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UPSC Mains 2025: Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Strategy & Study Material

Last Updated on Dec 04, 2024
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The UPSC Mains examination is the cornerstone of the Civil Services Examination. It determines the eligibility and entry of an aspirant into the highly revered Indian administrative services. The UPSC Mains is known for its scope of the syllabus and the stringent examination process making it an assessment that covers Indian heritage, governance, economic policies, ethics, and more. It measures not only the knowledge base of the aspirants but also their ability to critically analyze and present information succinctly.

Thorough preparation and revision across all papers are part of the successful strategy for UPSC Mains. It is prudent, therefore, that candidates be well aware of the most important areas most likely to come up during the examination. The article given below breaks down the areas to focus on, giving the UPSC Mains Syllabus with the paper-wise guidance to help aspirants be more streamlined with their preparation and boost their chances of cracking UPSC Mains 2025.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025 Overview

The UPSC Mains is the second pivotal step of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The test is intended to assess in-depth knowledge, as well as the skills of analysis and reasoning of the candidates across various subjects. It is divided into nine papers-out of which one is on Essay, four General Studies, two optional papers, and two qualifying language papers.

UPSC Mains 2025 - Exam Pattern

Paper

Subject

Marks

Qualifying Papers

Paper A

One of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution

300

Paper B

English

300

Papers to be Counted for Merit

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, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

250

Paper V

General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)

250

Paper VI

Optional Subject Paper I

250

Paper VII

Optional Subject Paper II

250

The UPSC Mains Syllabus is a complete guide that covers General Studies, an Essay, and two papers on a chosen Optional Subject. This would test a candidate's knowledge, analytical ability, and writing skills across a broad-ranging set of subjects encompassing Indian culture, history, governance, economics, ethics, and more.

UPSC Mains 2025 - Syllabus

Paper

Syllabus 

Paper-A: Indian Language

Reading Comprehension, Precis Writing, Translation, Grammar, Short Essay

Paper-B: English

Reading Comprehension, Precis Writing, Vocabulary, Short Essays

Essay

Essay Writing, Structured Arguments, Balanced Presentation, Clear Expression

General Studies Paper I

Indian Heritage, Culture, Modern Indian History, World History, Geography, Society, Diversity, Social Issues

General Studies Paper II

Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations

General Studies Paper III

Economic Development, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment, Security, Disaster Management

General Studies Paper IV

Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence, Public Service Values, Governance Ethics, Case Studies

Optional Subject Paper I

In-depth understanding of chosen subject, Theory, Current Affairs, Answer Writing

Optional Subject Paper II

Continuation of Paper I, Deepening knowledge, Current Affairs Integration

Know the List of Compulsory Language Papers for UPSC Mains!

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How to Prepare for UPSC IAS Mains 2025?

Effective preparation for the UPSC IAS Mains involves structured planning, utmost understanding of the syllabus, and persistent practice. Here are the key steps:

  • Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by studying the pattern as well as syllabus of the Mains exam.
  • Build a Strong Foundation with NCERTs: Start from NCERT books from class VI to XII to create a conceptual base for various subjects.
  • Refer Standard Books: Use advanced books such as Laxmikant for Polity, Bipan Chandra for Modern History, and Ramesh Singh for Economics.
  • Current Affairs: Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express and monthly magazines such as Yojana and Kurukshetra regularly.
  • Answer Writing Practice: Let writing detailed answers become a habit within the allotted time frame. Enroll in test series to simulate the examination conditions.
  • Revision and Self-Assessment: Revise and assess your knowledge periodically. Identify the weak areas and adjust your preparation strategy accordingly.

Know the List of Compulsory Language Papers for UPSC Mains!

Key Focus Areas of Different Subjects in UPSC Mains 2025

For UPSC Mains 2025, the candidates should concentrate on specific areas under each subject. For General Studies I, they need to focus on historical events, cultural heritage, and the pattern of transition in society. General Studies II entails understanding the Indian Constitution, governance frameworks, and international relations. General Studies III demands knowledge of economic policies, science and technology, and internal security issues. General Studies IV focuses on ethics, integrity, and practical case studies. The mastery of these areas will help to yield high scores.

Subject

Key Focus Areas

Qualifying Paper A: Indian Language

Reading Comprehension

Precis Writing

Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa

Grammar and Vocabulary

Short Essay

Qualifying Paper B: English

Reading Comprehension

Precis Writing

Usage and Vocabulary

Short Essays

Essay

Practice essay writing on diverse topics

Focus on structuring content clearly and coherently

Develop skills to present balanced arguments

Enhance language and expression

Critical and Analytical Thinking

Clarity and Precision of Expression

General Studies Paper I

Indian Heritage and Culture

Art forms, Literature, Architecture from ancient to modern times

History

Modern Indian History: Significant events, personalities, issues from the middle 18th century until the present.

World History: Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization.

Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country

Indian Society

Diversity of India

Role of Women and Women’s Organization

Population and Associated Issues

Poverty and Developmental Issues

Urbanization, their problems, and their remedies

Effects of Globalization on Indian Society

Social Empowerment

Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism

Geography

Salient Features of World Physical Geography

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent.

Factors responsible for the Location of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sector Industries in various parts of the world including India.

Important Geophysical Phenomena: Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclones.

Geographical Features and their Location: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

General Studies Paper II

Indian Constitution and Polity

Historical Underpinnings

Evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States

Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein

Separation of powers between various organs. Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

Governance

Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Ministries and Departments of the Government

Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Social Justice and Welfare

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

Mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services: Health, Education, Human Resources

Issues relating to poverty and hunger

International Relations

India and its neighborhood Relations

Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

Important International institutions, agencies, and fora: Their structure and mandate.

General Studies Paper III

Indian Economy

Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment

Inclusive growth and issues arising from it

Government budgeting

Major crops and cropping patterns in various parts of the country

Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems

Storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints

E-technology in the aid of farmers

Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices

Public Distribution System: Objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; Economics of animal-rearing.

Food processing and related industries in India: Scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

Land reforms in India

Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy, and their effects on industrial growth

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.

Investment models

Science and Technology

Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights

Environment and Ecology

Conservation of Biodiversity, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Disaster Management

Disaster and disaster management

Security

Linkages between development and spread of extremism

Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Challenges to internal security through communication networks: Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges

Basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

Security challenges and their management in border areas: Linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

General Studies Paper IV

Ethics and Human Actions

Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics

Dimensions of ethics in private and public relationships

Human Values

Lessons from great leaders, reformers, and administrators

Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values

Attitude

Content, structure, function

Influence on thought and behavior

Moral and political attitudes

Social influence and persuasion

Aptitude for Civil Services

Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service

Empathy, tolerance, compassion towards weaker sections

Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics

Ethical concerns in government and private institutions

Laws, regulations, conscience as sources of ethical guidance

Accountability, ethical governance, international relations, corporate governance

Probity in Governance

Public service concept, governance ethics

Information sharing, Right to Information, codes of ethics

Work culture, challenges of corruption, quality of service delivery

Optional Papers

Topics covered as per the specific optional subject syllabus

Read the article on the UPSC Optional Subject Preparation Strategy!

Important NCERT Notes to Prepare for UPSC Mains 2025

NCERT notes play a vital role in preparation for Mains, as it provides adequate clarity on the basic ideas. Key topics to be covered would include Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India from history. Geography is divided into physical and human geography. From the polity perspective, this should include the Indian Constitution and its body-related governance. Under economics, basic principles and currently functional policies should be reflected. For science, technological advances and environmental science should be covered. Revision of NCERTs in detail sets up your conceptual foundation.

UPSC NCERT Notes for UPSC Exam Preparation

UPSC NCERT Notes for Ancient Indian History

UPSC NCERT Notes for Medieval Indian History

UPSC NCERT Notes for Modern Indian History

UPSC NCERT Notes for Art & Culture

UPSC NCERT Notes for Geography

UPSC NCERT Notes for Ecology & Environment

Key Topics to Revise for UPSC Mains 2025

Revision should be focused on pivotal topics that are likely to crop up in the UPSC Mains 2025. In history, stress on important events and freedom movements; In geography, include climate patterns and resource distribution; Important governance topics would include constitutional amendments and current governance-related issues; Economics study should include recent policies and major challenges; Ethics study should include moral theories and their case studies. Focused revision of these areas ensures preparation on an all-around basis.

Topics

Subtopics

General Studies Paper I

Indian Heritage and Culture

Art forms, Literature, Architecture

History

Modern Indian History, World History, Post-Independence India

Indian Society

Diversity, Women, Population Issues, Poverty, Urbanization, Globalization, Social Empowerment, Secularism

Geography

Physical Geography, Natural Resources, Location of Industries, Geophysical Phenomena, Geographical Features and Changes

General Studies Paper II

Indian Constitution and Polity

Historical underpinnings, Features, Amendments, Union & State functions, Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers, Separation of Powers, Comparison with Other Countries

Governance

Parliament, State Legislatures, Executive, Judiciary, Ministries, Pressure Groups, Constitutional Bodies

Social Justice and Welfare

Government Policies, Welfare Schemes, Social Sector Services, Poverty, Hunger

International Relations

India and Neighbors, Bilateral and Global Groupings, Policies of Developed and Developing Countries, International Institutions

General Studies Paper III

Indian Economy

Planning, Resource Mobilization, Growth, Employment, Inclusive Growth, Budgeting

Agriculture

Major Crops, Irrigation, Agricultural Marketing, Farm Subsidies, PDS, Food Security, Land Reforms

