Table of Contents
UPSC Mains 2024: The Mains exam is the second stage of the exam and it is a descriptive exam consisting of nine papers. The UPSC Mains 2024 Exam is set to commence on the 20th of September 2024. This marks a significant milestone for candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary stage and move on to the next level of the Civil Services Examination.
The UPSC Main 2024 examination is a comprehensive evaluation that delves deeper into the candidates’ knowledge, analytical abilities, and communication skills. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide about UPSC Mains, including the Exam Date, Eligibility Criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.
UPSC Mains 2024
UPSC Mains 2024, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, is a critical stage of the Civil Services Examination. Taking place on September 20, 2024, this exam comprises 9 papers covering various subjects. Candidates face topics like Compulsory Indian Language, English, Essay, and General Studies, with each paper contributing to their final ranking. The exam duration is 3 hours. Aspirants should stay informed through the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/.
UPSC Mains 2024 Overview
The UPSC Mains 2024, organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a critical stage in the Civil Services Examination. UPSC Mains 2024 is Scheduled for the 20th of September 2024, this examination consists of a total of 9 papers. The papers include topics such as Compulsory Indian Language, English (qualifying in nature), Essay, and General Studies Papers I, II, III, and IV. Additionally, there are Optional Papers I and II that contribute to the final ranking of candidates. To access further details and stay informed about the UPSC Mains 2024, candidates can refer to the provided table below.
UPSC Prelims 2024 Overview | |
Name of Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Name of Exam | UPSC Mains 2024 |
Date of Exam | 20 September 2024 |
Number of Paper | 9 Papers |
Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
Official website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date
The UPSC Mains 2024 Exam is scheduled to start on September 20, 2024. This is a crucial stage for candidates who have cleared the Preliminary examination in their pursuit of roles in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and other civil services. It involves a thorough assessment of knowledge, analytical abilities, and communication skills. Aspirants should mark this date on their calendars and focus on preparing for the challenges presented by the UPSC Mains 2024.
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date | |
Event | Exam Date |
UPSC Mains 2024 | 20th September 2024 |
UPSC Mains 2024 Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: The age criteria for the UPSC Civil Services Exam stipulate that candidates must be at least 21 years old and not exceed 32 years of age.
Category-wise age limits, relaxation, and maximum attempts for the UPSC CSE are as follows:
– General Category & EWS: 32 years with a maximum of 6 attempts.
– OBC (with certificate): 32 years + 3 years, allowing for a maximum of 9 attempts.
– SC/ST: 32 years + 5 years, with unlimited attempts.
– Physically Disabled: 32 years + 10 years, with General/OBC/Person with Benchmark Disability (EWS category) allowed 9 attempts, and SC/ST with unlimited attempts.
– Jammu & Kashmir Domicile: 32 years + 5 years + (3 years for OBC or 5 years for SC/ST); the number of attempts depends on the reserved category.
– Disabled and discharged Defence service personnel: 32 years + 3 years + (3 years for Gen/OBC or 5 years for SC/ST).
– Ex-Servicemen Commission Officer: 32 years + 5 years + (3 years for OBC or 5 years for SC/ST). - Education Qualification: To qualify for the IAS exam, candidates must possess a Graduate Degree from a recognized University.
- Nationality: The eligibility criteria for the IAS exam include being an Indian citizen, a person of Indian origin, or a resident of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet who settled in India before January 1, 1962.
UPSC Mains 2024 Syllabus
The next stage of the UPSC Exam is the Mains Exam, where you write answers instead of choosing options. There are 9 papers in the IAS Mains Exam. Paper-A is about an Indian language (you have to choose one), and Paper-B is in English. Passing these is important, but the scores in other papers like Indian Language, English, Essay, General Studies Papers I, II, III, and IV, and Optional Papers I and II are what count towards your final ranking.
- Compulsory Indian language
- English
- Essay
- General Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society
- General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Welfare Initiatives, Social Justice & International Relations
- General Studies III – Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management
- General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
- Optional Subject – Paper I
- Optional Subject – Paper II
Click here to Read in detail about UPSC Mains 2024 Syllabus
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Pattern
Once you clear the prelim exam, you can take the main exam. The mains exam is crucial because it decides your scores and rankings. It tests not only what you’ve learned but also how well you can express your thoughts in a short time, answering each question properly.
To pass the main exam, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in all nine papers. Among these, the language papers (English and Indian Language) are qualifying in nature. In contrast, the remaining papers (GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV, Essay paper, Optional Paper 1, and Paper 2) are assessed and awarded grades.
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Pattern | ||
Qualifying Papers | Topics | Marks |
Paper-A | One of the Indian languages listed in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule needs to be selected by the candidate. | 300 |
Paper-B | English | 300 |
Papers Counted for Merit | ||
Paper 1 | Essay Paper | 250 |
Paper 2 – General Studies I | General Studies Paper I consists mainly of the History and Geography of the World and Society, Indian Heritage, and Culture. This paper mainly revolves around History, Geography, and Society. | 250 |
Paper 3 – General Studies II | General Studies Paper II consists mainly of Polity, Constitution, Governance, Social Justice, and International relations. | 250 |
Paper 4 – General Studies III | General Studies Paper III consists mainly of Economic Development, Technology, Environment, Biodiversity, Security, and Disaster Management. | 250 |
Paper 5 – General Studies IV | General Studies Paper IV consists mainly of Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. | 250 |
Paper 6 | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
Paper 7 | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
Sub Total (Written Test) | 1750 | |
Personality Test | 275 | |
Grand Total | 2025 |