UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 Begins Today: Key Details for Aspirants

New Delhi, August 22, 2025 – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) commences the Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 today, marking a critical phase for thousands of aspirants vying for prestigious positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other elite civil services. The examination, spanning five days on August 22, 23, 24, 30, and 31, will be conducted in two daily sessions: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

This year, 14,161 candidates who cleared the UPSC Preliminary Examination held on May 25, 2025, are eligible to appear for the Mains, competing for approximately 979 vacancies. The Mains examination consists of nine descriptive papers, including two qualifying papers (Paper A: Indian Language and Paper B: English) and seven merit-based papers (Essay, General Studies I-IV, and Optional Subject Papers I-II), totaling 1,750 marks. The examination kicks off today with the Essay Paper, setting the stage for a rigorous evaluation of candidates’ analytical and writing skills.

Exam Schedule and Structure

The UPSC Mains 2025 schedule is as follows:

• August 22: Essay Paper (morning)
• August 23: General Studies I (morning), General Studies II (afternoon)
• August 24: General Studies III (morning), General Studies IV (afternoon)
• August 30: Optional Subject Paper I (morning), Optional Subject Paper II (afternoon)
• August 31: Paper A (Indian Language, morning), Paper B (English, afternoon)

Each paper lasts three hours, and candidates must adhere to strict protocols, including submitting answers in the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) booklet and using only designated spaces for rough work. Candidates can choose from a range of Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, for Paper A, while Paper B is mandatory in English. The optional subject papers allow candidates to select from 48 subjects, including literature, sciences, and humanities, with each paper carrying 250 marks.

Key Instructions for Candidates

The UPSC has enforced stringent guidelines to ensure a fair examination process:

• Admit Card and ID: Candidates must carry a printed copy of their e-admit card, downloaded from upsc.gov.in, along with a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport). Those with unclear photographs on their admit cards must bring two passport-sized photographs with their name and date, along with an undertaking.
• Prohibited Items: Smartwatches, mobile phones, IT gadgets, bags, and books are banned. Only normal wristwatches, pens, pencils, and specified items are allowed.
• Exam Conduct: Answers must be written in the QCA booklet, and candidates must detach the question paper before submitting the booklet to the invigilator. Violations may lead to mark deductions or disqualification.

Preparation Tips and Expectations

With the Mains being a pivotal stage, experts recommend structured answer-writing practice, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and relevance. Candidates are advised to integrate current affairs and contemporary concepts into their answers to demonstrate awareness and analytical depth. The UPSC Mains tests not only knowledge but also discipline, composure, and the ability to articulate complex ideas under time constraints.

The admit cards, released on August 14, 2025, are available for download until August 31. Candidates should verify details such as their name, roll number, exam center, and optional subject to avoid discrepancies. The UPSC has also designated various exam centers across major cities, with the list available on its official website.

What Lies Ahead

Candidates who clear the Mains will proceed to the Personality Test (Interview), tentatively scheduled for December 2025 or January 2026, carrying 275 marks. The final merit list, based on the Mains (1,750 marks) and Interview (275 marks), will determine the selection for 979 vacancies across various civil services, including Group A and B posts like DANICS and DANIPS.

As the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 begins today, aspirants face a defining moment in their journey to serve the nation. With rigorous preparation and adherence to guidelines, candidates are poised to tackle this high-stakes examination. For the latest updates, candidates are encouraged to regularly check upsc.gov.in.