Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream for thousands of aspirants across India. However, success in this prestigious exam doesn’t just require hard work—it demands a clear understanding of the UPSC exam pattern. Knowing how the exam is structured allows you to plan your preparation smartly and avoid common pitfalls. At Dnyanjyoti Nagpur, we guide students to approach the exam strategically, starting with understanding its format in detail.
What is the UPSC Exam?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for India’s top government services like the IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. The exam is conducted in three stages:
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Main Examination (Mains)
Personality Test (Interview)
Each stage serves a distinct purpose and requires a unique preparation strategy.
UPSC Prelims: The Screening Stage
The Preliminary Examination is the first phase of the UPSC exam pattern and is objective in nature. It consists of two papers:
➤ Paper I: General Studies (GS)
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 200
Number of Questions: 100
Key topics:
Current Affairs
History and Culture of India
Geography
Indian Polity
Economic and Social Development
Environment and Ecology
General Science
➤ Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 200
Number of Questions: 80
Focus areas:
Comprehension and Logical Reasoning
Analytical Ability
Basic Mathematics (Class X level)
Decision-making skills
Note: Paper II is qualifying. You must score at least 33% to clear the Prelims. Marks of Paper I determine selection for the Mains.
UPSC Mains: The Written Examination
Candidates who qualify the Prelims move to the Main Examination, which is descriptive and comprises 9 papers:
➤ Qualifying Papers
Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
Paper B: English (300 marks)
Note: These are qualifying papers. Scores are not included in the final merit.
➤ Merit-Based Papers
Essay – 250 marks
General Studies Paper I – 250 marks
General Studies Paper II (Polity, Governance, IR) – 250 marks
General Studies Paper III (Economy, Technology, Environment) – 250 marks
General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) – 250 marks
Optional Subject Paper I – 250 marks
Optional Subject Paper II – 250 marks
Total Marks for Mains (Merit): 1750
➤ Optional Subjects
UPSC allows candidates to select one optional subject from a prescribed list. Subjects include:
Public Administration
Geography
Sociology
Political Science
History
Literature of Indian Languages (Marathi, Hindi, etc.)
At Dnyanjyoti IAS Academy Nagpur, we help students choose the right optional based on interest, scoring potential, and academic background.
Personality Test: The Final Stage
The final step in the UPSC exam pattern is the Personality Test, commonly known as the Interview.
Marks: 275
Purpose: To assess personality traits, communication skills, leadership, confidence, and awareness of current issues.
The interview panel evaluates your overall suitability for a career in civil services.
UPSC Final Merit
The final merit list is prepared by combining marks from:
UPSC Mains (1750 marks)
UPSC Interview (275 marks)
Total: 2025 marks
Candidates are ranked based on this combined score.
Why Understanding the UPSC Exam Pattern Matters
A thorough understanding of the UPSC exam pattern helps aspirants:
Structure their study plan
Prioritize important subjects
Practice time-bound answer writing
Choose the right resources and coaching
Avoid exam-stage surprises
Prepare with the Best at Dnyanjyoti IAS Academy Nagpur
At DnyanjyotiNagpur.com, we provide complete UPSC preparation—covering Prelims, Mains, and Interview—with:
Experienced faculty
Structured courses aligned with the UPSC exam pattern
Regular mock tests and performance reviews
Personalized mentorship and doubt-clearing sessions
Ready to take the first step toward your IAS dream? Visit dnyanjyotinagpur.com today and start your UPSC journey with the right strategy and guidance.
Business name - Dnyanjyoti Education - Best UPSC Coaching Classes & Best UPSC MPSC Classes In Nagpur Maharashtra
Full address - 2nd Floor, Jaiswal House, Ajni Station Road, opposite SBI Bank, Congress Nagar, Chowk, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440012
Phone - 070201 02348
Business email - [email protected]
Owner Name – Sumedh Jaiswal
Website - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VTmAaeGk1kADmMDf8