UPPCS Mains Syllabus 2025 with Answer Writing Tips

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts the PCS Mains Exam after the Prelims. This stage is crucial as the marks scored here directly decide your final selection and merit rank. Unlike the prelims, which is objective, the Mains exam is descriptive and tests analytical ability, clarity of thought, and writing skills.

In this guide, we’ll provide the detailed UPPCS Mains Syllabus (Paper-wise) along with answer writing tips to help aspirants excel.

 UPPCS Mains Exam Pattern 2025

PaperSubjectMarksDuration

Paper I

General Hindi

150

3 Hours

Paper II

Essay

150

3 Hours

Paper III

General Studies I

200

3 Hours

Paper IV

General Studies II

200

3 Hours

Paper V

General Studies III

200

3 Hours

Paper VI

General Studies IV (Ethics)

200

3 Hours

Paper VII & VIII

Optional Subject Paper I & II

200 Each

3 Hours Each

 Total = 1500 Marks (Written) + Interview (100 Marks).

 UPPCS Mains Syllabus – Paper Wise

1️ Paper I – General Hindi (150 Marks)

Hindi grammar (Sandhi, Samas, Alankar, Muhavare, etc.)

Vocabulary, usage, and idioms

Letter writing, precis writing

Essay in Hindi

Comprehension passages

 Answer Writing Tip: Focus on clarity & correctness. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. Practice precis writing to reduce wordiness.

2️ Paper II – Essay (150 Marks)

Candidates must write three essays in total.

Section C: Science, Technology, National/International Events, UP-specific issues

Section B: Political, Administrative, Economic, Agriculture, Environment

Section A: Literature, Culture, Social Issues, Women Empowerment

Topics are usually divided into three sections:

 Answer Writing Tip: Use the Introduction-Body-Conclusion (IBC) format. Include relevant facts, examples, and quotes. Keep paragraphs short and structured.

3️Paper III – General Studies I (200 Marks)

Freedom struggle and role of leaders

Ancient, Medieval, Modern history

Indian History, Culture, and National Movement

Physical geography, resources, industries

Social & Economic Geography of India & World

Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Union & State structure

Polity, Constitution, and Governance

History, culture, economy, and geography of Uttar Pradesh

UP Special Topics

 Answer Writing Tip: Draw maps, diagrams, timelines wherever applicable. Use bullet points for facts and flowcharts for processes.

4️ Paper IV – General Studies II (200 Marks)

International Relations (India & Neighboring countries, UN, WTO, IMF)

Role of Civil Services in Democracy

Parliament & State Legislature

Indian Constitution: Amendments, Functions, Rights

Polity, Governance & International Relations

 Answer Writing Tip: Link answers with current affairs. Quote articles of the Constitution or Supreme Court judgments where relevant.

5️ Paper V – General Studies III (200 Marks)

Indian Economy, Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure

Economy & Development

IT, Space, Biotechnology, Robotics, AI

Science & Technology

Climate change, Biodiversity, Disaster Management

Environment & Ecology

Internal security challenges, Cyber security, Role of agencies

Security Issues

 Answer Writing Tip: Include data, reports, and government schemes. (Example: NITI Aayog, Economic Survey, UP-specific policies).

6️ Paper VI – General Studies IV (Ethics) (200 Marks)

Ethics & Human Interface

Emotional Intelligence

Public/Civil Service Values

Integrity, Probity in Governance

Case Studies

 Answer Writing Tip: In case studies, use ethical frameworks like Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Gandhian Principles. Structure answers in Problem → Ethical Issues → Solutions → Conclusion format.

7 Paper VII & VIII – Optional Subjects (200 Marks Each)

UPPCS offers a wide range of Optional Subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Agriculture, Law, Literature, etc.

 Answer Writing Tip: Stick to one optional that overlaps with GS or your graduation subject. Practice past year papers and write in a structured manner.

 Answer Writing Tips for UPPCS Mains

Stick to the Word Limit – Usually 150–250 words. Avoid exceeding.

Use Headings & Subheadings – Makes answers easy to read.

Incorporate Facts & Examples – Government schemes, UP-specific data, NCRB/SECC reports.

Use Diagrams, Maps & Flowcharts – Saves time and adds value.

Maintain Handwriting & Neatness – Presentation matters in descriptive exams.

Practice Time Management – Write mock tests to complete within 3 hours.

Use Balanced Approach – Avoid extreme views in political/social answers.

Revise Regularly – Prepare short notes for revision before the exam.