UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 Out, Download Paper 1 & 2 PDF

The UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is one of the most decisive parts of the UPSC CSE Exam 2025. With 500 marks allotted to optional subjects (two papers of 250 marks each), it plays a significant role in determining a candidate’s final rank. Choosing the right optional and preparing with previous year papers is essential for securing an edge in UPSC Exam 2025.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 Schedule

The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 is scheduled from 22nd August 2025. More than 1 million candidates have appeared for the UPSC Prelims 2025 on 25th May 2025 and 14,161 candidates have qualified for the UPSC Mains 2025. The optional paper was held during the exam cycle on 31st August 2025 with each candidate writing Paper 1 and Paper 2 of their chosen optional subject.

List of 48 Optional Subjects in UPSC

There are a total of 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Mains Exam 2025, which includes 25 core subjects and 22 literature optional subjects.

• Agriculture
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Anthropology
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Commerce and Accountancy
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• History
• Law
• Management
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science and 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, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English.

Also Check: UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025

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UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 PDF

Aspirants can download the UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 from the official UPSC website after the examination or follow the direct link shared below in the table.

Also Check: UPSC Indian Language Paper 2025

UPSC Public Administration Optional Paper 2025

UPSC Public Administration Optional Paper 2025 consists of two papers, Paper I and Paper II, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. Public Administration Paper I (Paper VIII) was conducted on August 31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by Public Administration Paper II (Paper IX) in the afternoon session from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2025

Geography is one of the most popular optional subjects in the UPSC CSE Exam 2025. Over the years, it has consistently delivered strong results and continues to attract aspirants from diverse academic backgrounds. The subject carries a weightage of 500 marks in the Mains, 250 for each of the two papers and has the added advantage of overlapping with General Studies Paper I as well as providing material that can be useful for the essay paper.

UPSC Sociology Optional Paper 2025

Sociology is divided into two papers, Paper I and Paper II  each carrying 250 marks, for a total of 500 marks. The UPSC Sociology Optional Papers 2025 was conducted on August 31, 2025, with Paper I in the morning session and Paper II in the afternoon session.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 Significance

• Utilize the UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 to identify topics that have been frequently repeated in the UPSC Exam 2025. This enables candidates to prioritize their preparation in areas with higher relevance.
• Consistently download and attempt previous year question papers. Regular practice enhances familiarity with question patterns and significantly improves answer-writing proficiency.
• The analysis of the UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 highlights sections that carry higher scoring potential. For instance, in Geography, accurate use of maps and diagrams can substantially increase marks.
• Optional subjects such as Political Science, Sociology, and Economics demand awareness of contemporary developments. Linking subject knowledge with current affairs strengthens answers and demonstrates analytical depth.
• While practicing, note recurring and challenging questions. Ensure these topics are revised multiple times prior to the UPSC Exam to ensure retention and accuracy.