UPPSC Mains Exam
The UPPSC Mains Exam is the second stage of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) PCS Examination. It is a written exam designed to test a candidate’s in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and intellectual abilities. The Mains exam is descriptive in nature and plays a significant role in determining the final merit list. Only candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains.
Here is a full detailed overview of the UPPSC Mains exam:
1. Overview of the UPPSC Mains Exam:
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)
- Type of Questions: Descriptive (Essay/Long-form Answers)
- Total Papers: 8
- Total Marks: 1500 marks
- Duration of Each Paper: 3 hours
- Medium of Writing: Candidates can write in either Hindi or English (unless otherwise specified, like the Hindi language paper).
2. UPPSC Mains Exam Pattern:
The Mains exam consists of 8 papers divided into 6 compulsory papers and 2 optional papers based on the subject chosen by the candidate.
Compulsory Papers:
- General Hindi – 150 Marks
- Essay – 150 Marks
- General Studies I (GS I) – 200 Marks
- General Studies II (GS II) – 200 Marks
- General Studies III (GS III) – 200 Marks
- General Studies IV (GS IV) – 200 Marks
Optional Subject Papers:
Candidates have to choose one optional subject, which consists of two papers:
- Optional Subject Paper I – 200 Marks
- Optional Subject Paper II – 200 Marks
- Total Marks (Mains Exam): 1500 Marks
3. Detailed Breakdown of Each Paper:
Paper 1: General Hindi (150 Marks)
The General Hindi paper tests candidates’ proficiency in the Hindi language. It is important for candidates who are expected to serve in Uttar Pradesh, where Hindi is the official language.
Topics Covered:
- Essay writing (approx. 600 words)
- Letter writing
- Grammar: Sentences, verb forms, usage of nouns, pronouns, tenses, etc.
- Translation: From Hindi to English and vice versa.
- Reading Comprehension
Marks Allocation:
- Essay: 60 Marks
- Letter Writing: 40 Marks
- Grammar: 50 Marks
Paper 2: Essay (150 Marks)
The Essay paper tests the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts clearly, coherently, and concisely. Candidates are required to write essays on three different topics from the given sections. Topics are usually based on current affairs, social issues, national and international matters, and philosophical themes.
Format:
- The paper is divided into three sections, and candidates need to choose one topic from each section.
- Each essay is approximately 600-800 words.
Common Essay Themes:
- Section A: National and international issues.
- Section B: Social and economic issues.
- Section C: Scientific, philosophical, or abstract topics.
Paper 3: General Studies I (200 Marks)
General Studies I focuses on subjects like Indian History, Geography, and Indian Society.
Key Topics:
- History:
- Ancient Indian History
- Medieval Indian History
- Modern Indian History (including Indian National Movement)
- Geography:
- Physical and Economic Geography of India and the World
- Human and Social Geography
- Indian Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Indian Society:
- Social Issues: Population, Poverty, Women Empowerment, Urbanization
- Role of women and women’s organization
- Social Empowerment, Communalism, Secularism, Regionalism
Paper 4: General Studies II (200 Marks)
General Studies II tests candidates on Indian Polity, Governance, International Relations, and Social Justice.
Key Topics:
- Indian Polity:
- Indian Constitution: Evolution, Preamble, Features, Amendments, and Structure
- Parliament, State Legislatures, Judiciary, Executive
- Panchayati Raj and Local Governance
- Governance:
- Policies, Reforms, and Government Schemes (both state and central)
- Role of NGOs, SHGs, pressure groups, and civil services in a democracy
- Public Administration: Governance issues, transparency, e-governance
- International Relations:
- India’s relations with neighboring countries
- Bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements
- International organizations: UN, WHO, WTO, IMF
- Social Justice:
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population
- Issues related to health, education, employment, and poverty
- Mechanisms and laws for the protection of vulnerable sections
Paper 5: General Studies III (200 Marks)
General Studies III covers Indian Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, and Internal Security.
Key Topics:
- Economy:
- Indian Economy: Planning, Economic Reforms, and Growth
- Agriculture: Issues and Challenges in Agriculture, Rural Development, Public Distribution System
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Railways, Airports
- Industrial Policies, FDI, Small and Medium Enterprises
- Science and Technology:
- Developments and their applications in daily life
- IT, Biotechnology, and Space Technology
- Achievements in Indian Science and Technology
- Issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- Environment:
- Environmental degradation and issues of sustainable development
- Climate Change, Pollution, and Conservation
- Government policies on environment protection
- Internal Security:
- Security challenges and their management
- Terrorism, Insurgency, and Organized Crime
- Border Management
- Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
Paper 6: General Studies IV (200 Marks)
General Studies IV tests the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude of the candidates. This paper focuses on the candidate’s approach to ethics, morality, and accountability in public life.
Key Topics:
- Ethics and Human Interface:
- Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in human action
- Dimensions of ethics, ethics in private and public relationships
- Attitude:
- Content, structure, and function of attitude
- Influence and relation of attitude with thought and behavior
- Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service:
- Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service
- Emotional intelligence and its application
- Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration:
- Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
- Accountability and ethical governance
- Laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
- Probity in Governance:
- Transparency, corruption, and accountability
- Codes of conduct and codes of ethics
- Citizens’ Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery
- Utilization of public funds and challenges of corruption
Paper 7 & 8: Optional Subject Papers (200 Marks Each)
Candidates can choose one optional subject, which is divided into two papers.
List of Optional Subjects:
- Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Zoology, and others.
Each paper of the optional subject tests the candidate’s deep understanding and knowledge of the chosen field.
4. UPPSC Mains Exam Syllabus Overview:
The syllabus for the UPPSC Mains is vast and covers a wide range of topics, making it essential for candidates to have a deep understanding of the subjects. The questions are designed to assess the depth of knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skills.
5. Marking Scheme:
Each paper is for 200 marks, except the General Hindi and Essay papers, which carry 150 marks each. The marks for each paper are added to determine the total score in the Mains. Candidates need to score above the cut-off to qualify for the interview.
6. Optional Subjects:
Choosing the right optional subject is crucial because it adds 400 marks to the final tally. The subject chosen should align with the candidate’s interests and academic background.
7. Key Points for Success in Mains:
- Answer Writing Practice: Practice writing answers within the word limit and time frame.
- Current Affairs: Keep up with the latest developments at both the national and international levels.
- Conceptual Clarity: Focus on building a strong foundation in every subject.
- Ethics and Aptitude: Practice case studies and scenarios for the Ethics paper.
- Mock Tests: Regularly practice full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.