UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern for 2024
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE),isone of the toughest exam.
It is a national competitive test conducted by the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC). This exam serves as a gateway to the
civil services positions within the Government of India, including
the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service
(IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) etc.Considering UPSC
Exam pattern aspiring candidates face a three-stage selection
process:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam: An objective-type test that screens candidates for the Civil Services (Main) Exam.
- Civil Services (Main) Exam: A written examination consisting of nine papers (two of which are qualifying) that contribute to the final merit.
- Interview/Personality Test: The final stage where candidates are evaluated for various services and posts.
Despite its reputation as a “Generalist’s” exam, the competition
is fierce. In 2020-21, over 10.5 lakh applicants appeared for
the UPSC CSE Prelims, with only a fraction making it to the
interview stage. Let’s now understand the UPSC Civil Services
Exam Pattern as per its Stages in the Examination.
Sage-I: UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern:
1. Date and Format:
- As per UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern the Prelims Exam is scheduled generally on last Sunday of May or First Sunday of June.
- It consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day via pen-paper mode.
Stage-I Prelims
| General Studies paper-I |
General Studies paper-II (CSAT) |
- Contains 100 questions.
- Carries a total of 200 marks.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Negative marking applies.
- Topics cover a wide range, including history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current affairs.
|
- Comprises 80 questions.
- Also carries 200 marks.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Negative marking is applicable.
- Focuses on comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, and decision-making skills.
|
2. Qualifying Nature:
- As per the UPSC Exam pattern the Prelims stage serves as a qualifying round to filter candidates for the Mains Exam.
- Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted toward the final merit list.
- However, candidates must prepare well, as cut-offs can be unpredictable and vary each year.
3. Minimum Qualifying Marks for Paper 2 (GS II):
- Paper 2 also known as CSAT Exam is qualifying in nature.
- Candidates need to secure a minimum of 33% marks to clear this paper.
4. Trend of last 7 years and UPSC Exam Pattern.
Exam Pattern & Trend in last 7 years
| Year |
HISTORY |
GEO. |
POLITY |
ECONOMY |
S&T |
ENV. |
CURRENT |
| 2023 |
14 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
12 |
14 |
15 |
| 2022 |
14 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
12 |
14 |
15 |
| 2021 |
10 |
10 |
11 |
16 |
14 |
17 |
17 |
| 2020 |
20 |
10 |
17 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
| 2019 |
17 |
14 |
15 |
14 |
7 |
11 |
22 |
| 2018 |
22 |
10 |
13 |
18 |
10 |
13 |
14 |
| 2017 |
14 |
9 |
22 |
16 |
9 |
15 |
15 |
sage-II: UPSC CSE Mains Exam Pattern:
1. Date and Structure:
- The Mains stage consists of nine theory papers conducted over 5-7 days.
- Only candidates who secure at least the declared cut-off in General Studies I and 33% in General Studies II in Prelims are eligible for Mains.
2. Descriptive Answer Type Questions:
- All Mains papers consist of descriptive answer type questions.
- The Mains phase is exhaustive, and the total marks directly impact the final scores.
3. Key Papers in Mains:
- Essay Paper: Tests candidates’ ability to express ideas coherently.
- General Studies Papers (I to IV): Cover various subjects like history, geography, polity, and economics.
- Optional Subject Papers (2 papers): Candidates choose one optional subject from a list.
- Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A (Indian Language): Candidates need to choose an Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Paper B (English): Tests English language skills.
4. Merit Papers:
- General Studies Papers (I to IV): These contribute to the final merit.
General Studies (GS) papers in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
GS-I
GS Paper I: Covers topics like history, culture, geography, and Indian society. It tests candidates' knowledge of diverse subjects.
GS-II
GS Paper II: Focuses on governance, polity, and international relations. It assesses understanding of constitutional provisions and current affairs.
GS-III
GS Paper III: Deals with economics, technology, environment, and security issues. It evaluates analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
GS-IV
GS Paper IV: Explores ethics, integrity, and aptitude. It assesses candidates' ability to navigate matters of integrity and probity in public life.
