UPSC Mains Time Table 2025: Complete Schedule, Exam Pattern, and Admit Card Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the schedule for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains 2025. As per the notification, the Mains exam will commence from 22nd August and continue till 31st August 2025. This year, approximately 9,000 candidates will appear for the UPSC Mains for 979 prestigious positions in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and other Group A and B posts.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to the UPSC Mains Time Table 2025, the structure of the examination, important topics, expected admit card dates, and expert preparation tips to help you succeed.
UPSC Mains Exam 2025: Key Highlights
- Exam Name: UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025
- Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Dates: 22 August to 31 August 2025
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper Mode)
- Total Papers: 9
- Vacancies: 979 (including 38 for PwBD)
- Admit Card Release Date: Expected in Second Week of August 2025
UPSC Mains 2025 Time Table: Complete Schedule
| Date | Day | Morning Session (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22-08-2025 | Friday | Essay (Paper I) | No Exam |
| 23-08-2025 | Saturday | General Studies-I (Paper II) | General Studies-II (Paper III) |
| 24-08-2025 | Sunday | General Studies-III (Paper IV) | General Studies-IV (Paper V) |
| 30-08-2025 | Saturday | Indian Language (Paper A – Qualifying) | English (Paper B – Qualifying) |
| 31-08-2025 | Sunday | Optional Subject Paper I (Paper VI) | Optional Subject Paper II (Paper VII) |
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, of which 7 papers are counted for merit ranking. The remaining 2 papers (Indian Language and English) are qualifying in nature. Here is a detailed breakdown:
1. Qualifying Papers (Not counted for ranking):
- Paper A: Indian Language – 300 Marks
- Paper B: English – 300 Marks
2. Papers Counted for Merit (1750 Marks Total):
- Paper I: Essay – 250 Marks
- Paper II: General Studies I – 250 Marks
- Paper III: General Studies II – 250 Marks
- Paper IV: General Studies III – 250 Marks
- Paper V: General Studies IV – 250 Marks
- Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper I – 250 Marks
- Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper II – 250 Marks
3. Personality Test (Interview): 275 Marks
4. Total Marks (Mains + Interview): 2025 Marks
Paper-wise Syllabus Overview
Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying)
- One language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution
- Essay writing, Reading comprehension, Grammar, Translation
Paper B – English (Qualifying)
- Essay writing, Comprehension, Precis writing, Grammar
Paper I – Essay
- Two essays: one from each section
- Topics may be related to philosophy, social issues, economy, polity, etc.
Paper II – General Studies I
- Indian Heritage and Culture
- History and Geography of the World and Society
Paper III – General Studies II
- Governance
- Constitution, Polity
- Social Justice
- International Relations
Paper IV – General Studies III
- Technology
- Economic Development
- Biodiversity and Environment
- Security and Disaster Management
Paper V – General Studies IV
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Case Studies on governance and ethical dilemmas
Papers VI & VII – Optional Subject
- Subjects include Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Literature of Languages, etc.
- Two papers of 250 marks each
List of Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains 2025
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Literature of any one of the following languages: (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English)
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025: Expected Date & How to Download
The admit card for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam 2025 is expected to be released in the second week of August 2025. Candidates will be able to download their e-admit card from the official website:
Steps to Download:
- Visit https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on the link for “e-Admit Card for CSE Mains 2025”
- Enter your Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth
- Download and print your admit card
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
- Printout of e-Admit Card
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Passport)
- Passport-sized Photograph (if required)
- Black Ballpoint Pen (for writing answers)
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the paper.
- Entry will not be permitted 10 minutes after the start of the exam.
- Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, smart watches, and calculators are strictly prohibited.
- Follow dress code and COVID-19 guidelines (if applicable).
UPSC Mains 2025 Preparation Tips
1. Follow a Timetable:
Create a strict study schedule and stick to it. Allocate time wisely to optional, GS, and essay papers.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers:
Understand the pattern and type of questions UPSC asks. Practice 5-10 years of past papers.
3. Write Regular Answers:
Join a test series and practice writing answers within 150-250 words in a time-bound manner.
4. Revise Current Affairs:
Focus on The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and Monthly current affairs magazines. Make your own notes.
5. Master Ethics Paper:
Prepare notes on definitions, thinkers, and case studies. Practice daily answer writing.
6. Essay Practice:
Write at least one essay every week. Work on structure, coherence, and philosophical understanding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the qualifying papers
- Underestimating Essay and Ethics
- Lack of time management in GS papers
- Not practicing mock tests
Important Dates Overview
| Event | Date |
| Prelims Exam | 25 May 2025 |
| Prelims Result Declaration | June 2025 |
| Mains Admit Card Release | August 2nd week, 2025 |
| Mains Exam | 22 – 31 August 2025 |
| Mains Result Declaration | October/November 2025 |
| Interview Dates | December 2025 to Jan 2026 |
| Final Result | March 2026 |
FAQs: UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025
Q1. How many candidates appear for the UPSC Mains every year? A: Around 9,000 to 12,000 candidates appear annually.
Q2. Is the UPSC Mains exam descriptive? A: Yes, all papers in the Mains exam are descriptive in nature.
Q3. What is the minimum qualifying mark in language papers? A: 25% in each of the qualifying language papers.
Q4. Can I write UPSC Mains in Hindi or other regional languages? A: Yes, you can choose any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Q5. Are calculators allowed in UPSC Mains? A: No, calculators and any electronic gadgets are not allowed.
Final Words
The UPSC Mains 2025 exam is not just a test of knowledge, but also of consistency, clarity, and confidence. With the time table now released, candidates must shift their focus to executing their strategy with discipline. The competition is fierce, but with the right preparation and mindset, success is within reach.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on the official UPSC notification and public sources available as of July 2025. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website https://www.upsc.gov.in for the latest updates, changes in schedule, or exam-related announcements.
Stay updated. Stay focused. Best wishes for UPSC Mains 2025!