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UPSC Mains Exam 2026 Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates who qualify the UPSC Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Mains Examination.
UPSC Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of nine papers including qualifying language papers, Essay, General Studies papers and Optional Subject papers. The examination evaluates candidates on analytical ability, writing skills, subject knowledge and overall administrative aptitude.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Descriptive) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Total Merit Marks | 1750 Marks |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026
As per the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026, the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 will commence on 21 August 2026. The examination is expected to be conducted over a period of five days.
| Examination | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 | 21 August 2026 |
| Duration of UPSC Mains 2026 | 5 Days |
UPSC Mains Timetable & Exam Timing 2026
UPSC has announced that the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 will begin from 21 August 2026. However, the Commission has not yet released the detailed paper-wise timetable for the examination.
Expected UPSC Mains Exam Timing 2026
The UPSC Mains Exam Timing 2026 is expected to remain similar to previous years. The official timings will be announced by UPSC through the admit card and examination notification.
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Session | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Session | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper B – English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Essay | 250 |
| General Studies Paper I | 250 |
| General Studies Paper II | 250 |
| General Studies Paper III | 250 |
| General Studies Paper IV | 250 |
| Optional Subject Paper I | 250 |
| Optional Subject Paper II | 250 |
| Total Merit Marks | 1750 |
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
Essay Paper
- Writing essays on multiple topics.
- Clarity of thought, logical flow and critical analysis.
General Studies Paper I
- Indian Heritage and Culture
- History of India and the World
- Indian Society
- Geography of India and the World
General Studies Paper II
- Indian Constitution
- Governance
- Polity
- Social Justice
- International Relations
General Studies Paper III
- Indian Economy
- Agriculture
- Science and Technology
- Environment
- Internal Security
- Disaster Management
General Studies Paper IV
- Ethics
- Integrity
- Aptitude
- Case Studies
Optional Subject
Candidates are required to select one optional subject from the UPSC prescribed list. The optional subject consists of two papers carrying 250 marks each.
Qualifying Papers
UPSC Mains includes two qualifying papers:
- Paper A – Indian Language
- Paper B – English
UPSC Prelims Result 2026 PDF
UPSC has released the roll number-wise list of candidates qualified for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026.
Official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
Candidates can download the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 to check important examination dates and notification schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will UPSC Mains 2026 start?
UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 will commence on 21 August 2026.
What is the UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026?
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted on 24 May 2026.
Has UPSC released the detailed Mains timetable?
No. UPSC has only announced the start date of the examination. The detailed paper-wise timetable is yet to be released.
What are the expected UPSC Mains exam timings?
The expected timings are 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for the morning session and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM for the afternoon session.
What is the total marks of UPSC Mains?
The seven merit papers carry a total of 1750 marks.