UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern

UPSC Prelims

Overview

• The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam process
• It is a multiple-choice based exam, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
• The exam is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam

Exam Pattern

• The exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
• Each paper is of 2 hours duration and carries 200 marks
• The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-paper based)

Syllabus

• General Studies Paper I:
  • Indian History and Culture
  • Indian Polity and Governance
  • Economic and Social Development
  • Geography
  • Environment and Ecology
  • Science and Technology
• General Studies Paper II (CSAT):
  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
  • Decision Making and Problem Solving
  • Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation

Marking Scheme

• Each question carries 1/3 negative mark for incorrect answers
• No marks are awarded for unattempted questions

Important Dates

• Notification: usually released in February/March
• Exam Date: usually conducted in June

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 21-32 years (as on 1st August of the exam year)
• Education: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
• Nationality: Indian citizen

Preparation Strategy

• Focus on building a strong foundation in the subjects mentioned in the syllabus
• Practice with mock tests and previous year's question papers
• Develop a time management strategy to complete the exam within the given time frame

UPSC Prelims Overview

• The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam process, a multiple-choice based exam also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

Exam Structure

• The exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT).
• Each paper is of 2 hours duration and carries 200 marks.
• The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-paper based).

General Studies Paper I

• Covers Indian History and Culture.
• Covers Indian Polity and Governance.
• Covers Economic and Social Development.
• Covers Geography.
• Covers Environment and Ecology.
• Covers Science and Technology.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

• Tests Comprehension skills.
• Evaluates Interpersonal Skills.
• Assesses Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
• Assesses Decision Making and Problem Solving skills.
• Tests Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation skills.

Marking Scheme

• Each question carries 1/3 negative mark for incorrect answers.
• No marks are awarded for unattempted questions.

Important Dates

• Notification is usually released in February/March.
• Exam is usually conducted in June.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 21-32 years (as on 1st August of the exam year).
• Education: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
• Nationality: Indian citizen.

Preparation Strategy

• Focus on building a strong foundation in the subjects mentioned in the syllabus.
• Practice with mock tests and previous year's question papers.
• Develop a time management strategy to complete the exam within the given time frame.