MAIN

In the UPSC Prelims exam pattern, there are two papers – GS paper 1 and CSAT. Each paper consists of objective-type questions. The negative marking pattern for both papers is as follows:

For each incorrect answer, there is a penalty of 1/3rd of the assigned marks to that question.
If a candidate provides multiple answers to a single question, even if one of the given answers is correct, it will still be considered an incorrect response. In such cases, the same penalty as mentioned above will apply to that particular question.
Unattempted questions do not have any penalty.

UMANG

STUDENT

NEW

he final stage, the UPSC Interview or Personality Test, is where aspirants’ personalities are evaluated. A panel of experts assesses qualities such as mental alertness, clear and logical exposition, critical powers of assimilation, balance of judgement, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity. The number of candidates selected for the Interview will be around twice the number of vacancies to be filled. This stage aims to determine the candidate’s suitability for the dynamic and diverse responsibilities of civil services. The interview process typically follows a structured pattern:

Duration: The interview usually lasts for about 20-30 minutes.
Panel: The interview is conducted by a panel of experts, including experienced bureaucrats, academicians, and subject-matter specialists.
Venue: The interviews are usually conducted at the UPSC office in New Delhi.

SHUBHAM

STUDENT

MAINS

MAINS

UPSC Exam Pattern for Mains

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	Qualifying in nature
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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