Mains (Descriptive Exam) UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam

2. Mains (Descriptive Exam)

·         Structure: 9 Papers (2 Qualifying + 7 Counting for Ranking)

·         Marks, Duration, Question Types

·         Syllabus: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Papers

·         Real Sample Questions from recent years

·         Preparation Tips & Answer Writing Strategy

UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam – Complete Guide

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1. Structure

The UPSC Mains Exam is descriptive, designed to test analytical ability, knowledge, and writing skills.

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration	Qualifying/Counting
Paper A	Indian Language (any one from Eighth Schedule)	300	3 hrs	Qualifying
Paper B	English	300	3 hrs	Qualifying
Paper I	Essay	250	3 hrs	Counting
Paper II	GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & History	250	3 hrs	Counting
Paper III	GS Paper II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR	250	3 hrs	Counting
Paper IV	GS Paper III – Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management	250	3 hrs	Counting
Paper V	GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude	250	3 hrs	Counting
Paper VI	Optional Paper I	250	3 hrs	Counting
Paper VII	Optional Paper II	250	3 hrs	Counting

Total Marks (for final ranking): 1750
Qualifying Papers: Paper A & B – marks not counted in final ranking, must pass.

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2. Marks, Duration, Question Types

·         Duration: 3 hours per paper

·         Nature: Descriptive, analytical, essay-type

·         Marks Distribution:

o    Essay: 250

o    GS Papers I–IV: 250 each

o    Optional Papers I & II: 250 each

·         Question Types:

o    Long-answer descriptive questions

o    Analytical, interpretative, and factual

o    Case studies in Ethics paper

o    Essays with arguments and examples

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3. Detailed Syllabus

Paper A – Indian Language

·         Comprehension, précis, grammar, essay in chosen language.

Sample Question:

·         Write a précis of a given passage (300 words).

Paper B – English

·         Comprehension, précis, grammar, essay writing.

Sample Question:

·         Essay: “Digital India – Opportunities and Challenges”

Paper I – Essay Paper

·         Write 2 essays (250 marks) on social, economic, or political issues.

Sample Topics:

·         Role of technology in governance

·         Climate change and its impact on agriculture

Paper II – GS Paper I: Indian Heritage & History

·         Indian culture, art, literature, architecture

·         Modern Indian history & freedom struggle

Sample Question:

·         “Discuss the main contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy to Indian social reform.”

Paper III – GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR

·         Indian Constitution, governance, Parliament

·         Social justice and welfare schemes

·         International relations

Sample Question:

·         “Examine the role of the Finance Commission in India’s fiscal federalism.”

Paper IV – GS Paper III: Economy, Technology, Environment, Security & Disaster Management

·         Economic development, planning, agriculture, infrastructure

·         Science and technology, biodiversity, environment, climate change

·         Internal security, disaster management

Sample Question:

·         “Discuss the challenges and opportunities in India’s renewable energy sector.”

Paper V – GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

·         Ethics and human values

·         Emotional intelligence, decision-making

·         Case studies

Sample Question (Case Study):

·         “As a District Collector, a local official is found misusing public funds. How would you handle the situation?”

Papers VI & VII – Optional Papers

·         Choose any optional subject like Geography, History, Sociology, Public Administration, etc.

·         Two papers of 250 marks each

·         In-depth knowledge required

Sample Question (History Optional):

·         “Analyze the causes and consequences of the Revolt of 1857.”

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4. Real Sample Questions – Mains 2022–23 Style

GS Paper II Sample:

·         “Discuss the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in promoting grassroots democracy in India.”

GS Paper III Sample:

·         “Analyze the impact of digital payments on financial inclusion in rural India.”

Ethics Paper Sample:

·         Case Study: A government official faces pressure to favor a contractor with political connections. What ethical principles should guide his action?

Essay Paper Sample:

·         “Sustainable Development Goals – Achievements and Challenges in India”

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5. Preparation Tips & Answer Writing Strategy

General Strategies:

1.      Answer Writing Practice: UPSC Mains is descriptive, so practice writing structured, coherent answers.

2.      Make Concise Notes: For revision of static and current affairs topics.

3.      Standard Books:

o    Polity: Laxmikanth

o    Economy: Ramesh Singh

o    History: NCERTs, Spectrum Modern India

4.      Current Affairs: Use The Hindu, PIB, Yojana, and government reports.

5.      Mock Tests: Practice under exam conditions for time management.

Answer Writing Strategy:

·         Structure: Introduction → Body → Conclusion

·         Highlight keywords and headings

·         Use examples, data, case studies

·         Write legibly and maintain clarity

·         Time Management: ~50–60 mins per 250-mark paper

Optional Paper Tips:

·         Choose a subject of interest or background knowledge

·         Focus on concept clarity and analytical answers

·         Refer to standard books and previous year papers

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6. Time Management in Mains

·         3 hours per paper

·         Divide time wisely:

o    10–15 minutes: Read all questions

o    ~50–60 mins per 250-mark question/paper

o    10 minutes: Revise answers