UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (CSE Mains) – Detailed Guide

UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (CSE Mains) – Detailed Guide

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1. Purpose of Mains

·         The Mains Exam evaluates a candidate’s in-depth understanding, analytical skills, and writing ability.

·         Marks obtained in Mains count towards final ranking along with the Interview.

·         Qualifying in Prelims is mandatory to appear in Mains.

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2. Exam Structure

UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers in total:

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	Counts
Paper II	GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & History	250	3 hrs	Counts
Paper III	GS Paper II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR	250	3 hrs	Counts
Paper IV	GS Paper III – Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management	250	3 hrs	Counts
Paper V	GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude	250	3 hrs	Counts
Paper VI	Optional Paper I	250	3 hrs	Counts
Paper VII	Optional Paper II	250	3 hrs	Counts

Total Marks for Ranking: 1750
Qualifying Papers: Paper A & B (500 marks, must pass, no marks counted in final ranking)

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3. Detailed Syllabus & Question Types

Paper A – Indian Language

·         Tests comprehension, grammar, and essay writing in the chosen language.

·         Type of Questions: Translation, comprehension, précis writing, essay.

Sample Question:

·         Write a précis of a given passage of 300 words in your chosen language.

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Paper B – English

·         Tests English comprehension, grammar, précis, and essay writing.

·         Type of Questions: Reading comprehension, grammar exercises, essay.

Sample Question:

·         Write an essay on: “Digital India – Opportunities and Challenges”

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Paper I – Essay Paper

·         Candidates write 2 essays, usually on social, economic, or political topics.

·         Marks: 250, Duration: 3 hours

·         Tips: Structure essays with introduction, body, conclusion.

Sample Topics:

·         Role of technology in governance

·         Climate change and its impact on agriculture

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Paper II – GS Paper I: Indian Heritage & History

Syllabus:

·         Indian culture: art, literature, architecture

·         Modern Indian history

·         Freedom struggle & social reform movements

Question Types:

·         Analytical, descriptive, factual

Sample Question:

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

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

Syllabus:

·         Indian Constitution and polity

·         Governance and administration

·         Social justice & welfare schemes

·         International relations and treaties

Sample Question:

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

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

Syllabus:

·         Economic development, planning, agriculture, infrastructure

·         Science and technology developments

·         Biodiversity, environment, climate change

·         Internal security, disaster management

Sample Question:

·         “What are the challenges and opportunities in India’s renewable energy sector?”

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

Syllabus:

·         Ethics and human values

·         Emotional intelligence

·         Attitude, probity, integrity

·         Case studies

Sample Question (Case Study Style):

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

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Paper VI & VII – Optional Papers

·         Candidate chooses an optional subject (like Geography, History, Public Administration, Sociology, etc.)

·         Two papers of 250 marks each

·         Focus: In-depth knowledge of the chosen subject

Sample Question (History Optional):

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

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4. Exam Duration & Time Management

·         Each paper: 3 hours

·         Writing style: Descriptive, analytical, and structured

·         Recommended: 50–60 minutes per question, depending on marks.

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5. Marking & Passing Criteria

·         Qualifying Papers: Paper A & B (300 marks each)

·         Counting Papers: Papers I–VII (Total 1750 marks)

·         Marks distribution: Essays and GS papers carry 250 marks each.

·         Cut-Off Marks: Vary yearly based on difficulty and competition.

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6. Tricks & Preparation Tips

General Strategies:

1.      Focus on answer writing practice – UPSC Mains is descriptive.

2.      Make concise notes for revision.

3.      Read standard books:

o    Polity: Laxmikanth

o    Economy: Ramesh Singh

o    History: NCERTs, Spectrum Modern India

4.      Stay updated on current affairs (The Hindu, PIB, Yojana).

5.      Practice previous year papers and mock tests.

For Essay Paper:

·         Pick topics you are confident in.

·         Use examples, quotes, data.

·         Maintain coherent structure.

For Ethics Paper:

·         Practice case studies

·         Understand fundamental values, integrity, and decision-making

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7. Real Test 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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8. Summary Table – UPSC Mains

Feature	Details
Papers	9 (2 Qualifying + 7 Counting)
Marks	1750 (for final ranking) + 500 qualifying
Duration	3 hours per paper
Nature	Descriptive / Essay / Analytical
Negative Marking	None
Purpose	Evaluate analytical, writing, ethical, and knowledge skills
Key Tip	Practice answer writing & revision daily