- CSE Mains is also an offline exam.
- Each paper of the mains examination will carries 250 marks.
- Each paper is for 3 hours. 30 minutes are given extra to blind students.
- CSE Mains exam has 9 papers among which there are 2 qualifying papers, 4 general studies papers, and 2 optional papers, and 1 essay paper.
- Questions will be subjective in nature. They will be given in both Hindi and English language.
| Papers | Marks Allotted |
| Essay writing | 250 Marks |
| General Studies–I Indian Heritage and Culture, Indian and World History, Geography of the WorldSociety | 250 Marks |
| General Studies –II Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice,International relations | 250 Marks |
| General Studies –III Technology, Economic Development, Environment and Biodiversity,Security,Disaster Management | 250 Marks |
| General Studies –IV Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude | 250 Marks |
| Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 Marks |
| Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 Marks |
| Sub Total in the written Test | 1750 Marks |
| Personal Interview | 275 Marks |
| Grand Total (for merit calculation) | 2025 Marks |
