UPSC Mains Syllabus
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Total Marks: 1750 (9 papers). The examination consists of four General Studies papers, one Optional subject comprising two papers, and one Essay paper. In addition, there are two qualifying papers: General English and any other language listed in the Eighteenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Each paper has a duration of three hours. Paper A on Indian language is not compulsory for candidates from Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.
- Paper A: 300 Marks and 3 Hours (Indian language from the 18th schedule)
- Paper B: 300 Marks and 3 Hours (English)
- Merit based papers: Essay, GS 1 to GS 4, Optional Paper 1 and Optional Paper 2 (each 250 marks)
- Interview / Personality test: Total Marks 275
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UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Syllabus for Mains
Mains Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | One of the Indian languages to be selected by the candidates from the languages included in the 18th schedule of the constitution. 300 Marks and 3 Hours | 300 |
| Paper B | English. 300 Marks and 3 Hours | 300 |
| Paper 1 | Essay (can be written in the medium of candidates choice) | 250 |
| GS 1 | GS 1 (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and geography of the world and Society) | 250 |
| GS 2 | GS 2 (Governance, constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) | 250 |
| GS 3 | GS 3 (Technology, Economic develop., Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| GS 4 | GS 4 (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper 5 | Optional Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper 6 | Optional Paper 2 | 250 |
The objective of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public services by a board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of the candidate.
Essay
GS I: Indian Heritage, History, Geography, Society
GS II: Polity, Governance, International Relations
GS III: Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, Security
GS IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Optional Subject
Language Papers
JKAS Mains GS I: History, Geography, Society
JKAS Mains GS II: Polity, Governance, International Relations
JKAS Mains GS III: Economy, Environment, Science & Tech
JKAS Mains GS IV: Ethics
Optional Subject
Important Links for UPSC Mains
Looking for the other stage? Prelims Syllabus