UPSC CSE Mains 2025 schedule released: Exam to be held in August, check dates here
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the schedule for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains 2025. The written exams will be held from August 22 to August 31, spread over five days, with two three-hour papers each day. This update gives clarity to the thousands of candidates who cleared the Prelims held on May 25 and are now preparing for the next important stage.Around 9,000 candidates will appear for the Mains, competing for 979 vacancies, including 38 seats for persons with disabilities (PwBD). The coming weeks will require focused study, good time management, and careful planning to perform well in the exam.
UPSC CSE Mains 2025 schedule
The upcoming Civil Services main examination will be conducted on August 22, 23, 24, 30, and 31, 2025 in two shifts. Check the complete schedule released by the UPSC provided below:
UPSC CSE Mains 2025 exam schedule released at upsc.gov.in.
Who is eligible for CSE mains?
Check who can appear for the UPSC mains 2025 session below:
- Only those who cleared the Prelims 2025 are eligible to appear for the Mains.
- Candidates had to submit a Detailed Application Form-I (DAF-I) after the declaration of prelims results.
- Any discrepancies or document issues must be cleared well in advance to avoid disqualification.
Subjects in UPSC CSE mains 2025
The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers covering a broad range of subjects:
- Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying) – Any one from the Eighth Schedule. Tests comprehension, translation, and grammar.
- Paper B: English (Qualifying) – Assesses basic language skills and précis writing.
- Paper I: Essay – Two essays on abstract or current topics, judged on structure and clarity.
- Papers II–V: General Studies
- GS I: History, Geography, Society, Art & Culture
- GS II: Polity, Governance, International Relations
- GS III: Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, Internal Security
- GS IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (includes case studies)
- Papers VI–VII: Optional Subject (2 papers) – Candidates choose one subject (e.g., PSIR, Sociology, Anthropology, Literature, etc.)
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025
The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 admit card is typically released about 2–3 weeks before the exam begins. Since the Mains exam is scheduled for August 22–31, 2025, you can expect the e‑admit card to be available in the second week of August 2025. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
