1) What is UPSC Mains?

Stage 2 of the Civil Services Examination. It tests depth, breadth and clarity of thought through nine descriptive papers across 5–7 days.

  • Total (merit): 1750 marks (Papers I–VII: Essay + GS I–IV + Optional I & II)
  • Qualifying (not counted for rank): Indian Language & English (300 marks each)
  • Answer length (typical): 150 & 250 words; mix of 10- and 15-mark questions
  • Time: 3 hours per paper; A4 answer booklet

Goal of Mains: Show relevance, structure, balance and evidence in every answer—not encyclopedic detail.

 



2) Paper-wise Snapshot & What UPSC Looks For


Paper A & B (Qualifying): Indian Language & English

  • Basics: Comprehension, précis, translation, grammar, and essay/letter.
  • Targets: Accuracy, idiomatic usage, clear organization. Avoid slang; maintain formal tone.


Paper I (Essay — 250 marks)

  • Two essays; ~1000–1200 words each, abstract + socio-political themes.
  • What examiners reward: Fresh framing, multi-dimensionality (ethical, economic, social, tech, environmental, international), data/examples, smooth transitions, and a unifying central argument.


Paper II (GS I — Indian Heritage, Culture; History; Society; Geography)

  • Art & Culture (architecture, sculpture, paintings), Modern Indian History, Post-independence consolidation, World history (conceptual), Indian society, geography incl. disaster basics.
  • Rewarded: Accurate mapping, timelines, cause–effect chains, diagrams.


Paper III (GS II — Polity, Governance, IR)

  • Constitution, Parliament & Judiciary, Federalism, Social justice & schemes, e‑governance, Rights issues, International relations.
  • Rewarded: Constitutional articles/cases, committee reports, recent policy measures, balanced critiques.


Paper IV (GS III — Economy, Agriculture, S&T, Environment, Security, Disaster Management)

  • Growth, fiscal/monetary policy, inclusive development, agri reforms, energy, space/biotech/digital, climate & pollution, internal security.
  • Rewarded: Current data, schematic flowcharts, pragmatic solutions, risk/benefit lens.


Paper V (GS IV — Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)

  • Ethics theory, attitude, emotional intelligence, public service values, probity, and case studies.
  • Rewarded: Value clarity, stakeholder mapping, options–consequences table, principle‑backed decisions, implementable action plan.


Papers VI & VII (Optional I & II)

  • Two papers from one subject. Depth over breadth.
  • Rewarded: Subject command + Mains‑style presentation (headings, sub‑headings, exam‑friendly diagrams).




3) Universal Answer‑Writing Framework (GS I–IV)


The 5‑S Rule: Start, Scope, Substantiate, Suggest, Sum‑up

  1. Start: 1–2 line definition/context that mirrors the directive (e.g., analyze, discuss, critically examine).
  2. Scope: Bullet the dimensions you’ll cover (2–3 crisp points). Signals structure.
  3. Substantiate: Body in 2–3 sub‑headings; include data, examples, cases, diagrams.
  4. Suggest: 3–5 actionable way‑forwards (schemes, institutions, reforms, best practices, global models).
  5. Sum‑up: Balanced 1–2 line conclusion linking to constitutional values/SDGs/Amrit Kaal/Atmanirbhar.


Directives Decoder

  • Discuss: present key dimensions; limited critique.
  • Analyze: break into parts; causes–effects–implications.
  • Critically examine: present both sides; reasoned judgment.
  • Evaluate: weigh evidence; verdict with conditions.
  • Comment: opinion backed by facts.


Time/Words Discipline (3 hrs, ~20 Qs)

  • 10‑marker (150 words): ~7–8 minutes
  • 15‑marker (250 words): ~10–11 minutes
  • Leave 5–7 mins buffer for numbering, underlining, diagrams.


Presentation Boosters

  • Use underlining for keywords; boxes for data points; arrows for flow.
  • Diagrams: India map, demand–supply, stakeholder wheel, Venns, pyramids, timelines.
  • Data cues: NFHS, PLFS, Econ Survey, NITI, UNESCO/OECD/IMF, SDG targets.




4) Paper‑Specific Strategies


Essay (Paper I)


Choosing topics: pick one comfort + one challenge (abstract/societal).

Structure: 6‑part skeleton

  1. Hook (quote/anecdote/data)
  2. Define theme + thesis
  3. Multi‑dimensional body (4–5 sub‑themes)
  4. Counter‑view/risks
  5. Way forward (principles + policies)
  6. Value‑anchored conclusion (Preamble/SDGs/Gandhian/Constitutional).

Practice drill (weekly): 2 essays → peer/self review with a 10‑point checklist (clarity, coherence, originality, balance, examples, transitions, voice, data, presentation, finish).


GS I

  • History: Chronology table + causes–course–consequence boxes; link to society/economy.
  • Society: Use NFHS/SECC data; add schemes (POSHAN, ICDS, Beti Bachao), social capital angle.
  • Geography: Always add map/diagram; integrate disaster & climate linkages.


GS II

  • Anchor with Articles (e.g., 32, 21, 355), landmark cases (e.g., Kesavananda, Puttaswamy), Committees (Punchhi, Sarkaria, ARC II).
  • For governance, cite platforms (Aadhaar, CoWIN, DBT), participation tools (SVEEP, RTI), and accountability (Social Audit, CAG, Lokpal).
  • IR: Use 2×2 matrix: Convergence, Concerns, Cooperation, Competition.


