This is because only the candidates that are able to successfully clear Phase 1, or the Prelims, are allowed to appear for the Phase 2 or Mains exam. In other words, only the candidates that are able to score above the UPSC cut-offs for the Prelims are then allowed to take the Mains exam. The Mains exam, fundamentally, is designed to test your understanding of the various subjects falling under the purview of the UPSC 2022 Mains syllabus , and it is designed to make you do so in a time-bound fashion. An important thing to note is that all the papers except for the 2 language papers included in the UPSC Mains syllabus can be written in any of the languages mentioned in Schedule 8 of the Indian Constitution. The 9 papers of UPSC Mains Exam consists of: 1 Language Paper of your choice 1 English Language Paper 1 Essay Paper 4 General Studies Papers 2 Optional Subject Papers