The Union Public Service Commission examination is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India, attracting thousands of aspirants each year. Designed to select the brightest minds for India’s administrative machinery, the exam evaluates candidates through a comprehensive, multi-stage process. The UPSC exam pattern is structured to assess not just the academic knowledge of the candidates but also their analytical abilities, decision-making skills, and overall suitability for a career in civil services. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most capable individuals are chosen to serve the nation.
IAS Exam Pattern 2024
As per the official notification for UPSC CSE 2024, below are the details provided for the latest exam pattern.
| Exam Pattern | Prelims | Mains |
| Exam Mode | Offline | Offline |
| Exam Pattern | 2 papers of 2 hours each | 9 papers 3 hours each |
| Type of Paper | Objective | Descriptive |
| Type of Questions | MCQ’s | Descriptive |
| Total number of questions | CSAT: 80 questionsGS: 100 questions | Usually, 20 questions per paper |
| Total Marks | 400 | 1750 |
| Marking Scheme | +2 for correct answer, negative marking of 1/3 of 2 marks | No negative marking |
The selection process for UPSC CSE is an elaborate process comprising three stages, that are:
Prelims
- Total Marks: The total marks for both papers are 400, divided into 200 each.
- Nature of the paper: The UPSC Preliminary examination consists of 2 papers- General Studies and CSAT. Both papers are objective.
- Duration: A total of 120 minutes ( 2 hours) is allotted to complete each paper.
Mains
- Total Marks: In total, there are 9 papers in the UPSC Mains Examination. Overall the total marks for the 9 papers is 1750.
- Nature: The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers and all are descriptive.
- Duration: The duration allotted to each paper is 3 hours.
Interview
- Nature of questions: The Interview consists of questions related to the candidate’s personal details, educational background, current affairs, and social and political events.
- Total marks: The Interview comprises a of total 275 marks.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
The UPSC Prelims exam is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. It screens candidates for the Main exam. The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers, both of which are mandatory.
| Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Syllabus | Nature of Paper |
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Current events, History of India, Indian National Movement, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environmental Ecology, General Science | Marks counted for cut-off |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, Problem Solving, General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, Data Interpretation | Qualifying (33% required to pass) |
General Studies Paper I
- Marks: 200 marks.
- Questions: 100 questions.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Syllabus: Includes current events, history of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science.
- Significance: The marks obtained in this paper determine the cut-off for the Main exam.
General Studies Paper II (CSAT – Civil Services Aptitude Test):
- Marks: 200 marks.
- Questions: 80 questions.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Syllabus: Includes comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and data interpretation (up to Class X level).
- Significance: This paper is qualifying; candidates need to score a minimum of 33% (66 marks) to qualify.
Key Points:
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty for wrong answers in both papers. A penalty will deduct 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question.
- Language: Both papers are available in Hindi and English.
- Qualifying Nature: The cut-off considers only the marks obtained in General Studies Paper I. General Studies Paper II is qualifying in nature.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern
The UPSC counts seven out of the nine papers in the Mains Exam for merit ranking, while two are qualifying in nature.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Nature of Paper |
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying (must score 25%) |
| Paper B | English | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying (must score 25%) |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | 3 hours | Marks counted for merit |
Paper A – Indian Language:
- Marks: 300
- Duration: 3 hours
- Nature: Qualifying paper; candidates must score at least 25% to pass.
- Note: Candidates can choose any one of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Paper B – English:
- Marks: 300
- Duration: 3 hours
- Nature: Qualifying paper; candidates must score at least 25% to pass.
- Note: English is a compulsory paper.
Paper I – Essay:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
Paper II – General Studies I:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Syllabus: Covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
Paper III – General Studies II:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Syllabus: Covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
Paper IV – General Studies III:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Syllabus: Covers Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
Paper V – General Studies IV:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Syllabus: Covers Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
Paper VI – Optional Subject Paper I:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
- Note: Candidates choose one optional subject from a list of subjects.
Paper VII – Optional Subject Paper II:
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Nature: This paper’s marks count for merit.
- Note: This is the second paper of the optional subject chosen by the candidate.
Key Points:
- Total Marks for Merit: 1750 marks (from Papers I to VII).
- Interview/Personality Test: After qualifying the Mains, candidates are called for an Interview, which carries 275 marks.
- Grand Total: 2025 marks (1750 from Mains + 275 from Interview).
UPSC Interview/Personality Test Pattern
- Marks: 275 marks.
- Nature: The interview is designed to assess the candidate’s overall personality, not just their knowledge. It evaluates qualities such as mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, the ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
- Panel: The interview is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers. Each candidate is interviewed by the board, which assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service.
- Language: Candidates have the option to answer questions in either English or any other language mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Focus Areas: The board will pose questions on matters of general interest to assess the candidate’s overall outlook and suitability for civil services. The questions may pertain to the candidate’s academic background, work experience (if any), hobbies, current events, or issues of national and international importance.
Key Points:
- No Syllabus: Unlike the written exams, the interview does not have a specific syllabus. The candidate’s presence of mind, communication skills, and general awareness are tested.
- Final Ranking: The marks obtained in the interview are added to the marks from the Mains examination (out of 1750). The combined total (out of 2025) determines the candidate’s final ranking in the Civil Services Examination.
- Preparation: Candidates are advised to prepare by staying updated on current affairs, revising their optional subject, and practicing interview skills, such as clear communication and maintaining a balanced perspective on various issues.