What is the Main Examination?

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.