UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025, Download PDF for Paper 1 & 2

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 concluded with the highly decisive Optional Papers (Paper VI and VII). These two papers, each carrying 250 marks, together account for 500 marks in the final merit list. Unlike the General Studies papers, the optional subject gives aspirants an opportunity to demonstrate in-depth subject knowledge and gain an edge over competitors.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025

The UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 are crucial for aspirants since they carry 500 marks (Paper I & II) and play a decisive role in final selection. Below is a subject-wise overview of all the optional papers in short 2–3 line summaries.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 PDF Download Link

Below is a suggested table to list all optional subjects along with links to their Paper 1 and Paper 2 PDFs for Mains 2025. Download these pdf based on your optional subject and practice it for upcoming exam.

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 Download All PDF Official

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025

General Studies	General Studies Paper – I (1.75 MB)  General Studies Paper – II (2.36 MB)  General Studies Paper – III (2.72 MB)  General Studies Paper – IV (6.84 MB)
General	Essay (977.44 KB)
Optional	Agriculture Paper- I (2.32 MB)  Agriculture Paper- II (2.17 MB)  Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper- I (2.57 MB)  Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper- I (2.1 MB)  Anthropology Paper – I (1.77 MB)  Anthropology Paper – II (1.9 MB)  Botany Paper – I (2.55 MB)  Botany Paper – II (1.79 MB)  Chemistry Paper – I (6.34 MB)  Chemistry Paper – II (4.8 MB)  Civil Engineering Paper – I (8.32 MB)  Civil Engineering Paper – II (4.96 MB)  Commerce and Accountancy Paper – I (4.6 MB)  Commerce and Accountancy Paper – II (1.96 MB)  Economics Paper – I (2.78 MB)  Economics Paper – II (1.96 MB)  Electrical Engineering Paper – I (6.6 MB)  Electrical Engineering Paper – II (5.12 MB)  Geography Paper – I (1.77 MB)  Geography Paper – II (3.05 MB)  Geology Paper – I (2.04 MB)  Geology Paper – II (2.26 MB)  History Paper – I (2.83 MB)  History Paper – II (2.37 MB)  Law Paper – I (2.99 MB)  Law Paper – II (2.53 MB)  Management Paper – I (3.99 MB)  Management Paper – II (7.32 MB)  Mathematics Paper – I (4.23 MB)  Mathematics Paper – II (3.72 MB)  Mechanical Engineering Paper – I (7.61 MB)  Mechanical Engineering Paper – II (8.25 MB)  Medical Science Paper – I (4.41 MB)  Medical Science Paper – II (2.67 MB)  Philosophy Paper – I (2.19 MB)  Philosophy Paper – II (1.93 MB)  Physics Paper – I (3.78 MB)  Physics Paper – II (2.52 MB)  Political Science and International Relation Paper – I (2.03 MB)  Political Science and International Relation Paper – II (2.3 MB)  Psychology Paper – I (2.32 MB)  Psychology Paper – II (1.72 MB)  Public Administration PAper – I (2.02 MB)  Public Administration PAper – II (1.8 MB)  Sociology Paper – I (2.21 MB)  Sociology Paper – II (1.95 MB)  Statistics Paper – I (4.65 MB)  Statistics Paper – II (4.38 MB)  Zoology Paper – I (1.54 MB)  Zoology Paper – II (1.64 MB)
Optional Literature	Assamese Literature Paper – I (1.08 MB)  Assamese Literature Paper – II (1.05 MB)  Bodo Literature Paper – I (1.06 MB)  Bodo Literature Paper – II (1022.7 KB)  English Literature Paper – I (1.52 MB)  English Literature Paper – II (1.27 MB)  Gujarati Literature Paper – I (1.21 MB)  Gujarati Literature Paper – II (1.09 MB)  Hindi Literature Paper – I (1.42 MB)  Hindi Literature Paper – II (1.94 MB)  Kannada Literature Paper – I (1.31 MB)  Kannada Literature Paper – II (1.4 MB)  Kashmiri Literature Paper – I (2.02 MB)  Kashmiri Literature Paper – II (2.63 MB)  Maithili Literature Paper – I (1.08 MB)  Maithili Literature Paper – II (1.17 MB)  Malayalam Literature Paper – I (1.88 MB)  Malayalam Literature Paper – II (2.38 MB)  Manipuri Literature Paper – I (1.12 MB)  Manipuri Literature Paper – II (1.12 MB)  Marathi Literature Paper – I (1.2 MB)  Marathi Literature Paper – II (1.02 MB)  Punjabi Literature Paper- I (1.67 MB)  Punjabi Literature Paper- II (2.64 MB)  Sanskrit Literature Paper – I (2 MB)  Sanskrit Literature Paper – II (1.2 MB)  Sindhi (Devnagari) Literature Paper – I (1.07 MB)  Sindhi (Devnagari) Literature Paper – II (1.18 MB)  Tamil Literature Paper – I (1.44 MB)  Tamil Literature Paper – II (1.61 MB)  Telugu Literature Paper – I (1.25 MB)  Telugu Literature Paper – II (2 MB)  Urdu Literature Paper – I (1.15 MB)  Urdu Literature Paper – II (1.74 MB)
Compulsory	Assamese (Compulsory) (3.22 MB)  Bengali (Compulsory) (3.15 MB)  Bodo (Compulsory) (2.91 MB)  English (Compulsory) (5.67 MB)  Gujarati (Compulsory) (2.93 MB)  Hindi (Compulsory) (4.81 MB)  Kannada (Compulsory) (3.89 MB)  Kashimiri (Compulsory) (3.92 MB)  Maithili (Compulsory) (2.81 MB)  Malayalam (Compulsory) (4.98 MB)  Marathi (Compulsory) (4.75 MB)  Nepali (Compulsory) (2.92 MB)  Odia Compulsory) (3.54 MB)  Punjabi (Compulsory) (3.23 MB)  Sanskrit (Compulsory) (2.56 MB)  Sindhi (Devanagari) (Compulsory) (2.66 MB)  Tamil (Compulsory) (5.94 MB)  Telugu (Compulsory) (3.36 MB)  Urdu (Compulsory) (2.52 MB)

