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UPSC Civil Services

UPSC Exam Pattern

For Prelims, Mains & Interview

UPSC Civil Services Examination, also known as IAS Exam, is a three-stage examination consisting of Prelims, Mains and Interview.

01

Phase one

UPSC Exam Pattern for IAS Preliminary Examination

Paper I (General Studies) determines selection for Mains, while CSAT is qualifying. There is one-third negative marking for every wrong answer.

Paper Questions Marks Time Nature
Paper I
General Studies (Objective)
 100 200 2 hours Score considered for Cut-off
Paper II
CSAT (Objective)
 80 200 2 hours Qualifying — 33% needed

Key points for Prelims

  • 1

    Both exams are mandatory; CSAT requires a 33% minimum.

  • 2

    Prelims score doesn't add to the final rank.

  • 3

    Bilingual question paper — Hindi and English.

  • 4

    Negative marking: one-third deduction per incorrect answer.

02

Phase two

UPSC Exam Pattern For IAS Main Examination

Mains has qualifying and merit-ranking papers. Papers A & B are qualifying and not counted toward the rank.

Paper Subject Duration Marks Nature Type
Paper A Compulsory Indian Language 3 hrs 300 Qualifying Descriptive
Paper B English 3 hrs 300 Qualifying Descriptive
Paper I Essay 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive
Paper II General Studies I 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive
Paper III General Studies II 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive
Paper IV General Studies III 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive
Paper V General Studies IV 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive
Paper VI Optional I 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive
Paper VII Optional II 3 hrs 250 Merit Descriptive

Key points for Mains

  • 1

    Non-language papers determine the rank — 1,750 total marks.

  • 2

    A minimum of 25% is required per merit paper.

  • 3

    Answers are written on the provided sheets only.