1. Exam Structure

The UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers, out of which 7 are merit-based and 2 are qualifying in nature. The exam is conducted in pen-and-paper mode.

Paper-wise Breakdown

Paper	Subject	Marks	Nature
Paper A	Indian Language (Any one from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution)	300	Qualifying
Paper B	English	300	Qualifying
Paper I	Essay	250	Merit-based
Paper II	General Studies I (History, Geography, Society)	250	Merit-based
Paper III	General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations)	250	Merit-based
Paper IV	General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Environment, Security, Disaster Management)	250	Merit-based
Paper V	General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)	250	Merit-based
Paper VI	Optional Subject Paper I	250	Merit-based
Paper VII	Optional Subject Paper II	250	Merit-based

Total Marks (Merit-based):1750
Total Marks (Including Interview):2025

2. Course Content

The syllabus for the UPSC Mains Exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics. Below is a summary of the key areas:

A. Essay (Paper I)

Candidates are required to write two essays on topics related to current affairs, philosophy, politics, social issues, and more.
Focus on clarity, coherence, and structured arguments.

B. General Studies Papers (Papers II to V)

1. General Studies I (Paper II)

Indian Heritage and Culture:Art forms, literature, architecture from ancient to modern times.
History:Modern Indian history, freedom struggle, post-independence consolidation.
World History:Industrial revolution, world wars, colonization, decolonization, political ideologies.
Geography:Physical geography, resources, population, urbanization, and global phenomena.
Society:Role of women, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism, globalization.

2. General Studies II (Paper III)

Governance:Transparency, accountability, e-governance, role of civil services.
Constitution and Polity:Indian Constitution, Parliament, judiciary, federalism, elections, constitutional posts.
Social Justice:Welfare schemes, health, education, poverty alleviation, vulnerable sections.
International Relations:Bilateral, regional, and global groupings, international institutions.

3. General Studies III (Paper IV)

Economy:Indian economy, budgeting, inclusive growth, infrastructure, investment models.
Science and Technology:Developments, IT, space, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology.
Environment:Conservation, climate change, disaster management.
Security:Internal security, cyber security, border management, organized crime.

4. General Studies IV (Paper V)

Ethics:Ethics in public administration, integrity, probity.
Aptitude:Emotional intelligence, moral thinkers, case studies on ethical dilemmas.

C. Optional Subjects (Papers VI and VII)

Candidates must choose one optional subject from a list of 48 subjects (e.g., History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Literature, etc.). Each optional subject has two papers (250 marks each).

D. Qualifying Papers

Indian Language (Paper A):Candidates must choose one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Focus on comprehension, essay writing, and grammar.
English (Paper B):Tests comprehension, essay writing, and grammar skills.

3. Key Features of the Course

Comprehensive Coverage:The syllabus is designed to test candidates' understanding of diverse issues, analytical skills, and ability to present coherent arguments.
Focus on Current Affairs:A significant portion of the syllabus is linked to contemporary developments.
Interdisciplinary Approach:The exam requires integration of knowledge from various fields.
Ethics and Integrity:Special emphasis is given to moral and ethical dimensions of governance.

4. Preparation Strategy

Understand the Syllabus:Break down the syllabus into smaller, manageable sections.
Current Affairs:Regularly read newspapers likeThe HinduorIndian Expressand refer to government reports.
Answer Writing Practice:Focus on structuring answers and adhering to word limits.
Optional Subject Mastery:Choose a subject based on interest and background, and prepare it thoroughly.
Mock Tests:Regularly attempt mock tests to improve time management and presentation skills.

5. Eligibility and Language

Eligibility:Candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognized university.
Languages:The exam can be written in English, Hindi, or any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.