UPSC Mains Agriculture Optional Paper 2025

Agriculture is chosen by candidates with a background in agricultural sciences and rural studies.

• Paper I covers crop production, soil science, and agronomy.

• Paper II focuses on plant breeding, horticulture, and agricultural economics.

• In 2025, the paper emphasized sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and food security.
  👉 [Download Agriculture Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Agriculture Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Paper 2025

This optional is opted for by veterinary graduates and candidates interested in livestock studies.

• Paper I deals with animal nutrition, breeding, and physiology.

• Paper II covers animal diseases, livestock production, and public health.

• The 2025 paper highlighted dairy development, zoonotic diseases, and livestock management.
  👉 [Download AH&VS Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download AH&VS Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional Paper 2025

Anthropology has become one of the most popular optionals due to its short syllabus and scoring potential.

• Paper I includes socio-cultural anthropology, human evolution, and genetics.

• Paper II deals with Indian society, tribal issues, caste, and kinship.

• The 2025 exam focused on tribal rights, globalization, and applied anthropology.
  👉 [Download Anthropology Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Anthropology Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Botany Optional Paper 2025

Botany optional is selected by candidates with a life sciences background.

• Paper I includes plant anatomy, physiology, and genetics.

• Paper II covers ecology, economic botany, and plant diseases.

• The 2025 paper emphasized plant biotechnology and climate change.
  👉 [Download Botany Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Botany Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Chemistry Optional Paper 2025

Chemistry is opted for by science graduates.

• Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

• Paper II includes organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

• The 2025 exam stressed green chemistry, nanotechnology, and catalysis.
  👉 [Download Chemistry Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Chemistry Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Civil Engineering Optional Paper 2025

Civil Engineering is a technical optional chosen by engineering graduates.

• Paper I focuses on structural engineering, fluid mechanics, and materials.

• Paper II deals with construction, water resources, and transportation.

• The 2025 paper highlighted urban planning, smart cities, and disaster resilience.
  👉 [Download Civil Engg Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Civil Engg Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Commerce and Accountancy Optional Paper 2025

Commerce is preferred by aspirants with a commerce or finance background.

• Paper I includes accounting, auditing, and cost accounting.

• Paper II covers business finance, financial management, and markets.

• In 2025, the paper emphasized GST reforms, IFRS, and digital economy.
  👉 [Download Commerce Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Commerce Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Economics Optional Paper 2025

Economics is an analytical and conceptual optional.

• Paper I covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics.

• Paper II focuses on Indian economy, planning, and reforms.

• The 2025 paper highlighted financial sector reforms, unemployment, and WTO issues.
  👉 [Download Economics Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Economics Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Electrical Engineering Optional Paper 2025

Electrical engineering is technical but highly scoring for engineers.

• Paper I deals with circuits, signals, and electronics.

• Paper II covers power systems, control systems, and communication.

• The 2025 paper emphasized renewable energy, smart grids, and AI integration.
  👉 [Download Electrical Engg Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Electrical Engg Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Geography Optional Paper 2025

Geography is one of the most popular optionals.

• Paper I focuses on physical geography, climatology, and geomorphology.

• Paper II covers Indian geography, economic geography, and resource studies.

• The 2025 paper gave weight to urbanization, sustainable development, and environment.
  👉 [Download Geography Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Geography Paper II PDF]

Also Read: UPSC Optional Geography Syllabus

UPSC Mains Geology Optional Paper 2025

Geology is opted for by earth science graduates.

