UPSC Main Examination 2026 - Explained
The UPSC Mains Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will span five days. The Mains stage includes:
- Essay Paper
- Four General Studies Papers
- Two Optional Subject Papers
Unlike the Prelims, the UPSC Mains Exam 2026 is a descriptive exam that demands in-depth subject knowledge, analytical thinking, and strong writing skills. There is a three-month window between the Prelims and Mains, making it critical for aspirants to begin Mains preparation alongside their Prelims strategy Candidates who qualify the Mains will be called for the Personality Test (Interview), the final stage of the UPSC Selection Process 2026
Revised Pattern of Mains Exam
The UPSC has revised the pattern of Civil Services Main examination from 2018.
There are 7 + 2 = 9 papers to be answered in the main examination. All of them are of descriptive type. There are two qualifying papers 1) any modern Indian language of 300 marks 2) English of 300 marks. The marks of these two papers will not be counted in the merit list of the main examination.
The candidate is allowed to pick any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium for writing the mains examination.
According to the new pattern in the UPSC syllabus, there are "FOUR" General Studies paper each comprising of 250 Marks with a total of 1000 Marks are made compulsory. The scope of the syllabus of General Studies papers are of degree level.
There is only "ONE" optional subject to choose from the list of subjects. It comprises of two papers each of 300 marks. So the optional paper has total 600 marks. Candidate is allowed to take up literature as an optional subject "without the condition of having the same at graduation level." The scope of the syllabus of optional paper is higher than the bachelor's degree but lower than the master's level.
Interview/Personality Test is of 275 Marks. Candidate can give preference of the language in which they may like to be interviewed. UPSC will make arrangement for the translators.
The total mark of the written examination is 1750 Marks.
The Interview/Personality Test will be of 275 marks.
The Grand Total 2025 Marks
Summary of the Latest Pattern of Civil Services (Mains) Examination
Here are some links that can be useful for your preparation of the Mains Examination
