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UPSC CSE Mains 2025 LIVE: Day 5 shift 2 ends; paper rated easy to moderate in difficulty level by aspirants

Vagisha Kaushik | August 31, 2025 | 07:42 PM IST | 10 mins read

UPSC CSE Main 2025 day 5 concludes. Updates on UPSC IAS exam difficulty level, paper analysis, and student reactions.

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UPSC CSE Mains 2025 day 5 exam shift 2 ends. (Representational Image: Wikimedia Commons)
UPSC CSE Mains 2025 day 5 exam shift 2 ends. (Representational Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has concluded the Day 5 of the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 today, August 31, for optional subject papers 6 and 7. Candidates who appeared in the UPSC Mains exam told Careers360 that the difficulty level was easy to moderate compared to previous year.

UPSC IAS 2025: UPSC 2025 Annual Calender

Also See: UPSC IAS Mains QP's (2016-23)  | Complete guide | UPSC CSE Sample Papers

One of the aspirants told Careers360, that the mathematics paper was "moderate" in difficulty. Unlike last year, when there were out-of-syllabus questions, this year had topics from standard syllabus, students said.

UPSC CSE Main 2025 day 4 shift 2 exam was conducted for Paper B English on August 30. The duration of the test was three hours. It is compulsory for the examinees to bring the UPSC CSE Main 2025 admit card to the examination centre along with a photo ID proof. No candidate will be given entry to the exam hall without the hall ticket.

As per the UPSC CSE Main 2025 question paper pattern, the written test comprises nine papers carrying a total of 1,750 marks. English paper is of 300 marks and has been given a weightage of 25%.

Under the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 marking scheme, there will be a negative marking of one-third marks for incorrect responses.

Candidates who pass the UPSC Mains exam will have to appear for the interview or personality test. The recruitment drive aims to fill 979 vacancies in IAS, IPS, IFS, and other posts.

As per the UPSC time table, the written exam will be conducted till August 31. Those who qualified the Prelims exam are eligible for the Mains exam. UPSC CSE Prelims result 2025 was declared on June 10.

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To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.

UPSC CSE Main 2025 August 31 shift 1 over. The next exam will be conducted today. Updates on admit card, syllabus, exam analysis, question paper, cut-off, vacancies, and salary.

August 31, 2025 | 07:42 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Total marks, paper-wise distribution

The UPSC today conducted paper 6 and 7 for optional subjects, each carrying 250 marks. The total marks for UPSC CSE Mains 2025 exam, including interview round, are given below. 

UPSC CSE Mains 2025

Marks

Paper-A 

300 marks

Paper-B English 

300 marks

Paper-I Essay 

250 marks

Paper-II General Studies-I 

250 marks

Paper-III General Studies-II 

250 marks

Paper-IV General Studies-III 

250 marks

Paper-V General Studies -IV

250 marks

Paper VI optional subject - paper 1 

250 marks

Paper-VII optional subject - paper 2 

250 marks

Sub Total (Written test) 

1,750 marks

Personality Test 

275 marks

Grand Total

2,025 marks


August 31, 2025 | 06:37 PM IST

UPSC Civil Service 2025: Vacancies

The number of vacancies to be filled through the UPSC civil services examination is expected to be approximately 979, which include 38 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category (PwBD).

August 31, 2025 | 06:01 PM IST

UPSC MAIN 2025: Mathematics question paper difficulty level

Vishal Patel from Madhya Pradesh opted for Mathematics as an optional subject. He told Careers360 that the mathematics subject was moderate in difficulty level as compared to last year. He was able to attempt 200 questions and is expecting to score 160 marks.

"This years question were all from standard book as compared to last years out of syllabus questions," Patel told careers360 reporter.

August 31, 2025 | 05:32 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025 shift 2 ends

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 shift 2 exam has concluded. Difficulty level, student reactions, and paper analysis will be updated here soon.  

