UPSC Mains 2024

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date, Timetable, Syllabus, Result

UPSC Mains 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. To be considered for the UPSC 2024 merit list, candidates must clear each stage independently. The exam date and timetable for UPSC Mains 2024 have been announced.

The UPSC Mains 2024 is crucial, as it carries a weight of 1750 marks towards the final merit list. This article provides detailed information on the exam date, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and other essential aspects of the UPSC Mains 2024.

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam

The Civil Services Mains Examination, commonly referred to as UPSC Mains or IAS Mains, follows the CSE prelim exam. Candidates who qualify the prelims are shortlisted for the UPSC Mains, with around 12 to 13 times the number of vacancies advancing to this stage.

In the Mains exam, candidates must complete nine descriptive papers on various subjects to proceed to the interview stage. This phase assesses both knowledge and writing skills. Unlike the prelims, which are only qualifying, the marks obtained in UPSC Mains contribute to the final merit list.

The total score for the UPSC Mains is 1750, significantly higher than the 275 marks for the interview stage. The Mains exam scores play a crucial role in determining the final results, making thorough preparation essential for those aiming to secure positions in prestigious services like IAS or IPS.

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date


The UPSC is known for providing advance notice about the UPSC Mains exam dates. Consistent with this practice, the UPSC Mains Exam Date 2024 was announced to candidates in 2023. The detailed schedule is usually released after the UPSC Prelims. The UPSC Mains 2024 is scheduled for September 20, 2024.

Here are some key dates for the UPSC Mains exam:

UPSC Mains 2024 Important Dates
Events Dates
UPSC Prelims 2024 16 June 2024
UPSC Prelims Results 01 July 2024 
UPSC Mains Date Notification 03 July 2024 
DAF 1 Released 03 July 2024 
Last date to fill out DAF 1 12 July 2024 
UPSC Mains Admit Card September 2024
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date 20 September 2024
UPSC Mains Result To be announced

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Centres

During the UPSC Mains application process, candidates must select their preferred exam center. The UPSC Mains Exam Centre 2024 list is detailed in the official notification. Please note that once the application form is submitted, changes to the exam center are not permitted. Below is the updated list of UPSC Mains exam centers approved for 2024:

UPSC Mains Exam Centre 2024 List
Ahmedabad Delhi Patna
Aizawl Dispur (Guwahati) Prayagraj
Bengaluru Hyderabad Raipur
Bhopal Jaipur Ranchi
Chandigarh Jammu Shillong
Chennai Kolkata Shimla
Cuttack Lucknow Thiruvananthapuram
Dehradun Mumbai Vijayawada

UPSC Mains Admit Card 2024

The UPSC admit card is issued separately for the Mains exam, and candidates cannot use the Preliminary admit card for the Mains exam. The UPSC Mains Admit Card 2024 will be available online, and candidates must download it from the website using their roll number and date of birth. The admit card will include details on exam shifts, the exam centre address, paper codes, and other relevant information.

UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains exam pattern is outlined in the official notification. The exam consists of nine papers, with seven contributing to the final merit list and two compulsory language papers, each worth 300 marks, serving a qualifying purpose. The 2024 exam pattern includes:

  1. Two shifts: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
  2. Each paper has a duration of 3 hours.
  3. A minimum of 25% is required in Paper A and Paper B to proceed; failure to clear these papers means the remaining papers will not be evaluated.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024 
Paper Subject Total Marks
Paper A Compulsory Indian Language of 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution 300 Marks
Paper B English Language 300 Marks
Paper I Essay 250 Marks 
Paper II General Studies I 250 Marks 
Paper III General Studies II 250 Marks 
Paper IV General Studies III 250 Marks 
Paper V General Studies IV 250 Marks 
Paper VI Optional Paper I 250 Marks 
Paper VII Optional Paper II 250 Marks 
Total 1750 Marks + 275 Marks of Interview = 2025

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

The UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 is crucial for achieving high scores in this stage of the exam. The official notification outlines a comprehensive syllabus for the Mains exam. Candidates should thoroughly review the UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 for each subject. Here's a brief overview:

  • The essay paper does not have a fixed syllabus; candidates must write two essays on the topics given in the question paper.
  • The syllabus for compulsory papers covers topics up to the metric level.
  • The four General Studies (GS) papers require a broad understanding of various topics.
  • The optional paper syllabus includes graduate-level topics.
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024
Paper Syllabus
Compulsory Indian Language Comprehension, Short Essays, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Translation.
English Language Comprehension, Short Essays, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary.
Essay General/Contemporary Issues
General Studies I Indian Heritage, Culture, History, Indian Geography, Geography of the World, and Indian Society.
General Studies II  Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations
General Studies III  Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Technology, Indian Security and Disaster Management.
General Studies IV Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
Optional Subject  Paper 1 and Paper 2

UPSC Mains Result 2024

The UPSC Mains result will be announced 2 to 3 months post-exam. The UPSC Mains Result PDF 2024 will list the names and roll numbers of candidates shortlisted for the interview. Those on the merit list will need to complete DAF 2 on the official website. The UPSC Mains 2024 result is anticipated by late November or early December.

Also Read: UPSC Mains Time Table 2024

UPSC Mains 2024 Preparation Tips

Given the significance of the UPSC Mains exam in determining final results, aspirants must approach this stage with utmost seriousness. Thorough preparation is essential for success in the UPSC Mains 2024. Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern to craft a detailed study plan.
  2. Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers daily and analyzing the news.
  3. Utilize high-quality study materials to enhance your preparation.
  4. Begin practicing answer writing early, starting from the UPSC Prelims preparation phase.
  5. Ensure you clear the Prelims, as it is crucial for progressing to the Mains.
  6. Solve previous years’ question papers under exam conditions to identify areas for improvement.
  7. Seek guidance from mentors whenever necessary during your preparation.

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Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Mains 2024

Ans. The UPSC Mains is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, consisting of nine descriptive papers.

Ans. It is considered challenging due to its depth and complexity.

Ans. The best optional subject for IAS varies based on individual strengths and interests, but popular choices include Geography, Public Administration, and Sociology.