UPSC Civil Services Mains 2024: The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Civil Servants

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit candidates for various Group A and Group B posts in the Indian government. The UPSC CSE is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in the country. This blog provides an in-depth guide to the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2024, covering important dates, exam patterns, preparation strategies, and more.

Important Dates for UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024

• UPSC CSE (Preliminary) 2024: May 26, 2024
• UPSC CSE (Main) 2024: September 20, 2024

These dates are crucial for all aspirants. It is important to plan your preparation schedule accordingly.

What is the UPSC Mains Exam?

The UPSC Mains exam is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination. Candidates who clear the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains. The Mains exam is a written examination consisting of nine papers, two of which are qualifying in nature, while the remaining seven are counted for ranking.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024

The UPSC Mains 2024 will comprise the following papers:

The UPSC Mains 2024 exam consists of several papers, each designed to test different competencies. Paper A focuses on an Indian Language and is a qualifying paper worth 300 marks. Similarly, Paper B is an English language paper, also qualifying in nature, and carries 300 marks. Paper I is an essay paper counted for merit, with a total of 250 marks. Paper II, which covers General Studies I, is counted for merit and has 250 marks. General Studies II is covered in Paper III, also counted for merit, with 250 marks. Paper IV, which includes General Studies III, is another merit-based paper worth 250 marks. Paper V focuses on General Studies IV and is counted for merit, carrying 250 marks. Papers VI and VII are dedicated to the Optional Subject chosen by the candidate, each paper being counted for merit and carrying 250 marks each. In total, the Mains exam comprises nine papers, with seven being counted for merit, summing up to a maximum of 1750 marks.

The maximum marks for the Mains exam are 1750, and candidates must score a minimum of 25% in the qualifying papers to have their other papers evaluated.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

Qualifying Papers

• Paper A: Indian Language (chosen from the 8th schedule of the Constitution) Comprehension Precis Writing Usage and Vocabulary Short Essays Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa
• Paper B: English Comprehension Precise Writing Usage and Vocabulary Short Essays

Papers Counted for Merit

• Essay: Candidates are required to write two essays out of a few given options.
• General Studies Papers:
• Optional Subjects: Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. Each subject will have two papers.

How to Apply for UPSC Mains 2024

Candidates who clear the Preliminary exam will have to fill out the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Mains exam on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in ). The DAF has six modules: Personal, Educational Information, Parental Information, Employment Information, Upload Documents, and Final Submission.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC Mains 2024

1. Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events from at least June 2023 onwards. Key sources include Yojana Magazine, The Hindu, The Indian Express, PIB, and EPW.
2. NCERT Books: Focus on NCERT books for History, Geography, and other subjects to build a strong foundation.
3. Answer Writing Practice: Regularly practice writing answers to improve your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely.
4. Previous Year Papers: Solve previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.

Conclusion

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2024 requires a well-planned strategy, dedication, and consistent effort. By following the guidelines and strategies mentioned above, aspirants can enhance their chances of success in this prestigious examination. Stay focused, stay motivated, and all the best for your UPSC journey!