UPSC Exam Pattern: A Comprehensive Guide to Prelims, Mains & Interview
Get the complete, updated UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) pattern for 2025-26. A detailed guide for aspirants in India on the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.
UPSC Exam Pattern (Prelims & Mains): Govt Results Info
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE), popularly known as the IAS exam, is one of the most challenging and prestigious competitive exams in India. For aspirants from Mumbai, Delhi, and across the nation, a thorough understanding of the UPSC exam pattern is the first step towards a successful strategy. This guide from GovtResultsInfo.com provides a clear, stage-wise breakdown of the entire process.
The UPSC CSE is a three-stage examination:
- Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective MCQs)
- Stage II: Main Examination (Descriptive Written Test)
- Stage III: Personality Test (Interview)
Stage I: UPSC Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Prelims is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main examination. The marks obtained in this stage are not counted for the final merit list, but candidates must clear the cut-off to proceed.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Nature of Paper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Merit Ranking |
| Paper II | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours | Qualifying (33% required) |
Key Points: Both papers are objective (Multiple Choice Questions). There is a negative marking of 1/3rd (one-third) of the marks for each incorrect answer.
Stage II: UPSC Main Exam Pattern
The Main examination is the core of the selection process. It is a descriptive, written exam designed to assess the depth of a candidate's knowledge. The marks obtained here are crucial for the final ranking.
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Papers (Marks not counted for merit) | ||||
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | 300 | 3 Hours | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | 3 Hours | Qualifying |
| Papers Counted for Merit (Total 1750 Marks) | ||||
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations) | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management) | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject - Paper 1 | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject - Paper 2 | 250 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Stage III: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear the Main examination cut-off are summoned for the Personality Test, or Interview. This is the final stage of the selection process.
- The interview is conducted by the UPSC board in New Delhi.
- It is designed to assess a candidate's mental alertness, critical thinking, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in the civil services.
- The Personality Test carries a maximum of 275 marks.
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the Main Examination (1750 marks) and the Personality Test (275 marks), for a grand total of 2025 marks.