{"id":998,"date":"2025-03-07T07:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T01:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=998"},"modified":"2025-10-28T16:34:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T11:04:13","slug":"upsc-marking-scheme-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Marking Scheme 2025 Prelims, Mains, and Interview"},"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-marking-scheme-2025\/#What_is_UPSC_Marking_Scheme_2025\" >What is UPSC Marking Scheme 2025?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_Marks_Distribution_2025\" >UPSC Prelims Marks Distribution 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Mains_Marks_Distribution\" >UPSC Mains Marks Distribution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_Paper_Marking_Scheme_2025\" >UPSC Prelims Paper Marking Scheme 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Negative_Marking_2025\" >UPSC Negative Marking 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#CSAT_Marking_Scheme_2025\" >CSAT Marking Scheme 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Mains_Marking_Scheme_2025\" >UPSC Mains Marking Scheme 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Optional_Marking_Scheme_2025\" >UPSC Optional Marking Scheme 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#Tips_to_Maximize_Marks_in_the_UPSC_Exam_2025\" >Tips to Maximize Marks in the UPSC Exam 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-marking-scheme-2025\/#UPSC_Marking_Scheme_2025_FAQs\" >UPSC Marking Scheme 2025 FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><b>UPSC marking scheme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the backbone of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. It is a systematic way of evaluating candidates&#8217; knowledge, skills, and aptitude across the three stages of the exam: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will explain everything you need to know about the UPSC marking scheme, including the UPSC prelims paper marking scheme, UPSC negative marking, CSAT marking scheme, UPSC mains marking scheme, UPSC optional marking scheme, UPSC prelims marks distribution, UPSC mains marks distribution, and UPSC mains total marks. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_UPSC_Marking_Scheme_2025\"><\/span><b>What is UPSC Marking Scheme 2025?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC marking scheme refers to the system of awarding and deducting marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview (Personality Test).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each stage has a different marking pattern, and understanding it is crucial for effective preparation. The UPSC marking scheme ensures fairness and transparency in evaluating candidates&#8217; knowledge, skills, and aptitude.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Marks_Distribution_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Marks Distribution 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the UPSC prelims marks distribution is essential for effective preparation. Here\u2019s a quick summary:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>General Studies Paper-I (GS)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper-II<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type of Paper<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total Marks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of Questions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duration<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negative Marking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.66 marks for each wrong answer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.83 marks for each wrong answer<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prelims are designed to test candidates&#8217; basic knowledge of current affairs, general studies, and their aptitude. It is essential to note that candidates must clear both papers independently to proceed to the Mains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Marks_Distribution\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Marks Distribution<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>UPSC Mains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a descriptive exam consisting of nine papers. These papers test a candidate&#8217;s in-depth knowledge and writing skills. The UPSC mains marks distribution is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Number of Papers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 9 (Including 4 General Studies papers, 1 Essay paper, 2 Language papers, and 2 Optional papers)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Total Marks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1750<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Duration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 3 hours for each paper<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Negative Marking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: No negative marking in the Mains exam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\"><b>UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 Mains<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Name of Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Time Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Maximum Marks<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\"><b>Qualifying Papers<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Language<\/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<\/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 colspan=\"4\"><b>Merit Papers<\/b><\/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 Paper 1<\/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 Paper 2<\/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 colspan=\"2\"><b>Total<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><b>1750 Marks<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Paper_Marking_Scheme_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Paper Marking Scheme 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the examination. It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). Both papers are objective-type (multiple-choice questions). Here\u2019s how the UPSC prelims paper marking scheme works:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>General Studies Paper-I:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total Questions: 100<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total Marks: 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each question carries 2 marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC negative marking: For every incorrect answer, 1\/3rd of the marks (0.66) are deducted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>CSAT (General Studies Paper-II):<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total Questions: 80<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total Marks: 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each question carries 2.5 marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC negative marking: For every incorrect answer, 1\/3rd of the marks (0.83) are deducted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CSAT is qualifying in nature, and you need to score at least 33% to clear it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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_Negative_Marking_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Negative Marking 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC negative marking is a critical aspect of the Prelims exam. It is designed to discourage random guessing. If you are unsure about an answer, it is better to leave the question unanswered rather than risk losing marks. Remember, no marks are deducted for unanswered questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CSAT_Marking_Scheme_2025\"><\/span><b>CSAT Marking Scheme 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CSAT marking scheme is straightforward. Since CSAT is a qualifying paper, you only need to score 66 marks out of 200 (33%) to clear it. However, it is essential to prepare well for CSAT as failing to qualify in this paper will disqualify you from the Mains exam, regardless of your performance in General Studies Paper-I.