15 Jul UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Exam Schedule Released
The Union Public Service Commission has issued the official timetable for the Civil Services Mains Examination 2025, great news indeed for all those who have cleared the preliminary stage. This announcement is a significant step forward for thousands of candidates preparing for India’s most prestigious competitive exams. In this article by plutusias.com, we will discuss the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Exam Schedule.
Read More: Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
UPSC CSE Mains 2025
According to the UPSC notification, the Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 will be held on the following dates:
- 22nd August, 2025 (Friday)
- 23rd August, 2025 (Saturday)
- 24th August, 2025 (Sunday)
- 30th August, 2025 (Saturday)
- 31st August, 2025 (Sunday)
Examination for each date is to be conducted in two shifts:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Candidates should reach the exam centres at least 30 to 45 minutes before the exam commencement. Entry will not be allowed without the admit card and a valid photo ID proof.
UPSC Mains Subjects
The UPSC Mains examination consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature (Paper A and B – one Indian language and English). The remaining seven papers are counted for merit:
- Essay
- General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society)
- General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)
- General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management)
- General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
- Optional Paper I
- Optional Paper II
How to Download UPSC Mains 2025 Admit Card
The UPSC Mains admit card is the vital document that allows entry into the exam hall. As media sources say, the admit card would probably be issued by the second or third week of August 2025; however, UPSC has not officially confirmed.
Below is the stepwise procedure to download the admit card:
- Go to the official website of UPSC: https://upsc.gov.in
- Click on the admit card tab appearing on the homepage.
- Look for the link titled “E-Admit Card for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025”.
- Click the link and enter your credentials (either Registration ID or Roll Number along with Date of Birth).
- Submit the details to get access to your admit card.
- Download and print the admit card. Having at least two printouts would be the safest way.
Candidates should check all details printed on the admit card, such as:
- Name
- Roll number
- Exam centre address
- Timing and shift
- Instructions for candidates
In case any discrepancy is found, contact UPSC immediately.
Total Number of Vacancies
UPSC has announced the recruitment of around 979 vacant posts for different Group A and Group B services this year, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. While the number is put up in such a way that it seems less, a note should be made that every year, more than 10 lakh candidates appear for the UPSC preliminary examination, and only about 12,000 qualify for the Mains, out of which only about 2,500 to 3,000 are called for the interviews. Hence, competition stands at an all-time high, and every mark counts.
Why Should You Do Serious Preparation?
Clearing prelims is just one hurdle among many. Mains test the candidates for their clarity of concepts, writing ability, and understanding. To bring an explosion into the examination hall, their level of questions is not memory retention, but critical analysis, and expression in a structured format. As the dates come closer, candidates should start:
- Daily answer writing practice
- Giving equal time and effort to GS papers and the optional subject
- Taking mock examinations inside a simulated environment
- Keeping their current affairs up-to-date from the last 12 months regularly
- Focusing on polishing their essay answers alongside ethics
Those who ensure discipline, consistency, and strategy while rehearsing will make it against all odds.
Join Delhi’s Best UPSC Coaching – Plutus IAS
Quality guidance is crucial for a competitive journey. One of the best choices for earnestly aspiring students in Delhi among the myriad coaching institutes is Plutus IAS.
Why Plutus IAS?
- Experienced Faculty: The mentors at Plutus IAS consist of retired civil servants and subject experts proficient with the UPSC pattern.
- Focused Mentorship: A more fine-tuned type of guidance and mentorship assists the students in mapping out their strengths and possible areas of development.
- Test Series and Answer Evaluation: Plutus IAS offers a rigorous test series coupled with detailed answer reviews to push students further in refining their writing skills.
- Integrated Course Design: Their courses are designed with Mains syllabus coverage in mind and include sketching, ethics, and GS papers.
- Hybrid Learning: Knowing the needs of today’s standards, Plutus IAS offers both online and offline modes of classes, hence convenient for working professionals or students located miles away from the institute.
Whether a fresher or someone eager for another shot at Mains, an evolving coaching institute for IAS like Plutus IAS would certainly help sharpen one’s newer edge.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
Since the examination shall be scheduled in the last two weeks of August 2025, candidates have about five to six weeks remaining for their final preparations. Here are some smart tips that come in handy so one may use these weeks advantageously:
- Syllabus Completion is Paramount: Concentrate on topics left in GS and optional papers.
- Revision Plan: Prepare a calendar for revision. This must allow for at least two revisions of notes and standard books.
- Attempt Mock Tests: Minimum 10 full-length Mains mocks need to be attempted with the time restrictions set.
- Current Affairs Integration: Connect current issues with GS topics so you can provide examples of actual reference and recent developments in the answer.
- Writing Speed and Structure become an Area of Focus: Practice for writing answers of 250 words within 7 minutes. Concentrate on intro-body-conclusion type of answers.
- Health and Time Management: Take adequate breaks; keep yourself hydrated; maintain proper sleeping time. A healthy mind is a prerequisite for retention.
Important Guidelines for Exam Day
- Carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID.
- Carry black ballpoint pens for writing.
- Reach the examination centre well in time.
- Follow all instructions given on the admit card.
- Avoid carrying electronic gadgets, calculators, or any paper notes.
Also Read: Best UPSC Mains Preparation
Conclusion
The UPSC journey is tough, but never impossible. If one has cleared Prelims, there is proof of one’s potential. Now, the attention has to be gathered toward the Mains. Self-study or coaching at the best institutes like Plutus IAS, it will be your consistent and smart work that will take you ahead. UPSC Mains is beyond an exam of knowledge; it is an exam of discipline, endurance, and clarity of thought. Use these weeks wisely, write answers every day, stay positive, and keep revising.
No Comments