August 31, 2025 | 04:19 PM IST

UPSC day 5 shift 2 timings

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Main 2025 shift 2 exam for option subject started at 2:30 pm and will go on till 5:30 pm. 

August 31, 2025 | 04:06 PM IST

UPSC day 5 shift 1 analysis from another aspirant

It was the third attempt of the UPSC Main 2025 for Prashant, who is from Dwarka. In conversation with Careers360, he told us that he opted for a mechanical subject as optional, where his first paper was not good because it was lengthy and questions were totally unexpected.

UPSC aspirant Prashant from Dwarka with Careers360 reporter outside a UPSC centre. (Image source: Inhouse)

August 31, 2025 | 03:31 PM IST

UPSC Day 5 shift 1 paper analysis

Gaurav, a UPSC aspirant, who selected history paper as optional, told Careers360 that the questions in the paper were balanced, first portion was easy as compared to last year. There were questions on Akhbar policy, Delhi sultanate, Rajpur policy, Jagirdari crises, and all these were repeated from PIQs, he told.
An UPSC aspirant in talks with Careers360 after UPSC Main 2025 day 5 shift 1 ends. (Image source: Careers360)

August 31, 2025 | 03:04 PM IST

UPSC Main 2025: Shift 2 for option paper

The UPSC has commenced the UPSC Mains day 5 shift 2 exam for option paper today at 2:30 pm. The afternoon shift will be conducted till 5:30 pm.

August 31, 2025 | 02:15 PM IST

UPSC Mains 2025 day 5 shift 1 analysis

"I appeared for mathematics paper. I have attempted 200 questions and expecting 150 to 160 marks. The exam was moderate in difficulty level. Unlike last year, which had out-of-syllabus, all questions this year were asked from standard syllabus," Vishal Patel from Madhya Pradesh told Careers360.

August 31, 2025 | 02:00 PM IST

UPSC Main 2025: Exam centre details

The UPSC Main 2025 exam for option paper 6 was conducted in the morning shift from 9 am to 12 pm.

UPSC Main 2025 exam centre at Delhi. (Image source: Careers360)

August 31, 2025 | 01:51 PM IST

UPSC Option paper subject

The optional subjects include Literature papers in various languages, as well as subjects like Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science & International Relations (PSIR), Sociology, Public Administration, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, and several science and engineering disciplines.

August 31, 2025 | 01:35 PM IST

UPSC CSE Main cut-off for previous year

The UPSC CSE Mains exam cut-off trends are shown in the table below.

Categories

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

General

729

741

748

745

736

SC

702

694

699

700

680

ST

684

692

706

700

682

OBC

685

712

714

707

698

PwD 1

663

673

677

668

648

PwD 2

696

718

706

712

699

PwD 3

307

396

351

388

425

PwD 5

361

445

419

560

300

EWS

696

706

715

714

687

August 31, 2025 | 01:08 PM IST

UPSC 2025 answer key, final result

UPSC will release the IAS 2025 answer key online on the official website. The IAS answer key is only released for the prelims exam. The UPSC Civil Services answer key will be made available after the release of the final result.

August 31, 2025 | 12:48 PM IST

UPSC Day 5 shift 1 ends for optional subject paper 6

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has concluded the UPSC Mains 2025 day 6 shift 2 for the MAINS exam today. The commission will now conduct the second shift from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

August 31, 2025 | 11:49 AM IST

UPSC Mains 2025 LIVE: Day 5 shift 1 ends at 12 noon

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conclude the UPSC MAINS 2025 day 5 shift 1 at 12 pm today. The commission will commence the shift 2 for option subject from 2:30 pm.

August 31, 2025 | 11:24 AM IST

UPSC 2025 exam for different posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC Main 2025 exam for recruitment to various administrative positions as given below.

