Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Mains subjects for the 2025 exam, outlining the structure, compulsory papers, and optional subjects. It explains the significance of the Indian Language and English papers, the four General Studies papers covering diverse topics like history, governance, ethics, and security, and the Essay paper. We will also discuss the role of optional subjects, contributing 500 marks to the total.

UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025 Overview

The UPSC Mains exam includes two types of subjects: compulsory and optional. 

The compulsory subjects consist of four General Studies papers, one Essay paper, and two Language papers( English and one Indian Language). For the optional subjects, candidates can select one from a list of 48 disciplines. This chosen subject includes two papers focused on relevant subjects.

UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Marking Pattern

UPSC Mains Exam Structure 

The UPSC Mains is a challenging exam with nine descriptive-type papers conducted in two sessions: forenoon(9 AM to 12 PM) and afternoon (2;30PM to 5;30PM). Each paper has a three-hour time limit. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern:

• Essay Paper: Candidates must write two essays, each carrying 125 marks. The paper is divided into two sections (Section A and Section B), and candidates must choose one topic from each section to write well-organized essays.
• General Studies (GS) Papers I, II, and III: Each GS paper consists of 20 questions, divided into two sections (Section A and Section B):
  • 10 questions worth 15 marks each.
  • 10 questions worth 10 marks each. All questions are mandatory, requiring a comprehensive understanding of various subjects.
• General Studies Paper IV (Ethics): This paper is split into two sections  (Section A and Section B):
  • Section A: Around 15 questions, each worth 10 marks, focusing on ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
  • Section B: Six case studies, each worth 20 marks, evaluating problem-solving abilities and ethical decision-making.
• Optional Papers 1 and 2: Candidates choose one optional subject from the UPSC-provided list. Each paper has eight questions divided into two sections i.e. Section-A and Section-B the first question of each section is compulsory, and from the rest we need to attempt 3 questions, at least one from each section,  with varying marks distribution (10, 15, and 20 marks). Detailed and analytical answers are required.

UPSC Mains Compulsory Subjects

These papers are mandatory for all candidates, and their scores are used to determine eligibility for the final merit list.

A. UPSC Essay Paper

The UPSC Essay paper requires candidates to write two essays, one from each of the two sections. The essays may either be general or philosophical in nature. The paper evaluates the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts clearly, logically, and coherently.

B. General Studies Papers

These are compulsory for all candidates and are used to evaluate knowledge on diverse subjects relevant to contemporary issues.

General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and the Society

General Studies I in the UPSC Mains Exam primarily covers topics related to Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography. This paper aims to assess a candidate’s understanding of these foundational areas, which form a critical part of general knowledge.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Indian Culture

• Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture:
  • Salient aspects of Indian art forms including classical dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak), music (Carnatic, Hindustani), and painting (Madhubani, Warli).
  • Literature from ancient epics (Mahabharata, Ramayana) to modern literary figures (Rabindranath Tagore, R.K. Narayan).
  • Architectural styles from ancient temples (Khajuraho, Ajanta), Mughal architecture (Red Fort, Taj Mahal), and modern architecture in post-independence India.

2. Modern Indian History (Post-18th Century)

• Significant Events, Personalities, and Issues:
  • Key events like the First War of Indian Independence (1857), Indian Renaissance, and Partition of India.
  • Prominent personalities such as Rani Lakshmibai, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Major issues faced by India, including colonial exploitation and socio-political reforms.

3. World History (18th Century Onwards)

• Industrial Revolution and Global Wars:
  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution, World Wars (I & II), and the redrawing of national boundaries.
  • Political ideologies like Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism, and their global effects on society.

4. Indian Society

• Salient Features and Diversity:
  • The diversity of India’s social structure, languages, religions, customs, and traditions.
  • Issues of caste, class, and gender in Indian society.

5. World Geography

• Salient Features of World Geography:
  • Key physical geographical features such as mountain ranges, rivers, and climate zones.
  • Distribution of natural resources and the impact of geographical factors on industries worldwide.

General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

General Studies II paper is designed to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of the functioning of the Indian political system, its constitution, and key issues concerning governance and global relations.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Governance and Polity

• This section focuses on the functioning of the Indian political system, including the structure, powers, and functions of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• Topics like the separation of powers, federal structure, and the role of institutions such as the Election Commission and CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) are covered, as well as challenges related to governance and public administration.

2. Indian Constitution

• This includes the historical context, evolution, and features of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its amendments, basic structure, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.
• The Constitution’s role in safeguarding democracy, upholding justice, and maintaining law and order is key.

3. Social Justice

• Focuses on issues of inequality, poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion, with an emphasis on measures to achieve inclusive development, including welfare schemes for marginalized groups like SC/STs, women, and minorities.

4. International Relations

• Covers India’s relations with its neighbors and major global powers, as well as involvement in international organizations like the United Nations, WTO, and BRICS.
• It also delves into global challenges like climate change, terrorism, and economic cooperation.

General Studies III Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

General Studies Paper III covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management, testing candidates’ understanding of contemporary issues and their impact on society and governance.

