Understanding the UPSC exam pattern 2025 is the first step toward your success in the Civil Services Examination. The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview). Each stage is designed to test different skill sets and knowledge domains, filtering candidates for India’s most prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and others.
UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a nationwide competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It selects candidates for top administrative posts in the Government of India. The three-stage selection process includes:
Stage 1: UPSC Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Stage 2: UPSC Main Examination (Mains)
Stage 3: UPSC Personality Test (Interview)
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Prelims 2025 is a qualifying stage consisting of two objective-type papers:
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS I) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | For merit |
| Paper II | CSAT (GS Paper II) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | Qualifying (33%) |
Key Points:
Negative Marking:Â 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Multiple Answers:Â If more than one option is marked, it is considered incorrect.
Qualifying Nature:Â CSAT must be cleared with at least 33% marks.
No Marks Deducted:Â For unattempted questions.
The UPSC Prelims exam serves as a screening test; marks are not counted in the final merit but are essential to qualify for the Mains.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Mains is a written, descriptive exam designed to assess in-depth knowledge, writing ability, and analytical thinking. It comprises 9 papers, out of which 7 papers are considered for merit and 2 are qualifying in nature.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Compulsory) | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English (Compulsory) | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 hours | Counted for merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | 3 hours | – |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | 3 hours | – |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | 3 hours | – |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hours | – |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | 3 hours | – |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | 3 hours | – |
| Total (Mains) | – | 1750 Marks | – | – |
Highlights:
Candidates must pass both language papers to get their GS and Optional papers evaluated.
Choice of one optional subject from the list of subjects provided by UPSC.
The Mains exam assesses critical thinking, subject understanding, and clarity of expression.
UPSC Interview / Personality Test Pattern 2025
The final stage of the UPSC selection process is the Interview round, carrying 275 marks. This stage evaluates a candidate’s personality traits, decision-making skills, and suitability for public service.
Key Features:
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Panel: Experts from varied fields including retired civil servants and academicians
- Location: UPSC office, New Delhi
- No syllabus: Questions can be based on current affairs, hobbies, DAF (Detailed Application Form), etc.
Traits Assessed:
- Mental alertness
- Clarity of expression
- Leadership qualities
- Intellectual integrity
- Balance of judgment
- Social cohesion
Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims
Negative marking is applicable only in the Preliminary Examination. Here’s what you should know:
Penalty for wrong answer: 1/3rd of the assigned marks.
For GS Paper I: –0.66 marks
For CSAT: –0.83 marks
Multiple answers: Considered incorrect.
No negative marking in Mains or Interview.
Final Selection
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in:
- UPSC Mains (1750 marks)
- UPSC Interview (275 marks)
- Total: 2025 Marks
Why Knowing UPSC Exam Pattern is Crucial?
- Helps you plan your UPSC preparation strategy effectively.
- Aids in choosing the right optional subject.
- Prepares you for the answer writing approach required in Mains.
- Assists in managing time during the Prelims exam.
- Builds confidence for the Interview round.
