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UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Exam Date, Syllabus, Result

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UPSC CSE Mains 2024 exam will be conducted from September 20, 2024 onwards. Check out more about UPSC CSE Mains 2024 from here!

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Exam Date, Syllabus, Result

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Exam: After successfully conducting the UPSC Prelims Exam 2024, UPSC is set to conduct the CSE Mains Exam 2024 from September 20, 2024 onwards. Candidates who will qualify for the Prelims will appear for the Mains exams. It is crucial for candidates to score well in Mains as its marks will be considered while preparing the merit for civil servants. The prelims exam is just qualifying in nature, and the marks scored will not be considered for the final list.

Candidates who are beginning their preparation for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 can explore below to learn more about the exam pattern, syllabus, application form, optional subjects, etc. beforehand so that they can streamline their preparation.

UPSC CSE Mains Exam Overview

UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2024 will consist of nine papers to be attempted in descriptive format. Marks scored in seven of these papers will be considered for preparing the final merit list. The details of the papers and marks are given in the table below:

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Exam Name UPSC Civil Services (Main) Exam 2024
Eligibility Qualify Prelims
UPSC Mains Exam Date 20th to 28th September 2024
Exam Format Descriptive Paper
Release of DAF-1 Yet to be Announced
Release of Admit Card Yet to be Announced
UPSC Mains 2024 exam date 20th to 28th September 2024
UPSC Mains 2024 result December 2024 (Tentative)
Number of Papers 9
Duration 3 hrs each
Total Marks 250 X 7 = 1750
Cutoff marks Varies (741 for General in 2023)

Who Can  Apply for UPSC CSE Mains 2024?

Candidates who clear the UPSC prelims 2024 are eligible to apply for UPSC CSE Mains 2024. To clear UPSC prelims 2024, candidates have to secure cutoff marks in both General Studies and CSAT paper.

Candidates numbering 12-13 times the actual number of vacancies will be eligible to write UPSC CSE Mains 2024. This number varies depending on the number of vacancies available. 

Also Read: Eligibility for UPSC Exam

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Exam Date

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 exam is scheduled to take place between 20th September and 28th September 2024. The detailed timetable will be released during the UPSC CSE Mains 2024 notification. The below table contains the tentative timetable for UPSC CSE Mains 2024.

Date Forenoon Session ( 9 am to 12 noon) Afternoon Session ( 2 pm to 5 pm)
20-09-2024 – Friday Essay No Exam
21-09-2024 – Saturday General Studies – I General Studies – II
22-09-2024 – Sunday General Studies – III General Studies – IV

Break
27-09-2024 – Friday Paper A – Indian Language Paper B – English
28-09-2024 – Saturday Optional Paper – I Optional Paper – II

Also Read: UPSC Prelims 2024

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Exam Date

UPSC conducted the UPSC CSE Mains 2023 exam between 15th September 2023 and 24th September 2023 across 24 centres in India. The detailed timetable is provided in the table below.

Date Forenoon Session ( 9 am to 12 noon) Afternoon Session ( 2 pm to 5 pm)
15-09-2023 – Friday Essay No Exam
16-09-2023 – Saturday General Studies – I General Studies – II
17-09-2023 – Sunday General Studies – III General Studies – IV

Break
23-09-2023 – Saturday Paper A – Indian Language Paper B – English
24-09-2023 – Sunday Optional Paper – I Optional Paper – II

How to Apply for UPSC CSE Mains 2024?

Candidates who qualify for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 have to wait for the release of mains notification and then fill out the form using the steps given below.

  • After the declaration of preliminary results, UPSC releases the notification for the UPSC CSE Mains exam, asking successful candidates to apply for UPSC CSE Mains by filling the DAF-1.
  • Candidates will have to visit the official website of the UPSC to fill out the DAF-1 form. Details in fields such as personal, educational, and professional have to be filled.
  • Candidates have to fill out the six parts of the form, which are personal information, educational information, parental information, employment information, uploading documents, and final submission (fee payment).
  • Some data will already be taken from the prelims exam form, such as name, date of birth, exam centre etc. The remaining ones have to be filled.
  • Candidates have to be careful while filling out the form, as no further modifications will be allowed after filling out the form.
  • After filling out the form, candidates have to upload documents such as a 10th marks card, degree certificate, caste certificate, income certificate, etc., depending on the category they have applied to.
  • If the candidate does not belong to the exempt category, they will have to pay ₹200 as examination fees. The candidate will not be accepted if this step is not followed.
  • Finally, download a copy of the filled DAF-1 for further reference.
Also Read: How to Fill UPSC Mains DAF?

