UPSC Mains

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC mains) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. It is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and the Interview (Personality Test). The UPSC Mains, the second stage of this examination, is crucial as it plays a significant role in determining the final ranking of candidates. Unlike the Prelims, which is objective in nature, the Mains is subjective and requires candidates to write descriptive answers. This examination tests not only the candidates’ knowledge but also their analytical abilities, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Structure of UPSC Mains

The UPSC Mains consists of nine papers, each designed to assess different aspects of a candidate’s knowledge and skills. These papers are:

1. Paper-A: (Compulsory Indian Language) – 300 marks
2. Paper-B: (English) – 300 marks
3. Paper-I: Essay – 250 marks
4. Paper-II: General Studies I – 250 marks
5. Paper-III: General Studies II – 250 marks
6. Paper-IV: General Studies III – 250 marks
7. Paper-V: General Studies IV – 250 marks
8. Paper-VI: Optional Subject Paper 1 – 250 marks
9. Paper-VII: Optional Subject Paper 2 – 250 marks

Qualifying Papers

Paper-A and Paper-B are qualifying papers, meaning that their marks are not counted in the final ranking. However, candidates must score at least 25% in these papers to qualify for the evaluation of the other papers.

Paper-A: This paper requires candidates to write in one of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It tests the candidate’s proficiency in the chosen language, including comprehension, précis writing, translation, and essay writing.

Paper-B: This English paper assesses the candidate’s ability to understand and express ideas in English. It includes comprehension passages, précis writing, usage and vocabulary, and short essays.

Papers Counted for Merit

The remaining seven papers are counted towards the final merit:

Paper-I: The Essay paper requires candidates to write two essays, each chosen from a set of topics. It tests the candidate’s ability to construct and present a coherent argument on various issues.

Papers-II to V: These are the General Studies papers, covering a broad range of subjects:

• General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
• General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
• General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
• General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.

Papers-VI and VII: These are the Optional Subject papers. Candidates can choose one subject from a list of optional subjects provided by UPSC. Each subject has two papers.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC Mains

Preparing for the UPSC Mains requires a well-structured approach, consistent effort, and an understanding of the examination pattern and requirements. Here are some key strategies for effective preparation:

Understanding the Syllabus

The first step in preparing for the UPSC Mains is to thoroughly understand the syllabus. The syllabus for each paper is detailed and covers a wide range of topics. Candidates should carefully read the syllabus and make a list of all the topics that need to be covered. This helps in planning and organizing the study schedule.

Comprehensive Reading

The UPSC Mains examination demands an in-depth understanding of various subjects. Comprehensive reading of standard textbooks, reference books, and current affairs is essential. For example:

• General Studies I: Read standard history textbooks (NCERTs, Bipin Chandra for Modern History, etc.), Geography (NCERTs, G.C. Leong), and culture (Nitin Singhania).
• General Studies II: Laxmikanth for Indian Polity, current affairs magazines, and international relations books.
• General Studies III: Read books on economy (Ramesh Singh), environment (Shankar IAS), and current affairs.
• General Studies IV: Ethics books by Subba Rao and Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.

Regular Revision

Revision is crucial for retaining information. Candidates should regularly revise the topics they have studied. Making concise notes and summaries can be very helpful during revision. It is advisable to revise at least once a week to ensure that the information stays fresh in memory.

Practice Answer Writing

Answer writing is a critical aspect of the UPSC Mains. Candidates should practice writing answers regularly to develop the skill of articulating their thoughts clearly and concisely. Joining a test series or practicing previous years’ question papers can be beneficial. Focus on writing structured answers with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Practice writing within the word limit and managing time effectively during the examination.

Current Affairs

Staying updated with current affairs is essential for the UPSC Mains. Candidates should read newspapers daily (like The Hindu or The Indian Express) and follow current affairs magazines (like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and monthly compilations by various coaching institutes). Make notes of important events, government schemes, and policy changes.

Optional Subject Preparation

Choosing the right optional subject is crucial as it can significantly impact the overall score. Candidates should choose a subject they are comfortable with and have an interest in. The optional subject should be prepared thoroughly, covering all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Practice previous years’ questions and write answers to gain proficiency.

Time Management

Effective time management is key to covering the vast syllabus of UPSC Mains. Candidates should create a study timetable, allocating specific time slots for each subject. Prioritize subjects based on strengths and weaknesses, and ensure a balanced approach to cover all areas.

Peer Discussion and Group Study

Engaging in peer discussions and group study can be beneficial. Discussing topics with fellow aspirants can provide new insights, clarify doubts, and enhance understanding. Group study also helps in staying motivated and disciplined.

Mock Tests and Test Series

Joining a test series is highly recommended for UPSC Mains preparation. Mock tests help in assessing one’s preparation level, identifying weaknesses, and improving answer writing skills. Regularly attempting mock tests and analyzing performance can significantly boost confidence and readiness for the actual examination.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Paper

Paper-A: Compulsory Indian Language

This paper tests the candidate’s proficiency in an Indian language. It includes comprehension passages, précis writing, translation, and essay writing. The choice of language is crucial, and candidates should select a language they are comfortable with.

Preparation Tips:

• Practice reading and writing in the chosen language regularly.
• Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and usage.
• Read newspapers, magazines, and books in the chosen language to improve comprehension and writing skills.

Paper-B: English

This paper assesses the candidate’s ability to understand and express ideas in English. It includes comprehension passages, précis writing, usage and vocabulary, and short essays.

Preparation Tips:

• Read English newspapers and magazines to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
• Practice précis writing and essay writing regularly.
• Work on grammar and sentence construction.

Paper-I: Essay

The essay paper requires candidates to write two essays on topics from different areas. It tests the candidate’s ability to construct and present a coherent argument on various issues.

Preparation Tips:

• Read essays on diverse topics to understand different writing styles.
• Practice writing essays regularly on a variety of topics.
• Focus on structuring the essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Develop the ability to present arguments logically and coherently.

General Studies Papers (Papers-II to V)

General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.

Preparation Tips:

• Study history from standard textbooks and make notes of important events and dates.
• Read about Indian culture and heritage from authoritative sources.
• Understand geographical concepts and practice map-based questions.

General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Preparation Tips:      

• Read Laxmikanth for Indian Polity and make concise notes.
• Follow current affairs related to governance, social justice, and international relations.
• Understand the Indian Constitution and important amendments.

General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.

Preparation Tips:

• Study the economy from standard textbooks and follow current economic developments.
• Read about environmental issues, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
• Understand disaster management practices and national security issues.

General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.

Preparation Tips:

• Read books on ethics and integrity, such as Lexicon for Ethics and Subba Rao.
• Practice case studies and ethical dilemmas.
• Develop an understanding of moral philosophy and ethical principles.

Optional Subject Papers (Papers-VI and VII)

The optional subject is crucial as it can significantly impact the overall score. Candidates should choose a subject they are comfortable with and have an interest in. The optional subject should be prepared thoroughly, covering all the topics mentioned in the syllabus.

Preparation Tips:

• Choose an optional subject based on interest, background, and scoring potential.
• Study the subject in-depth from standard textbooks and reference materials.
• Practice previous years’ question papers and write answers to gain proficiency.

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains examination is a rigorous and challenging test that requires a well-structured preparation strategy, consistent effort, and a deep understanding of various subjects. By following a comprehensive preparation plan, focusing on regular revision, practicing answer writing, and staying updated with current affairs, candidates can enhance their chances of success in this prestigious examination. The journey to becoming a civil servant is demanding, but with dedication and perseverance, it is achievable.