UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025, also known as Paper B, is one of the parts of the UPSC Mains Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It is one of the two compulsory language papers appeared by those candidates who have qualified the UPSC Prelims. The compulsory English paper for the UPSC Mains 2025 was conducted on August 30, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The marks obtained in the UPSC English Compulsory Paper are not included in the final merit list calculations. It is only a qualifying paper conducted for 300 marks, in which the candidates have to obtain at least 25% marks to qualify.
The UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 was conducted by UPSC on August 30, 2025, in the afternoon session. Candidates are required to secure 25% qualifying marks in this paper so that the other GS Papers can be evaluated. Candidates can download the Question Paper PDF from the table below:
UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 PDF | |
UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 | Download Link |
The official UPSC Compulsory English Paper 2025 will be available on the official website of UPSC after the completion of the UPSC Exam cycle for 2025. Once the papers are available on the official website, candidates can follow the steps mentioned below and download the question papers of all 22 Indian languages:
Step 1: Visit the official website: www.upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Search and click on the 'Examination' tab.
Step 3: Select 'Previous Year Question Papers.'
Step 4: Click on the Mains section and select the language paper you want to download
Step 5: Click on the Indian language paper you want to download. The Language Paper in PDF Format will appear on the screen, which can then be saved by the candidates.
The total marks allotted for the UPSC English Compulsory Paper is 300 marks, out of which candidates have to secure 75 marks to qualify. Candidates need to clearly understand the Exam pattern for these papers so as not to commit any mistakes during their UPSC Mains preparation. Details regarding the UPSC English Compulsory Exam Pattern are provided in the table below:
UPSC English Compulsory Paper Exam Pattern | |
Particulars | Details |
Paper Name | Paper B |
Duration | 3 hours |
Total Marks | 300 |
Qualifying Marks | 75 marks (25%) |
Exam Date 2025 | August 30, 2025 |
The UPSC CSE Official Notification mentions all the details regarding the syllabus of the Compulsory English Paper. Understanding the syllabus is key to scoring well and comfortably qualifying for the Paper B. Candidates can check the table provided below for more details on the Syllabus of the English Compulsory Paper:
UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 Syllabus | ||
Sections | Details | Marks Allotted |
Essay | To assess the candidate’s ability to express thoughts in a structured manner | 100 |
Reading Comprehension | Candidates are required to understand the passage and answer the questions accordingly | 60 |
Precis Writing | Candidates will be asked to summarize a given passage in their own words and use fewer words | 60 |
Translation | Indian Language to English and English to Indian Language | 20X2=40 |
Grammar and Vocabulary, and their Usage | Basic English Grammar and Vocabulary | 40 |
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