Question 1

Is the UPSC Mains mock test on TestCrux really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every UPSC Mains mock test on TestCrux is 100% free — no paywall, no trial expiry, and no credit-card required. Sign up with your phone number or email to save attempts, view topic-wise analytics, and track your percentile across cycles.

Question 2

What is the UPSC Mains exam pattern for 2026?

Accepted Answer

UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 is a offline pen-and-paper test with 0 questions for a total of 1750 marks, conducted over 180 hours. The paper is divided into 9 sections — Paper A — Compulsory Indian Language (qualifying), Paper B — English (qualifying), Paper I — Essay, Paper II — GS I (History, Geography, Society), Paper III — GS II (Polity, Governance, IR), Paper IV — GS III (Economy, Environment, Security), Paper V — GS IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude), Paper VI — Optional I, Paper VII — Optional II. Marking scheme: Descriptive — examiner scored; no negative marking.

Question 3

Is there negative marking in UPSC Mains?

Accepted Answer

No, UPSC Mains does not have negative marking. You can attempt every question without penalty, which is also how our free mock tests are scored.

Question 4

Can I take the UPSC Mains mock test in Hindi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TestCrux offers UPSC Mains mock tests in English and Hindi. You can toggle the question language mid-test without losing any of your answers — exactly like the real CBT interface used by NTA, SSC and IBPS.

Question 5

What is the age limit for UPSC Mains?

Accepted Answer

Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of the notification's cut-off date. Age relaxation applies per the official notification for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and other reserved categories.

Question 6

What is the educational qualification required for UPSC Mains?

Accepted Answer

To appear for UPSC Civil Services Mains, a candidate typically needs: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Final-year students are usually allowed to appear provisionally — refer to the official Union Public Service Commission for the exact cut-off.

Question 7

When will UPSC Mains 2026 be conducted?

Accepted Answer

The next UPSC Mains exam is scheduled for 18 Sept 2026. Union Public Service Commission publishes the detailed date sheet in the official notification. TestCrux updates this page as soon as the schedule is revised — bookmark it to stay current.

Question 8

What is the UPSC Mains application fee?

Accepted Answer

The UPSC Mains application fee for the general category is ₹200. Free for SC/ST/PwD/Women

Question 9

How should I prepare for UPSC Mains with TestCrux?

Accepted Answer

Start with one full-length UPSC Mains mock test on TestCrux to get a baseline score and percentile. Review the topic-wise heatmap to find your weakest chapters, then take 10-15 sectional tests focused on those topics. Finish with 3-4 more full-length mocks in the two weeks before the exam to build stamina. Every attempt gives you time-per-question analytics so you can fix pacing issues before the real exam.

Question 10

Who conducts UPSC Mains?

Accepted Answer

UPSC Civil Services Mains is conducted by Union Public Service Commission. The official notification, answer keys and result are published on https://upsc.gov.in. TestCrux builds its mock tests against the latest official pattern from Union Public Service Commission so your practice always matches what you'll see on exam day.

Section	Qs	Marks	Time
Paper A — Compulsory Indian Language (qualifying)	—	300	180 min
Paper B — English (qualifying)	—	300	180 min
Paper I — Essay	—	250	180 min
Paper II — GS I (History, Geography, Society)	—	250	180 min
Paper III — GS II (Polity, Governance, IR)	—	250	180 min
Paper IV — GS III (Economy, Environment, Security)	—	250	180 min
Paper V — GS IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)	—	250	180 min
Paper VI — Optional I	—	250	180 min
Paper VII — Optional II	—	250	180 min

UPSC Civil Services Mains

About UPSC Mains

Eligibility

Exam Pattern

Syllabus Outline

General Studies (Papers II–V)

Essay Paper

Optional Subjects

Application Fee

Selection Process

Final merit determination

Official Resources

Practice for UPSC Mains

Take a free UPSC Mains mock test

UPSC Mains — Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC Prelims

UPSC NDA

UPSC CAPF

UPSC CDS