The UPSC Mains 2025 is a five-day examination and will commence from 22 August 2025 (Friday). It comprises nine descriptive papers consisting of two language papers which are qualifying in nature and seven papers which are merit-based, comprising GS I to IV, Essay, and two Optional papers. Covering expansive syllabus, the pattern tests analytical writing skills, subject knowledge, ethics, and current affairs. This article on UPSC Mains 2025 aims to cover exam dates, time table, schedule, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips and more.
UPSC Mains 2025: Key Highlights
| Exam Name | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Duration | 5 Days |
| Exam Dates | 22.08.2025 (Friday), 23.08.2025 (Saturday), 24.08.2025 (Sunday), 30.08.2025 (Saturday) and 31.08.2025 (Sunday) |
| Total Papers | 9 (2 qualifying and 7 merit-based papers) |
| Exam Mode | Pen & Paper (Offline) |
| UPSC Mains 2025 Admit Card Release Date | 14th August 2025 |
About the UPSC Mains 2025
- The UPSC Prelims 2025 took place on 25 May 2025, and results were declared on 11 June 2025. Registrations for the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 took place from 16 to 25 June 2025.
- The UPSC Mains Exam is conducted over five days and is crucial for shortlisting candidates for the Personality Test.
- A total of nine papers take their place in the scheme of evaluation: the two are qualifying papers, or Indian Language and English, whereas the seven are based on merit, such as the Essay, General Studies I-IV, and two Optional papers – a total of 1750 marks. Adding 275 for the Personality Test, making it a grand total of 2025 marks.
- In written examinations, the emphasis is on evaluating the candidate on analytical writing, knowledge, ethics, integrity, and contemporary issues.
- The syllabus of the examination includes Indian heritage, culture, history, geography, polity, economy, technology, environment, security, and ethics, as well as one optional subject.
- Candidates must now invest their time in perfecting essay writing and GS papers, their optional subject, and also the linking of current affairs for success in both the Mains and the subsequent stage.
UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Dates
The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Dates. The exam is scheduled to begin on Friday, 22 August 2025, and end on Sunday, 31 August 2025. The papers will be taken in 2 different timings, a morning session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and an afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The timing for each paper is specified in the official timetable provided by the UPSC.
The exam will start with Paper I of the Essay, followed by GS Paper I-IV, then Indian Language and English papers, and the Optional Subject papers. The UPSC CSE Mains Exam dates are available on the official website, www.upsc.gov.in. Aspirants can check these dates at their convenience.
UPSC Mains Time Table 2025
The UPSC released the official notification for the UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 on 14 July 2025. The UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 PDF is available for students to download. The timetable lists the exam dates and timings for all nine papers.
The time table for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 is given below:
Time Table for UPSC Mains 2025
| Date (Day) | Forenoon Session (9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon) | Afternoon Session (2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.) |
|---|---|---|
| 22.08.2025 (Friday) | Paper-I Essay | No Paper |
| 23.08.2025 (Saturday) | Paper-II General Studies-I | Paper-III General Studies-II |
| 24.08.2025 (Sunday) | Paper-IV General Studies-III | Paper-V General Studies-IV |
| 30.08.2025 (Saturday) | Paper-A Indian Language {Assamese / Bengali / Bodo / Dogri/ Gujarati / Hindi / Kannada / Kashmiri/ Konkani / Maithilli / Malayalam / Manipuri / Marathi / Nepali / Odia / Punjabi / Sanskrit / Santhali (Devanagari / Olchiki Script)/ Sindhi (Devanagari / Arabic Script) / Tamil / Telugu / Urdu} | Paper-B English |
| 31.08.2025 (Sunday) | Paper-VI Optional Subject-Paper-1 {Agriculture / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science / Anthropology / Botany / Chemistry / Civil Engineering / Commerce & Accountancy / Economics / Electrical Engineering / Geography / Geology / History / Law / Management /Mathematics / Mechanical Engineering /Medical Science / Philosophy / Physics / Political Science & International Relations / Psychology / Public Administration / Sociology / Statistics / Zoology / Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese / Bengali / Bodo / Dogri / Gujarati / Hindi / Kannada / Kashmiri / Konkani / Maithilli / Malayalam / Manipuri / Marathi / Nepali / Odia / Punjabi / Sanskrit / Santhali / Sindhi / Tamil / Telugu / Urdu / English} | Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2 {Agriculture / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science / Anthropology / Botany / Chemistry / Civil Engineering / Commerce & Accountancy / Economics / Electrical Engineering / Geography / Geology / History / Law / Management /Mathematics / Mechanical Engineering /Medical Science / Philosophy / Physics / Political Science & International Relations / Psychology / Public Administration / Sociology / Statistics / Zoology / Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese / Bengali / Bodo / Dogri / Gujarati / Hindi / Kannada / Kashmiri / Konkani / Maithilli / Malayalam / Manipuri / Marathi / Nepali / Odia / Punjabi / Sanskrit / Santhali / Sindhi / Tamil / Telugu / Urdu / English} |
Students can also visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) to check the time table PDF. The official PDF for the UPSC Mains 2025 Time Table can be accessed from the given link below:
UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Pattern
- Total Papers: 9 Descriptive
- 2 Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A – Indian Language (8th Schedule) – 300 Marks
- Paper B – English – 300 Marks
- 2 Qualifying Papers:
| Qualifying Threshold: 25% minimum in each. 7 Merit Papers (Counted for Final Ranking): Total 1750 Marks |
| Paper | Subject/Type | Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | GS I: History, Culture, Geography | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper III | GS II: Polity, Governance, IR | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper IV | GS III: Economy, Tech, Ecology | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper V | GS IV: Ethics & Integrity | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VI & VII | Optional Subject (2 Papers) | 250 Each | 3 Hours Each |
Note:
- All papers are pen-and-paper, descriptive format.
