{"id":285,"date":"2025-08-14T13:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T07:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=285"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:01:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T07:31:10","slug":"upsc-mains-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Mains Exam 2025: Date, Timetable, Pattern, Syllabus, Subjects, Optional Papers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#UPSC_Mains_Exam_Overview\" >UPSC Mains Exam Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#What_is_the_UPSC_Exam\" >What is the UPSC Exam?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#UPSC_Mains_Exam_2025_Date\" >UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Date<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#UPSC_Mains_Exam_2025_Time_Table\" >UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Time Table<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#UPSC_Mains_Exam_Pattern_2025\" >UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#UPSC_Mains_Exam_Syllabus_2025\" >UPSC Mains Exam Syllabus 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#Optional_Subjects_List_of_UPSC_Mains_Exam\" >Optional Subjects List of UPSC Mains Exam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam\/#UPSC_Mains_Exam_FAQs\" >UPSC Mains Exam FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div><strong>UPSC Mains 2025 examination is scheduled to commence on August 22, 2025, to August 31<\/strong>. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the detailed timetable for UPSC CSE Mains 2025 on July 14. <strong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"23\">UPSC Mains Exam<\/strong>\u00a0is the second stage of the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"87\">Civil Services Examination (CSE)<\/strong>\u00a0conducted by the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"147\">Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)<\/strong>\u00a0in India. It is designed to test a candidate&#8217;s in-depth knowledge, analytical ability, and writing skills.<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Exam_Overview\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Exam Overview<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The UPSC Mains Exam is conducted in\u00a0<strong>offline mode<\/strong>\u00a0(Pen &amp; Paper) and is a\u00a0descriptive\u00a0(written) examination. It comprises\u00a0<strong>9 papers<\/strong>, out of which\u00a0<strong>7 contribute to the final merit ranking<\/strong>, while\u00a0<strong>2<\/strong> are qualifying papers. The total marks for the merit-based papers are\u00a01750, excluding the\u00a0Personality Test (Interview). Candidates can choose to write their answers in\u00a0English or Hindi, except for the language papers. Each paper has a duration of\u00a03 hours.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_UPSC_Exam\"><\/span><b>What is the UPSC Exam?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a competitive exam that tests candidates&#8217; knowledge, analytical ability, decision-making skills, and personality traits. It is known for its rigorous selection process, which ensures that only the most capable candidates are chosen for public service roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exam comprises three distinct stages:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Preliminary Examination (Prelims):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This stage tests the general awareness and aptitude of candidates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Main Examination (Mains):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This stage assesses the candidates&#8217; depth of knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to articulate their thoughts in a structured manner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personality Test (Interview):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This stage evaluates the candidates&#8217; overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-exam-2025-date\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPSC Exam 2025 Date<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Exam_2025_Date\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Date<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Calendar provides essential dates for the Civil Services Examination, including the Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. Staying informed about these dates is vital for aspirants to plan and prepare effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 203px;\" width=\"729\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Event<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Important Date<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Notification 2025 Release Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims Exam Registration<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims Exam Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25 May 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Mains Exam Date 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22 August 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Interview\/IAS Interview Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet to be announced<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Exam_2025_Time_Table\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Time Table<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the timetable for UPSC CSE Mains 2025 on July 14. The dates of the examination can be checked here.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-175oi2r r-1adg3ll r-11f147o r-3o4zer\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date (Day)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forenoon Session (9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Afternoon Session (2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22.08.2025 (Friday)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-I Essay<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No Paper<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23.08.2025 (Saturday)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-II General Studies-I<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-III General Studies-II<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24.08.2025 (Sunday)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-IV General Studies-III<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-V General Studies-IV<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next weekend<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30.08.2025 (Saturday)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-A Indian Language (Assamese \/ Bengali \/ Bodo \/ Dogri \/ Gujarati \/ Hindi \/ Kannada \/ Kashmiri \/ Konkani \/ Maithili \/ Malayalam \/ Manipuri \/ Marathi \/ Nepali \/ Odia \/ Punjabi \/ Sanskrit \/ Santhali \/ Sindhi (Devanagari \/ Olchiki Script) \/ Sindhi (Devanagari) \/ Arabic Script) \/ Tamil \/ Telugu \/ Urdu)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-B English<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">31.08.2025 (Sunday)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-VI Optional Subject-Paper-1 (Agriculture \/ Animal Husbandry &amp; Veterinary Science \/ Anthropology \/ Botany \/ Chemistry \/ Civil Engineering \/ Commerce &amp; Accountancy \/ Economics \/ Electrical Engineering \/ Geography \/ Geology \/ History \/ Law \/ Management \/ Mathematics \/ Mechanical Engineering \/ Medical Science \/ Philosophy \/ Physics \/ Political Science &amp; 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 \/ Maithili \/ Malayalam \/ Manipuri \/ Marathi \/ Nepali \/ Odia \/ Punjabi \/ Sanskrit \/ Santhali \/ Sindhi \/ Tamil \/ Telugu \/ Urdu \/ English)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2 (Agriculture \/ Animal Husbandry &amp; Veterinary Science \/ Anthropology \/ Botany \/ Chemistry \/ Civil Engineering \/ Commerce &amp; Accountancy \/ Economics \/ Electrical Engineering \/ Geography \/ Geology \/ History \/ Law \/ Management \/ Mathematics \/ Mechanical Engineering \/ Medical Science \/ Philosophy \/ Physics \/ Political Science &amp; 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 \/ Maithili \/ Malayalam \/ Manipuri \/ Marathi \/ Nepali \/ Odia \/ Punjabi \/ Sanskrit \/ Santhali \/ Sindhi \/ Tamil \/ Telugu \/ Urdu \/ English)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-175oi2r r-1adg3ll r-11f147o r-3o4zer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"css-175oi2r r-1adg3ll r-11f147o r-3o4zer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Exam_Pattern_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>UPSC Mains exam<\/strong> consists of <strong>9 papers<\/strong>, divided into\u00a0<strong>qualifying