UPSC Civil Services Examination - Detailed Guide
Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims) - Objective type (MCQ)
2. Mains Examination (Mains) - Descriptive written examination
3. Interview (Personality Test)
Final merit is based on Mains and Interview marks. Prelims is qualifying in nature.
1. Preliminary Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Papers:
- General Studies Paper I: 200 marks, 2 hours
- CSAT (General Studies Paper II): 200 marks, 2 hours (Qualifying, need 33%)
Syllabus:
GS Paper I:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
CSAT Paper II:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation
UPSC Civil Services Examination - Detailed Guide
2. Mains Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Total of 9 Papers:
2 Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
- Paper B: English (300 marks)
7 Papers for Merit:
- Essay (250 marks)
- GS I (250 marks): Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography
- GS II (250 marks): Polity, Governance, IR
- GS III (250 marks): Economy, Environment, S&T, Security
- GS IV (250 marks): Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
- Optional Paper I & II (250 + 250 marks): Chosen subject
Total for Mains: 1750 marks
3. Interview (Personality Test)
- Marks: 275
- Tests personality, leadership, integrity, awareness
- Final score: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025
Types of Questions Asked
Prelims:
- MCQs, Assertion-Reason, Matching, Map-based
Mains:
- Essay-type answers (10-15-20 marks)
- Case studies in Ethics
- Analytical and opinion-based questions
UPSC Civil Services Examination - Detailed Guide
Interview:
- Background, hobbies, current affairs
- Decision-making and ethical questions