Here's a table that outlines the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) pattern, covering both the Preliminary and Main examination stages, as well as the Interview stage: UPSC Civil Services Examination Pattern StageExamPaperSubjectMarksDurationType of QuestionsPreliminaryPaper IGeneral Studies (GS)Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Current Affairs, etc.2002 hoursObjective (Multiple Choice Questions)Paper II (CSAT)Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)Comprehension, Interpersonal skills, Logical reasoning, Decision-making, Basic numeracy, Data interpretation2002 hoursObjective (Multiple Choice Questions)MainPaper AIndian LanguageChosen Indian language from Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution3003 hoursDescriptivePaper BEnglishEnglish language skills3003 hoursDescriptivePaper IEssayEssay Writing on given topics2503 hoursDescriptivePaper IIGeneral Studies IIndian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society2503 hoursDescriptivePaper IIIGeneral Studies IIGovernance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations2503 hoursDescriptivePaper IVGeneral Studies IIITechnology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management2503 hoursDescriptivePaper VGeneral Studies IVEthics, Integrity, and Aptitude2503 hoursDescriptivePaper VIOptional Subject Paper ICandidate's chosen subject2503 hoursDescriptivePaper VIIOptional Subject Paper IICandidate's chosen subject2503 hoursDescriptiveInterviewPersonal InterviewPersonality TestAssessment of overall personality, knowledge, and suitability for a career in civil services275--Total Marks2025 Key Points: Preliminary Exam: It is a qualifying exam consisting of two papers. Paper I (General Studies) is considered for ranking, while Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature (33% qualifying marks required). Main Exam: Consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying papers (Paper A: Indian Language and Paper B: English). The marks for these qualifying papers are not considered in the final ranking. The remaining seven papers (Essay, GS I-IV, and Optional Subject Papers I & II) are evaluated for merit. Interview/Personality Test: Conducted for candidates who clear the Main exam, and the marks obtained here are added to the Main exam marks to determine the final ranking. Final Merit: Calculated out of 2025 marks (1750 marks from Main exam + 275 marks from Interview). This table provides a structured overview of the UPSC CSE exam pattern, helping candidates understand the weightage and focus areas of each stage.