papers<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>merit-based papers<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 343px;\" width=\"731\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Subject<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Marks<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the Indian Languages (Qualifying Paper)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-B<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English (Qualifying Paper)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-I<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essay<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-II<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies I<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-III<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies II<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-IV<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies III<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-V<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies IV<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-VI<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional Subject Paper I<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-VII<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional Subject Paper II<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Total<\/b><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>1750<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-exam-pattern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> UPSC Mains Exam Pattern<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b>Note: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Papers I to VII are descriptive-type papers, and the marks from these are considered for the final merit ranking.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Exam_Syllabus_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Exam Syllabus 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Mains GS syllabus is vast and interdisciplinary, requiring a thorough understanding of subjects related to Indian polity, economy, history, and society, along with international relations and ethical governance. It is designed to test not only knowledge but also the ability to critically analyse and apply concepts in real-life scenarios.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>GS-1<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Culture<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salient aspects of art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Indian History<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant events, personalities, and issues from the mid-18th century to present times.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freedom Struggle<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various stages and important contributors to the Indian freedom struggle.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-Independence India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consolidation and reorganisation of India post-independence.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World History<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Events from the 18th century, industrial revolutions, world wars, political philosophies (e.g., communism, capitalism) and their societal impacts.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Society<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diversity, women\u2019s role, population issues, poverty, urbanisation, and globalisation\u2019s effect on society.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social Empowerment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communalism, regionalism, secularism, and social empowerment issues.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World\u2019s Physical Geography<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key geographical features, natural resources distribution, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Culture<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salient aspects of art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Indian History<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant events, personalities, and issues from the mid-18th century to present times.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freedom Struggle<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various stages and important contributors to the Indian freedom struggle.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>GS-II<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constitution of India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union and States&#8217; Functions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal structure, devolution of powers, challenges, and responsibilities.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Separation of Powers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Functions and responsibilities of different constitutional organs (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliament and State Legislatures<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Structure, functioning, powers, privileges, and issues arising in the legislative bodies.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government and Governance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Role of ministries, pressure groups, NGOs, e-governance, transparency, accountability, and institutional measures.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social Welfare Schemes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections and their performance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Relations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relations with India\u2019s neighbours, global groupings, bilateral and multilateral agreements, and international institutions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>GS-III<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Economy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Issues related to planning, resource mobilisation, growth, and employment.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agriculture<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cropping patterns, irrigation systems, subsidies, food security, and technology in farming.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infrastructure<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Development of energy, transport, and communication infrastructure.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Science and Technology<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technological developments and their applications in everyday life, including biotech, IT, space, and nanotechnology.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental Issues<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conservation, environmental pollution, and environmental impact assessments.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disaster Management<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural and man-made disaster response and management.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internal Security<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security challenges, extremism, terrorism, cybersecurity, and organized crime.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>GS-IV<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ethics and Human Interface<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essence of ethics in human actions, private and public relationships.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attitude and Values<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attitudes in governance, emotional intelligence, and their applications in administration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aptitude for Civil Services<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, and dedication to public service.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Administration Ethics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accountability, transparency, ethical governance, and moral conduct in administration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probity in Governance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philosophical basis of governance, transparency, corruption, and quality of service delivery.