Stages of the Exam
| STAGE | # PAPERS | PAPER PATTERN | TOTAL MARKS |
|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 – Prelims | 1 +1* | Objective | 200 |
Stage – 2 Mains | 2*+7 | Descriptive | 1750 |
Stage – 3 Personality Test | NA | Oral | 275 |
The UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination) is a three-stage process for selecting candidates for various top administrative positions in the Indian government.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective-type test with two compulsory papers: General Studies Paper-I (GS-I) and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).
- GS-I tests knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science.
- GS-II(CSAT) tests reasoning ability, analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and basic comprehension in English language. This paper is of qualifying nature and one is expected to score a minimum of 33%.
- This stage is a screening test, only those who clear the minimum cut-off in both papers proceed to the next stage.
- The number of candidates to be admitted to the Civil Services (Main) Examination will be about twelve to thirteen times the total approximate number of vacancies to be filled in the year through this Examination.
Stage 2: Mains Examination (Mains)
- The mains examination includes 9 papers of conventional essay type out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature.
- Compulsory and common papers: Essay, General Studies I (GS-I), General Studies II (GS-II), General Studies III (GS-III),General Studies IV (GS-IV) each for 250 marks.
- Optional papers: Choose a subject from a list of subjects offered by UPSC and write two papers on it- Optional Paper I and Optional paper II each for 250 marks.
- Qualifying papers: It comprises two language papers- one being English and One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution each for 300 marks.
- This stage assesses writing skills, depth of knowledge, analytical abilities, and understanding of contemporary issues.
- The number of candidates to be summoned for the Interview/Personality Test will be about twice of the number of vacancies to be filled.
- Marks obtained for all the compulsory papers and Marks obtained in Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
- The Interview/Personality Test will carry 275 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks).
- In-depth interview will be conducted by a panel of UPSC experts.
- It assesses personality traits, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for civil service.
- This stage carries significant weightage in the final merit list.