GS III

  • Economy: Use growth–inflation–jobs triangle; mention FRBM, MSP, PLI, GST, IBC, ONDC.
  • S&T: Application > jargon; mention missions (ISRO, National Quantum, AI, 5G/6G, biotech).
  • Environment: Paris, CBD, NDCs, LiFE, circular economy; add one case (e.g., wetland restoration).
  • Security/DM: LWE, cyber, coastal, border mgmt; ICS & Sendai for disasters; end with SOP/coordination diagram.


GS IV (Ethics)

Theory answers: Define term → illustrate with a micro‑case → contrast with near‑concept → public admin angle → 3‑step way‑forward.
Case studies (10‑step template)

  1. Stakeholders
  2. Core ethical dilemma(s)
  3. Values in conflict
  4. Rules/laws applicable
  5. Options (A/B/C/Hybrid)
  6. Consequences (short/long)
  7. Justify chosen option (principle + practicality)
  8. Implementation plan (immediate/short/medium)
  9. Risk mitigation
  10. Reflective closure (learning as a civil servant)

Ethical lenses: Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue ethics, Social contract, Gandhian trusteeship.


Optional (Both Papers)

  • Finish core syllabus 1x with class notes + 1 standard book per topic.
  • Build 50 micro‑notes (one pager each) for recurring themes.
  • Practice topic‑tagged PYQs (10 yrs) and create a synoptic sheet per chapter.




5) High‑Yield Add‑Ons


Ready‑to‑Use Answer Templates


(A) 150‑word GS answer

  • Intro (2 lines) → 3–4 bullets (multi‑dimensional) → 3 solutions → 1‑line value‑linked close.

(B) 250‑word GS answer

  • Intro (2–3 lines) → 2–3 sub‑headings with 2–3 bullets each → Data/diagram box → 4–5 reforms → Conclusion.

(C) Ethics case‑study skeleton

  • Stakeholders → Dilemmas → Options table → Decision + Justification → Implementation checklist.


Micro‑Lists to Sprinkle in Answers

  • Constitutional anchors: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity; DPSP 38/39; Fundamental Duties.
  • Global frames: SDGs (esp. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17), Sendai, Paris, Addis Ababa.
  • Indian reports: ARC II, Economic Survey, NITI papers, CAG, NSS/PLFS.


Data you can remember (rounded, safe to quote)

  • Demographic dividend window till ~2040s; female LFPR improving but gap persists.
  • Urbanization ~35%; MSMEs ~30% of GDP; agriculture ~45% workforce.
  • Forest/Tree cover ~24–25%; RE installed capacity share rising.
  • (Use as directional data; update with latest reports during revision.)



6) 12‑Week Mains Sprint (Post‑Prelims)


Weekly rhythm (Mon–Sat):

  • 4 hrs GS study + 2 hrs Optional + 1 hr answer writing.
  • Sunday: 1 full‑length test (alternate GS/Optional) + review.


Milestones

  • Weeks 1–3: GS I & II + Optional Paper I core; Essay drills start.
  • Weeks 4–6: GS III & IV + Optional Paper II; Ethics case marathons.
  • Weeks 7–9: PYQ sweeps; revision sheets; mixed tests.
  • Weeks 10–12: Mock season; refine intros/conclusions; memory palaces; sleep & stamina.


Daily 3‑slot timetable (suggestion)

  • Morning: Optional theory/problem practice
  • Afternoon: GS theme blocks (e.g., Federalism, Agri reforms, Climate)
  • Evening: 2 timed answers + 1 diagram practice + quick current affairs brief



7) Current Affairs → Mains (Conversion Workflow)

  1. Pick 3–4 issues/week (e.g., data protection, MSP reforms, semiconductor policy, urban floods).
  2. For each, prepare: Context (50w) | Static linkages (100w) | Pros/Cons (bullets) | Schemes/Acts | Global compare | Diagram | Way forward (5 points).
  3. Revise via one‑pagers; add to GS II/III answers.




8) Quality Control: Self‑Audit Checklist (Before Submitting Paper)

  • Q words underlined; directive addressed
  • Intro on‑topic; no throat clearing
  • Headings align with demand of Q
  • Each body para/bullet has fact/example
  • Diagram/map used where natural
  • Balanced view + counter
  • Way forward is actionable and Indian‑contextual
  • Conclusion value‑anchored; optimistic but realistic
  • Neatness: margins, numbering, spacing, no overwriting



9) FAQs (Quick)

Q. How many diagrams? 
2–3 per 15‑marker is plenty if organic.

Q. How much to quote committees/cases? 
1–2 per answer is enough; don’t list.

Q. What if I don’t know data? 
Write ranges/qualifiers (e.g., recent NSS points to…); never invent precise numbers.

Q. Optional vs GS time split? 
40–45% Optional, 45–50% GS, 5–10% Essay/Ethics drills in the sprint.



10) Downloadable Extras (create your own from this guide)

  • One‑page Ethics case flowchart
  • Essay skeleton poster
  • Map templates (India; World; State outline)
  • Way‑forward phrase bank (administrative, legal, financial, behavioral, tech, partnerships)




Download PYQs

Download UPSC CSE Mains PYQs CLICK HERE