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Explore the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025 with detailed marking scheme, paper structure, qualifying criteria, and PDF download. Understand the mains exam format, chart, and scoring system to boost your CSE preparation effectively.
PWOnlyIAS
June 19, 2025
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern is a crucial component of the Civil Services Examination, administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Understanding the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern is essential for every aspirant aiming to secure a prestigious role in the Indian bureaucracy. As the second stage of the three-phase UPSC Civil Services Exam (Prelims, Mains, and Interview), the Mains Examination evaluates candidates on intellectual depth, conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and articulation.
Interested candidates must read on to get a detailed insight into the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025, covering marking schemes, paper structure, qualifying criteria, and more.
The UPSC Exam Pattern comprises three phases:
While the Prelims serve as a screening test, it is the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern that plays the most significant role in determining merit. Only those who clear the Mains are called for the final interview.
| Overview of UPSC Exam Pattern | |||||
| Stage | Name of the Exam | Type | Nature of Questions | Total Marks | Purpose |
| Stage I | Preliminary Examination (Prelims) | Objective (MCQ) | General Studies & CSAT | 400 (200 × 2) | Screening test; not counted for merit |
| Stage II | Main Examination (Mains) | Descriptive/Written | Essay, GS, Optional, Language | 1750 | Determines final merit ranking |
| Stage III | Personality Test (Interview) | Oral Interview | Personality & Aptitude Test | 275 | Evaluates overall suitability for services |
For aspirants seeking structured formats, the UPSC Exam Pattern PDF and UPSC Exam Pattern Chart can be downloaded from the official UPSC website. These documents contain the complete scheme of examination, including the syllabus, eligibility conditions, and paper pattern.
| UPSC Exam Pattern PDF Download |
| Click Here |
The UPSC Mains Exam Pattern is structured to examine a candidate’s in-depth understanding, analytical capabilities, and articulation skills. The written examination comprises nine papers, two of which are qualifying in nature. The remaining seven papers are evaluated for merit, contributing a total of 1750 marks.
| UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025 | |||
| Paper Name | Duration | Marks | Nature |
| Paper A – Indian Language | 3 hours | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B – English | 3 hours | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper I – Essay | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper II – General Studies I | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper III – General Studies II | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper IV – General Studies III | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper V – General Studies IV | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper VI – Optional Subject I | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper VII – Optional Subject II | 3 hours | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Total for Written Exam | – | 1750 | – |
| Interview/Personality Test | – | 275 | – |
| Grand Total | – | 2025 | – |
Candidates are required to choose one optional subject from the list provided by UPSC, and both Optional Papers are based on that subject.
There is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains exam as it is descriptive in nature. This differentiates it from the Prelims, which include penalty marking for incorrect answers.
Candidates can write the UPSC Mains papers in any one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or in English, except for Paper A (Compulsory Indian Language) and Paper B (English), which are mandatory.
To understand this information in a visual format, candidates are encouraged to refer to the UPSC Exam Pattern Chart or download the official UPSC Exam Pattern PDF from the UPSC website.
The UPSC Main exam marking system is purely descriptive. There is no negative marking, which distinguishes it significantly from the Prelims.
Qualifying Papers:
Merit Papers:
The UPSC Main exam marking is based on various parameters such as:
To clarify the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern with Marks, here is a breakdown:
This cumulative scoring forms the basis of selection into various services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others.
The Interview (Personality Test) is the final stage of evaluation. It is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers who assess the candidate’s overall personality.
The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative score of the Mains written exam (1750 marks) and the Interview (275 marks).
The UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025 is structured to rigorously evaluate the intellect, expression, and ethical grounding of aspirants. From language skills and general awareness to optional subject expertise, each paper demands a strategic and well-prepared approach. Understanding the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern with marks, the UPSC Main exam marking system, and being familiar with resources like the UPSC exam pattern PDF and UPSC exam pattern chart can provide a crucial edge in preparation.
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