UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
- In UPSC Prelims Exam, there are 2 papers – GS Paper and CSAT Paper.
- There will be 100 questions in GS paper with 2 marks for each question and there will be a negative marking of 1/3rd or 0.66 marks.
- There will be 80 questions in the CSAT paper contains with 2.5 marks for each question with 1/3rd or 0.83 marks of negative marking.
- No marks will be deducted for questions that you choose to leave unanswered.
| UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern | |||
| Subjects | No. of questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| GS Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| GS Paper II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total | 180 | 400 | 4 hours |
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern
The UPSC Mains paper pattern is the core evaluation phase, comprising a mix of compulsory and optional papers. It includes language papers, essay writing, general studies papers, and optional subject papers. This stage delves deep into a candidate’s understanding of subjects, their ability to articulate ideas, and their analytical prowess.
The written examination consists of 9 papers out of which 2 papers are qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in the remaining 7 papers and the interview test together are considered for making the final merit.
| Paper Name | Time Duration | Total Marks | Nature of Paper |
| Paper A – Compulsory Indian Language Paper | 3 hours | 300 | Qualifying in nature |
| Paper B – English Language Paper | 3 hours | 300 | |
| Paper I – Essay | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper II – General Studies I | 3 hours | 250 | |
| Paper III – General Studies II | 3 hours | 250 | |
| Paper IV – General Studies III | 3 hours | 250 | |
| Paper V – General Studies IV | 3 hours | 250 | |
| Paper VI – Optional Paper I | 3 hours | 250 | |
| Paper VII – Optional Paper II | 3 hours | 250 | |
| Total | – | 1750 | – |
| Interview/ Personality Test | – | 275 | – |
| Grand Total | – | 2025 | – |
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