• Paper I includes mineralogy, petrology, and paleontology.

• Paper II focuses on economic geology, hydrogeology, and engineering geology.

• The 2025 exam covered climate change, resource distribution, and earthquake studies.
  👉 [Download Geology Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Geology Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains History Optional Paper 2025

History remains evergreen among humanities students.

• Paper I covers Ancient and Medieval India.

• Paper II focuses on Modern India and World History.

• The 2025 exam emphasized freedom struggle, socio-economic history, and cultural aspects.
  👉 [Download History Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download History Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Law Optional Paper 2025

Law is chosen by law graduates and aspirants preparing for judiciary services.

• Paper I includes constitutional law, jurisprudence, and international law.

• Paper II covers administrative law, criminal law, and contract law.

• The 2025 exam highlighted fundamental rights, cyber law, and evolving jurisprudence.
  👉 [Download Law Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Law Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Management Optional Paper 2025

Management is a niche but highly rewarding optional.

• Paper I includes HRM, organizational behavior, and marketing.

• Paper II focuses on strategic management, operations, and finance.

• The 2025 exam stressed corporate governance and AI in business management.
  👉 [Download Management Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Management Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Mathematics Optional Paper 2025

Mathematics is technical and highly scoring for strong candidates.

• Paper I covers linear algebra, calculus, and ODEs.

• Paper II focuses on mechanics, numerical analysis, and statistics.

• The 2025 exam tested applied problem-solving and real-world applications.
  👉 [Download Maths Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Maths Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2025

Mechanical engineering is one of the most technical optionals.

• Paper I covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanics.

• Paper II includes design, manufacturing, and industrial engineering.

• The 2025 exam focused on robotics, AI, and renewable energy systems.
  👉 [Download Mech Engg Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Mech Engg Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Medical Science Optional Paper 2025

Medical Science is attempted by MBBS graduates.

• Paper I includes anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

• Paper II covers medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology.

• The 2025 exam emphasized public health, pandemic response, and preventive medicine.
  👉 [Download Medical Science Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Medical Science Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Philosophy Optional Paper 2025

Philosophy is concise and overlaps with Ethics.

• Paper I includes Indian philosophy, Vedanta, and Western thinkers.

• Paper II covers ethics, socio-political philosophy, and religion.

• The 2025 exam focused on modern ethics and Indian philosophical traditions.
  👉 [Download Philosophy Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Philosophy Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Physics Optional Paper 2025

Physics is technical and requires strong fundamentals.

• Paper I covers mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics.

• Paper II includes quantum mechanics, nuclear and atomic physics.

• The 2025 exam stressed quantum applications and nuclear challenges.
  👉 [Download Physics Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Physics Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) Optional Paper 2025

PSIR is one of the most opted humanities subjects.

• Paper I includes political theory, Indian political thought, and comparative politics.

• Paper II focuses on international relations and foreign policy.

• The 2025 paper gave emphasis to multipolarity, global governance, and India’s role.
  👉 [Download PSIR Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download PSIR Paper II PDF]

Also Read: UPSC Optional PSIR Syllabus

UPSC Mains Psychology Optional Paper 2025

Psychology attracts aspirants interested in human behavior.

• Paper I includes cognitive psychology, perception, and motivation.

• Paper II focuses on organizational psychology, education, and health.

• The 2025 exam tested stress, emotions, and behavioral studies.
  👉 [Download Psychology Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Psychology Paper II PDF]

Also Read: UPSC Optional Psychology Syllabus 

UPSC Mains Public Administration Optional Paper 2025

Public Administration overlaps with governance and GS-II.

• Paper I includes administrative theories and thinkers.

• Paper II covers Indian administration, reforms, and governance.

• The 2025 exam highlighted administrative ethics and e-governance.
  👉 [Download Pub Ad Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Pub Ad Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Sociology Optional Paper 2025

Sociology is among the top choices for aspirants.

• Paper I includes sociological theories and research methods.

• Paper II focuses on Indian society, caste, gender, and inequality.

• The 2025 exam highlighted digital society and social justice.
  👉 [Download Sociology Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Sociology Paper II PDF]

Also Read: UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus 2025

UPSC Mains Statistics Optional Paper 2025

Statistics is a specialized optional for math-oriented students.

• Paper I includes probability, sampling, and statistical inference.

• Paper II covers applied statistics and econometrics.

• The 2025 paper emphasized big data analytics and AI applications.
  👉 [Download Statistics Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Statistics Paper II PDF]

UPSC Mains Zoology Optional Paper 2025

Zoology is chosen by life sciences and biology students.

• Paper I includes animal physiology, genetics, and evolution.

• Paper II covers ecology, applied zoology, and animal behavior.

• The 2025 exam focused on biodiversity conservation and genetics.
  👉 [Download Zoology Paper I PDF]
  👉 [Download Zoology Paper II PDF]

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