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Exam Centres

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 will be conducted across 24 centers in India. Candidates who have applied for UPSC CSE Mains have to write the exam at their allotted test center. The detailed list of UPSC CSE Mains exam centers is given below.

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1. Ahmedabad 2. Delhi 3. Patna
4. Aizawl 5. Dispur (Guwahati) 6. Prayagraj
7. Bengaluru 8. Hyderabad 9. Raipur
10. Bhopal 11. Jaipur 12. Ranchi
13. Chandigarh 14. Jammu 15. Shillong
16. Chennai 17. Kolkata 18. Shimla
19. Cuttack 20. Lucknow 21. Thiruvananthapuram
22. Dehradun 23. Mumbai 24. Vijayawada

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Admit Card

The UPSC Mains 2024 Exam admit card will be released 10-15 days before the exam. Candidates can visit the official website of UPSC and download the admit card from the link provided there. 

Candidates will have to enter their roll number and date of birth when downloading the admit card. The admit card will contain details such as exam shifts, exam center address, paper code, etc.

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Exam Pattern

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 will be descriptive in nature. Candidates have to write nine papers, two of which are qualifying in nature. The total marks considered in UPSC CSE Mains 2024 are 1750. Candidates securing the cutoff marks will be eligible for the Personality Test. The details of the UPSC CSE Mains exam is given below.

Paper Number Paper Name Nature of Paper Subjects Marks
Paper A Indian Language Qualifying Compulsory Indian Language from 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. 300
Paper B English Qualifying English Language 300
Paper 1 Essay Considered for Merit Calculation – 250
Paper 2 General Studies 1 Considered for Merit Calculation Geography

History

Indian Heritage and Culture

Social Issues

 250
Paper 3 General Studies 2 Considered for Merit Calculation Polity and Governance

Constitution

Social Justice

International Relations

 250
Paper 4 General Studies 3 Considered for Merit Calculation Economy and Growth

Science and Technology

Environment and Ecology

Disaster Management

Internal Security

 250
Paper 5 General Studies 4 Considered for Merit Calculation Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude 250
Paper 6 Optional Paper 1 Considered for Merit Calculation – 250
Paper 7 Optional Paper 2 Considered for Merit Calculation – 250

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Syllabus

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 syllabus is divided into nine papers. Two of the papers are language papers, four are General Studies, one is Essay, and two are Optional papers. The details of the syllabus are provided below.

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Qualifying Papers

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 includes two qualifying papers: Paper A: Indian Language and Paper B: English. Each paper has a weightage of 300 marks. The minimum qualifying mark is 25% (75 marks) in these language papers. The marks scored in these papers will not be considered for merit rank calculation. The details of the syllabus are provided below.

Paper Name Syllabus
Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (i) comprehension of given passages. 

(ii) Precis Writing. 

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary. 

(iv) Short Essays. 

(v) Translation from English to the Indian Language.
Paper B: Compulsory English (i) Comprehension of given passages. 

(ii) Precis Writing. 

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary. 

(iv) Short Essays.

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Essay Paper

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Essay paper is one of the seven papers considered for merit calculation. The total marks for the Essay paper are 250. The syllabus for the essay paper is given below.

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Paper Name Syllabus
Essay
  • Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. 
  • They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. 
  • Credit will be given for effective and exact expression. 

UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Papers

There are four General Studies papers for UPSC CSE Mains 2024. The papers cover subjects such as history, polity, economy, ethics, etc. The marks scored in these four papers, each of which is 250 marks, will be considered for final merit calculation. The details of the syllabus are given below.

