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Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English) in UPSC Mains are often called “qualifying papers,” but that doesn’t mean they can be taken lightly. Every year, even high scorers in GS and Optional fail the Mains just because they didn’t clear these two 300-mark papers.
So the question arises:
"How much time should I really dedicate to Paper A and B?"
Let’s break this down realistically and efficiently.
Both Paper A and Paper B test your basic language proficiency—not your mastery or creativity. You are expected to:
Write short essays
Translate passages
Write précis
Answer grammar and comprehension questions
How Much Time to Devote: The Smart Rule
|
Background |
Ideal Time for Paper A |
Ideal Time for Paper B |
|---|---|---|
|
Fluent in both languages |
1–2 hours/week for 4–6 weeks |
1–2 hours/week for 3–4 weeks |
|
Comfortable but rusty |
2 hours/week for 6–8 weeks |
2 hours/week for 5–6 weeks |
|
Weak in writing/grammar |
30–45 minutes daily for 2 months |
30–45 minutes daily for 1.5 months |
Minimum Marks to Qualify: 75/300 in each paper (25%)
That means, in most cases, around 20–30 hours per paper is sufficient for solid preparation.
How to Plan Preparation Efficiently
Go through 3–5 previous year papers
Read the instructions, types of essays, précis, and translation
One essay, one translation, and one précis per week
Focus on handwriting, clarity, grammar, and formatting
Revise basic grammar rules from school-level books
Attempt 2 full mock papers for both Paper A and B in UPSC format (3 hours, pen and paper)
Focus on time management and clean, structured answers
Integrate with GS Prep
Use editorials and GS content to write essays and précis.
Practice on Sundays or in gaps
Don’t waste prime GS/Optional study hours.
Use bilingual newspapers
They help with translation skills naturally.
Join a peer group
Exchange checked précis and essays for feedback once a week.
Many brilliant aspirants fail Mains only because they took these papers lightly. You don’t need to excel—just qualify. But for that, regular and strategic effort is essential.
You don’t need months for Paper A and B—but you do need consistency, smart practice, and real writing. Even 30 minutes a day, if focused, is enough to help you clear this hurdle easily and keep your dream alive.
