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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.
Table of Contents
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Type | National Level Examination |
| Frequency | Conducted annually |
| How Many Stages in UPSC Exam? | Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), Personality Test (Interview) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent |
| Age Limit | Generally 21 to 32 years (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Attempts Allowed | Generally, 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.
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.
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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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