Gajendra Singh Godara
Aug 24, 2025
7
mins read
The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 was conducted from 22–31 August 2025, consisting of nine descriptive papers. These include the Essay, GS 1–4, one Indian language, English, and two Optional papers. Unlike Prelims, the Mains test your analytical ability and written expression. The question papers provide aspirants a realistic view of exam trends, difficulty, and answer expectations. Below are the PDF download links and short analyses of each paper.
Use the link to get the Question Paper of the exams which have been conducted , other links will be updated soon:
Paper | Download Link |
Essay Paper | |
GS 1 Paper | |
GS 2 Paper | |
GS 3 Paper | |
GS 4 Paper | |
Indian Language Paper | Download PDF |
English Paper | Download PDF |
Optional Paper 1 | Download PDF |
Optional Paper 2 | Download PDF |
Table of content
The Essay paper (22 Aug, Morning) asked candidates to write two essays, one from each section. This year’s topics leaned toward philosophical and socio-political themes, testing originality and structured thinking. The difficulty was moderate to high, with emphasis on abstract interpretation.
📥 Download UPSC Mains 2025 Essay PDF
Related reading: Important UPSC Essay Topics for Mains 2025 & How to Prepare Content for it? - PadhAI
Held on 23 Aug (Morning), GS 1 covered history, culture, geography, and social issues. The 2025 paper balanced static history topics (art & architecture, freedom movement) with contemporary social challenges. Many found it moderately difficult due to analytical framing of familiar topics.
📥 Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS-1 PDF
Conducted on 23 Aug (Afternoon), GS 2 focused on Constitution, governance, and international relations. The 2025 paper leaned heavily on social justice and recent policy reforms, while international questions remained limited. The challenge lay in linking theory with current affairs.
📥 Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS-2 PDF
On 24 Aug (Morning), GS 3 tested economy, environment, security, and tech. This year emphasized climate change, AI governance, and agricultural reforms. The paper required integration of data, schemes, and policies, making it moderately tough for unprepared aspirants.
📥 Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS-3 PDF
Held on 24 Aug (Afternoon), GS 4 (Ethics) combined conceptual questions on integrity, probity, and attitude with case studies on governance dilemmas. Analysis shows the paper was scoring but tricky, rewarding those with real-life examples and structured solutions.
📥 Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS-4 PDF
The UPSC Mains Indian Language Paper 2025 tests candidates’ command over their chosen regional language from the Eighth Schedule. It includes essay writing, comprehension, précis, grammar, and translation. While qualifying in nature, clearing this paper is mandatory to stay in the race. Regular practice builds fluency, accuracy, and confidence.
📥 Download UPSC Mains Indian Language Paper 2025 PDF (Available Soon)
The UPSC Mains English Paper 2025 is a compulsory qualifying paper designed to assess basic proficiency in English. It covers essay writing, comprehension, précis, and grammar exercises. Candidates need to secure minimum qualifying marks (around 25%) to clear it. Practicing previous papers helps avoid errors and ensures smooth performance.
📥 Download UPSC Mains English Paper 2025 PDF (Available Soon)
Optional subjects play a decisive role in UPSC Mains as they carry 500 marks (two papers of 250 each). Candidates can choose from a wide list including History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, and various Literature subjects. The choice of optional often determines the final rank, making analysis of previous year papers critical.
📥 Download UPSC Mains Optional Papers 2025 PDFs (Links Active Soon)
Optional Subject | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
Anthropology | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Political Science & IR | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Sociology | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Geography | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
History | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Public Administration | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Literature Subjects | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Engineering/Science Subjects | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
(The full list of optional subjects will be updated as papers are released.)
Related reading: How to Choose the Best UPSC Optional Subject for mains exam: A complete Preparation guide
Practicing with the 2025 UPSC Mains question papers is one of the smartest preparation strategies. Here’s how aspirants can benefit:
Understand exam trends: Identify recurring topics and UPSC’s analytical framing.
Self-assessment: Spot strengths and weaknesses under timed conditions.
Time management: Train to write structured answers within 3 hours.
Build confidence: Repeated practice reduces exam-day pressure.
Improve presentation: Use headings, subheadings, diagrams, and balanced perspectives.
Q. When and where will UPSC Mains 2025 question paper PDFs be officially released?
A.Usually available on the UPSC official website and trusted platforms soon after each paper is conducted.
Q. How can I effectively use UPSC Mains 2025 papers to predict future question trends?
A. Analyze topic frequency using 10‑year PYQs, note recurring themes (e.g., judicial activism in GS2), and organize by topic.
Q. Are there any model answers or topper copies available for UPSC Mains 2025?
A. Not officially, but you can refer to model answers and topper copies shared by coaching institutes like for structure and clarity
Internal linkages:
Important UPSC Essay Topics for Mains 2025 & How to Prepare Content for it?
How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF - Prelims & Mains (2014-2024)
40 Most Important Supreme Court Judgements of India : Landmark Judgements UPSC
National Deep Water Exploration Mission, Objectives & Significance
S-400 Missile System, Features, Range, Speed, Comparison & Operation Sindoor
Blue Pinkgill Mushroom in Telangana: Habitat, Traits & Conservation
External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in
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