The mains stage is subjective in nature as the answers have to be written on paper. The Examination consists of 9 papers. Marks of 7 out of these 9 papers will be counted for final ranking, while 2 papers will be of qualifying nature.
Mark-Counted Papers in UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam
- 1 paper on essay. (250 marks x 1)
- 4 papers on from General Studies ( which covers topics like History, Geography Economics, Polity, Technology, Ecology, Ethics etc). (250 marks x 4)
- 2 papers on one Optional subject – which can be selected from 25 subjects and 22 languages. (250 marks x 2)
Qualifying Papers in UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam
- 1 English Language Paper (Comprehension, Precis Writing etc).
- 1 Regional Language Paper (Comprehension, Precis Writing, Translation etc).
The Civil Service Main Exam marks are calculated out of 1750.
What is the Main Examination?