UPSC Exam Pattern —
Prelims, Mains & Interview
A complete breakdown of the 3-stage UPSC Civil Services Examination — marking scheme, paper structure, time duration and selection process. Updated for 2026.
Plan of Examination
Overview 3 Stages
The Civil Services Examination comprises two successive stages, followed by a Personality Test. Together, Mains written marks and Interview marks determine the final ranking.
- Stage 1 — Prelims: Objective screening test. Marks not counted in final merit.
- Stage 2 — Mains: Written examination (essay type). Marks counted for final ranking.
- Stage 3 — Interview: Personality test. Marks counted for final ranking.
- Candidates shortlisted for Mains are approximately 12–13 times the total vacancies.
- Candidates summoned for Interview are approximately twice the number of vacancies.
Stage 1 — Preliminary Examination
Screening OnlyPrelims 400 Marks
Prelims is a screening test only. Marks secured here are not counted in the final merit list.
- Consists of two papers of objective type — 200 marks each.
- GS Paper I — General Studies — merit paper.
- GS Paper II (CSAT) — Civil Services Aptitude Test — qualifying in nature; candidate must secure minimum 33% marks.
- Duration: 2 hours per paper.
- Negative marking: 1/3rd of marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Medium: Bilingual (Hindi & English).
Stage 2 — Civil Services Mains Examination
1750 MarksMains — Written Examination 9 Papers
The Mains exam tests the candidate’s academic talent and ability to present understanding in a time-bound manner.
- Consists of 9 papers of conventional essay type.
- 2 qualifying papers (Indian Language & English) — marks not counted for ranking; minimum 25% required in each.
- Papers I to VII counted for merit ranking.
- Duration: 3 hours per paper.
- Candidates can answer in any language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution or in English (except language papers).
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | ⚠ Compulsory Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper B | ⚠ English Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I — Indian Heritage, Culture, History & Geography | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II — Governance, Polity, Social Justice & IR | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III — Technology, Economy, Environment, Security | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV — Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject — Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject — Paper 2 | 250 |
| Sub Total — Written Test (Papers I–VII) | 1750 | |
⚠ Paper A & B are qualifying papers — marks are not counted for merit ranking.
Stage 3 — Interview / Personality Test
275 MarksInterview / Personality Test 275 Marks
The Interview assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service — not just knowledge, but personality, communication, judgment and leadership potential.
- Carries 275 marks with no minimum qualifying marks.
- Candidates who obtain minimum marks fixed by UPSC in the Mains written part are summoned.
- Number summoned for interview: approximately twice the number of vacancies.
- Marks obtained in Interview + Mains written part determine final ranking.
Final Ranking & Selection
How the Final Rank is Determined 2025 Total
The final ranking is based on the combined marks of the Mains written test and Interview.
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mains Written Test (Papers I–VII) | 1750 |
| Interview / Personality Test | 275 |
| 🏆 Grand Total | 2025 |
- Candidates are allotted to various services based on their rank and preferences expressed for the various Services and posts.
- Prelims marks are not included in final ranking under any circumstance.
Start Preparing
Learn better, together
on Telegram
Daily notes, answer writing practice, essay topics & current affairs — free, every day.
Start practising with free tests now
UPSC-level Prelims tests — mapped to the syllabus, free always