1. Overview of Examination Stages
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) consists of three distinct stages:
Prelims: Objective type (MCQ) screening test.
Mains: Written descriptive examinations + Optional Subject.
Personality Test: Final interview stage evaluating soft skills and suitability.
2. Prelims Examination Details
General Studies Paper 1 (200 Marks / 100 Questions):
Current events (National & International)
History of India & Indian National Movement
Indian & World Geography
Indian Polity & Governance
Economic & Social Development
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
General Science & Tech
CSAT Paper 2 (200 Marks / 80 Questions):
Qualifying nature (Minimum 33% required / 67 Marks).
Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Reading Comprehension, & Basic
Numeracy (Class 10th level).
3. Mains Examination Structure
Qualifying Language Papers:
Indian Language (300 Marks) + English (300 Marks).
25% qualifying criteria required.
7 Merit Ranking Papers (250 Marks Each = 1750 Total):
Essay: 2 essays required.
General Studies I: History, Heritage, Geography, & Society.
General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, & IR.
General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity,
Environment, Security, & Disaster Management.
General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, & Aptitude.
Optional Paper 1 & 2: Candidates can choose from over 40 available optional
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) consists of three distinct stages:
Prelims: Objective type (MCQ) screening test.
Mains: Written descriptive examinations + Optional Subject.
Personality Test: Final interview stage evaluating soft skills and suitability.
2. Prelims Examination Details
General Studies Paper 1 (200 Marks / 100 Questions):
Current events (National & International)
History of India & Indian National Movement
Indian & World Geography
Indian Polity & Governance
Economic & Social Development
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change
General Science & Tech
CSAT Paper 2 (200 Marks / 80 Questions):
Qualifying nature (Minimum 33% required / 67 Marks).
Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Reading Comprehension, & Basic
Numeracy (Class 10th level).
3. Mains Examination Structure
Qualifying Language Papers:
Indian Language (300 Marks) + English (300 Marks).
25% qualifying criteria required.
7 Merit Ranking Papers (250 Marks Each = 1750 Total):
Essay: 2 essays required.
General Studies I: History, Heritage, Geography, & Society.
General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, & IR.
General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity,
Environment, Security, & Disaster Management.
General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, & Aptitude.
Optional Paper 1 & 2: Candidates can choose from over 40 available optional
