How Many Papers Are in UPSC Exam

How Many Papers Are in the UPSC: The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious exams in India, which attracts thousands of applicants every year. The UPSC Exam acts as the gateway to various high-profile government jobs, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

Understanding how many papers are in the UPSC exam is essential for effective preparation. Further, the UPSC Examination is divided into 3 segments: Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview). Each of these stages has its unique structure, comprising various papers that test different skills and knowledge areas.

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How Many Papers Are in the UPSC Exam?

To answer the question, "How many papers are in the UPSC Exam," It is necessary for all the candidates to look at each stage individually, and understand the importance of each stage. The UPSC Examination consists of a total of 11 papers which are spread across the Preliminary Examination stage and Mains Examination stage. Here's a breakdown:

How Many Papers in UPSC Prelims?

The first segment of the UPSC Civil Services Exam is the Preliminary Examination, which is commonly known as the UPSC Prelims Exam . This stage is generally designed to evaluate the candidate and it acts as a screening test. The marks obtained in Prelims are not counted in the final ranking. Assessing the number of papers in prelims will help the candidates evaluate, ‘How Many Papers are in the UPSC Exam.’ There are two papers in the UPSC Prelims:

1. General Studies Paper-I : This paper covers a wide range of subjects including current events, history, geography, economics, general science, and environmental ecology. It consists of 100 questions and carries a total of 200 marks. The time duration for this paper is 2 hours.
2. General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) : This paper tests the aspirants' aptitude skills. It includes questions on comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy, and decision-making. There are 80 questions, and the paper carries 200 marks. The duration is 2 hours, and it is qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to score at least 33% to proceed to the next stage.

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How Many Papers Are in UPSC Mains?

The UPSC Mains Examination is more comprehensive and extensive that why it requires a deeper understanding of various subjects. Assessing the total number of papers in the Mains examination will give the candidate an idea for the query, “How Many Papers are in the UPSC Exam” while combining it with the total number of papers in Prelims.

There are a total of 9 papers in the Mains Examination, each designed to test different competencies of the candidate. These papers are:

1. Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language : This is a qualifying paper, where candidates can choose from any of the Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This paper is worth 300 marks.
2. Paper B: English : Another qualifying paper, tests the candidate’s proficiency in English. Like Paper A, this is also for 300 marks.
3. Paper I: Essay : This paper requires the candidate to write essays on topics of general interest, which test their ability to express themselves effectively. This paper carries 250 marks.
4. Paper II: General Studies-I : This paper covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society. It is a core paper in the General Studies section and is worth 250 marks.
5. Paper III: General Studies-II : Focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. It tests the candidates' understanding of these vital topics and is also for 250 marks.
6. Paper IV: General Studies-III : This paper includes Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. It is worth 250 marks.
7. Paper V: General Studies-IV : This paper tests Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. It involves questions on case studies to assess the moral and ethical preferences of the candidate. This paper is also for 250 marks.
8. Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper-I : Candidates choose an optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The paper is worth 250 marks.
9. Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper-II : This is the second paper for the chosen optional subject and is worth 250 marks.

These 9 papers in the UPSC Mains are vital as the marks obtained from the mains paper are to be counted towards the final ranking. Only candidates who secure the required marks in the qualifying papers are evaluated for these 7 main papers.

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims 2025?

What are the 9 Papers in UPSC Mains?

The UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers that assess candidates' knowledge and aptitude across various subjects. These papers are necessary for determining a candidate's rank and suitability for different civil service positions. Here's a detailed look at How Many Papers are in the UPSC Exam for the Mains Category :

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Importance of Understanding the Number of Papers

Understanding how many papers are in the UPSC Exam will help the candidates plan their preparation strategy effectively. Each paper requires a different approach and preparation style. Knowing how many papers are in UPSC Prelims allows candidates to balance their preparation between general awareness and aptitude skills.

Similarly, understanding how many papers are in UPSC Mains and what are the 9 papers in UPSC Mains allows candidates to focus on both core and optional subjects, ensuring they can cover the vast syllabus comprehensively. In Conclusion, The UPSC Civil Services Exam is difficult and it demands thorough preparation.

Understanding how many papers are in the UPSC Exam, including the details and specifics of the Prelims and Mains Examination, is crucial for aspirants. By effectively planning their study schedule around these papers, aspirants can maximize their chances of success and secure a position in the prestigious services of the Indian government.