Prelims: This exam generally includes two types of papers: General Studies I and CSAT or General Studies II. A total of 400 marks.
Prelims Pattern | General Studies I | CSAT or General Studies II |
Questions | 100 | 80 |
Negative Marking Pattern | 0.66marks for the incorrect answers | 0.83 marks for the incorrect answers |
Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
Language | Hindi / English | Hindi / English |
Marks | 200 | 200 |
Cut Off | Varied every year | 33% of the qualifying criteria |
Mains: The pattern for UPSC Mains was revised in the year 2015. This will consist of 9 theory papers, and from the 9 papers, only 7 will be eligible for counting or for the merit ranking. The maximum number of marks that can be attained by the students is 1750.
Sr. No | Paper | Subject | Duration | Nature of Exam | Marks |
1 | A | Indian Language | 3 Hours | Qualifying | 300 |
2 | B | English | 3 Hours | Qualifying | 300 |
3 | I | Essay | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
4 | II | GS I | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
5 | III | GS II | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
6 | IV | GS III | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
7 | V | GS IV | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
8 | VI | Optional Paper I | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
9 | VII | Optional Paper II | 3 Hours | Merit Assessment | 250 |
It is crucial to work properly and devote time accordingly for the preparation. Make sure you have created a plan chart, and you are devoting time accordingly. In today’s time, you can actually find it easy to prepare and work at the same time.