
UPSC 2025 Mains Dates Announced: Know
the Schedule, Syllabus (2020–2024)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the dates for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025, marking a crucial moment for lakhs of aspirants across the country. If you are serious about cracking one of the most prestigious exams in India, it's time to streamline your preparation with complete clarity on the UPSC Mains schedule, syllabus, and previous year’s question papers (PYQs).
UPSC Civil Services Syllabus (Mains)
Understanding the UPSC Mains syllabus is the foundation of your preparation. Here’s a concise breakdown of the UPSC civil services syllabus for Mains:
Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (300 Marks)
- Paper B: English (300 Marks)
Papers Counted for Merit:
- Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)
- Paper II: General Studies I – Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography (250 Marks)
- Paper III: General Studies II – Polity, Governance, Constitution, International Relations (250 Marks)
- Paper IV: General Studies III – Economy, Environment, Science & Tech (250 Marks)
- Paper V: General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude (250 Marks)
- Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II (250 Marks each)
Download Full UPSC Mains Syllabus:
You can download the complete UPSC syllabus PDF from the official UPSC website or directly click here to access the updated syllabus.
UPSC Mains Question Paper (PYQs 2020–2024)
The UPSC Mains Question Paper consists of a set of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature, namely the English Language Paper and an Indian Language Paper (selected by the candidate). The remaining seven papers are counted for merit, covering a wide spectrum of subjects, including General Studies, Essay, and optional subjects selected by the candidates. These papers are designed to evaluate a candidate’s in-depth understanding of various subjects, critical thinking ability, analytical skills, and ability to articulate thoughts clearly.
UPSC Mains Paper Pattern – At a Glance
Paper |
Subject |
Marks |
Nature |
A |
Indian Language |
300 |
Qualifying |
B |
English |
300 |
Qualifying |
I |
Essay |
250 |
Merit-based |
II |
GS-I |
250 |
Merit-based |
III |
GS-II |
250 |
Merit-based |
IV |
GS-III |
250 |
Merit-based |
V |
GS-IV (Ethics) |
250 |
Merit-based |
VI |
Optional Subject Paper I |
250 |
Merit-based |
VII |
Optional Subject Paper II |
250 |
Merit-based |
Total (Mains) |
1750 |
Why Toppers Analyse UPSC Mains Question Papers
Studying UPSC Mains PYQs helps in:
- Understanding examiner’s mindset
- Identifying important themes (e.g., federalism, disaster management, ethics dilemmas)
- Creating a roadmap for syllabus-to-question alignment
Use UPSC PYQs to frame your study material and test series around relevant topics.
UPSC 2025 Schedule (Official Dates)
The UPSC has released the UPSC Examination Calendar 2025 on its official website. Here is the complete schedule for the Civil Services Examination 2025:
Stage |
Date |
UPSC Mains 2025 (Start Date) |
20 September 2025 |
Personality Test (Interview) |
Jan–March 2026 |
Result Declaration |
April 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: The Mains exam will span over 5–7 days, including language and optional papers.
Bookmark this schedule and sync your study plan accordingly.
Steps to Apply Online for UPSC CSE Exam 2025
Step 1: Visit the official website at upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on the UPSC OTR Registration.
Step 3: Fill out the details including the name, email, and phone number as well as the other personal, educational, and contact details.
Step 4: Upload your photograph, signature, and any other required documents.
Step 5: Fill the application fee through online banking, debit card, or credit card.
Step 6: Review UPSC Application Form 2025 and submit before the deadline i.e. 11th February 2025.
UPSC 2025 Age Limit
According to the UPSC Calendar 2025, to appear for the UPSC Exam 2025, candidates must meet the UPSC 2025 Age Limit. The aspirant must be between the age 21 and 32 as of 1st August 2025. There are some age relaxations for certain categories:
SC/ST: 5 years
OBC: 3 years
Persons with Disabilities: 10 years.
Conclusion: Prepare Smart, Not Just Hard
The UPSC Mains 2025 is around the corner, and the real battle starts now. If you align your preparation with the official schedule, understand the UPSC Mains syllabus, and practice from previous year question papers, your chances of cracking the exam will significantly improve.
Stay consistent, stay focused, and remember — cracking UPSC Mains is not about studying more, but studying right.