UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025, Optional & Compulsory Subjects
UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025 includes nine papers in total. The UPSC Mains Subjects list, having both compulsory and optional subjects is provided here along with exam patterns.
Sheetal Gaur14 Jun, 2025
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UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025: The UPSC Mains examination is a crucial stage of the Civil Services Examination that determines a candidate's eligibility for the final Personality Test (Interview). The exam has nine papers, including compulsory and optional subjects, and tests your intellectual depth, critical thinking, and communication skills. Keep on reading to get a comprehensive UPSC Mains Subjects List, topics, exam patterns, strategies, and tips to help tackle them effectively.
UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025
The UPSC Mains consists of two groups of subjects: compulsory and optional. The compulsory subjects include four General Studies papers, an Essay paper, and two Language papers. There are 48 Optional subjects, in which candidates have to choose one optional subject. It consists of two papers from a chosen discipline. Check the UPSC Mains Exam Pattern from below:| UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025 Overview | ||
| Paper | Type | Marks |
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 |
| Paper B | English | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | GS 1 | 250 |
| Paper III | GS 2 | 250 |
| Paper IV | GS 3 | 250 |
| Paper V | GS 4 | 250 |
| Paper VI & VII | Optional Subject | 500 |
| Total | 1750 | |
UPSC Mains Exam Structure 2025
The UPSC Mains exam is a rigorous, multi-paper test conducted over two shifts: the forenoon and afternoon sessions. The exam consists of 9 papers, each containing descriptive-type questions that must be answered within a three-hour timeframe. Here's a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern:- 10 questions carrying 15 marks each.
- 10 questions worth 10 marks each.
- Section A: Around 15 questions, each worth 10 marks, covering various aspects of ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
- Section B: Six case studies, each worth 20 marks, assessing the candidate's problem-solving skills and ethical judgment.
Compulsory Subjects for UPSC Mains 2025
The compulsory subjects for UPSC exam include General Studies (GS) papers and two Language papers. Each of these subjects is designed to test the candidate's comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills.Indian Language Paper (Paper A)
Candidates can select one of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This paper is intended to assess a candidate's understanding of the chosen language.Key Areas Covered:
- Essay Writing
- Comprehension
- Translation from English to the Indian language and vice versa
- Grammar and Language Usage
English Language Paper (Paper B)
This paper examines candidates' command of the English language. It is also a qualifying paper.Key Areas Covered:
- Essay Writing
- Comprehension
- Translation
- Grammar and Vocabulary Usage
Essay Paper (Paper I)
The Essay paper requires candidates to write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the two sections. This paper assesses candidates' ability to articulate and express their thoughts in a structured manner.General Studies Paper I (Paper II)
GS Paper I covers topics like Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.Key Areas Covered:
- Art and Culture
- Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History
- World History
- Indian and World Geography
- Society
General Studies Paper II (Paper III)
GS Paper II focuses on topics like Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.Key Areas Covered:
- Indian Constitution and Polity
- Governance
- Social Justice
- International Relations
General Studies Paper III (Paper IV)
GS Paper III covers Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.Key Areas Covered:
- Indian Economy and Economic Development
- Science and Technology
- Biodiversity and Environment
- Security Issues
- Disaster Management
General Studies Paper IV (Paper V)
The Ethics Paper, or GS IV, focuses on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. It evaluates the candidate's ethical reasoning and moral compass.Key Areas Covered:
- Ethics and Human Interface
- Attitude
- Emotional Intelligence
- Contributions of Thinkers
- Public/Civil Service Values
- Probity in Governance
UPSC Mains Optional Subjects List 2025
For the UPSC Mains optional papers, candidates can choose from a list of 48 optional subjects, including literature subjects. For example, if a candidate selects Chemistry as their optional subject, they will be required to take both Geography Paper 1 and Geography Paper 2 as part of their optional subject examination. Here is the UPSC Optional Subjects List as per the latest notification: Here's a table listing the optional subjects available for the UPSC Mains exam:| UPSC Mains Optional Subject List | ||
| Agriculture | Anthropology | Chemistry |
| Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | Botany | Geology |
| Law | Mathematics | History |
| Management | Psychology | Sociology |
| Zoology | Public Administration | Statistics |
| Commerce & Accountancy | Electrical Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Economics | Geography | Medical Science |
| Physics | Mechanical Engineering | Philosophy |
| Political Science & International Relations | Literature (any from the approved list) | |
UPSC Mains Literature Langauge Subjects
The Literature Language optional UPSC subject list includes:| UPSC Literature Language optional list | |
| Dogri | Hindi |
| Maithili | Manipuri |
| Punjabi | Santhali |
| Urdu | Assamese |
| Gujarati | Kannada |
| Malayalam | Marathi |
| Sanskrit | Sindhi |
| English | |
UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025 - Merit vs Qualifying Papers
Understanding the difference between merit and qualifying papers is crucial for candidates preparing for the UPSC Mains 2025. The exam comprises nine papers in total, out of which only seven are counted for merit, while two are qualifying in nature:
These two qualifying papers in UPSC Mains are:
- Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
- Paper B: English Language (300 marks)
These papers are designed to test a candidate’s basic language proficiency. Candidates must score a minimum of 25% marks (i.e., 75 out of 300) in each paper to qualify. However, marks obtained in these papers are not counted towards the final ranking or merit list.
Note: Paper A (Indian Language) is not applicable to candidates from northeastern states (e.g., Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, etc.) who are exempted as per UPSC guidelines.
The remaining seven papers form the basis of the final merit and carry a total of 1750 marks (250 each). The marks obtained here, along with the interview (275 marks), determine your final rank in the UPSC CSE.
UPSC Mains Subjects List 2025 FAQs
What are the compulsory subjects for the UPSC Mains Exam?
The compulsory subjects include the Essay paper, GS Papers 1-4, and the Indian and English Language papers.
How many optional subjects does the UPSC Mains Subjects List include?
Candidates select one optional subject from a list of 48 optional subjects, and it is tested across two papers.
What are the best sources for General Studies papers?
Standard textbooks, NCERTs, and reputable publications like The Hindu, Yojana, and PIB updates are valuable sources.
Are the Language Papers included in the calculation of the final mark?
No, the Language Papers are qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure at least 25% to qualify.
Which subject should I give priority to in the UPSC Mains Subjects List?
It's crucial to pursue subjects that genuinely interest you, but you should also align with the pattern and syllabus of the UPSC exam.
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