Start free
‹ All posts Mains strategy · 20 Oct 2026

The four levels of a Mains GS paper

  1. 20 questions
  2. 70 subparts
  3. 350 points
  4. 120 substantiations

Most aspirants prepare for level 1. Marks are decided at levels 2 to 4: finding every subpart, filling it with points, and substantiating them with 3D4C (data, diagram, definition; codification, Constitution, committees and cases, conclusion).

Mains 3D4C, diagrams: practise drawing the map of India in 52 seconds

From the acads IAS Telegram channel. Join t.me/acadsCSE for more.

Read next

Mains strategy

Before any test series, solve the PYQs

There is no test better than a CSE PYQ. For each GS paper, solve at least two in exam conditions.

Mains strategy

Five messages for the last weeks before Mains

Mains tests your analytical ability, not rote learning. Every new current affair will shake you. Here is what to hold on to.

Mains strategy

GS 4 Ethics: be algorithmic, not inspired

Ethics is on the third day, in the second half, when you are exhausted. Don’t rely on your conscience or creativity.