Duration of each paper in UPSC Mains

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the Civil Services Examination, which is one of the most prestigious exams in India. The exam is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary examination, the Main examination, and the Personality Test (Interview).

The Mains examination is the second stage of the UPSC exam and consists of nine papers, out of which seven are considered for final ranking. Each paper has a specific duration, and it is essential for candidates to manage their time effectively to complete the exam within the given time frame.

Here is the duration of each paper in UPSC Mains:

1. Essay Paper:
The Essay paper is held for 3 hours and carries 250 marks. Candidates are required to write two essays, each consisting of 1000-1200 words. This paper evaluates the candidate's ability to express their thoughts coherently, critically analyze a given topic, and present a balanced perspective.

2. General Studies Paper I:
The General Studies Paper I is conducted for 3 hours and carries 250 marks. It covers topics like Indian heritage and culture, history, geography, and current affairs. This paper tests the candidate's knowledge and understanding of various aspects of Indian society and its history.

3. General Studies Paper II:
The General Studies Paper II is also held for 3 hours and carries 250 marks. It focuses on governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. This paper evaluates the candidate's understanding of the functioning of the Indian government and its policies.

4. General Studies Paper III:
The General Studies Paper III is conducted for 3 hours and carries 250 marks. It covers topics related to technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, and security issues. This paper assesses the candidate's knowledge of current events and their ability to analyze complex issues.

5. General Studies Paper IV:
The General Studies Paper IV, also known as the Ethics paper, is held for 3 hours and carries 250 marks. It examines the candidate's ethical and moral dimensions of decision-making, integrity, and aptitude. This paper aims to assess the candidate's understanding of ethical dilemmas and their ability to make balanced judgments.

6. Optional Paper I and II:
The Optional Papers I and II are conducted for 3 hours each and carry 250 marks each. Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. These papers test the candidate's in-depth knowledge and understanding of the chosen subject.

It is crucial for candidates to manage their time effectively during the UPSC Mains examination. They should allocate sufficient time for each paper and prioritize their answers based on marks weightage. Practicing previous years' question papers and mock tests can help candidates improve their time management skills and enhance their performance in the exam.