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UPSC Civil Services (CSE)
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · UPSC CSE
Exam Overview
The Civil Services Examination selects officers for IAS, IPS, IFS and Group A or B central services. The three-stage exam runs over the better part of a year and is the definitive test of analytical writing.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduate in any discipline; final-year students may appear for Prelims. Age 21-32 years (relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen).
Exam Pattern & Stages
Stage 1 — Preliminary
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies I | 100 | 200 |
| CSAT (Qualifying) | 80 | 200 |
- Mode
- Objective
- Duration
- 2 x 2 hours
- Total Questions
- 180
- Total Marks
- 400
- Negative Marking
- 1/3rd per wrong answer
Stage 2 — Main (Written)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | — | 250 |
| General Studies I-IV | — | 1000 |
| Optional Subject (2 papers) | — | 500 |
| Qualifying languages (English + one paper) | — | Pass only |
- Mode
- Descriptive
- Duration
- 9 papers over 5 days
- Total Marks
- 1750
- Negative Marking
- No
Stage 3 — Personality Test
- Mode
- Interview
- Total Marks
- 275
- Negative Marking
- No
Full Syllabus & Preparation
Stage-wise subject & topic breakdown for this exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE?
General candidates get 6 attempts, OBC get 9, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts subject to the age limit.
Is the language paper compulsory for graduates?
English and one qualifying Indian-language paper are mandatory in Mains. They are qualifying only: you must score 25% in each.
UPSC Civil Services (CSE) ke liye eligibility criteria kya hai?
Graduate in any discipline; final-year students may appear for Prelims. Age 21-32 years (relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen).
Exam pattern kya hai?
3 stage(s): Preliminary, Main (Written), Personality Test.
Apply karne ki last date kab hai?
Please check the official notification for application dates. Visit the conducting body's website for the latest updates.