Paper Name Syllabus
General Studies 1
  1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 
  2. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. 
  3. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. 
  4. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. 
  5. History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. 
  6. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. 
  7. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and  developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. 
  8. Effects of globalization on Indian society. 
  9. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. 
  10. Salient features of the world’s physical geography. 
  11. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). 
  12. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
General Studies 2
  1. Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. 
  2. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.  
  3. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. 
  4. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. 
  5. Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. 
  6. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. 
  7. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. 
  8. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. 
  9. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. 
  10. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 
  11. Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. 
  12. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. 
  13. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 
  14. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. 
  15. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. 
  16. Role of civil services in a democracy. 
  17. India and its neighborhood- relations. 
  18. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 
  19. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. 
  20. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
General Studies 3
  1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. 
  2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. 
  3. Government Budgeting. 
  4. Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. 
  5. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. 
  6. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. 
  7. Land reforms in India. 
  8. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. 
  9. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. 
  10. Investment models. 
  11. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. 
  12. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. 
  13. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. 
  14. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 
  15. Disaster and disaster management. 
  16. Linkages between development and spread of extremism. 
  17. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. 
  18. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. 
  19. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism. 
  20. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. 
General Studies 4
  • This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. 
  1. The following broad areas will be covered: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. 
  2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. 
  3. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections. 
  4. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. 
  5. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world. 
  6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. 
  7. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; 
  8. Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. 
  9. Case Studies on above issues. 

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Optional Papers

Candidates writing UPSC CSE Mains 2024 have to choose one optional subject for the mains examination from a list of 48 available subjects, which includes literature subjects. One optional subject will be divided into two papers worth 250 marks each. Candidates have to select an optional subject from the list given below. The detailed syllabus can be read from the following link.

1. Anthropology 2. Political Science and International Relations 3. Public Administration 4. Sociology
5. History 6. Physics 7. Chemistry 8. Zoology
9. Botany 10. Medical Science 11. Statistics 12. Philosophy
13. Psychology 14. Law 15. Geography 16. Geology
17. Literature Language 18. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science 19. Agriculture 20. Economics
21. Civil Engineering 22. Commerce and Accountancy 23. Mechanical Engineering 24. Mathematics
25. Management 26. Electrical Engineering

Available Literature Languages:

Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Kannada, Manipuri, Marathi, Santhali, Sanskrit, Maithili, Malayalam, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu. (Total 23 Languages)

Also Read: UPSC Mains Optional Syllabus

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Question Paper

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 question paper will be provided after the Mains examination. The following table contains links for the UPSC CSE Mains 2023 exam.

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Question paper
Paper A: Indian Language –
Paper B: English Click Here
Essay  Click Here
General Studies 1 Click Here
General Studies 2 Click Here
General Studies 3 Click Here
General Studies 4 Click Here
Optional Paper 1 –
Optional Paper 2 –

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Preparation Strategy

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 will be the real challenge for candidates as they have to read multiple subjects within a short period of time. Candidates can prepare for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 by following some of the tips given below.

  • Preemptive Mains Preparation: Candidates must not wait until declaration of prelims results to prepare for UPSC mains. They must have completed studying for mains before appearing for the prelims exam.
  • Equal Attention on Optional: Candidates need to give equal attention to optional subjects. Scoring good marks in optional will increase chances of qualification 
  • Handwritten Notes: Every aspirant must prepare their own handwritten notes. These notes will help them with revision during preparation.
  • Regular Revision: Candidates must begin revision immediately after prelims exam. This will give them added advantage over others who begin late.
  • Regular Answer Writing Practice: Candidates have to develop analytical abilities while answering questions. This will help them manage time effectively.
  • Write Test Series: To get simulations for exam conditions, candidates have to write multiple tests. This will also help them address any weaknesses before the actual exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC CSE Mains 2024 will be conducted between 20th September 2024 and 28th September 2024.

No. Marks scored in language papers will not be used to calculate the merit list.

The total marks for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 is 1750.

Based on previous trends and available vacancies, the UPSC CSE Mains 2024 cutoff marks is likely to be between 735-750 marks for General category.

Candidates clearing UPSC Prelims 2024 will be eligible to appear for UPSC CSE Mains 2024.

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