UPSC Civil Services Examination

UPSC Civil Services Examination

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for recruitment to various Civil Services and posts under the Government of India.

The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three major stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test.

UPSC CSE Examination Structure

1. Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination consists of two compulsory papers.

General Studies Paper-I

• Current Events of National and International Importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Economic and Social Development
• Environmental Ecology
• Biodiversity and Climate Change
• General Science

General Studies Paper-II – CSAT

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Logical Reasoning
• Analytical Ability
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• General Mental Ability
• Basic Numeracy
• Data Interpretation

Important: CSAT is a qualifying paper. Candidates must secure the prescribed qualifying percentage.

2. Main Examination

The Main Examination consists of a written examination followed by the Personality Test for candidates who qualify according to UPSC rules.

Qualifying Papers

Merit Papers

General Studies-I

• Indian Heritage and Culture
• Indian History
• World History
• Indian Society
• Geography of India and the World

General Studies-II

• Indian Constitution
• Governance
• Polity
• Social Justice
• International Relations

General Studies-III

• Indian Economy
• Agriculture
• Science and Technology
• Environment and Biodiversity
• Disaster Management
• Internal Security

General Studies-IV

• Ethics
• Integrity
• Aptitude
• Human Values
• Emotional Intelligence
• Probity in Governance
• Case Studies

Optional Subject

Candidates choose one optional subject for the Main Examination. The optional subject has two papers of 250 marks each.

3. Personality Test / Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written Main Examination are called for the Personality Test.

The Personality Test assesses qualities such as:

• Mental alertness
• Critical thinking
• Clear and logical expression
• Balance of judgement
• Leadership qualities
• Social awareness
• Intellectual curiosity
• Integrity
• Interest in current affairs
• Suitability for public service

UPSC CSE Marks Structure

UPSC Study Resources – GSI MANTRA