The UPSC Mains Subjects demand comprehensive preparation and a deep understanding of various topics. Each paper holds unique importance and requires tailored strategies for success. The Mains examination, the second stage of the selection process, evaluates candidates on their academic knowledge, analytical skills, and writing ability. This article provides an in-depth overview of UPSC Mains Subjects and their importance for aspirants.

Overview of UPSC Mains Subjects

The UPSC Mains Subjects are designed to assess candidates’ intellectual depth and understanding of diverse fields. This stage consists of nine papers, categorized into compulsory and optional subjects. While some papers test general aptitude and language proficiency, others evaluate the aspirant’s knowledge in specific areas.

The structure of the Mains subjects ensures a balanced evaluation, requiring candidates to excel in both their chosen optional subjects and the General Studies papers. A clear understanding of the UPSC Mains Subjects is vital for effective preparation and success in this competitive examination.

UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025

The UPSC Mains Examination consists of nine papers, including four General Studies (GS) papers, an essay paper, two optional papers, and two qualifying language papers. The compulsory subjects for the UPSC exam include GS papers and two language papers, designed to test candidates’ comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills. Marks from seven papers (excluding qualifying papers) determine the final rank and selection.

UPSC Optional Subjects List For Mains

The following is the list of optional subjects offered by UPSC for the Mains examination:

• Agriculture
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Anthropology
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Commerce and Accountancy
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• History
• Law
• Management
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science and International Relations
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Sociology
• Statistics
• Zoology
• Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English.

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