The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 on 30 August 2025 in the second shift, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This qualifying paper, although not factored into the final merit, plays a crucial role in ensuring that candidates progress in the Mains examination. Every aspirant must score at least 75 out of 300 marks (25%) to qualify. Although the marks do not contribute to the merit ranking, clearing the UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 is crucial. It evaluates a candidate’s command of English grammar, comprehension, essay writing, and précis skills, all of which are essential for demonstrating clarity of thought and effective communication.
Key Highlights
- Exam Name: UPSC Mains English Exam 2025
- Exam Date: 30 August 2025
- Paper Type: Compulsory and Qualifying
- Total Marks: 300
- Qualifying Marks: 75
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Sections: Essay, Précis, Comprehension, Grammar
- Medium: English only
- Passing Requirement: At least 25% marks
Importance of UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025
Candidates often underestimate this paper because it is qualifying in nature. However, failing to secure the minimum qualifying marks leads to direct disqualification, no matter how strong one’s performance is in optional subjects or general studies. This makes it necessary to prepare with the same seriousness as other subjects. Through this paper, UPSC ensures that every candidate possesses a minimum level of proficiency in English, which is vital for administrative communication, drafting, and decision-making.
UPSC English Compulsory Paper 2025 PDF Download
Aspirants can now download the paper to analyze the type of questions asked, the overall difficulty level, and recurring patterns. These PDFs also serve as an excellent resource for future aspirants, helping them to understand the demands of the exam and refine their preparation strategy.
Visit UPSC Official WebsiteUPSC English Compulsory Paper Syllabus 2025
The syllabus covers a wide range of topics that assess a candidate’s clarity, accuracy, and ability to express thoughts effectively. The major sections include
- Essay Writing – Candidates write an essay on a general topic to showcase their ability to express ideas clearly.
- Reading Comprehension – Passages followed by questions to test understanding and analytical ability.
- Précis Writing – Summarizing passages while maintaining accuracy and structure.
- Translation—From English to another Indian language and vice versa.
- Grammar & Vocabulary – Correct usage, sentence structure, and vocabulary enhancement.
Previous Year Papers
Practicing previous year question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare. It helps aspirants understand the structure, improve time management, and identify important areas. Candidates can access past papers from 2019 to 2024 in PDF format.
| Year | PDF Links |
| 2024 | Download PDF |
| 2023 | Download PDF |
| 2022 | Download PDF |
| 2021 | Download PDF |
| 2020 | Download PDF |
| 2019 | Download PDF |
Conclusion
This paper is not just a formality—it is a crucial step in the examination process. Clearing it is mandatory for all candidates, and adequate preparation can make a significant difference. By practicing previous year papers, working on grammar, and improving writing skills, aspirants can confidently cross this qualifying hurdle and focus on the subjects that determine their rank.
It is a qualifying paper in the UPSC Mains exam that tests grammar, essay writing, comprehension, and précis skills.
The paper carries 300 marks, and candidates must secure at least 75 marks to pass
Yes, every candidate appearing for the UPSC Mains must take this paper, regardless of their chosen optional subject.
No, the marks are not counted towards the final merit; however, failure to qualify leads to disqualification.
The sections include Essay Writing, Reading Comprehension, Précis Writing, Translation, and Grammar.
