UPSC Examination Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination in three stages for recruitment to various services.
Preliminary Exam
Objective type screening test
Usually conducted in June
Main Exam
Descriptive written examination
Usually conducted in September
Personality Test
Interview/Personality Test
Usually conducted in March-May
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Type | Subjects | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science | 2 Hours | 200 |
| Paper II | CSAT | Comprehension, Logical reasoning, Analytical ability, Decision-making | 2 Hours | 200 |
* Paper II is qualifying in nature (33% minimum required). Only Paper I marks are counted for Prelims cutoff.
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 3 Hours | 300 |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 3 Hours | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 3 Hours | 250 |
| Paper II-V | General Studies I-IV | 3 Hours each | 250 each |
| Paper VI-VII | Optional Subject Papers I & II | 3 Hours each | 250 each |
| Component | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Personality Test | Interview by UPSC Board to assess mental caliber, critical thinking, leadership qualities | 275 |
Total Marks Calculation
Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025
* The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in Mains and Interview.
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
Paper I - General Studies
- • 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
- • General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
- • General Science
Paper II - CSAT
- • Comprehension
- • Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- • Decision-making and problem-solving
- • General mental ability
- • Basic numeracy and data interpretation
Note: CSAT is qualifying in nature with minimum 33% required. Only Paper I marks are considered for Prelims cutoff.
Main Examination Syllabus
Qualifying Papers
Paper A - Indian Language
One of the Indian languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution
Paper B - English
English language skills including comprehension, precis writing, translation
* Both papers are qualifying in nature (minimum 25% required in each). Marks not counted in final merit.
Essay Paper
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
General Studies Papers
Paper I - Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography
- • Indian culture, art forms, literature
- • Modern Indian history, freedom struggle
- • World history, industrialization, colonization
- • Indian and World Geography
Paper II - Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice
- • Indian Constitution, political system
- • Federalism, decentralization
- • Parliament, State legislatures
- • Welfare schemes, social sector initiatives
Paper III - Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security
- • Indian Economy and issues of planning, mobilization of resources
- • Inclusive growth and sustainable development
- • Government budgeting, fiscal policy
- • Agriculture, food processing and related industries
- • Science and technology developments and applications
- • Disaster management, environmental ecology
- • Internal security challenges, cyber security
- • Border management, organized crime
Paper IV - Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
- • Ethics and human interface: Essence, determinants
- • Human values - lessons from lives of great leaders
- • Attitude: Content, structure, function and influence
- • Aptitude and foundational values for civil service
- • Emotional intelligence concepts and utilities
- • Public/Civil service values and ethics in governance
- • Probity in governance: Concept of public service
- • Case studies on ethical issues and dilemmas
Note: Paper IV focuses on application of ethics in governance through case studies (125 marks).
Optional Subject Papers
Candidates may choose any one optional subject from the following list:
Literature Subjects
- Assamese
- Bengali
- English
- Hindi
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
Other Subjects
- Agriculture
- History
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Psychology
Preparation Strategy
Study Plan
- Create realistic timetable
- Divide syllabus into phases
- Regular revision cycles
- Mock tests every weekend
Resources
- NCERT books (Class 6-12)
- Standard reference books
- Current affairs magazines
- Previous years' papers
Answer Writing
- Practice daily answer writing
- Focus on structure & presentation
- Time management
- Get answers evaluated