UPSC Main

UPSC Main Syllabus | Syllabus & Structure of UPSC Main Examination.

Phase 2: UPSC Mains Exam (1750 Marks)

• The Mains examination constitutes the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. Only after successfully qualifying in the prelims exam would the candidates be allowed to write the IAS Mains.
• The Mains exam tests the candidate’s academic talent in depth and his/her ability to present his/her understanding according to the requirements of the question in a time-bound manner.
• The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, out of which two are qualifying language papers of 300 marks each. The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.
The last even papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates who attain 25% marks in both the language papers as a minimum qualifying standard in these qualifying papers, will be taken cognizance of, for evaluation.

• The two qualifying papers are:
○ Any Indian Language Paper
○ English Language Paper

Structure of the language papers:
The types of questions asked are –
1. Essay – 100 marks
2. Reading comprehension – 60 marks
3. Precis Writing – 60 marks
4. Translation:
i. English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks
ii. Compulsory language to English – 20 marks
5. Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks

In case a candidate does not qualify in these language papers, then the marks obtained by such candidates will not be considered or counted.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

 

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper - I	Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s choice)	250
Paper - II	General Studies – I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)	250
Paper - III	General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)	250
Paper - IV	General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management)	250
Paper - V	General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)	250
Paper - VI	Optional Subject – Paper I	250
Paper - VII	Optional Subject – Paper II	250