How Many Stages in UPSC Exam? No. of Papers in UPSC Prelims and Mains

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How Many Stages in UPSC Exam?

If you’re also wondering how many stages in UPSC exam, the answer is three: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims is the first stage and you need to clear it to proceed. It consists of two papers: General Studies (GS Paper-I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both papers are two hours long with a total of 400 marks. Only shortlisted candidates from Prelims appear for Mains. It has nine papers totaling 1750 marks. There’s an Essay paper, four General Studies papers, two language papers (qualifying), and two optional subject papers. Finally, shortlisted candidates from Mains go for a personality test/interview which is 275 marks.

Exam NameUPSC Civil Services Examination
Conducting AuthorityUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam TypeNational Level Examination
FrequencyConducted annually
How Many Stages in UPSC Exam?Preliminary Examination (Prelims),
Main Examination (Mains),
Personality Test (Interview)
Eligibility CriteriaMinimum educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Age LimitGenerally 21 to 32 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
Attempts AllowedGenerally, 6 attempts for General Category, varying for reserved categories

How Many Papers in UPSC Prelims?

If you’re also wondering how many paper in UPSC prelims, the answer is two:Paper-I: General Studies (GS) and  Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This stage is the first hurdle in your journey towards becoming an IAS officer. This stage acts as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam. Here we have listed the key aspects regarding how many paper in UPSC prelims?:

How Many Paper in UPSC Prelims?

  • Paper-I: General Studies (GS)
  • Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
  • Type of Questions: Both papers contain Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four answer choices for each question.
  • Duration: Each paper is two hours long. Paper I is held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and Paper II is from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Marking Scheme:

  • Correct Answer: You get 2 marks for each correct answer.
  • Incorrect Answer: There’s a negative marking for both papers.
  • GS Paper-I: 1/3rd of a mark (0.66 marks) is deducted for each wrong answer.
  • CSAT Paper-II: 1/3rd of a mark (0.83 marks) is deducted for each wrong answer.

Paper-I: General Studies (GS)

  • Number of Questions: 100
  • Total Marks: 200
  • Negative Marking: 0.66 marks per wrong answer

Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

  • Number of Questions: 80
  • Total Marks: 200
  • Negative Marking: 0.83 marks per wrong answer

Understanding Negative Marking

It’s very important to attempt questions strategically to avoid losing marks due to negative marking. If you’re unsure about an answer, it’s often better to leave it blank than risk losing marks by making a guess.

Tips for Effective UPSC Prelims Preparation:

  • Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the latest UPSC syllabus for both GS and CSAT.
  • Practice mock tests and previous year’s question papers to understand the difficulty level and question pattern.
  • Develop strong time management skills to complete both papers within the time limit.
  • Focus on accuracy and avoid impulsive guessing.
  • Utilize resources like the previous year’s cut-off marks to understand the competition level and score required for qualification.

Go through the provided links to learn about how many paper in UPSC prelims , upsc toppers’ strategies as well as detailed information regarding the UPSC prelims exam, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge and techniques to excel in this important stage.

UPSC Prelims Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit, Number of Attempts
The Ultimate History Booklist for UPSC Prelims + Mains
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2024: Types of Questions
UPSC Prelims Sample Papers: Download PDF (Here), Know Preparation Tips 
UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Previous Year Questions, Tips to Prepare
UPSC Prelims Exam Dates 2024: Complete Exam Schedule
Best Books for Economics UPSC Prelims and Mains 2024Environment and Ecology for UPSC Prelims: Previous Year Questions,
Mastering the Economics PYQ UPSC Prelims Question Bank
UPSC Prelims Exam Centres 2024: State-Wise IAS Exam Centres
How to Prepare Science and Tech for UPSC Prelims and Mains? Strategies 
UPSC Prelims Registration: Last Date, How to Apply for IAS Exam

How Many Papers in UPSC Mains?

If you’re also wondering how many paper in UPSC prelims, the answer is 9  including language, essay, general studies, and optional subjects.The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) Mains stage is a very important stage after clearing the Prelims. This written exam assesses your in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and writing abilities. We have listed in detail the answer to how many paper in UPSC mains.

How Many Paper in UPSC Mains?

