Total Number of Papers in UPSC Mains: UPSC Mains is the second stage of the UPSC CSE Exam, which candidates are only eligible to appear in if they qualify for the UPSC CSE Prelims Examination. Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains is nine, consisting of two qualifying papers and seven Merit-based papers. The UPSC candidates need to qualify for the two language papers in order to be eligible for evaluation of the remaining seven merit-based UPSC Mains Papers. Let us have a look at the Total Number of papers in the UPSC Mains Exam, along with the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern. An overview of all the papers in the UPSC Mains Exam is also given.

Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains Overview

UPSC CSE Mains Exam is the second stage of the UPSC CSE Exam, which is only for candidates who qualify for the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam. The table below contains an overview of the UPSC CSE Mains Exam:

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Exam Pattern of Total Number of Papers in UPSC Mains

The second stage of the UPSC CSE Exam is the Mains Examination, comprising nine papers covering various subjects. The marks obtained in the UPSC Mains Exam 2024 will determine the merit list for final selection. Here are the key aspects of the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024:

• Paper 1 (Language Paper) and Paper 2 (English language) are of a qualifying nature, each carrying 300 marks. The minimum qualifying marks for these papers are 25%.
• Attempting all papers is mandatory.
• Each of the qualifying papers has a duration of 3 hours or 180 minutes.
• Subject-wise papers or GS papers are scored out of 250 marks.
• Failure to qualify in Paper 1 and Paper 2 will lead to disqualification, with the remaining papers not considered for evaluation.

Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains

The total number of papers in the UPSC Mains typically consists of nine papers. These papers are divided into two qualifying papers and seven merit-based papers. 

1. Total Number of Qualifying Papers in UPSC Mains

The Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains that are of a qualifying nature is two. A brief overview of both qualifying papers is given below:

• Paper 1: One of the Indian Languages (to be selected by the candidate from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution). This paper tests the candidate’s ability to write essays and understand basic language skills. (300 Marks)
• Paper 2: English. This paper evaluates the candidate’s comprehension, précis writing, communication skills, and other aspects of the English language. (300 Marks)

2. Total Number of Merit-Based Paper in UPSC Mains

The Total Number of papers in UPSC Mains that are merit-based is seven. A brief overview of all the merit-based papers is given below:

1. Essay: Candidates are required to write two essays, choosing one from each of the sections. This paper assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate their thoughts coherently and expressively. (250 Marks)
   Check UPSC Mains Essay Syllabus
2. General Studies Paper I: Covers topics like Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society, Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. (250 Marks)
   Check General Studies Paper I Syllabus
3. General Studies Paper II: Deals with Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. (250 Marks)
   Check General Studies Paper II Syllabus
4. General Studies Paper III: Focuses on Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. (250 Marks)
   Check General Studies Paper III Syllabus
5. General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. This paper tests the candidates’ ethical and moral dimensions, integrity, and aptitude for civil services. (250 Marks)
   Check General Studies Paper IV Syllabus
6. Optional Subject Paper I: Candidates choose one optional subject from the list of subjects provided by UPSC. This optional paper assesses the in-depth knowledge of the chosen optional subject. (250 Marks)
   Check all UPSC Mains Optional Papers List
7. Optional Subject Paper II: The second paper of the optional subject focuses on a deeper understanding and analysis of the subject chosen by the candidate. (250 Marks)
   Check all UPSC Mains Optional Papers Syllabus

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