- Optional Subject Papers:It consists of two papers, paper-I and Paper-II. Marks obtained are included for merit ranking.
5. Optional Subjects:
- Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of approved subjects.
- Popular options include history, geography, public administration, sociology, and literature.
Sage-III: UPSC CSE Interview Pattern:
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) interview stage, officially known as the Personality Test, is the final hurdle before the final results are declared. Let’s delve into the details:
1. Objective:
- The interview aims to assess candidates’ aptitude, personality, and suitability for a career in civil services.
- It evaluates their capability to handle the responsibilities associated with administrative roles.
2. Interview Panel:
- Candidates assemble in a large hall and are divided according to their panel numbers.
- All students of the same panel wait together.
- The panel typically takes 5-6 candidates at a time.
- Interview of every candidate lasts for around 20-30 minutes.
3. Assessment Criteria:
As of the Exam Pattern Of UPSC the interview panel evaluates various aspects, including:
- Communication skills: How effectively candidates express their thoughts.
- General awareness: Awareness of current affairs, national and international issues.
- Problem-solving ability: Logical thinking and analytical skills.
- Emotional intelligence: Ability to handle stress and interpersonal situations.
- Ethical and moral integrity: Values and principles.
- Leadership qualities: Potential to lead and manage.
- Depth of knowledge: Especially related to the candidate’s background and interests.
4. Marks:
- Total of 275 marks.
- These marks contribute to the final merit ranking.
- A good performance in the interview can significantly impact the overall result.
FAQ: Frequently asked Questions
1. UPSC exam Pattern?
Ans:The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) consists of three levels i.e, Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims Consists of two papers namely General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II. There is-ve (Negative) marking in both the papers one and two.
2. Which optional is best?
Ans: To choose an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) totally depends on individual choice. It all depends on ones subject choice and interest in the subject. However, based on success rates, some popular options include Sociology, Agriculture, Medical Science, Literature (any language), Anthropology, Public Administration, Psychology, Law, Geography, and History. Remember to align your choice with your passion and preparation strategy.
3. How much marks does Prelims carry?
Ans: The UPSC Preliminary Exam has two papers. The first paper, General Studies Paper-I, contains 100 questions, while the second paper, General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), has 80 questions. Both papers are objective type with multiple-choice answers. It’s essential to perform well in the Prelims, as the cutoffs can be unpredictable.
4. Total marks in UPSC Mains Exam?
Ans: The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination comprises nine papers, each conducted over 5-7 days. Only candidates who secure at least the declared cut-off in General Studies Paper-I and 33% in General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) in the Prelims are eligible for the Mains. The Mains phase is exhaustive, and the total marks allocated for it directly impact the final scores. The UPSC Mains total marks are 1750, which significantly contribute to the merit declaration.
5. Syllabus for UPSC CSE Exam?
Ans:The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) consists of three levels i.e, Prelims, Mains, and Interview. In Prelims, General Studies Paper-I (GS): Covers current events, Indian history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and general science. and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT): Tests comprehension, reasoning, and basic numeracy skills (qualifying paper). in the Mains exam there are Nine papers, including essay, GS, and optional subjects, and Total marks: 1750 (directly impact final scores).
6. How many papers are there in mains exam ?
Ans:The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination comprises a total of nine papers. These papers are sub divided into two sub categories:
Qualifying Papers
- Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language
- Paper B: English
Merit-Based Papers:
- Essay Paper
- General Studies Paper-I (GS-I)
- General Studies Paper-II (GS-II)
- General Studies Paper-III (GS-III)
- General Studies Paper-IV (GS-IV)
- Optional Paper-I
- Optional Paper-II
7. Minimum Qualifying marks in CSAT Exam?
Ans:The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test requires candidates to achieve a minimum of 33% marks to qualify for the Exam and if we look in terms of marks scoring at minimum 66 marks out of the maximum 200 marks.