UPSC Mains 2025, Exam Date, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Schedule

The UPSC Mains 2025 is scheduled to begin on August 22, 2025 and will span five days, covering a total of nine papers. The official UPSC Mains Timetable 2025 will be available on the official website, ‘upsc.gov.in’. Candidates are advised to review the timetable to effectively plan their preparation and avoid last-minute confusion.

The UPSC Mains 2025 will kick off with the Essay paper August 22, 2025, followed by General Studies and optional subject papers on subsequent days. The detailed timetable provides specific dates and timings for each paper, ensuring candidates have all the necessary information well in advance.

UPSC Mains Exam Date

The UPSC Mains Exam date is typically announced in the official annual calendar of UPSC. However, the complete schedule is released only after the Preliminary Examination results are declared. The UPSC Mains 2025 is to commence on 22 August 2025.

Also Check: UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024

UPSC Mains 2025 Schedule 

The UPSC Mains timetable provides insight into the exam schedule. As per the UPSC Mains Timetable 2025, each paper will last for 3 hours, with exams conducted in two shifts. UPSC Mains 2025 Schedule will be released after UPSC Prelims 2025 result is declared. 

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. 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 2025 Syllabus:

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 2024 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 Exam, 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. 

UPSC Mains 2024 FAQs

Q1. What is the schedule of UPSC Mains 2025?

Ans. UPSC Mains is to commence on 22th August 2025.

Q2. Will UPSC Mains 2025 be postponed?

Ans. No, UPSC Mains 2025 has not been postponed and it begins on 22th August 2025.

Q3. Will there be UPSC Exam in 2025?

Ans. Yes, UPSC 2025 cycle will commence on 25th May 2025.