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Mains_Marking_Scheme_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Mains Marking Scheme 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Mains exam is the second stage and consists of 9 descriptive-type papers. The UPSC mains marking scheme is more detailed and varies for each paper. Here\u2019s a breakdown:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Qualifying Papers:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-A (Indian Language): 300 marks (qualifying, marks not counted in the final tally).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper-B (English): 300 marks (qualifying, marks not counted in the final tally).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Merit Papers:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essay Paper: 250 marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Papers (I to IV): 250 marks each (total 1000 marks).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional Subject Papers (Paper-I and Paper-II): 250 marks each (total 500 marks).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC mains total marks for merit papers are 1750. These marks, along with the Interview marks, determine your final rank.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Optional_Marking_Scheme_2025\"><\/span><b>UPSC Optional Marking Scheme 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC optional marking scheme is part of the Mains exam. You can choose one optional subject from the list provided by UPSC. Each optional subject has two papers, and each paper carries 250 marks. The optional subject plays a significant role in determining your final score, so choose wisely and prepare thoroughly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_to_Maximize_Marks_in_the_UPSC_Exam_2025\"><\/span><b>Tips to Maximize Marks in the UPSC Exam 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few tips and advice from the toppers which proved to be game changers in the preparation for the UPSC exam some tips are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC syllabus and focus on high-weightage topics.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to understand the UPSC marking scheme and question patterns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time Management: Allocate time wisely during the exam to attempt all questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid Guesswork: Be cautious about UPSC negative markings and avoid random guessing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on Optional Subject: Since the optional subject carries 500 marks, prepare it thoroughly to boost your score.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>IAS Hub Courses for the upcoming UPSC Prelims 2025 and Mains Exam<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\"><b>Related Articles<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=924&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Exam<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=803&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Application Form<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=799&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Exam Pattern<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-otr-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC OTR 2025<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Marking_Scheme_2025_FAQs\"><\/span><b>UPSC Marking Scheme 2025 FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-1001 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-1001.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-1001.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-1001.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-1001.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-1001.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-1738849267\"><div id=\"sp-ea-1001\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-10010\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse10010\" aria-controls=\"collapse10010\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is UPSC marking scheme?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse10010\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-1001\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-10010\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC marking scheme is the system of awarding and deducting marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, covering Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-10011\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse10011\" aria-controls=\"collapse10011\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse10011\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-1001\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-10011\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes, UPSC negative marking applies in Prelims. For every incorrect answer, 1\/3rd of the marks are deducted.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-10012\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse10012\" aria-controls=\"collapse10012\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How many marks are required to qualify in CSAT?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse10012\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-1001\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-10012\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You need to score at least 66 marks out of 200 (33%) to qualify in the CSAT paper.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-10013\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse10013\" aria-controls=\"collapse10013\" 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 total marks for UPSC Mains?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse10013\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-1001\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-10013\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC mains total marks are 1750 for merit papers, and the Interview carries 275 marks, making it 2025 marks in total.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-10014\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse10014\" aria-controls=\"collapse10014\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How are marks distributed in UPSC Mains?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse10014\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-1001\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-10014\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC mains marks distribution includes Essay (250 marks), General Studies (1000 marks), Optional Subject (500 marks), and Interview (275 marks).<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn everything about the UPSC marking scheme 2025, including UPSC prelims paper marking scheme, UPSC negative marking, CSAT marking scheme, UPSC mains marking scheme, and more. A complete guide to help you crack the UPSC exam!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/998","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=998"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/998\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6470,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/998\/revisions\/6470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}