UPSC Mains 2025, Exam Date, Syllabus, Time Table, Schedule

The UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 serves as a crucial guide for all Civil Services aspirants preparing for the second stage of the UPSC Exam 2025. Conducted after the UPSC Prelims Exam 2025, the Mains comprises nine descriptive papers scheduled over five consecutive days. The official timetable outlines the specific date and day for each paper, along with details about the exam session, duration, and subject name. By referring to the UPSC Mains Schedule 2025, candidates can organize their preparation strategically, plan revision effectively, and manage time for structured answer-writing practice.

UPSC Mains Exam Date

The UPSC Mains 2025 exam date is scheduled to commence on August 22, 2025, and will span five consecutive days, comprising a total of nine papers. Aspirants are advised to consult the official UPSC Mains Timetable 2025, available on the official website at upsc.gov.in, for a detailed paper-wise schedule. The UPSC Exam 2025 for mains will begin with the Essay paper, followed by the General Studies papers and the Optional Subject papers in subsequent sessions.

Also Check: UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024

UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 PDF

Aspirants can download the UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 PDF directly from the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (www.upsc.gov.in). Access to the official timetable enables candidates to plan their mock tests strategically, align their preparation with the actual examination schedule, and adopt a focused approach for each paper. For ease of reference, the direct link to download the UPSC Mains Schedule 2025 PDF is provided below:

UPSC Mains Time Table 2025 PDF

UPSC Mains Schedule 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the schedule for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025. The UPSC Exam 2025 for Mains will be conducted over two consecutive weekends, from August 22 to August 31, 2025. As per UPSC guidelines, each paper will have a duration of three hours and will be held in two sessions daily, morning and afternoon. The examination will commence with the Essay Paper on August 22, followed by the General Studies papers and the Optional Subject papers on the following days. Candidates are advised to review the timetable carefully and formulate a well-structured preparation strategy accordingly.

How to Prepare for UPSC Mains 2025?

It is crucial for candidates to find out the best preparation strategy for themselves to successfully ace the UPSC Mains Exam 2025. Everyone has a different learning style, but the following areas are common which can be included in the study plan of all candidates for a sound preparation strategy:

• Thorough Understanding of Syllabus: Aspirants should meticulously go through the UPSC Mains syllabus to comprehend the scope of each subject and the specific topics to cover. Understanding the syllabus helps candidates tailor their preparation accordingly.
• Intensive Study and Time Management: Consistent and focused study is essential for success in the Mains. Aspirants should allocate sufficient time for each subject, keeping in mind their strengths and weaknesses. A well-structured study timetable is critical for managing time effectively.
• Emphasis on Current Affairs: UPSC often integrates current affairs into GS papers, making it crucial for candidates to stay updated with the latest developments in politics, economy, environment, and international relations.
• Writing Practice: Since the UPSC Mains is a descriptive examination, writing practice is crucial. Aspirants must hone their writing skills, focus on clarity of expression, and develop a coherent and structured approach to answering questions.
• Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Solving mock tests and previous year’s question papers can help candidates get familiar with the UPSC exam pattern, understand the type of questions asked, and work on time management.
• Revise Regularly: Regular revisions are indispensable for the retention and reinforcement of knowledge. Candidates should revise all the subjects periodically to enhance their memory and grasp of key concepts.

UPSC Mains 2025 Syllabus

The UPSC Mains Syllabus is a comprehensive framework that outlines the topics and subjects that candidates need to cover while preparing for the Civil Services Mains Examination. Here is a detailed overview of the UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025:

UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains Exam Pattern consists of nine papers, out of which seven papers are counted for the final merit ranking, and two are qualifying in nature.

Please note:

• Paper-A (Indian Languages) and Paper-B (English) are qualifying in nature, and candidates need to secure a minimum of 25% marks in each to qualify for the evaluation of other papers.
• Paper-I to Paper-VII are essay-type papers, and the total marks for these seven papers are counted for the final merit ranking.
• The total marks for the Mains Examination (Papers I to VII) is 1750
• The optional subject papers (Paper-VI and Paper-VII) are based on the subject chosen by the candidate from the list of UPSC Optional Subjects.

UPSC Mains 2025 Previous Year Question Papers

The UPSC Mains previous year question papers hold immense importance for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Download the previous year’s papers of General Studies, Essay, and Optional Subjects from the following links to prepare for the UPSC Mains 2024 exam.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper

UPSC Mains Question Papers – General Studies

UPSC Mains 2025 Admit Card

The UPSC Mains 2025 Admit Card is an essential document that allows candidates who have qualified the Preliminary Examination to appear for the UPSC Mains Exam.UPSC Mains 2024 Admit Card is to be released soon.

How to Download UPSC Mains Admit Card?

To download the UPSC Mains Admit Card, candidates need to follow the steps outlined below.

• Go to the official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in or https://upsconline.nic.in/.
• Look for the “Admit Card” or “E-Admit Card” section on the UPSC website’s home page. You can usually find this section under the “Examination” tab.
• In the Admit Card section, you will find a list of ongoing and upcoming examinations conducted by UPSC. Find the link for the Civil Services (Main) Examination Hall Ticket.
• Click on the link provided for downloading the Mains Admit Card. Enter your Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth/Password to log in. Make sure the details entered are accurate.
• After logging in, you will be able to see your UPSC Mains Admit Card on the screen. Click on the “Download Admit Card” button. The admit card will be saved in PDF format.
• Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card, including your name, photograph, signature, examination centre, and timing.
• Along with the admit card, there might be important instructions or guidelines provided by UPSC. Make sure to read them carefully and adhere to the exam-day instructions.

UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Centres

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Mains Examination at various centres across the country. The list of UPSC Mains Exam centres can vary each year based on the number of candidates and administrative considerations. Here is a list of some of the major cities that have been designated as UPSC Mains Exam centers in the past:

How to Apply for UPSC Mains 2025?

Before applying for the UPSC Mains 2025, candidates need to qualify the Preliminary Examination. Mains is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, and only candidates who clear the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains. To apply for UPSC Mains, candidates need to follow the below steps.

• Fill DAF 1: After clearing the UPSC Prelims, qualified candidates need to fill out the Detailed Application Form available on the UPSC website. The DAF is a comprehensive application form that requires candidates to provide personal, educational, and other relevant details.
• Upload Documents: Candidates need to upload scanned copies of their documents, including educational certificates, category certificates (if applicable), photograph, and signature, as per the specifications mentioned in the DAF.
• Pay the Examination Fee: After filling out the DAF and uploading the documents, candidates need to pay the required examination fee. The fee can be paid online through various payment modes provided on the website.
• Submit the Application Form: After completing all the above steps, candidates need to review the application form, verify all the details, and then submit it online. Once the form is submitted, no changes can be made, so candidates must review it carefully before submission.
• Print the Application Form: After successfully submitting the DAF, candidates should take a printout of the application form for future reference.

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