Preparation Strategy for UPSC Mains 2022
To all those who wish to serve the country as an IAS, IPS, IRS or IFS, there is one inevitable thing, ‘Bright Future Ahead’. Despite the surge in job opportunities in the private sector with high paychecks, the aura around the Civil Services especially Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and Indian Police Services (IPS) is intact and has only grown in recent years.
The reason is simple! Prestige, Power, Charm, Glory - Civil Services has it all.
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) and is one of the most challenging exams in the country. It is conducted in three stages- Prelims, Mains and Interview. Aspirants have to put lots of effort during their UPSC exam preparation. While many crack the Prelims stage easily, passing the Mains round is a daunting task for many aspirants. UPSC Mains preparation is the most crucial phase of your preparation journey and hence you should devise an effective strategy for it.
UPSC Mains Pattern
Refer to the table below for the Mains subject and their marks.
Paper |
Subject |
Duration |
Total Marks |
Paper A |
Compulsory Indian Language |
3 Hours |
300 (Qualifying) |
Paper B |
English |
3 Hours |
300 (Qualifying) |
Paper I |
Essay |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper II |
General Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper III |
General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Welfare Initiatives, Social Justice & International Relations |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper IV |
General Studies III – Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper V |
General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper VI |
Optional Subject – Paper I |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper VII |
Optional Subject – Paper II |
3 Hours |
250 |
Now when you are aware of the UPSC Main Pattern, read the blog to understand how to prepare for the UPSC Mains efficiently and effectively with the below-mentioned tips:
UPSC Mains Preparation Tips
Tip 1 Be Consistent With Your Preparation
Tip 2 Choose Your Optional Subject Wisely
Tip 3 Focus on your Answer Writing Practice
It is important to give due time to writing answers during UPSC exam preparation since the Mains paper is descriptive in nature.
Tip 4 Be updated with the Current Affairs
Tip 5 Attempt Mock Tests Regularly
So, give your Mains preparation a fresh start with the aforementioned tips and get the desired results.