UPSC CSE Exam Structure Flashcards

Stages, papers, marks and attempts in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Stages of UPSC CSE

1. Preliminary (objective)
2. Main (descriptive)
3. Personality Test (interview)

Papers in UPSC Prelims

General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Paper II) – 200 marks each, 2 hours each.

Is CSAT counted for merit?

No. CSAT is qualifying – a minimum of 33% is required.

Negative marking in Prelims

One-third of the marks of that question is deducted for a wrong answer.

UPSC Mains papers

9 papers: 2 qualifying language papers (300 each) + Essay, GS I–IV and 2 Optional papers (250 each).

Total Mains marks counted for merit

1750 marks (7 papers × 250).

Personality Test marks

275 marks. Final merit total = 1750 + 275 = 2025.

Age limit for General category

21 to 32 years (relaxation for reserved categories).

Number of attempts

General/EWS: 6; OBC: 9; SC/ST: unlimited up to the age limit.

Constitutional basis of UPSC

Articles 315–323 (Part XIV) of the Constitution.