UPSC Mains

UPSC Mains Exam

FAQs

What type of UPSC Mains Exam question paper?

The question papers for the examination will be of conventional (essay) type. 

How much time is allotted for Mains Paper?

Each paper will be of three hours duration. 

Can I write answers to all questions in compulsory/qualifying language papers?

Yes, candidates will have the option to answer all the question papers, except the Qualifying Language Papers, Paper-A and Paper-B, in any one of the languages included in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution of India or in English. 

Can I write Optional Paper in English if I opted for writing GS Paper in regional language?

Notwithstanding this, the Candidate will have the choice to write the Optional Papers in English also if candidates opt to write Paper I-V except the Qualifying Language Papers, Paper-A and Paper-B, in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. 

I choose to write GS Paper in regional language, can I write in English in main paper?

No. If you do so then the Commission might not evaluate your copy citing an unauthorised medium. 

Candidates exercising the option to answer Papers in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India mentioned above may, if they so desire, give English version within brackets of only the description of the technical terms, if any, in addition to the version in the language opted by them. 

Candidates should, however, note that if they misuse the above rule, a deduction will be made on this account from the total marks otherwise accruing to them and in extreme cases; their script(s) will not be valued for being in an unauthorised medium. 

Is there any penalty/negative marking in UPSC Mains exam?

As such no, but if the evaluator finds any irrelevant matter/signages/marks etc. found written in the answer scripts, which would be having the potential to disclose the candidate’s identity, then the Commission will impose a penalty of deduction of marks from the total marks or will not evaluate the said scripts on this account. 

What is the language of the question paper in the mains exam?

Other than the literature of language papers, the question papers will be set in Hindi and English only.