Industrial Policies

Liberalization, Industrial Policy, Infrastructure, Investment Models

Science and Technology

Developments, Applications, Achievements, IT, Space, Robotics, Nanotech, Biotech, IPR

Environment and Ecology

Conservation, Pollution, Impact Assessment

Disaster Management

Disaster Management

Security

Extremism, Internal Security, Cyber Security, Border Management, Organized Crime

General Studies Paper IV

Ethics and Human Interface

Ethics in Human Actions, Private and Public Relationships

Human Values

Lessons from Leaders, Role of Family and Society

Attitude

Content, Structure, Influence

Aptitude and Foundational Values

Integrity, Objectivity, Empathy, Tolerance

Emotional Intelligence

Concepts and Applications

Contributions of Moral Thinkers

Indian and International Thinkers

Public/Civil Service Values

Ethical Concerns, Accountability, Ethical Governance

Probity in Governance

Public Service, Governance, Transparency, RTI

Case Studies

Practical Scenarios and Ethical Dilemmas

Key areas should be revised regularly accompanied by mock tests and previous years' question papers to support your preparation for the UPSC Prelims effectively.

Download Free Notes For UPSC Exam Preparation!

UPSC Mains Study Material for IAS Preparation

Quality study material is the basis for effective preparation for UPSC Mains. Some essentials like NCERT books, standard textbooks such as Laxmikanth on Polity, Bipan Chandra on History, and Ramesh Singh on Economics should be referred. Government publications, Yojana, Kurukshetra, and daily newspapers are current affairs materials that can be referred to. Some good test series and notes from toppers will always help. Study material guarantees complete coverage of the syllabus.

Know the Best Current Affairs Magazine for UPSC Exam Preparation!

Previous Year Trend Analysis for UPSC IAS Mains

Trend analysis of previous years’ UPSC Mains papers reveals shifts in topic emphasis and question patterns. Identifying frequently asked topics and changing focus areas, such as increased questions on environmental issues or social justice, helps candidates tailor their preparation. This strategic approach ensures alignment with the examination trends and enhances preparation efficiency.

Subject-Wise Weightage of Questions asked in UPSC Mains GS Papers

Year

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1

History

5

2

5

2

4

Geography

8

9

8

8

8

Art & Culture

1

3

1

4

1

Indian Society

6

4

6

6

10

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2

Polity

8

12

10

10

9

Governance

4

1

5

2

2

Social Justice

4

5

3

3

5

International Relations

4

5

4

5

4

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3

Economics

4

5

5

4

4

Agriculture

4

3

4

4

4

Science & Technology

3

4

3

4

4

Internal Security

3

4

4

3

4

Environment

5

4

5

4

4

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4

Basic Theory

6

5

5

6

4

Family and Society

4

5

4

5

4

Public Administration

2

2

1

2

4

Case Studies

6

6

6

6

6

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UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers

UPSC Mains question papers are indispensable to unravel the pattern of the examination and the level of difficulty. Solving these question papers helps in identification of areas of importance, helps manage time, and makes answer writing refined. It leaves behind a confidence and prepares candidates for various types of questions anticipated with UPSC Mains 2025.

UPSC Mains 2024 Question Papers

General Studies Paper I 

General Studies Paper II

General Studies Paper III

General Studies Paper IV

Essay Paper

UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers

General Studies Paper I 

General Studies Paper II

General Studies Paper III

General Studies Paper IV

Essay Paper

UPSC Mains 2022 Question Papers

General Studies Paper I 

General Studies Paper II

General Studies Paper III

General Studies Paper IV

Essay Paper

Clearing the UPSC Mains examination successfully is not very difficult if a candidate adopts a comprehensive and strategic approach. Focusing on specific areas of each subject, thereby completely revising the essential concepts with quality study material, helps in building a strong foundation. This preparation is reinforced by solving previous year question papers and staying abreast of new trends, making the candidate well-equipped for the challenges posed by the exam. Through dedicated effort, systematic study, and a clear focus on these key areas, aspirants stand a good chance of coming out successful in UPSC Mains 2025 and a step closer to achieving their goal for joining Indian administrative services.

You can also look through our vast collection of UPSC free study materials on the Testbook website! For more information and resources, download and keep visiting the Testbook App. Your epic journey to IAS success begins here!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

UPSC Mains 2025 FAQs

UPSC Mains result 2025 is usually released a few months after the exam, probably in December or January.

UPSC Mains subjects consist of four General Studies papers and one Essay paper as well as two papers on the optional subject chosen by the candidate besides two qualifying language papers.

The total marks for UPSC Mains are 1750, excluding the 300 marks for the qualifying language papers, which are not counted in the final ranking.

UPSC Mains syllabus covers subjects such as General Studies-four papers, Essay, and optional subjects-two papers. Along with these, the syllabus includes qualifying papers in English and a regional language.

UPSC Mains question papers are released on the main official website of UPSC and also on all the study portals.
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