  • There are nine papers in total, conducted over several days.
  • Paper A (Qualifying): Any Indian Language (e.g., Hindi, Tamil, etc.)
  • Paper B (Qualifying): English
  • Paper 1: Essay
  • Paper 2-5: General Studies (GS) 1-4
  • Paper 6 & 7: Optional Subject (two papers)

Nature of Papers:

  • Qualifying Papers (A & B): These papers (300 marks each) are for eligibility only. A minimum of 25% marks in each is required to qualify for the final merit list.
  • Essay Paper (250 marks): This paper assesses your writing style, critical thinking, and ability to structure arguments.
  • General Studies Papers (250 marks each): These papers cover a broad range of subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science & Technology, Social Issues, etc.
  • Optional Subject Papers (250 marks each): You can choose any subject from a list of 48, allowing you to showcase your expertise in a specific area.
  • Marking Scheme: There’s no negative marking in the Mains exam. Papers are evaluated based on the quality and depth of your answers.
  • Choosing an Optional Subject: Selecting the right optional subject is crucial. Consider your academic background, interests, and availability of study materials.

Focus on Mains Preparation:

  • Thoroughly study the UPSC syllabus for each paper.
  • Practice answer writing through mock tests and previous year question papers.
  • Develop strong analytical and writing skills.
  • Stay updated on current affairs and national issues.

Go through the provided links to learn about how many paper in UPSC mains,upsc toppers’ strategies as well as detailed information regarding the UPSC mains exam, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge and techniques to excel in this important stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2023 – Out Now! Check Full Details Here!How to Prepare Science and Tech for UPSC Prelims and Mains?
Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prelims and Mains
How to Prepare Polity for UPSC Prelims and Mains?
How Many Questions are there in UPSC Mains?How to Prepare for Geography UPSC
Prelims and Mains?
Best Books for Economics UPSC Prelims and Mains 2024Science and Tech PYQ UPSC
Prelims and Mains
Best Books for Geography UPSC IAS Prelims and MainsUPSC Syllabus 2024: Prelims + Mains
( GS Paper 1,2,3 and 4 )
History Mains Questions UPSC – All Sections, Year Wise!How to Prepare Economics for UPSC?
Prelims and Mains – Strategy + Tips
UPSC Question Bank for Sociology Mains The Ultimate History Booklist for UPSC
Prelims + Mains
UPSC Geography Mains Questions UPSC Question Bank for Polity Mains
Best UPSC Books for Mains
GS 1 Strategy UPSC: Subjects, Important Topics, 
Who Sets the UPSC Question Paper? UPSC Botany Optional Question Paper

How Many Interviews Are There in UPSC?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) has only one interview round, also known as the Personality Test. This happens after clearing the Preliminary and Mains stages of the exam. The interview assesses a candidate’s personality,  communication skills, and mental alertness. Here we have provided a detailed explanation of this important stage:

Purpose and Timing:

  • The interview assesses your personality, suitability for the civil service, and potential as a future leader.
  • It takes place 3-4 months after the UPSC Mains exam.
  • It carries a weightage of 275 marks, contributing significantly to your final merit list (total of 2025 marks).

The Interview Board:

  • A panel of eminent and impartial individuals conducts the interview.
  • They evaluate your responses based on a set of desired qualities for an IAS officer.

Types of Questions Asked:

  • Personal Details: Be prepared to discuss your hobbies, interests, education, and work experience. This helps the board understand your motivations and background.
  • Current Affairs: Expect questions on national and international issues to assess your awareness and understanding of contemporary challenges.
  • Socio-Economic Issues: Discuss current social and economic issues impacting India, showcasing your knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
  • Situational Judgment: Hypothetical scenarios are presented to gauge your decision-making skills under pressure and your approach to critical situations.
  • Opinion-Based Questions: The board might seek your opinions on various topics, evaluating your analytical skills, moral compass, and ability to articulate your views convincingly.

Preparing for the Interview:

  • Self-Awareness: Introspect on your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations for pursuing a career in the civil services.
  • Current Affairs Knowledge: Stay updated on national and international news, analyzing their impact on India.
  • Mock Interviews: Practice answering interview questions in a simulated environment to build confidence and refine your responses.
  • Body Language and Communication: Develop good posture, eye contact, and a professional demeanor.
  • Ethical Dilemmas: Reflect on potential ethical challenges faced by civil servants and how you would handle them.
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For the Last 10 Years
How many levels are there in UPSC exam?

There are three levels: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).

How many steps are there in UPSC exam?

There are three steps: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

How many rounds are there in UPSC exam?

There are three rounds: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview.

How many stages are there in IAS?

There are three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).

This was all about the How Many Stages in UPSC Exam? For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our  Indian exams page.

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