UPSC CSE 2025 Mains Live Updates: Exams to Be Conducted from August 22

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 Mains from August 22 to August 31, 2025, as per the official schedule. This second stage of the UPSC selection process is crucial for thousands of aspirants who cleared the Preliminary exam and submitted the Detailed Application Form (DAF-I). The Mains exam will be held in two shifts each day and will consist of nine descriptive papers.

What Is UPSC CSE?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted to recruit officers for top government services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and B services. The exam is held in three stages: 

1. Preliminary Exam – Objective-type questions, 

2. Main Exam – Descriptive written papers, 

3. Interview – Personality test

This year, around 14,161 candidates have qualified to appear for the UPSC CSE 2025 Mains exam. These candidates were shortlisted from over 13.4 lakh applicants who registered for the Preliminary exam held in May. Only those who cleared the Prelims and submitted the DAF-I form are eligible for the Mains.

UPSC CSE 2025 Important Dates

UPSC CSE 2025 Mains Exam Schedule

The Mains exam will be held over five days in two shifts:

How to Download UPSC CSE 2025 Mains Admit Card

Before the exam date, candidates should know about how they can download the answer key. Candidates must carry their e-Admit Card to the exam centre. Here's how to download it:

1. Visit upsc.gov.in 

2. Click on “Admit Cards”

3. Select “Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025”

4. Enter your Roll Number/Registration ID and Date of Birth

5. Download and print the admit card

Candidates are advised to make sure to check your exam centre, reporting time, and instructions mentioned on the admit card.

What to Expect in the Mains Exam 

The Mains exam includes: Essay Paper – 250 marks, General Studies Papers I–IV – 250 marks each, Optional Subject Papers I & II – 250 marks each, Language Papers (Qualifying) – 300 marks each (not counted in merit) and the total marks considered for merit is 1750

Candidates who qualify for the Mains will be called for the Interview round, which carries 275 marks. Final selection is based on a total of 2025 marks.