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Exam Pattern
As per UPSC 2025 Notification, View Copy
UPSC Exam Pattern
The UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 includes Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview). Each stage is designed to test different skill sets such as factual knowledge, analytical thinking, writing ability, and personality traits. The Prelims act as a screening test, the Mains is a detailed written exam, and the Interview assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in civil services. The detailed UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 is provided below in the table.
| Stage | Paper/Component | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Paper I: General Studies | 200 questions, 200 marks, objective type, negative marking (–⅓ per wrong answer) |
| Paper II: CSAT | 80 questions, 200 marks, qualifying with 33% minimum, objective type | |
| Note | Marks of Paper I count for qualification; CSAT is only qualifying | |
| Mains | Total Papers: 9 | Descriptive type, total 1750 marks |
| Compulsory Language Papers | 2 papers (English + Indian Language), qualifying only | |
| Essay Paper | 1 paper, 250 marks | |
| General Studies Papers (I–IV) | 4 papers, 250 marks each | |
| Optional Subject Papers (I & II) | 2 papers, 250 marks each (based on candidate’s chosen optional subject) | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 275 marks, tests mental alertness, communication skills, decision-making |
| Final Merit | Total | Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks used for final ranking |
