The Mains consists of nine papers, of which two are qualifying and seven are counted for merit ranking:

Qualifying Papers (Only for qualifying purposes, not counted in merit)

• Paper A: One of the Indian languages (as per the 8th Schedule of the Constitution).

• Paper B: English Language.

Note: The requirement to appear for the Indian Language Paper (Paper A) is waived for candidates from certain states and union territories such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim, as well as candidates with disabilities (like hearing impairment) where exemption is granted by UPSC.

Merit-Based Papers (Total: 1750 Marks)

Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)

Candidates are required to write two essays, choosing one topic each from two sections. The essays must reflect clarity of thought, coherent structure, critical analysis, and a balanced perspective. The paper does not require factual precision but evaluates creativity, relevance, and depth.

• Section A & B Themes: Topics may include philosophical reflections, ethical dilemmas, socio-political themes, economic debates, international affairs, and technological implications.

• Skills Tested: Logical flow of ideas, originality of thought, balanced critique, and effective language expression.

• Strategy: Aspirants should draw from examples, anecdotes, constitutional values, and real-life cases to support their arguments.

Paper II: General Studies I (GS-I)

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society (250 Marks)

• Indian Culture: Covers salient aspects of Indian art, literature, and architecture from ancient, medieval to modern periods. Includes temple and cave architecture, classical and folk art, major literary works, and influence of religions.

• Modern Indian History: From the mid-18th century to the present – significant events, movements, and personalities.

• Freedom Struggle: Various stages and milestones in India’s struggle for independence, key leaders, and contributions from different regions.

• Post-Independence India: Consolidation and reorganization of states, linguistic issues, and socio-political developments post-1947.

• World History: Events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization and decolonization, and ideological shifts (capitalism, communism, socialism).

• Indian Society: Salient features of Indian society, unity in diversity, caste, class, gender issues, role of women and their organizations.

• Social Issues: Population and associated challenges, urbanization and its problems, poverty, development issues, and migration.

• Globalization and Indian Society: Impact of globalization on family structure, work culture, and value systems.

• Social Empowerment: Communalism, regionalism, secularism – their impact and challenges to Indian democracy.

• World Geography: Salient features of the world’s physical geography including landforms, water bodies, climatic zones, etc.

• Resource Distribution: Key natural resources across the world, particularly in South Asia and India.

• Industry Location Factors: Factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries.

• Geophysical Phenomena: Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, cyclones, and their causes and impacts.

• Environmental Change: Changes in geographical features like rivers, glaciers, and ecosystems and their effects on flora, fauna, and human settlements.

Paper III: General Studies II (GS-II)

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations (250 Marks)

• Indian Constitution: Evolution, features, amendments, preamble, federal structure, and comparison with other constitutions.

• Separation of Powers: Functioning of legislature, executive, and judiciary, checks and balances, judicial activism and restraint.

• Polity and Governance: Role of constitutional and non-constitutional bodies like CAG, Election Commission, NHRC, and others.

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

• Welfare Schemes: Schemes and policies for vulnerable sections by Centre and States and their performance.

• Social Justice: Issues relating to poverty, hunger, education, health, and social sector development.

• Role of NGOs and SHGs: Contributions of non-state actors in development and social capital creation.

• Transparency and Accountability: Role of RTI, e-Governance applications, and citizen charters in ensuring transparency.

• Civil Services: Role in a democracy, values, ethics, and public administration reforms.

• International Relations: India and its neighborhood, bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements.

• Global Institutions: UN and its agencies, WTO, IMF, World Bank, BRICS, G20 and their functioning.

• India’s Foreign Policy: Strategic partnerships, diaspora policy, and India's role in global diplomacy and peacekeeping.

Paper IV: General Studies III (GS-III)

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management (250 Marks)

• Indian Economy and Planning: Issues of growth, development and inclusive growth. Government budgeting, major economic reforms and liberalisation.

• Agriculture: Farm reforms, cropping patterns, irrigation techniques, MSP, PDS, agri-tech, food security and subsidies.

• Industry and Infrastructure: Role of infrastructure in development, investment models, PPPs, industrial corridors.

• Science and Technology: Recent developments, achievements of Indians, indigenisation of technology, and awareness in fields such as IT, space, robotics, nanotechnology, biotech.

• Environment and Ecology: Conservation efforts, pollution management, environmental degradation, sustainable development, EIA.

• Climate Change: International agreements like Paris Accord, Kyoto Protocol, and India’s commitments to green growth.

• Biodiversity and Wildlife Protection: Forest conservation, protected area network, endangered species, and legal frameworks (Wildlife Protection Act, etc).

• Disaster Management: Vulnerability profiling, risk mitigation, crisis response, capacity building, and role of institutions like NDMA.

• Internal Security: Border management, cyber security, terrorism, money laundering, security challenges.

• Linkages Between Development and Extremism: Role of socio-economic disparities in fostering extremism.

Paper V: General Studies IV (GS-IV)

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (250 Marks)

This paper tests the candidate's attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and problem-solving skills in complex situations. It is case-study intensive and gauges ethical awareness rather than theoretical knowledge.

• Ethics and Human Interface: Includes the essence of ethics, determinants and consequences of ethical behaviour in personal and public relationships, and dimensions of ethics. Understanding of ethical concepts such as right, wrong, duty, virtue, and conscience.

• Human Values: Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values; contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

• Attitude: Content, structure, function, influence, and relation with thought and behaviour. Moral and political attitudes, and their role in governance and public affairs.

• Emotional Intelligence (EI): Concepts of EI, its utility and application in administration and governance. Empathy, compassion, and emotional regulation in public service.

• Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance. Codes of conduct, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, and challenges of corruption.

• Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity. Information sharing and transparency in government; Right to Information; codes of ethics and codes of conduct; citizen’s charters; work culture; utilization of public funds; challenges of corruption.

• Case Studies: Based on real-life situations covering ethical decision-making, application of values, and balancing competing interests in a governance context.

Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject (250 + 250 = 500 Marks)

Candidates must choose one optional subject from the list of 48 subjects provided by UPSC. This paper allows aspirants to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and command over a subject of their academic or interest background.

• Paper I: Deals with the fundamental principles, theories, and concepts of the subject, often more static and theoretical.

• Paper II: Focuses on India-specific application, contemporary relevance, case studies, and issues in the Indian context.

Popular Optionals:

• Humanities: Political Science & IR, Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology, History.

• Science & Technical: Geography, Psychology, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering disciplines.

• Literature: English, Hindi, and other regional languages.

Optional subject choice is crucial and often influences final rankings significantly. Candidates must choose based on interest, availability of resources, and overlap with GS topics.

List of Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains Examination