marks): This includes topics like Indian Heritage, Culture, History, and Geography.
    • General Studies Paper II (250 Marks): This covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
    • General Studies Paper III (250 Marks): This focuses on Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
    • General Studies Paper IV (250 Marks): This evaluates Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
    • Optional Subject Paper I (250 Marks): This is one of the candidate’s choices of an optional subject. Candidates can choose from a wide range of subjects offered by UPSC.
    • Optional Subject Paper II (250 Marks): This is the second paper of the candidate’s chosen optional subject.

• Paper VII: Essay Paper (250 Marks)

• • • Candidates are required to write an essay on a topic selected from a list of given topics. This paper evaluates the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts coherently and logically.

• Paper VIII: General Studies Paper V (250 Marks)

• • This assesses the candidates’ ability in areas related to the environment, general knowledge, and social issues.

Total Marks for Written Exam: 1750 Marks

UPSC Mains Exam Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the UPSC Mains exam is as follows:

• Marks for Each Paper:
  • Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English Language) are qualifying in nature. Candidates must score a minimum of 25% in both papers to be eligible for further evaluation.
  • For General Studies, Essay, and Optional Papers, candidates are awarded marks based on their performance, with each paper contributing to the overall score.
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains exam. However, candidates need to be careful with their responses as the examination tests depth and precision of knowledge.
• Total Marks for Written Exam: 1750
• Interview Marks: 275
• Final Merit List: The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks from both the written exam (1750 marks) and the interview (275 marks). The maximum total marks that can be obtained in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) are 2025 marks.

UPSC Mains Exam Duration

The duration for each paper in the UPSC Mains exam is three hours. However, candidates are given a total of five days to complete the written exam, with each paper conducted on different days.

• Each Paper Duration: 3 hours
• Total Days for Exam: 5 days
• No. of Papers: 9 papers

Paper Structure of UPSC Mains Exam

The structure of the UPSC Mains papers varies depending on the paper type. Below is a quick overview of the paper structure for each category:

• General Studies Papers (I–IV): These papers generally consist of long-answer questions, where candidates are required to write descriptive and analytical answers. The questions cover a range of topics, and candidates must focus on current affairs and core subjects.
• Essay Paper: This paper consists of two sections, each containing a single essay topic. Candidates are expected to write detailed essays on any of the provided topics.
• Optional Papers (I & II): These papers also include long-answer questions that require a detailed understanding of the subject chosen by the candidate. Optional subjects are generally divided into two papers, each with around 10–12 questions.
• Language Papers: The Indian Language and English papers are primarily focused on language comprehension, translation, and composition.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern Optional Papers

The optional papers are a critical component of the UPSC Mains exam. Candidates have the flexibility to choose an optional subject based on their interests, academic background, and strengths. The optional subject papers are structured as follows:

• Paper I and Paper II: Each optional subject consists of two papers, Paper I and Paper II, each carrying 250 marks. The syllabus for each subject is designed to test the depth of knowledge and understanding of the candidate in that field.
• List of Subjects: UPSC provides a list of subjects, ranging from anthropology, geography, and history to public administration, philosophy, and engineering. Candidates must choose one subject for the optional papers.

UPSC Mains Written and Interview Stages

The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of two major stages:

1. UPSC Mains (Written Exam): This stage tests candidates on various subjects through descriptive questions, essays, and optional papers.
2. Personality Test/Interview: This is the final stage of the UPSC CSE. Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for an interview, which is essentially a personality test. The interview assesses the candidate’s overall personality, knowledge, and ability to handle complex situations.

• The interview is worth 275 marks.
• The final ranking is determined based on the total marks from both the written exam and interview.

Changes in UPSC Mains Pattern

Over the years, the UPSC Mains exam has undergone several changes to adapt to evolving educational needs. Some notable changes include:

• Introduction of Ethics Paper: In 2013, UPSC introduced General Studies Paper IV on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude to assess candidates’ ethical reasoning and moral compass.
• Optional Subject Reforms: There have been periodic updates to the optional subject list, where certain subjects have been either removed or modified based on the changing dynamics of the exam.
• Changes in Syllabus: The syllabus for general studies papers and other subjects has been periodically updated to reflect new developments in current affairs and national priorities.
• Focus on Current Affairs: Over time, the exam has seen a growing emphasis on current affairs in the General Studies papers, requiring candidates to be aware of global and national issues.

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains exam is a comprehensive and challenging test of a candidate’s academic depth, analytical abilities, and overall personality. By understanding the exam pattern, marking scheme, and structure, candidates can approach their preparation more effectively. Staying updated with any changes and practicing regularly is key to succeeding in this prestigious examination.

The marks obtained in the UPSC Mains, along with the interview performance, play a decisive role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for the prestigious Indian Civil Services. This stage of the examination is critical for those aiming to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), or Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

UPSC Mains Exam FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of the UPSC Mains exam?
Answer: The duration for each paper in the UPSC Mains exam is 3 hours. The exam is spread across 5 days, with each paper held on a different day.

Q2. How many papers are there in the UPSC Mains exam?
Answer: The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, including two qualifying language papers, four General Studies papers, two Optional papers, one Essay paper, and one General Studies paper on social issues and the environment.

Q3. Q3. Is it possible to switch my optional subject after submitting the UPSC Mains application?
Answer: No, candidates cannot change their optional subject after submitting the application. The optional subject choice should be made carefully before the exam, as it plays a crucial role in the exam preparation and performance.

Q4. What is the minimum qualifying mark for the Indian Language and English papers?
Answer: Both the Indian Language (Paper A) and English (Paper B) are qualifying papers, and candidates must score at least 25% of the total marks in each paper to be eligible for further evaluation.

Q5. How does the UPSC Mains exam assess candidates’ personality?
Answer: The UPSC Mains exam assesses candidates’ personality through the interview stage. The interview is designed to evaluate their knowledge, reasoning ability, problem-solving skills, and overall demeanor, which helps determine their suitability for civil services.