Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains 2025, Qualifying and Marks Distribution
UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers, with 7 papers counted towards the final merit ranking and 2 qualifying papers. Get a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Mains papers and their significance.
Sheetal Gaur4 Jun, 2025
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Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains: The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most challenging and prestigious examinations in India, attracting thousands of candidates each year. A crucial stage of this exam is the Mains, which tests the depth of knowledge and writing ability of the aspirants.
If you're preparing for the UPSC exam, it's essential to understand the total number of papers in UPSC Mains , the exam pattern, and how marks are distributed across these papers. This comprehensive guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Mains exam, including insights into the 9 papers in UPSC Mains, the total marks in UPSC Mains, and more.Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains 2025
The UPSC Mains examination consists of 9 papers in total, with 7 papers contributing to the final merit ranking and 2 serving as qualifying papers. These include 1 compulsory Indian language paper, 1 English paper, 1 Essay paper, 4 General Studies papers, and 2 papers from the chosen Optional Subjects, but not all carry equal weight. So, if you are wondering how many papers in UPSC mains, here’s an overview of what these papers entail:- The total number of paper in UPSC Mains is 9, which includes papers A & B, and papers I to VII.
- Papers A and B are qualifying in nature; candidates must score at least 25% in each to qualify, but marks obtained are not counted in the final ranking.
- Papers I to VII are considered for the final merit ranking but it is necessary to score a minimum of 10% marks in each.
| Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains Breakdown | ||
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject - Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject - Paper 2 | 250 |
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern and Mark Distribution
Understanding the UPSC mains exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Each paper is designed to assess different aspects of your knowledge and personality.| UPSC Mains Mark Distribution Table | |
| Component | Marks |
| Written Examination (Papers I-VII) | 1750 |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 275 |
| Total marks in UPSC mains and interview | 2025 |
- Essay Paper (Paper-I): Tests the candidate's ability to articulate, express, and suggest problem-solving approaches.
- General Studies Papers (Paper II to V): Cover a comprehensive range of subjects that assess the candidate’s knowledge of national and international issues.
- Optional Papers (Paper-VI and VII): Candidates can choose a subject from the list provided by UPSC to demonstrate specialized knowledge.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Mains
To excel in the UPSC Mains question papers , a well-planned strategy and disciplined preparation are essential. With the right approach, candidates can tackle even the most challenging questions effectively and boost their overall score.- Thorough Syllabus Understanding: Gain a deep understanding of the UPSC Mains syllabus to ensure you cover all relevant topics. This helps prioritize subjects, manage time efficiently, and avoid missing important areas during preparation
- Current Affairs Integration: Ensure you integrate current affairs in your answers to demonstrate your awareness of contemporary issues, a vital aspect of answering the UPSC Mains question paper.
- Regular Practice: Consistently write essays and answers to improve speed, clarity, and articulation. Focus on structuring your responses well, which is critical for success in the UPSC Mains exam.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length UPSC mock tests to build stamina, improve time management, and refine your overall exam strategy.
- Revision: Make regular revision of key concepts, current affairs, and optional subjects a priority to keep the information fresh and easy to recall.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Mains Qualifying Marks 2025 | UPSC Optional Subject | List of UPSC Optional Subjects |
| UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 | How to Revise for UPSC Mains | UPSC Mains PYQ Topic Wise PDF |
Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains FAQs
How many papers in UPSC prelims?
The UPSC Prelims consist of two papers: the General Studies Paper I and the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test), both of which are objective type.
Can I choose any Indian language for Paper-A in Mains?
You can choose from the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, provided you have opted for that language as the medium of examination for the mains.
What is the role of the optional subject in UPSC Mains?
Among 9 Total Number of Paper in UPSC Mains, two papers are the optional subjects, Paper VI and VII. This subject allows you to choose a field in which you have proficiency, and it consists of two papers (Paper VI and VII), each carrying 250 marks.
How is the UPSC Interview conducted?
The interview or personality test assesses the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service. It is a test of mental and social traits.
What is the best strategy for selecting an optional subject?
Choose a subject that interests you, aligns with your academic background, and has readily available study materials.
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