UPSC Main Examination 2018 - Explained
The Mains Examination is aimed to analyze the academic skills of the candidates through their capability to state their knowledge in a prefect and reasonable way. The mains examination is to assess the general intellectual persona and profundity of understanding of candidates.
The UPSC has announced the date for UPSC 2018 Civil services examination. The Prelims exam will be held on 3rd June 2018 and the Mains exam will be held on 1st October 2018. There is no change in the syllabus. The mains exam will continue as a written paper with nine papers with the existing syllabus.
There are four General Studies Papers each consisting of 250 Marks with a total of 1000 Marks. The mains syllabus of General Studies is of degree level. Candidates can choose only one optional subject from the list of subjects given below. Each optional subject comprises of two papers (Paper I and Paper II) each of 250 marks, makes a total of 500 marks. Aspirants can also take literature subjects as an optional paper.
How to Prepare for IAS Mains Exam 2018
Revised Pattern of Mains Exam 2016
There are "NINE papers" in the in the Mains examination that requires descriptive type answers. Out of "NINE" there are two qualifying papers; i) any modern Indian language (300 marks) ii) English (300 marks). The marks of these two papers will not be counted in the merit list of the main examination however, qualifying in these two papers is compulsory.
Out of "SEVEN" Papers there are "FIVE" compulsory papers and Two Optional papers from the subject of your choice.
The first compulsory paper is called 'ESSAY' comprising of 250 Marks. Candidate can write this paper in the medium of language of their choice.
There are "FOUR" General Studies paper that are compulsory. Each General Studies paper comprises of 250 Marks and combining constitutes of 1000 Marks. The syllabus of General Studies papers are of degree level.
The remaining "TWO" papers are from "ONE" optional subject to be chosen by the candidate from the list of subjects. These two papers, each comprising of 300 marks makes a total of 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.
Marks of English and Language will not be counted in the total tally of marks for the written exam. So the total marks of the written examination is 1750 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
- Mains Examination Syllabus
- UPSC Mains Question Paper
- Strategy for Mains Exam
- How to prepare for General Studies
- How to choose a Subject
- List of Services
- How to choose a Civil Service
- How to Prepare Notes
- How to Write Answers
- How to Read Effectively