How are the UPSC mains exam conducted in 5 days?

The UPSC mains exam is a rigorous assessment that spans over five days, meticulously planned and executed as per the UPSC Calendar 2025. This schedule ensures a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skills across various subjects. Here’s how the process is structured:

UPSC Calendar 2025:

According to the UPSC Calendar 2025, the mains exam is typically held in September-October. The exact dates and timetable are released well in advance, allowing candidates to prepare accordingly.

Exam Structure:

The mains exam consists of nine papers, each designed to test different competencies:

1. Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (Qualifying)
2. Paper B: English (Qualifying)
3. Paper I: Essay
4. Paper II: General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)
5. Paper III: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations)
6. Paper IV: General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)
7. Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
8. Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper 1
9. Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper 2

Day-wise Distribution:

The five-day examination period is strategically divided to cover all these papers:

• Day 1: Papers A and B (Qualifying papers in Indian Language and English)
• Day 2: Paper I (Essay)
• Day 3: Paper II (General Studies I) and Paper III (General Studies II)
• Day 4: Paper IV (General Studies III) and Paper V (General Studies IV)
• Day 5: Paper VI (Optional Subject Paper 1) and Paper VII (Optional Subject Paper 2)

Timings:

Each paper is scheduled for three hours, typically conducted in two sessions per day — morning and afternoon. For instance:

• Morning Session: 9 AM to 12 PM
• Afternoon Session: 2 PM to 5 PM

Breaks and Preparation:

The UPSC ensures that there are adequate breaks between sessions and papers to help candidates manage stress and maintain peak performance. The meticulous planning as per the UPSC Calendar 2025 allows candidates to be well-prepared and focused.

Conclusion:

Conducting the UPSC mains exam over five days requires precise scheduling and execution, as outlined in the UPSC Calendar 2025. This structured approach ensures that all aspects of a candidate’s knowledge and skills are thoroughly assessed, enabling a fair and comprehensive evaluation process.