Hi Aspirants, UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Civil Services Examination (CSE) Main Exam consists of nine papers. The Main Exam is the second stage of the civil services selection process, and it evaluates candidates on various subjects to assess their in-depth knowledge and understanding. The nine papers in the UPSC CSE Main Exam are given as follows :
• Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (Qualifying in nature, 300 marks, 3 hours) – Candidates have to choose any one Indian language from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Paper B: English (Qualifying in nature, 300 marks, 3 hours) – This paper tests the candidate’s English language skills and is intended to ensure a basic level of proficiency and understanding in the English language.
• Paper I: Essay (250 marks, 3 hours) – Candidates have to write an essay on a given topic to assess their ability to express their ideas and thoughts clearly and coherently.
• Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks, 3 hours) – This paper covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
• Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks, 3 hours)- This paper includes topics related to Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
• Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks, 3 hours)- This paper covers Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
• Paper V: General Studies IV (250 marks, 3 hours)- This paper is of Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
• Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper I (250 marks, 3 hours)- Candidates can choose one optional subject from the list of subjects provided by the UPSC. There are many subjects to choose from, including Literature, History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, etc.
• Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper II (250 marks, 3 hours) – This is the second paper for the optional subject chosen by the candidate.
Candidates are required to appear for all nine papers, out of which Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English) are only qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in the other seven papers, along with the Interview/Personality Test, are considered for the final merit list for selection to various civil services like IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
Good luck!👍Keep achieving small milestones each day.🤘