Table of Contents
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name: Civil Services Examination (Mains) 2025
Stage: Mains Examination (Written)
Mode of Exam: Pen-and-paper based
Duration: 3 hours per paper
Number of Papers: 9 (2 qualifying + 7 merit-based)
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
The Mains stage evaluates candidates’ knowledge, analytical ability, and writing skills. Only those who clear this stage will be called for the Personality Test (Interview).
2. UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Dates and Schedule
The exam will be conducted on multiple days as per the official schedule.
| Date (2025) | Session | Paper | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 August | Morning | Paper I | Essay |
| Afternoon | Paper II | GS-I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography of World & Society) | |
| 23 August | Morning | Paper III | GS-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations) |
| Afternoon | Paper IV | GS-III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management) | |
| 24 August | Morning | Paper V | GS-IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) |
| Afternoon | Paper VI | Optional Paper I | |
| 25 August | Morning | Paper VII | Optional Paper II |
| Afternoon | Paper VIII | English (Qualifying) | |
| 26 August | Morning | Paper IX | Indian Language (Qualifying) |
(Candidates must verify exact details with their admit card and official notifications.)
3. UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Pattern
Qualifying Papers (not counted for merit)
Paper A: Indian Language – 300 Marks
Paper B: English – 300 Marks
Merit-Based Papers
Paper I: Essay – 250 Marks
Paper II to V: General Studies I–IV – 250 Marks each
Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers – 250 Marks each
👉 Total Marks (Written Exam): 1750
👉 Interview (Personality Test): 275 Marks
👉 Grand Total: 2025 Marks
4. Important Guidelines for Candidates
UPSC has issued strict guidelines for the Mains examination:
Candidates must report at least 1 hour before the exam begins.
Admit Card & valid photo ID are mandatory.
Use only black ballpoint pen for answering.
Follow the exact word limit in descriptive answers.
No electronic devices, smartwatches, or calculators allowed.
Maintain discipline and avoid any unfair means.
5. What to Carry to the Exam Hall
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 (hard copy)
Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, PAN, Driving License)
Black ballpoint pens (multiple spares)
Transparent water bottle
Basic stationery (pencils, erasers, scale – if required)
6. Items Strictly Prohibited
❌ Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches
❌ Calculators or digital gadgets
❌ Written notes, study material, books
❌ Food items (unless medically required with permission)
❌ Bags (not allowed inside exam premises)
7. Last-Minute Tips for UPSC Mains 2025
Revise answer writing formats for essays, GS, and optional subjects.
Focus on clarity and structure rather than overwriting.
Allocate time wisely – avoid spending too long on one question.
Practice calm breathing before the exam to reduce anxiety.
Stay hydrated and maintain a positive mindset.
8. UPSC Civil Services Selection Process
The UPSC exam has three stages:
Preliminary Exam (Objective – Qualifying)
Mains Exam (Descriptive – Merit Ranking)
Personality Test/Interview (Final Merit)
Only candidates who clear the Mains 2025 will be called for the Interview Round, scheduled in early 2026.
9. Do’s and Don’ts for Candidates
✅ Do’s
Reach the centre well in advance.
Follow the official instructions strictly.
Keep multiple pens ready.
Attempt all questions to maximize marks.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t use coloured ink or pencil for answers (unless specified).
Don’t exceed word limits.
Don’t indulge in unfair practices.
Don’t panic if one paper goes wrong – focus on the next.
FAQs on UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025
It is a pen-and-paper exam.
There are 9 papers, including 2 qualifying and 7 merit-based.