- No negative marking in UPSC Mains.
- Qualifying Papers (A & B): Only need to score ≥25%; marks here do not contribute to final ranking.
- Merit Papers (I–VII): All compulsory; total 1750 marks for ranking.
- Interview: Conducted after Mains, adds 275 marks.
- Scoring Strategy: Mains carries ~86% weightage in final merit; performance here is crucial.
UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus
2 Qualifying Papers (300 Marks Each)
Paper A: Indian Language (from the Eighth Schedule)
Includes comprehension, précis writing, usage & vocabulary, short essays, translation (to/from English)
Paper B: English
Features comprehension, précis, usage, vocabulary, and short essays.
Note: (A minimum of 25% marks in each is required; these scores are not counted in ranking.)
7 Merit Papers (Total 1750 Marks)
Paper I – Essay (250 Marks)
Write two essays (one from each section) on social, political, environmental, or philosophical themes.
Paper II – GS I: Heritage, Culture, History, Geography (250 Marks)
- Indian art forms, architecture, literature
- Modern Indian & World history
- Society (diversity, women, urbanization, demography)
- Physical, social & economic geography
Paper III – GS II: Polity, Governance, Social Justice, IR (250 Marks)
- Constitution, Parliament, and judiciary
- Decentralization, welfare schemes, social justice
- E‑governance, transparency
- India’s foreign policy and global groupings
Paper IV – GS III: Economy, Tech, Environment, Security (250 Marks)
- Indian economy, budgets, growth
- Agriculture and food processing
- Science & tech developments
- Environment, biodiversity
- Disaster management and internal security
Paper V – GS IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (250 Marks)
- Ethics theory, moral values and human interface
- Emotional intelligence, public service values
- Case studies on probity and accountability
Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject, Papers I & II (500 Marks)
Choose any one subject (e.g., History, Geography, Public Admin, Anthropology, etc.). Each paper tests depth and specialization at graduate level.
How to Prepare for UPSC Mains 2025?
Here are preparation tips for UPSC CSE Mains 2025 to help you stay focused and exam-ready:
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
- Stick to the official UPSC syllabus for GS, Essay, and Optional subjects.
- Use it as a checklist while preparing and revising.
Master Answer Writing
- Practice structured, time-bound answers (introduction-body-conclusion format).
- Focus on clarity, balance, and using relevant examples/data.
Current Affairs Integration
- Relate current events to GS topics, ethics case studies, and essay themes.
- Use newspapers (The Hindu/Indian Express) and monthly magazines (like Next IAS).
Essay Writing Practice
- Practice at least one essay weekly. Choose both philosophical and issue-based topics.
- Focus on multi-dimensional perspectives and logical flow.
Optional Subject Strategy
- Revise optional thoroughly; stick to standard sources.
- Solve previous year questions to identify patterns.
Focus on Ethics (GS IV)
- Prepare definitions, examples, quotes, and case study frameworks.
- Use real-life examples to support ethical dilemmas.
Mock Tests & PYQs
- Take full-length mock tests under exam conditions.
- Analyze UPSC previous year questions to align your preparation.
Time Management
- Create a daily schedule with fixed answer-writing slots.
- Prioritize revision and consolidation over new content in the last month.
How to Download UPSC Mains 2025 Admit Card?
The Union Public Service Commission made the admit card for UPSC Mains 2025 available on 14 August 2025. Candidates can visit the UPSC official website to download the UPSC Mains Hall Ticket 2025. The downloadable link can also be accessed directly by clicking on the link given below.
| Next Steps Arrange Exam Essentials Black ballpoint pens, ID proof, and a clear exam kit pouch. Stay Mentally & Physically Fit Take short breaks, eat well, and rest properly to stay sharp. |
Also Read: How to Write Fast in UPSC Mains?
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers
Previous years’ question papers are very important to UPSC Mains 2025 aspirants for understanding exam patterns, framing of questions, and key focus areas for the subjects under consideration.
