UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus
The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination consists of 9 papers, out of which 7 are counted for merit, and 2 are qualifying in nature. It is a written descriptive exam.
Qualifying Papers (Only need to pass):
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Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
– Any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (e.g., Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, etc.)
– Not required for candidates from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim -
Paper B: English (300 marks)
Papers Counted for Merit:
Paper I: Essay (250 marks)
– Write two essays (choice given). Topics can be philosophical, abstract, social, political, or cultural.
Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks)
– Indian Heritage and Culture
– History (Modern India, Post-Independence)
– World History
– Geography of India and the World
– Society (Diversity, Role of Women, Population, Urbanization, Globalization, Social empowerment)
Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks)
– Indian Constitution and Polity
– Governance
– Social Justice
– International Relations
Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks)
– Indian Economy
– Agriculture
– Science and Technology
– Environment and Ecology
– Disaster Management
– Internal Security
Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) (250 marks)
– Ethics and Human Interface
– Attitude, Emotional Intelligence
– Public/Civil Service Values
– Probity in Governance
– Case Studies on ethical issues in administration
Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II (250 marks each)
– Choose one optional subject from a list (e.g., Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Public Administration, etc.)
Total marks for merit ranking: 1750
Interview (Personality Test): 275 marks
Grand Total: 2025 marks