The UPSC Civil Services Exam selects officers for the IAS, IPS, IFS (Foreign Service) and other Group ‘A’/‘B’ services through three sequential stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Think of them as a funnel—each stage tests you differently and more deeply. Crack the three stages of UPSC exam with clarity.
How the Three Stages Compare
| Stage | What it tests | Papers | Marks counted for rank | Result basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Breadth of knowledge, speed, elimination, risk control | GS-I, CSAT (GS-II) | No (qualifying + screening) | Cut-off based on GS-I; CSAT is qualifying (33%) |
| Mains | Depth, structure, analysis, expression, ethics | 9 papers (2 qualifying + 7 merit) | Yes (1750) | Aggregate of 7 merit papers |
| Interview | Personality, judgment, balance, awareness | 1 board interview | Yes (275) | Final rank = Mains (1750) + Interview (275) |
Purpose:
Screening—tests range and speed under uncertainty.
Papers (same day):
- GS Paper I (200 marks, 2 hours): Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Environment/Ecology, Science & Tech, International/Current Affairs, Government schemes, etc.
- CSAT (GS Paper II) (200 marks, 2 hours): Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, basic numeracy, data interpretation, decision-making.
Key Rules:
- Negative marking: ⅓rd of the marks for a wrong answer.
- CSAT is qualifying: You must score 33% (66/200); its score doesn’t add to merit.
- Cut-off applies only to GS Paper I.
Strategy Pointers:
- Treat GS-I as the merit gate; calibrate attempts and accuracy.
- Do not ignore CSAT—maintain steady practice (RC + reasoning + numeracy).
- Build a notes → revision → test cycle; analyze error types (conceptual vs careless vs guess).
Purpose:
Tests depth, clarity, analysis, and written expression across subjects.
Structure (9 papers over ~5–7 days):
- Qualifying (not counted for merit):
- Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)*
- Paper B: English (300 marks)
*Language exemptions exist—check official notification. - Merit (counted): total 1750 marks
- Essay (250)
- General Studies I–IV (4 × 250 = 1000)
- GS-I: Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society
- GS-II: Polity, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations
- GS-III: Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science & Tech, Internal Security, Disaster Management
- GS-IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (case studies + theory)
- Optional Subject (2 × 250 = 500): choose one (Anthropology, Geography, PSIR, etc.)
What UPSC Looks For:
- Substance + Structure: Intro-body-conclusion, logical flow, headings.
- Balance: Facts + analysis + examples (committees, reports, data, case laws).
- Ethical clarity: GS-IV demands practical reasoning in case studies.
Writing Strategy:
- Build synoptic notes (one-page per topic) with data points, diagrams, case studies.
- Practice timed answers (8–10 min per 10-marker; 11–13 min per 15-marker).
- For Essay: brainstorm thesis, counter-view, frameworks (economic, ethical, constitutional, global) and add real examples.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Purpose:
Assess personality, judgment, composure, and administrative potential—not rote knowledge.
Format:
- Board of experienced members; ~30–40 minutes.
- Questions can span your DAF (education, hobbies, service preference, work experience), current affairs, ethical dilemmas, situational judgment.
What Matters:
- Honesty, clarity, balance, empathy, awareness of India’s realities.
- Structured answers: define the issue → stakeholders → options → practical, lawful, humane solution.
Preparation:
- Deep dive on your DAF (every line is fair game).
- Mock interviews to refine articulation and body language.
- Read one good newspaper + PIB/DD News-style briefs consistently.
Typical Annual Timeline (Indicative)
Notification: Feb • Prelims: May/June • Prelims Result: July/Aug • Mains: Sept/Oct • Mains Result: Dec/Jan • Interviews: Jan–March • Final Result: March/April
(Dates vary—always check the latest UPSC calendar.)
Eligibility & Attempts (At a Glance)
- Degree: Graduate in any discipline (recognized university).
- Age limit (general): 21–32 years for General; statutory relaxations for OBC/SC/ST and others.
- Attempts: Limited (category-wise relaxations apply).
How to Align Preparation with the Three Stages
- Foundation (Months 1–4): NCERTs + standard books; daily newspaper; basic notes.
- Consolidation (Months 5–8): Advanced texts, issue notes, first test series (Prelims + CSAT).
- Prelims Sprint (Last 10–12 weeks): MCQs, revision loops, PYQs, CSAT practice.
- Mains Window (Prelims→Mains): Answer-writing daily; GS-IV case drills; Essay weekly; Optional mastery.
- Interview Window: DAF-based prep, mocks, current affairs polishing, situational questions.
UPSC-CSE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the three stages of the UPSC exam?
The exam has Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview)—in that order.
Does the Prelims score count for the final rank and is CSAT qualifying?
No. Prelims is only screening. CSAT is qualifying at 33% (66/200). Final merit = Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks.
What is the structure of UPSC Mains and what counts?
9 papers over ~5–7 days: 2 qualifying (Indian Language, English, 300 each) and 7 merit papers—Essay (250), GS-I to GS-IV (1000), Optional I & II (500) = 1750 marks.
What does the UPSC Interview evaluate?
Your personality, judgment, ethical balance, awareness, and communication—not rote facts. It carries 275 marks.
What are the basic eligibility and attempts?
A graduate degree is required. Age 21–32 (General) with statutory relaxations for OBC/SC/ST and others. Attempts are limited category-wise—always check the current UPSC notification.