These papers give insight into trends concerning essay topics, papers on GS, and Optional Subjects. The candidates can better their answer-writing abilities, time management, and conceptual clarity by practicing these. The past papers, from 2021 till 2024, remain accessible on the NEXT IAS website.
UPSC CSE Toppers’ Answer Booklets
For those preparing for the UPSC Mains 2025, going through previous toppers’ answer sheets can provide valuable guidance. The NEXT IAS website provides an extensive and organized collection of answer booklets written by successful UPSC candidates for CSE 2023 and 2024.
Exploring these toppers’ copies can help you gain insights into answer writing strategies, effective presentation, time management and understanding what examiners expect in each paper.
Also Read: How to use CSE Toppers’ Copies Effectively?
UPSC CSE Mains Cut-off: Past Years’ Trends
In UPSC Civil Services Mains examination, candidates are required to obtain cut-off marks to be qualified for the next stage of Personality Test. They vary every year depending on parameters of exam difficulty, vacancies, and candidate performance. Specifically, for the General category, cut-off marks are usually in the range of 700–750 out of 1750.
For other reserved categories, the cut-offs are marginally less. The final selection is considered on a combined basis of Mains marks (1750) and Interview marks (275). UPSC usually publishes the official cut-off marks after the declaration of the final results.
| Category | UPSC CSE Mains Cut-Off 2023 | UPSC CSE Mains Cut-Off 2022 | UPSC CSE Mains Cut-Off 2021 | UPSC CSE Mains Cut-Off 2020 | UPSC CSE Mains Cut-Off 2019 | UPSC CSE Mains Cut-Off 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EWS | 706 | 715 | 713 | 687 | 696 | |
| GENERAL | 741 | 748 | 745 | 736 | 751 | 774 |
| OBC | 712 | 714 | 707 | 698 | 718 | 732 |
| PWD 1 | 673 | 677 | 688 | 648 | 663 | 711 |
| PWD 2 | 718 | 706 | 712 | 699 | 698 | 696 |
| PWD 3 | 396 | 351 | 388 | 425 | 374 | 520 |
| PWD 5 | 445 | 419 | 560 | 300 | 561 | 460 |
| SC | 694 | 699 | 700 | 680 | 706 | 719 |
| ST | 692 | 706 | 700 | 682 | 699 | 719 |
UPSC Mains 2025 Courses
UPSC Mains 2025 courses are designed to help aspirants master the syllabus through in-depth coverage of General Studies Papers I–IV, Essay writing, and Optional Subjects. These courses include answer writing practice, current affairs integration, personalized mentorship, and test series. They also offer targeted preparation for Ethics (GS IV) and language papers. Online and offline formats cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring thorough preparation for the descriptive Mains stage.
| Explore NEXT IAS Courses for UPSC Mains 2025 |
| Advanced Integrated Mentorship (AIM) |
| Current Affairs Value Addition (CA-VA) Course |
| Ethics Enhancer Course |
| Essay Guidance Program |
UPSC Mains 2025 Test Series
The UPSC Mains 2025 Test Series is a vital tool for aspirants aiming to excel in the written examination. It offers a structured approach to answer writing, time management, and syllabus coverage. Designed by experts, these test series simulate real exam conditions and include model answers, feedback, and performance analysis. Regular practice through sectional and full-length tests enhances clarity, speed, and precision, helping candidates build confidence and improve their overall score.
| Explore NEXT IAS Test Series for UPSC Mains 2025 |
| Mains Test Series (GS & Optional) |
UPSC Mains 2025 Books
NEXT IAS recommends a curated list of standard books for UPSC Mains preparation. The books comprehensively cover the topics, offer enriched study material, and are designed according to the UPSC Syllabus. They are available in both English and Hindi. Aspirants can access these books through our Made Easy Publications website.
Also, use NEXT IAS value-added notes, test series, and monthly current affairs magazines for an edge. Consistent revision and answer writing are crucial for Mains success.
Conclusion
One critical stage of the Civil Services Examination is the UPSC Mains 2025 that tests candidates’ analytical talent, writing ability, and subject matter knowledge. Preparing with complete concentration and managing time for the same is very important that could be done by following the pattern and syllabus given to the aspirants. Knowing the timetable and syllabus very well will help ensure strategy and confidence in the exam.
FAQs: UPSC Mains 2025
Are 2 months enough for UPSC Mains preparation?
Once you have a solid grasp of the Prelims syllabus, about 2–3 months may be enough for Mains preparation. Focus on effective revision, rigorous answer writing practice, and smart planning to make the most of the limited time before the Mains exam.
What are the 9 exams in UPSC Mains?
The nine exams in UPSC Mains include Essay, four General Studies papers, two Optional subject papers, and two qualifying papers—English and Indian Language.
When will UPSC Mains 2025 be conducted?
The UPSC Mains 2025 will begin on 22 August 2025 and end on 31 August 2025, spanning five exam days over two weekends.
| Related Useful Resources |
| UPSC CSE Result |
| About Civil Services Examination |
| UPSC CSE Attempts Limit |
