The UPSC CSE Mains 2026 is being held from 21st August, 2026 (Friday) to 30th August, 2026 (Sunday). Today is the 2nd day of the exam, 22nd August, 2026. The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Exam 2026 question papers can be downloaded from this page as the exams progress. Till now, Paper I: Essay, Paper II: GS-I & Paper III: GS-II have been organized and their question papers can be downloaded in PDF form. Question papers of GS III-IV, Qualifying Language and Optional Papers will be uploaded after their respective examinations.

The CSE Mains is the 2nd stage of the exam conducted by UPSC after the CSE Prelims Examination. The 2 qualifying language papers are not considered for merit. Whereas all others are taken into consideration in determining the marks scored in the written examination. The Mains examination is intended to test the analytical abilities of the candidates along with their knowledge and writing skills, besides testing their awareness about current affairs.

Mr. B. Singh Sir (CMD, NEXT IAS & MADE EASY Group) shares his valuable insights on UPSC Mains essay writing in a recent Navbharat Times article. Aspirants can read the full article using the link provided below to gain complete guidance on essay writing. These insights are equally useful for candidates appearing this year and for those who will appear for the Civil Services (Main) Examination in the coming years.

Ruchika Bhardwaj Ma’am, renowned and experienced faculty at Next IAS, reviews and discusses the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2026 in this video. Aspirants can watch the video to get a detailed overview of the complete paper, question by question. She emphasises that the 2026 Essay paper consists of a typical yet understandable format that deals with important civil service values, including gratitude, leadership, and observation.

While Part A is of philosophical nature with topics such as conflict of powers, students were inclined towards and away from topics like 'A thorn is changed Bud'. Topics under Part B include education, ethics, and leadership. Her tip for success is not to impose strict patterns but observe and think wisely.