The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds the civil service examinations, and the UPSC’s main examinations are the second stage. The first stage is the prelims; once you clear this exam, you qualify for the UPSC mains exam. It plays a vital role in deciding your selection and rank.
To qualify for the main exam, the candidates need to score more than the cutoff in the General Studies Paper I and above 33% marks in the General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). But before you begin with the preparation for the main exams, you need to have a complete understanding of the UPSC syllabus and weightage.
You can get all this information on BYJU’S Exam Prep, as they offer excellent study material and experienced teachers to help you in the exam preparation.
UPSC Mains Exam Syllabus
It is a written exam comprising nine papers of traditional essay types, two are qualifying exams, and the remaining exams are for the purpose of merit. Here is the UPSC Mains syllabus for the mains General Studies paper, and it includes the static portions that are important for UPSC mains exam preparation.
| Subject | Topics |
| Art & Culture | Classical dancesMusic and musical instrumentsThemes of ancient Indian historyTemple architectureLiterature |
| Modern History | Four significant movements: Swadeshi and Boycott movements, Khilafat and Non-cooperation movements, the Quit India Movement, and the Civil Disobedience MovementThe assistance of influential personalities, both Indian and foreignSocial/religious reform movements: personalities and their contributions |
| India Post-Independence and Political Philosophies | The Function of Significant PersonalitiesAdmission of Princely StatesCapitalismImportant Movements after 1947CommunismSocialism |
| World History | International pages of The Hindu and The Indian ExpressRead about American, French, Russian, and Industrial RevolutionCurrent Affairs (you can get this information majorly by reading newspapers)World War I and II |
| Society of India | Multiplicity in IndiaProblems in Indian SocietyWomen Empowerment |
| Geography | Cyclones, Hurricanes, EarthquakesNatural ResourcesWater BodiesLocation of Enterprises in IndiaClimate Transformation |
Weightage of UPSC Mains Syllabus
| Sl. No. | Papers | Topics | Total Marks |
| 1 | Paper A | Indian Language | 300 |
| 2 | Paper B | English | 300 |
| 3 | Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| 4 | Paper-II | GS I | 250 |
| 5 | Paper III | GS II | 250 |
| 6 | Paper IV | GS III | 250 |
| 7 | Paper V | GS IV | 250 |
| 8 | Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper-I | 250 |
| 9 | Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper-II | 250 |
| Total Marks for Written Examination | 1750 |
UPSC Mains exam preparation strategy
Here are a few tips that you should follow as they will help fetch you better marks-
- It would be best to start with the main examinations immediately as prelims end, do not wait for the result.
- Focus only on prelims from February to May.
- It is essential for you to do answer writing practice as the UPSC Mains exam is a descriptive type exam. You will have to write the answer for every question in 150 to 300 words; therefore, practising is really important.
- Do not forget to prepare notes on Current Affairs, as they will help you revise and retain the information.
- Do mock tests practice and solve the last few years’ question papers to help you understand how prepared you are. Plus, you will also get to know about your strengths and weaknesses.
- In the essay writing exam, you need to ensure that you select the topic wisely, take time to think before you start writing, note down the significant points that you will mention at the end of the sheet, and do provide suggestions for reforms as that will leave a good impact on the teacher.
- Usually, an individual can write around 100 words in five minutes, and it takes two to three minutes to analyse and gather points on what to write, so use your time judiciously.
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Preparing for the UPSC mains examination can be made easier with the right strategy. If you want the right support for your preparation, you should register with BYJU’S Exam Prep. They not only provide you with high-end study material but also with online and offline study classes, which means you can study as per your flexibility.