  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • Indian Foreign Services (IFS)
  • Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’
  • Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group ‘A’
  • Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group ‘A’
  • Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) Group ‘A’
  • Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) Group ‘A’
  • Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III)
  • Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
  • Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’
  • Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’ (xxii) Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’
  • Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’

August 31, 2025 | 10:46 AM IST

UPSC Recruitment 2025: Selection process

To be eligible for the above posts, candidates must go through the famously competitive IAS 2025 selection process. As a part of the UPSC CSE 2025 selection process, candidates must go through 3 stages. These are the IAS prelims exam, mains exam and interview round.

August 31, 2025 | 09:59 AM IST

UPSC Mains 2025: Marking scheme

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 carries a total of 1,750 marks. Each subjective paper in the mains exam is worth 300 marks. Candidates are required to select two optional papers, which are included in the overall marking scheme.

August 31, 2025 | 09:18 AM IST

UPSC exam begins for day 5 shift 1

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has begun the UPSC IAS Main exam for day 5 shift 1 today. The exam will be conducted for a duration of 3 hours. The second shift will be held from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

August 31, 2025 | 08:33 AM IST

UPSC IAS Day 5 Exam 2025: Centre gate closed

The UPSC exam for option subject paper 1 will begin from 9 am and will go on till 12 pm. The entry for the forenoon shift has been restricted now. Candidates will be given half n hour for frisking and settle down. The next shift will begin from 2:30 pm.

August 31, 2025 | 08:17 AM IST

UPSC Option Subject paper 1 shift timings

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will begin the UPSC exam for optional subject 1 from 9 am today. The exam will be conducted for a duration of three hours. 

August 31, 2025 | 08:05 AM IST

UPSC day 5 entry begins

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC has begun the entry for UPSC day 5 optional subject paper 1 and 2 today. The gates will be closed at 8:30 am.

August 31, 2025 | 08:03 AM IST

UPSC Day 5 exam from today for option subject

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct its day 5 exam today in two shifts for option subject 1, and 2. The forenoon shift will be conducted from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, while the afternoon shift will take place from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

August 30, 2025 | 08:49 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025

Candidates who qualify for the UPSC CSE mains 2025 exam will have to appear for an interview or a personality test.

August 30, 2025 | 07:37 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: English paper was 'easy'

According to students' reaction, the UPSC CSE mains 2025 paper was easy in difficulty level, while some of them said grammer section was slighty tough. 

August 30, 2025 | 06:53 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Optional subjects exam tomorrow

The Commission will conduct the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 optional subject papers tomorrow, August 31. The optional subjects include Literature papers in various languages, as well as subjects like Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science & International Relations (PSIR), Sociology, Public Administration, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, and several science and engineering disciplines.

August 30, 2025 | 06:24 PM IST

UPSC CSE Day 4 Exam: English paper level easy

According to Harsh, the Day 4 English paper (Paper B) was easy to attempt. Essays and comprehension were straightforward, while grammar was simpler than in previous years. Harsh observed a change in the first 10-mark grammar question. The rest of the grammar questions were simple and familiar from previous years’ patterns. He further noted that the Hindi paper was comparatively tougher, especially for candidates who have not studied Hindi recently, mainly due to translation questions.

Candidates who pass the UPSC Mains exam will have to appear for the interview or personality test.UPSC CSE Day 4 Exam Over. (Image: Careers360)

August 30, 2025 | 06:15 PM IST

UPSC CSE Day 4 Exam 2025: Difficulty level moderate, grammar slightly tough

Saurabh told Careers360 that he attempted the entire Day 4 English paper of UPSC CSE Mains 2025 rather than targeting minimum qualifying marks. He added that essays were manageable, while grammar was slightly tougher due to limited prior exposure, though the low weightage made the overall paper manageable.

The next UPSC CSE Mains exam will be conducted tomorrow for the optional subjectsUPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025: Day 4 paper moderate 

August 30, 2025 | 06:02 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Candidate shares day 4 experience

While speaking to Careers360, aspirant Utkarsh shared his experience of the Day 4 English paper (Paper B). He said his approach was to attempt the entire paper to secure at least 75 marks. On preparation for tomorrow’s optional paper, PSIR, he mentioned that it was “okay” and that he is preparing through self-study without coaching.

