The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage plays a critical role in the selection process for IAS officers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus and exam pattern for each stage.
1. UPSC IAS Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims exam serves as the first stage of the selection process. It is an objective-type exam with negative marking for incorrect answers.
| Papers | Total Questions | Marks | Negative Marking | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Paper 1) | 100 | 200 | 1/3 of the assigned marks | 2 hours |
| CSAT (Paper 2) | 80 | 200 | 1/3 of the assigned marks | 2 hours |
| Total | – | 400 | – | – |
- Note: CSAT is a qualifying paper; candidates must score at least 33%
2. UPSC IAS Mains Exam Pattern
Candidates who clear the Prelims are eligible for the Mains exam, which is descriptive in nature. It comprises 9 papers, including two optional subject papers.
| Type of Paper | Paper Name | Topics/Subjects Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Paper | Paper A: Indian Language | Comprehension, Precis Writing, Usage, Vocabulary, Short Essays | 300 |
| Paper B: English | Short Essays, Passage Comprehension, Precis Writing, Grammar, Translation | 300 | |
| Merit Paper | Paper 1: Essay | Any topic of the candidate’s choice (in chosen medium) | 250 |
| Paper 2: General Studies 1 | Art and Culture, History, Geography, Society | 250 | |
| Paper 3: General Studies 2 | Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations | 250 | |
| Paper 4: General Studies 3 | Technology, Economics, Environment, Internal Security, Disaster Management | 250 | |
| Paper 5: General Studies 4 | Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude | 250 | |
| Paper 6: Optional Paper 1 | Based on the candidate’s chosen optional subject | 250 | |
| Paper 7: Optional Paper 2 | Based on the candidate’s chosen optional subject | 250 | |
| Total (Merit) | 1750 |
3. UPSC IAS Optional Subjects
Candidates must select one optional subject from a list of 48 provided by UPSC. Each optional subject comprises two papers (Paper 6 and Paper 7), each worth 250 marks.
- Popular Optional Subjects: Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, History, Anthropology, Political Science, etc.
4. Personality Test (Interview)
The final stage is the Personality Test, conducted by UPSC to assess candidates’ suitability for civil services.
Key Focus Areas:
- General knowledge from Prelims and
- Mental aptitude and
- Communication skills, ethical reasoning, and leadership
- Marks: 275
Total Marks (Mains + Interview): 2025
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the syllabus for all stages.
- Choose the Right Optional Subject: Select an optional subject that aligns with your strengths and interests.
- Current Affairs Focus: Stay updated with national and international events, especially for General Studies papers.
- Practice Answer Writing: Develop the habit of writing structured and time-bound answers for the Mains exam.
- Mock Interviews: Prepare for the Personality Test by practicing mock interviews to improve confidence and communication skills.