Qualifying Papers in UPSC Mains 2025 include Indian Language and English papers, each of 300 marks. Know language list, minimum qualifying marks, preparation tips, and important exam details.
theIAShub | 26 Jul, 2025 | 3143 | 0 |
Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India. This exam has three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
In the UPSC Mains stage, there are 9 papers, of which two papers are qualifying papers.
This article is for the qualifying papers in UPSC Mains. Here, we will understand in detail what these qualifying papers in UPSC Mains are, how many marks are required in qualifying papers in UPSC Mains, and why they play an important role in the exam.
UPSC Mains exam is a descriptive exam in which candidates’ knowledge, analytical thinking, answer-writing skills, and overall personality are assessed.
There are a total of 9 papers, of which 2 are qualifying papers in UPSC Mains:
|
Paper |
Total Marks |
| Paper A: Indian Language | 300 (Qualifying Only) |
| Paper B: English | 300 (Qualifying Only) |
| Essay | 250 |
| General Studies Paper 1 | 250 |
| General Studies Paper 2 | 250 |
| General Studies Paper 3 | 250 |
| General Studies Paper 4 | 250 |
| Optional Subject Paper 1 | 250 |
| Optional Subject Paper 2 | 250 |
| Merit Total | 1750 Marks |
In the UPSC Mains, two qualifying papers in UPSC Mains are given only for qualifying, which aim to test the candidate’s basic understanding and expression ability in the language.
Note: These two papers are the only qualifying papers in UPSC Mains. These marks are not included in the merit list, but they are considered passing marks. If a candidate does not qualify for these qualifying papers in UPSC Mains, the remaining papers are not checked.
Also Read: UPSC Mains syllabus
Through these qualifying papers in UPSC Mains, UPSC ensures that the candidates have a basic understanding of the language and the ability to express themselves so that they can perform administrative tasks efficiently.
Also Read: How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC?
Also Read: UPSC Mains Exam Pattern
For the Indian Language paper in qualifying papers in UPSC Mains, candidates can choose any one of the following languages (as per the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, from a total of 22 languages):
|
Language |
Script |
| Assamese | Assamese |
| Bengali | Bengali |
| Gujarati | Gujarati |
| Hindi | Devanagari |
| Kannada | Kannada |
| Kashmiri | Persian |
| Konkani | Devanagari |
| Malayalam | Malayalam |
| Manipuri | Bengali |
| Marathi | Devanagari |
| Nepali | Devanagari |
| Odia | Odia |
| Punjabi | Gurmukhi |
| Sanskrit | Devanagari |
| Sindhi | Devanagari or Arabic |
| Tamil | Tamil |
| Telugu | Telugu |
| Urdu | Persian |
| Bodo | Devanagari |
| Dogri | Devanagari |
| Maithili | Devanagari |
| Santhali | Devanagari or Olchiki * |
Note: If a candidate’s mother tongue is English or he/she belongs to the northeastern states of India (e.g., Mizoram, Nagaland), they will be exempted from the Indian language paper.
Also Read: UPSC Optional Subjects List
1. View previous years’ qualifying papers in UPSC Mains: Look at the old question papers of the qualifying papers in UPSC Mains. This will give you an idea of the pattern and level of the qualifying papers in UPSC Mains.
2. Focus on basic grammar: There should be basic knowledge of the grammar of both languages, like tense, word usage, translation, sentence construction, etc.
Also Read: UPSC Mains Exam Centres List
3. Practice writing
4. Dictation and reading exercises: Read and listen a little bit every day improves your language.
Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC Mains
Myth 1: These qualifying papers in UPSC Mains are just a formality
Truth: No, if you fail to secure minimum marks in these two qualifying papers in UPSC Mains, other papers of your main exam will not be checked.
Myth 2: Qualifying papers in UPSC Mains should not be taken too seriously
Truth: These qualifying papers in UPSC Mains may not be directly responsible for your selection, but it is mandatory to pass them. Therefore, ignoring these qualifying papers in UPSC Mains can be a big mistake.
Also Read: Important Topics For UPSC Mains
Qualifying Papers in UPSC Mains: Though they are not included in the merit list, their role is extremely important. These qualifying papers in UPSC Mains are held by UPSC to test the basic language ability and administrative efficiency of the candidates.
Whether you are from a Hindi medium or an English medium, being careless in preparing for these qualifying papers in UPSC Mains can make your hard work go to waste.
Are you preparing for UPSC Mains 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enrol now!
No, the marks of qualifying papers are not counted in the final merit. But you must pass both papers to qualify for the Mains evaluation.
You need to score at least 75 out of 300 marks (25%) in each qualifying papers in UPSC Mains Indian Language and English.
Yes, you can choose any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for Paper A (like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, etc.).
Qualifying papers in UPSC Mains are not very difficult, but candidates must prepare basic grammar, comprehension, and writing skills seriously to ensure they qualify.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