1. Technology and Innovation

• Advances in Technology: Impact of information technology, space technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology on India’s development.
• Innovation in Key Sectors: How technological developments drive growth in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.
• Digital India: Role of e-governance, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity in transforming governance and society.

2. Economic Development

• Economic Growth and Challenges: Analyzing economic policies, GDP growth, and the challenges posed by unemployment, inflation, and income inequality.
• Sustainable Development: The intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability.
• Industrial Growth: Role of industries, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and efforts toward Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and ease of doing business.

3. Biodiversity and Conservation

• Biodiversity Preservation: Efforts to conserve India’s rich biodiversity, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and wetlands.
• Threats to Biodiversity: Deforestation, habitat loss, poaching, and climate change’s impact on ecosystems.
• Conservation Programs: Government and international efforts for sustainable conservation, such as the Biosphere Reserves, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant.

4. Environment and Environmental Issues

• Environmental Challenges: Issues like pollution (air, water, soil), climate change, and waste management.
• Environmental Policies: Government initiatives such as National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Paris Agreement.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India’s role in achieving global environmental targets under the UN SDGs.

5. Security

• National Security: A comprehensive approach to internal and external security threats.
• Internal Security Issues: Challenges posed by terrorism, naxalism, communal violence, and cybersecurity.
• External Security: Defence policies, border security, and relations with neighbouring countries, especially issues with China and Pakistan.
• Strategic Defence Initiatives: Role of defence modernization, nuclear security, and cybersecurity in protecting national interests.

6. Disaster Management

• Types of Disasters: Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, droughts, cyclones) and man-made disasters (industrial accidents, chemical spills).
• Disaster Preparedness: Measures for disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and emergency response plans.
• Government Institutions and Policies: The role of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) in responding to disasters.
• Community Resilience: Community-based disaster management and the involvement of NGOs and local bodies.

General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

General Studies IV in the UPSC Mains exam focuses on the principles of ethics, integrity, and aptitude required for a civil servant. It is designed to assess a candidate’s moral reasoning, decision-making abilities, and understanding of the ethical challenges faced in public administration.

• Ethical Theories and Principles

1. 1. • This section covers various ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, which help guide moral decisions in public life.
      • The paper assesses how candidates apply these ethical principles to real-world situations, especially in public administration and governance.

• Integrity and Accountability

1. 1. • Focuses on the values of honesty, responsibility, and accountability in a civil servant’s role. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal integrity in dealing with public resources and the public’s trust.

• Aptitude for Decision Making

1. 1. • The paper evaluates the aptitude for solving moral dilemmas, making fair and just decisions, and managing conflicts in complex administrative scenarios.

• Public Service Ethics

1. 1. • This section explores the core values that guide civil services, such as empathy, transparency, fairness, and justice. It also delves into challenges like corruption, bias, and the role of a civil servant in promoting good governance.

• Case Studies

1. • Real-life ethical dilemmas are presented to assess how candidates navigate challenging situations using ethical reasoning, highlighting their practical understanding of integrity, leadership, and accountability.

C. UPSC Mains Indian Language Paper

The UPSC Mains Indian Language paper assesses candidates’ proficiency in an Indian language, chosen by the candidate from a list of languages recognized by the Constitution. It includes comprehension, grammar, translation, and composition. This paper is compulsory and aims to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the language.

Candidates choose a language from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The exam assesses proficiency in the chosen language.

D. Optional Subject Paper

There are a total of 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam, which includes 25 core subjects and 22 literature optional subjects. Candidates must choose one subject from the list of UPSC optional subjects. This subject typically has two papers—Paper I and Paper II.

The list of available optional subjects includes disciplines from the humanities, sciences, engineering, law, and social sciences.

Here is the list of 48 UPSC Mains optional subjects with serial numbers for better clarity:

UPSC Mains Compulsory Paper 2024 Download

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains exam is an essential part of the Civil Services Examination process. It is designed to test candidates on a wide range of subjects, from history and geography to ethics and optional fields. The structure of the Mains requires candidates to be proficient in multiple areas, emphasizing their critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge depth. Preparation for the Mains demands consistent effort and a clear understanding of both the General Studies and Optional Subject syllabus. With comprehensive planning and a focused approach, clearing the Mains becomes achievable for dedicated aspirants.

UPSC Mains Subjects FAQs

Q1. What are the compulsory papers in UPSC Mains?
Answer: The compulsory papers include Indian Language, English, and four General Studies papers. These papers are mandatory and contribute to the final merit list.

Q2. Is there any choice in the Indian Language paper?
Answer: Yes, candidates can choose any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, including languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and more.

Q3. How is the Essay paper structured?
Answer: The Essay paper consists of two essays, each carrying 125 marks. Candidates have to write essays on topics given in the exam, demonstrating clarity and critical thinking.

Q4. What subjects are included under General Studies – III?
Answer: General Studies – III covers topics related to Technology, Economic Development, Environmental issues, Biodiversity, and Security issues.

Q5. Can I change my optional subject after filling the application?
Answer: No, once the application is submitted, the optional subject cannot be changed for the Mains exam.