04/06/2025
Syllabus and Selection Process
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
2. Main Examination (Mains)
3. Personality Test (Interview)
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📘 1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
It is a screening test; marks are not counted for final ranking.
➤ Paper I – General Studies (GS)
Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic
Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
General Science
📊 Marks: 200
🕒 Duration: 2 Hours
🔔 Negative marking: Yes (1/3rd)
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➤ Paper II – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
(Qualifying in nature; need 33% to pass)
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem-solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (Class X level)
Data interpretation (Class X level)
📊 Marks: 200
🕒 Duration: 2 Hours
🔔 Negative marking: Yes (1/3rd)
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📘 2. Mains Examination (Descriptive Type)
Counted for final merit. Total of 9 papers.
➤ Qualifying Papers
Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks) (Any language listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution)
Paper B: English (300 marks)
➤ Papers Counted for Merit
Paper I: Essay – 250 marks
Paper II: General Studies I – Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
Paper III: General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations
Paper IV: General Studies III – Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management
Paper V: General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject – Paper 1 & 2 (250 marks each)
📊 Total Marks for Merit: 1750
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🎤 3. Personality Test (Interview)
Marks: 275
Tests candidate’s personality, communication skills, leadership, judgment, etc.
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🏁 Final Merit Calculation
Mains (1750 marks) + Interview (275 marks) = 2025 marks