August 30, 2025 | 05:35 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Day 4 exam concludes

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Day 4 concluded today, August 30, with the afternoon session for Paper B (English). Candidates will soon exit the exam hall and share their feedback and reactions.  

August 30, 2025 | 05:02 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025: Previous years’ cut-off trends

The UPSC CSE Mains exam cut-off trends are shown in the table below.

Categories

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

General

729

741

748

745

736

SC

702

694

699

700

680

ST

684

692

706

700

682

OBC

685

712

714

707

698

PwD 1

663

673

677

668

648

PwD 2

696

718

706

712

699

PwD 3

307

396

351

388

425

PwD 5

361

445

419

560

300

EWS

696

706

715

714

687

August 30, 2025 | 04:30 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: When will exam conclude

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 will conclude on August 31 with the optional subject papers. The today's afternoon session of the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 will conclude at 5:30 pm.

August 30, 2025 | 03:49 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Marking scheme

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 carries a total of 1,750 marks. Each subjective paper in the mains exam is worth 300 marks. Candidates are required to select two optional papers, which are included in the overall marking scheme.

August 30, 2025 | 03:17 PM IST

UPSC IAS Mains 2025: Last exam tomorrow

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 will conclude tomorrow, August 31, with the final papers. The forenoon session from 9 am to 12 noon will have Paper-VI, the first paper of the optional subject, while the afternoon session from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm will have Paper-VII, the second paper of the optional subject.

August 30, 2025 | 03:04 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Candidate optional paper plans

While speaking to Careers360, candidates shared insights on their optional subjects. One said PSIR helps in GS-II preparation, with PYQs and mock tests forming part of the strategy. Another chose Maths due to his graduation background and focused on using prior knowledge for the exam.

UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Day 4 Shift 2 is currently underway, with candidates writing Paper B (English).UPSC CSE Mains 2025 language paper today. (Image: Careers360)

August 30, 2025 | 02:57 PM IST

UPSC Language Paper 2025: Exam begins

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Day 4 Shift 2 has commenced with the compulsory Indian Language Paper B (English). The three-hour exam forms part of the nine papers in the Mains schedule. The exam will conclude at 5:30 pm.

August 30, 2025 | 02:38 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: What to carry to the exam hall?

Candidates will have to carry the UPSC CSE mains admit card and a valid photo ID. Only pens, pencils, erasers, and rulers are allowed. Mobile phones, smartwatches, bags, and other electronic devices are not permitted. Question papers and answer sheets will be provided inside. Candidates should check their roll number and follow the invigilators’ instructions.

August 30, 2025 | 02:29 PM IST

UPSC Mains 2025: Entry begins

Entry for UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Day 4 Shift 2 commenced. Candidates are being checked for their admit card and a valid photo ID at the examination centre. No examinee is allowed inside the hall without these documents.

The exam is being held in two sessions and the afternoon session will be held from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.UPSC Main exam 2025. (Image: Careers360)

August 30, 2025 | 02:22 PM IST

UPSC Mains 2025: Day 4 shift 2 exam for which subject?

UPSC Mains 2025 day 4 session 2 exam is being held for paper B English, which is a qualifying paper. The written test carries a total of 300 marks. 

August 30, 2025 | 02:09 PM IST

UPSC CSE Mains 2025: Day 4 shift 2 begins shortly

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting day 4 of the Civil Services Examination (Main) examination 2025 today, August 30. The exam is being held in two shifts and the afternoon session will start from 2:30 pm. Entry at exam hall has already started. 

UPSC CSE Mains 2025 day 4 shift 2 exam updatesUPSC CSE Mains 2025 day 4 shift 2 exam entry begins. (Image: Careers360)

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