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-syllabus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPSC Mains Exam Syllabus 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Optional_Subjects_List_of_UPSC_Mains_Exam\"><\/span><b>Optional Subjects List of UPSC Mains Exam<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>UPSC CSE Mains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows candidates to choose from a wide range of optional subjects across various disciplines, such as Engineering, Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Selecting an appropriate subject based on interest and background can greatly influence success in the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agriculture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anthropology<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Botany<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemistry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Civil Engineering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commerce &amp; Accountancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical Engineering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geography<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geology<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Law<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mathematics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mechanical Engineering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical Science<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philosophy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Political Science and International Relations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychology<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Administration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sociology<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statistics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoology<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-mains-subjects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Optional Subjects List<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>List of Literature Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains Examination<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Literature section in the UPSC CSE Mains offers a variety of language options for candidates. This allows aspirants to choose a language they are comfortable with, or one that aligns with their academic background, helping in scoring well with a well-prepared strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assamese<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bengali<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bodo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogri<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gujarati<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hindi<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kannada<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kashmiri<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maithili<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malayalam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manipuri<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marathi<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepali<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oriya<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Punjabi<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sanskrit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santhali<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sindhi<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telugu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urdu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Exam_FAQs\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Exam FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-286 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-286{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-286 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-286{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-286.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-286.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-286.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-286.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-286.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1735035921\"><div id=\"sp-ea-286\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-286\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2860\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2860\" aria-controls=\"collapse2860\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What are the 9 papers in UPSC Mains?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse2860\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-286\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2860\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers. These include two qualifying papers in Indian Language and English, an Essay paper, four General Studies papers covering subjects like history, geography, governance, and ethics, and two papers from an optional subject chosen by the candidate.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2861\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2861\" aria-controls=\"collapse2861\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the Mains exam for UPSC?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2861\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-286\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2861\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC Mains is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, designed to test candidates on their in-depth knowledge and analytical skills across a range of subjects. The exam includes both objective and subjective types of questions and carries a significant weight in the final selection process.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2862\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2862\" aria-controls=\"collapse2862\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How many Mains exams are there in UPSC?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2862\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-286\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2862\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is only one Mains exam in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This exam follows the Preliminary exam and consists of nine papers, including both General Studies and an optional subject.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2863\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2863\" aria-controls=\"collapse2863\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Is UPSC Mains very tough?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2863\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-286\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2863\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes, the UPSC Mains exam is considered challenging due to its comprehensive syllabus, the depth of knowledge required across multiple subjects, and the level of competition. Candidates need strong preparation and analytical abilities to perform well in this stage.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2864\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2864\" aria-controls=\"collapse2864\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the 7 papers of UPSC?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2864\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-286\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2864\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC Mains exam includes seven main papers that are scored: the Essay paper, four General Studies papers, and two papers from the optional subject chosen by the candidate. These papers test a wide array of knowledge and skills.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2865\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2865\" aria-controls=\"collapse2865\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> UPSC Mains Exam Result 2024?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2865\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-286\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2865\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC Mains Exam Result 2024 was declared on 9th December 2024.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UPSC Mains Exam 2025 will begin on August 22. Get complete details on the exam schedule, pattern, syllabus, and optional subjects. Download the official timetable and learn how the written stage evaluates candidates&#8217; analytical and writing skills.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[198,30],"class_list":["post-285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-upsc-mains-exam","tag-upsc-mains-exam-2025"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=285"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5850,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285\/revisions\/5850"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}