The UPSC mains exam is written (subjective) in nature.
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2023
There are 4 General Studies Papers (including a paper on Ethics), 1 essay paper, and 2 optional-subject papers. Apart from these, there are 2 compulsory language papers which are just qualifying in nature.
Previous Year Question Papers for UPSC Mains
The Civil Services Main examination is designed to test the academic talent of the aspirant, also his/her ability to present his/ her knowledge in a clear and coherent manner.
Tamil Literature Paper – II [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
Tamil Literature Paper – I [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
Tamil Literature Paper – II [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2021 Question Paper]
Tamil Literature Paper – I [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2021 Question Paper]
Tamil Literature Paper – II [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2020 Question Paper
Tamil Literature Paper – I [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2020 Question Paper
General Essay [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
General Essay [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – I [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – II [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – III [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – IV [Civil Service (Main) Examination – 2022 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – IV [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2018 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – III [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2018 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – II [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2018 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – I [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2018 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – IV [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2017 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – III [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2017 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – II [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2017 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – I [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2017 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – IV [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2016 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – III [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2016 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – II [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2016 Question Paper]
General Studies Paper – I [Civil Services (Main) Examination – 2016 Question Paper]
UPSC Main General Studies Paper 4 – 2015
UPSC Main General Studies Paper 3 – 2015
UPSC Main General Studies Paper 2 – 2015
UPSC Main General Studies Paper I – 2015