As per the UPSC Mains Exam Schedule 2025, released on www.upsc.gov.in, the Civil Service (Main) Examination 2025 has started from today, 22nd August (Friday). It will be concluded on 31st August 2025, and it will continue over two consecutive weekends. In this article, we will provide the UPSC Mains Question paper, which will be released after each exam.’
UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 PDF Download
Here is the updated list of available and upcoming UPSC Mains 2025 question papers with direct download links:
| UPSC Mains Paper Name | Download Link |
| UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2025 | Download PDF |
| UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 | Download PDF |
| UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2 | Download PDF |
| UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 3 | Download PDF |
| UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 4 | Download PDF |
Detailed Schedule of UPSC Mains Exam 2025
The UPSC Mains 2025 will consist of 8 papers spread across 6 days. Further, it is conducted in morning and afternoon sessions. Each session will last for 3 hours.
| Date | Forenoon Session (9:00 AM – 12 Noon) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) |
| 22nd August (Friday) | Paper-I: Essay | |
| 23rd August (Saturday) | Paper-II: General Studies-I | Paper-III: General Studies-II |
| 24th August (Sunday) | Paper-IV: General Studies-III | Paper-V: General Studies-IV |
| 30th August (Saturday) | Paper-A: Indian Language (Qualifying) | Paper-B: English (Qualifying) |
| 31st August (Sunday) | Paper-VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1 | Paper-VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2 |
This structured schedule allows aspirants to balance preparation and revision between weekends.
UPSC Language Papers (Qualifying)
The UPSC Mains Indian Language Paper 2025 is a very important part of the exam. Additionally, it checks how well a student knows the regional language they have chosen. Moreover, the paper has questions on reading, translation, and writing. Thus, by practicing this paper regularly, students can improve their language skills and feel more confident in the exam. You can download the UPSC Mains Indian Language Question Paper 2025 from here once it is available.
The two qualifying language papers are
- Paper-A: Indian Language – Candidates may choose from a wide range of languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Sanskrit, and others listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Paper B: English – Mandatory for all candidates.
Moreover, these papers are qualifying in nature. Although their marks are not added to the final merit list, failing to clear them will lead to disqualification.
UPSC Mains English Question Paper 2025
The UPSC Mains English Question Paper 2025 is compulsory in the exam. Further, it assesses a student’s proficiency in English through essay writing, comprehension, précis writing, and grammar. To pass this paper, students should practice regularly so that they can write correctly and clearly. You can download the UPSC Mains English Question Paper 2025 from the link given below once it is available.
UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025
The UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is very important because it carries a big part of the marks. In addition, there are two papers, each worth 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. Students can choose one subject from many options, like History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Literature, and others. Moreover, choosing the right optional subject is very important, as it can greatly affect the final rank.
The direct link to download the UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 PDF will be given below once it is available. Also, analyzing these papers helps students understand the type of questions asked, know the important topics, and plan their preparation in a better way.
Candidates are required to select one optional subject for Paper VI and Paper VII, each carrying 250 marks (total: 500 marks). Hence, the optional subject provides aspirants with an opportunity to showcase their academic strengths and interests.
Click here to see the UPSC Mains Exam dates, pattern and preparation strategy
List of UPSC Optional Subjects:
| Optional Subject | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Agriculture | Download | Download |
| Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Anthropology | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Botany | Download | Download |
| Chemistry | Download | Download |
| Civil Engineering | Download | Download |
| Commerce & Accountancy | Download | Download |
| Economics | Download | Download |
| Electrical Engineering | Download | Download |
| Geography | Download | To Be Updated |
| Geology | Download | Download |
| History | Download | To Be Updated |
| Law | Download | Download |
| Management | Download | Download |
| Mathematics | Download | Download |
| Mechanical Engineering | Download | Download |
| Medical Science | Download | Download |
| Philosophy | Download | Download |
| Physics | Download | Download |
| Political Science & International Relations | Download | Download |
| Psychology | Download | To Be Updated |
| Public Administration | Download | Download |
| Sociology | Download | Download |
| Statistics | Download | Download |
| Zoology | Download | Download |
| Assamese Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Bengali Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Bodo Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Dogri Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Gujarati Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Hindi Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Kannada Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Kashmiri Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Konkani Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Maithili Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Malayalam Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Manipuri Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Marathi Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Nepali Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Odia Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Punjabi Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Sanskrit Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Santhali Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Sindhi Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Tamil Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Telugu Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| Urdu Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
| English Literature | To Be Updated | To Be Updated |
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- The Essay paper on 22nd August 2025 marks the beginning of the examination. Moreover, it is a critical test of articulation, structure, and clarity of thought.
- GS Papers II to V will be conducted over the weekend of 23rd–24th August, giving aspirants a full week post-Essay to prepare and revise.
- The second weekend (30th–31st August) is dedicated to Language Papers and Optional Papers, giving candidates a short breather before tackling their most personalized subjects.
- In addition, a well-strategized revision plan for August should mirror this schedule, ensuring peak performance on each exam day.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Mains 2025
- Essay Practice: Focus on structuring and clarity. Use examples from current affairs and history.
- GS Preparation: Revise NCERTs, standard books, and integrate current events with static topics.
- Answer Writing: Daily practice with previous years’ papers and timed mock tests.
- Optional Subject: Prioritize your optional as it carries 500 marks. Make concise notes and practice answer writing.
- Language Papers: Do not neglect qualifying papers. Practice comprehension, précis, and grammar regularly.
SPM IAS Academy’s Mentorship Program for UPSC Mains
Preparing for UPSC Mains can feel like walking through a maze. You may read the best books, follow toppers’ strategies, and attempt countless mock tests, yet still wonder—Am I moving in the right direction? This is where the Mentorship Program at SPM IAS Academy makes a real difference.
What makes this program unique?
- Personal Guidance, Not Generic Advice
Many students feel lost in the crowd of coaching classes. Here, every student is assigned a mentor who tracks their progress. For example, if your strength is in GS2 but your essay writing is weak, the mentor will give you targeted practice and feedback. - Answer Writing Improvement
In UPSC, marks depend not just on knowledge but on how you present it. Mentors review your answers and show you how to structure them better—whether it’s using real-life examples, adding diagrams, or keeping introductions crisp. A student last year improved her Ethics paper score by nearly 30 marks simply by following her mentor’s writing strategy. - Current Affairs Made Practical
Instead of just memorizing daily news, mentors explain how to link current events with static topics. For instance, an editorial on climate change can be connected with GS3 (Environment), Essay, and even Ethics case studies. - Optional Subject Support
Many students struggle because their optional subject is left unpolished. The mentorship program provides focused sessions where mentors guide you on past papers, important thinkers, and how to write balanced answers. - Continuous Motivation and Feedback
UPSC is a long journey. Having someone experienced to check on you weekly, remind you of deadlines, and correct your mistakes keeps you disciplined. Several students have said this constant feedback gave them the confidence to attempt Mains with clarity.
Why does this matter?
Studying alone can create blind spots—you may keep repeating the same mistake without realising it. A mentor acts like a mirror, helping you see what’s working and what’s not. That personal bond between teacher and student is what sets this program apart. For more details, visit the official UPSC website
Final Words
The UPSC Mains 2025 has officially begun, marking a decisive step in the journey of lakhs of aspirants. With the release of the schedule and question papers, candidates can now analyze the trends, evaluate the demand of the exam, and fine-tune their strategies. Remember, success in the Mains is not just about knowledge, but also about clarity of thought, structured answer writing, and consistent practice. Those appearing this year must stay focused, while future aspirants can learn valuable insights from the 2025 papers to align their preparation accordingly.
