The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. It is conducted to recruit candidates for various civil services positions in the Indian government. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for aspirants to prepare effectively and increase their chances of success. In this guide, we will explore the UPSC exam pattern in detail and provide valuable insights to help you navigate through this challenging journey.
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The first stage of the UPSC exam is the Preliminary Examination, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). The exam is conducted in an offline mode (pen and paper-based) and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The key features of the Preliminary Examination are:
- General Studies Paper-I:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 200
- Topics: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question.
- General Studies Paper-II (CSAT):
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 200
- Topics: Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, Problem Solving, General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, and English Language Comprehension Skills.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question.
2. Main Examination (Descriptive Type)
The Main Examination is the second stage of the UPSC exam and is designed to assess the candidate’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects. It consists of nine papers, out of which two papers are qualifying in nature. The key features of the Main Examination are:
- Duration: 5 days (each paper is conducted on a different day)
- Total Marks: 1750 (papers other than the qualifying papers are counted for merit ranking)
- Topics: Essay, General Studies (4 papers), Optional Subject (2 papers), and Indian Language & English (qualifying papers).
3. Personality Test (Interview)
The final stage of the UPSC exam is the Personality Test, also known as the Interview. It is conducted to assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services. The key features of the Personality Test are:
- Duration: Varies for each candidate (usually around 30 minutes)
- Total Marks: 275
- Topics: General Awareness, Current Affairs, and Diverse Fields of Knowledge.
Conclusion
Understanding the UPSC exam pattern is essential for aspirants to plan their preparation strategy effectively. It is important to note that the exam pattern may undergo changes from time to time, so staying updated with the latest information is crucial. By familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and dedicating sufficient time and effort to each stage, you can increase your chances of cracking the UPSC exam and embarking on a rewarding career in the civil services.
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