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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 on 14th August 2025 on its official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates who qualified the Prelims can download their hall ticket using their Registration ID or Roll Number. The Mains examination will be held from 22nd to 31st August 2025, with each paper conducted in two shifts, shift 1 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and shift 2 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Aspirants are advised to download the admit card early and check all details carefully to avoid last-minute issues.
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025
The UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 is one of the most awaited documents for candidates who have cleared the Prelims Exam which was scheduled on 25th May, 2025. The UPSC Mains examination is scheduled from 22nd to 31st August 2025, and the UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 has been released on 14th August, 2025. In this article, we provide a complete guide covering release dates, download link, exam timetable, exam centres, pattern, and important instructions.
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 Overview
The UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 has been released on 14th August 2025 on the official UPSC website. It is a mandatory document for entry to the examination hall and contains essential details like roll number, exam centre, and reporting time.
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 Overview | |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | Civil Services (Mains) Examination 2025 |
| UPSC Mains Admit Card Release Date | 14th August 2025 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Dates | 22nd August – 31st August 2025 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Mode | Offline with 9 Papers in five days |
| Mode of Release of UPSC Mains Admit Card | Online only |
| Credentials Required | Registration ID/Roll Number & Date of Birth |
| Status | Released |
| UPSC Mains Admit Card Download Link | www.upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 Download Link
The UPSC has provided the UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 only in online mode, and no hard copy will be sent to candidates by post. Applicants should visit the official portals regularly and log in using their credentials to access the e-admit card. Once downloaded, it is recommended to print multiple copies for safety.
Download UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 Click here [Active]
UPSC Mains Exam Date 2025 Time Table
The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 will be held over nine days, with different papers scheduled in the forenoon sessions. Candidates must strictly adhere to the timetable and reach their exam centres well in advance. The detailed schedule is as follows:
UPSC Mains Exam Date 2025 Time Table | ||
| Date | Shift 1 (09:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Shift 2 (02:30 PM – 05:30 PM) |
| 22 August 2025 (Friday) | Essay | No Paper |
| 23 August 2025 (Saturday) | General Studies Paper-I | General Studies Paper-II |
| 24 August 2025 (Sunday) | General Studies Paper-III | General Studies Paper-IV |
| 30 August 2025 (Saturday) | Paper-A: Indian Language (Assamese / Bengali / Bodo / Dogri / Gujarati / Hindi / Kannada / Kashmiri / Konkani / Maithili / Malayalam / Manipuri / Marathi / Nepali / Odia / Punjabi / Sanskrit / Santhali (Devanagari/ Olchiki Script) / Sindhi (Devanagari/ Arabic Script) / Tamil / Telugu / Urdu) | Paper-B: English |
| 31 August 2025 (Sunday) | Paper-VI: Optional Subject Paper-I (Subjects: Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce & Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science & International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, or one of the Indian Languages mentioned above) | Paper-VII: Optional Subject Paper-II (Same subjects as Paper-VI) |
Also Read: UPSC Interview 2025
How to download UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025?
Candidates can download the UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 from the official website upsc.gov.in by using their Registration ID, Roll Number, and Date of Birth. It is advisable to download and print the admit card well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
- Click on the “E-Admit Card – Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025” link.
- Choose login option: Registration ID or Roll Number.
- Enter your Date of Birth and captcha.
- Download and print 2-3 copies of the admit card.
Details Mentioned on UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025
The UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 is not just a pass to the exam hall but also a proof of your candidature. It includes all critical information such as the examination venue and personal details.
- Candidate’s Name
- Roll Number & Registration ID
- Photograph & Signature
- Examination Venue & Centre Code
- Exam Date & Timings
- Reporting Time
- Candidate’s Instructions
How to Download UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 if forget RID?
If you don’t remember your Registration ID (RID), go to the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. This kind of interface will get opened as shown in the image below. Click on the “Forgot RID” option available.
Click on “Forgot RID” option as shown in the image. Now, this kind of interface will get opened as shown in the image below. Fill the required credentials such as your name, date of birth, father’s name, and registered email ID or mobile number. Once submitted, your RID will be regenerated and displayed, which you can then use to download the admit card.
Documents to Carry Along with UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025
On the exam day, only those with valid documents will be allowed to enter the hall. The admit card must be accompanied by a government-issued photo identity proof to confirm the candidate’s identity. Carrying extra photographs is also a good practice to handle unforeseen issues.
Required documents:
- A printed copy of the UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025
- A valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Black ballpoint pens (as per UPSC guidelines)
UPSC Mains Exam Centre 2025 List
UPSC conducts the Mains examination at centres located in different cities across India. The centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-serve basis, and candidates must appear at the centre mentioned on their admit card. Below is the tentative list of centres for 2025.
| State | Exam Centres |
| Delhi | Delhi |
| Uttar Pradesh | Prayagraj, Lucknow |
| Bihar | Patna |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur |
| West Bengal | Kolkata |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Assam | Guwahati |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu, Srinagar |
Prohibited Items at UPSC Mains Exam Centre 2025
Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying any electronic or unauthorized items to the exam hall. Violation of these rules can lead to disqualification. Aspirants must carefully check the list of banned items and carry only the permitted essentials.
Restricted items include:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators
- Bluetooth devices, earphones, tablets
- Notes, books, or any written material
- Bags, wallets, or purses
- Any kind of weapon or sharp object
Also Read: UPSC Cut Off 2025
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to test a candidate’s analytical, writing, and presentation skills. It consists of nine descriptive papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025 | |||
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-A | Indian Language | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-B | English | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-VI & VII | Optional Subject (Paper 1 & 2) | 250 each | 3 Hours each |
| Total (Written) | 1750 | – | |
| Personality Test | 275 | – | |
| Grand Total | 2025 | – | |
Important Points to Remember Before Giving UPSC Mains Exam 2025
The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 is lengthy and demands strong discipline. Candidates must carefully follow exam rules and prepare themselves mentally and physically for the challenge.
- Carry a printed copy of the UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 along with a valid photo ID proof.
- Reach the exam centre at least 60 minutes before reporting time.
- Follow the dress code guidelines and avoid carrying prohibited items.
- Double-check the exam date, paper code, and shift timing mentioned on the admit card.
- Keep all stationery items like pens, pencils, and erasers ready in advance.
- Manage time wisely during the exam, allocate equal focus to all sections.
- Stay calm, hydrated, and confident throughout the exam days.
Also Read: How to Write Answers for UPSC Mains
How to Manage time in UPSC Mains Exam 2025?
Time management is the key to success in descriptive exams like UPSC Mains 2025. Writing lengthy answers within a strict time limit requires constant practice and proper planning. Candidates must allocate time per question and ensure that they attempt all questions.
Tips for time management in UPSC Mains Exam 2025
- Spend 7-8 minutes per 10-mark question
- Spend 11-12 minutes per 15-mark question
- Use structured answers with introduction, body, and conclusion
- Leave the last 15 minutes for revision
- Practice daily writing to improve speed and presentation
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 FAQs
When will UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025 be released?
It is expected around 16th-18th August 2025, about a week before the exam.
Where can I download UPSC Mains Admit Card 2025?
From upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
What if there’s an error in my admit card?
Contact UPSC immediately via helpline numbers or email (at least 3 days before the exam).
Do I need to carry original ID proof?
Yes, original photo ID proof is mandatory.
Is digital admit card on mobile acceptable?
No, only a printed copy of the admit card is allowed.
