UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam – Complete Guide

1. What is UPSC Mains Exam?

• Second stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
• Conducted after Prelims qualification.
• Written Descriptive Test → 9 Papers.
• Tests analytical ability, knowledge, critical thinking, ethics, and written expression.
• Total Marks: 1750 (out of 2025 with interview).

2. Services Allotted After Mains

• Based on Mains + Interview (Personality Test) marks.
• Includes All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) and Central Services (IRS, IFS, IAAS, etc.).
• High Mains score = higher rank in merit list.

💰 Salary (after final selection):

• Entry level Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100 + allowances).
• Highest post: Cabinet Secretary – ₹2,50,000/month.

3. Eligibility for Mains

• Must clear UPSC Prelims (GS + CSAT).
• Submit Detailed Application Form (DAF) to confirm subjects & preferences.

4. UPSC Mains Exam Structure

9 Papers in total (all descriptive):

Total Marks for Merit = 1750.
 (Interview adds 275 → Final 2025).

5. Nature of Questions

• Essay: 2 essays on topics of general interest (abstract, philosophical, social).
• GS Papers: Mix of analytical, opinion-based, and fact-based questions (150–250 words).
• Optional Papers: Deep knowledge in chosen subject.
• Ethics Paper: Case studies, moral reasoning, governance values.

👉 Answers must be clear, concise, well-structured, and balanced.

6. Marking Pattern

• Qualifying Papers (A & B): Must score 25% each.
• Essay + GS + Optional: Counted for merit → 1750 marks.
• Good Score in Mains: 850–950+.
• Topper’s Score: 1000–1100+.

7. Exam Schedule

• Conducted in Sept (usually).
• 5–7 days duration (with breaks).
• 2 sessions per day (9 AM–12 Noon, 2 PM–5 PM).

8. Resources & Preparation Materials

• Essay: Previous years’ papers, test series, Yojana, The Hindu editorials.
• GS I: NCERTs, Spectrum (History), Goh Cheng Leong (Geography), Social issues reports.
• GS II: Laxmikant (Polity), PIB, Governance reports, IR from newspapers.
• GS III: Economic Survey, Budget, NCERTs, Science-Tech current affairs, Environment notes.
• GS IV: Lexicon Ethics, ARC Reports, Case Study practice.
• Optional Subject: Standard books + PYQs.
• Answer Writing Practice: Vision IAS, ForumIAS, Insights test series.

9. Summary Table

10. Quick Reference

• What → 2nd stage of UPSC CSE.
• Whom → Prelims qualifiers.
• When → September (usually).
• Where → Across India (exam centers).
• Why → Tests depth, writing skill, administrative aptitude.
• Which → 9 descriptive papers.
• How → Consistent study, answer writing, current affairs, optional mastery.
• How Much → 1750 marks → major weight in final selection.

11. Preparation Strategy

Step 1 – Build Foundation

• Cover NCERTs (6–12) for History, Polity, Geography, Economy.
• Standard reference books (Laxmikant, Spectrum, Ramesh Singh, etc.).

Step 2 – Stay Current

• Read The Hindu / Indian Express daily.
• Make notes on current affairs → link with GS syllabus.

Step 3 – Answer Writing Practice

• Practice 150–250 word structured answers.
• Use Intro → Body → Conclusion format.
• Add facts, reports, diagrams, flowcharts.

Step 4 – Essay Practice

• Write 1 essay per week.
• Cover philosophical + socio-political themes.

Step 5 – Ethics (GS IV)

• Solve 2–3 case studies daily.
• Use values from Constitution, Mahatma Gandhi, thinkers, ARC reports.

Step 6 – Optional Subject

• Choose wisely (based on interest + scoring trend + overlap with GS).
• Revise multiple times.

Step 7 – Mock Tests & Revision

• Join test series.
• Revise notes at least 3–4 times before Mains.

12. Why is UPSC Mains Important?

• High Weightage: 1750 marks (86% of written exam).
• Decisive: More impactful than Prelims.
• Rank Maker: Strong Mains can secure Top 100.
• Skill Builder: Tests writing, analysis, judgment → vital for administration.

✅ In short:

• Stage: UPSC Mains (1750 marks, 9 papers).
• Focus: Answer writing, analysis, current affairs, ethics.
• Best Prep: NCERTs, standard books, test series, mock writing.
• Outcome: Determines whether you reach the Interview + final merit rank.