UPSC Exam Pattern & Marks Distribution
A complete visual breakdown of the Civil Services Examination stages. Understand the marks, duration, and qualifying criteria for 2026.
Stage 1: The Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary examination is a screening test consisting of two objective-type papers. Marks obtained here are not counted for final ranking but are essential to qualify for the Mains.
General Studies Paper I
- Questions100
- Total Marks200
- Duration2 Hours
- Neg. Marking-0.66 (1/3rd)
General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
- Questions80
- Total Marks200
- Duration2 Hours
- Neg. Marking-0.83 (1/3rd)
Stage 2: The Main Examination
The Mains exam is a descriptive (written) assessment testing the depth of your understanding across 9 papers. These scores form the core of your final rank.
| Paper | Subject Vertical | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language * | 300 |
| Paper B | Compulsory English * | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II–V | General Studies I, II, III, IV (4 × 250) | 1000 |
| Paper VI–VII | Optional Subject Paper 1 & 2 (2 × 250) | 500 |
| Mains Written Sub-Total | 1750 | |
Compulsory papers are qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in Paper A and Paper B are not counted for the final merit list, but must be passed with minimum 25% marks.
Stage 3: The Personality Test
Candidates who qualify the Mains are invited for a face-to-face interview with the UPSC Board. This evaluates personal suitability for a career in public service.
Interview (Personality Test)
Conducted at Dholpur House, New Delhi. This stage tests not just your knowledge, but your intellectual qualities, social traits, and moral integrity. The board seeks to assess your “mental caliber” for high-level administration.
Your final rank and service allotment (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) are determined solely based on this total of 2025 marks.