UPSC Exam Structure: Everything You Need to Know

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC | https://upsc.gov.in/) exam is one of the toughest and most competitive exams. Before starting preparation, it is very important for aspirants to clearly understand how the exam is conducted. The UPSC Civil Services Examination follows a clearly defined structure with multiple stages, each testing different skills and abilities of a candidate.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages.

• Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

• Stage 2: Main Examination (Mains)

• Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)

A candidate must clear each stage in order to move to the next one.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the UPSC exam and acts as a screening test. Although the marks obtained in this stage are not counted in the final merit list, qualifying for the Prelims is compulsory to appear for the Mains examination. The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day. 

GS Paper I (General Studies Paper I)

GS Paper I is designed to test a candidate’s awareness and understanding of various subjects that are important for civil services. Paper I covers current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science & technology. This paper evaluates how well a candidate can link concepts with real-world issues. For every correct answer, 2 marks are given, and for every wrong answer, 0.66 marks are deducted.

GS Paper II (CSAT – Civil Services Aptitude Test)

General Studies Paper II, commonly known as CSAT, focuses on aptitude and analytical skills rather than factual knowledge. It tests comprehension skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy, and data interpretation. CSAT is qualifying in nature, but candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks to clear the Prelims stage. For every correct answer, 2.5 marks are given, and for every wrong answer, 0.83 marks are deducted.

Stage 2: Mains Examination

The Mains Exam is the second stage of the UPSC exam and is descriptive in nature.. There is no negative marking in this stage. The Mains examination consists of 9 papers, out of which 2 papers are qualifying, and 7 papers are counted for merit. 

Qualifying Papers 

The qualifying papers test a candidate’s basic language proficiency. Candidates must pass these papers, but the marks are not added to the final score.

Paper considered for Merit

The remaining seven papers determine the candidate’s rank in the final merit list. 

Total mark for the Written exam is 1750

Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)

The Personality Test is the final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination and carries 275 marks, bringing the grand total to 2025 marks. This stage does not test academic knowledge alone. Instead, it evaluates a candidate’s personality, communication skills, clarity of thought, ethical values, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in public service. The interview panel observes how candidates respond to questions, handle pressure, and express their opinions with balance and confidence. The duration of the interview will be from 20 to 30 mins.

Age, Attempts, and Qualifications

Is there any age limit for the UPSC exam, and how many attempts are possible?

Yes, there is an age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The age limit varies according to the candidate’s category. To be eligible for the examination, a candidate must be at least 21 years old and must hold a recognised undergraduate (UG) degree.

For the General category, candidates appearing for the 2026 UPSC examination should have been born between 1994 and 2005. The age of the candidate is calculated as on 1st August of the examination year.

 *PwBD - Persons with Benchmark Disability

When is an attempt considered in the UPSC exam?

Not every application or registration for the UPSC examination is counted as an attempt.

When it counts: An attempt is only recorded if you actually appear for at least one paper in the UPSC Preliminary Examination (Prelims). Even if the candidate fails or passes the Prelims, it is counted as one attempt.

When it doesn't count: If you apply but do not show up at the exam centre for either Paper I or Paper II, your attempt remains intact.

UPSC Eligibility – Nationality

For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), the candidate must be a citizen of India.

For other services under UPSC (IFS, IRS, etc), candidates can be subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 and are permanently settled in India. A person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries (like Kenya, Uganda, etc.) with the intention of permanently settling in India.

UPSC Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Final-year students or candidates awaiting results can apply for the Prelims but must submit proof of passing before the Mains. Candidates with equivalent professional or technical qualifications recognised by the Government are also eligible. Final-year MBBS candidates may appear provisionally without completing their internship, but must complete it and submit proof before the interview.

References : 

• https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-syllabus/ 
• https://sleepyclasses.com/upsc-personality-test/
• https://www.visionias.in/blog/about-upsc/upsc-exam-pattern-english
• https://upsc.gov.in/