UPSC CSE Exam Pattern
Permanent exam information · 48 views · Verified 30 Sep 2026
UPSC CSE Exam Pattern
UPSC Civil Services Examination Pattern
Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Nature | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | Objective | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper II | Objective and qualifying | 200 | 2 hours |
General Studies Paper II is qualifying with a minimum prescribed qualifying percentage. Preliminary marks are used for screening candidates for the Main Examination and are not added to the final merit total.
Main Examination
| Paper | Nature | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Language | Qualifying | 300 |
| English | Qualifying | 300 |
| Essay | Merit | 250 |
| General Studies I | Merit | 250 |
| General Studies II | Merit | 250 |
| General Studies III | Merit | 250 |
| General Studies IV | Merit | 250 |
| Optional Paper I | Merit | 250 |
| Optional Paper II | Merit | 250 |
The seven merit-counted written papers total 1,750 marks. The Personality Test carries 275 marks, giving a final merit total of 2,025 marks.
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Last verified: 30 September 2026
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