Careers360 Logo
How Many Papers in UPSC Prelims

How Many Papers in UPSC Prelims

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Mar 29, 2023 12:24 PM IST

Introduction

The Indian Constitution requires the Public Service Commission, subsequently known as UPSC, to hire qualified individuals for the Union and All India services. It was founded on October 1, 1926. The panel can even advise the Indian government through the president, to whom it reports directly. The commission is led by Pradeep Kumar Joshi, who has served as the chairman of the UPSC since August 2020 and has its offices in New Delhi's Dholpur House.

What is UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is in charge of hiring for the highest-level positions in the Central Government. The majority of the time, the Union Public Service Commission only hires for Group-A and a small number of Group-B-level bureaucratic positions. This means that all central public sector organisations and central autonomous bodies must go through their nomination and hiring procedures. Recruitment for Groups C and D is handled by several commissions/agencies.

Background wave

Exam pattern of UPSC?

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is divided into three phases. The steps are:

  • Preliminary Exam (objective)

  • Main Exam (written)

  • Interview (personality test)

How many papers in UPSC Prelims

There are two papers in the UPSC prelims test. General Studies (GS) is the first paper for the UPSC prelims test, while CSAT is the second paper. The Civil Services Aptitude Test is also referred to as CSAT.

The syllabus of UPSC Prelims

General Studies is the subject of the first UPSC prelims paper (GS). The parts of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2023 for General Studies are as follows.

  • Important national and international current affairs (events).

  • The Indian National Movement and its history.

  • Indian and World Geography: India's Physical, Social, and Economic Geography.

  • Indian Polity and Governance: Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Constitution, Political System, etc.

  • Economic and social development - poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector efforts, sustainable development, etc.

  • Overarching topics in environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change that don't call for subject-specific expertise.

  • Basic Sciences

According to the UPSC's notice, the following general groups make up the UPSC CSAT Exam syllabus:

  • Reading comprehension

  • People skills, particularly communication abilities

  • Analytical thinking and logical reasoning

  • Making decisions and addressing problems

  • Basic mental aptitude

  • Fundamental numeracy (number relationships, orders of magnitude, etc) (Class X level), interpreting data (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level).

Marks division in UPSC Prelims

UPSC IAS Prelims Exam Pattern

Paper

Subject

Marks

No. of Ques

Paper-I

General Studies (GS)

200

100

Paper-II

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

200

80

  • For each incorrectly marked response, one-third of the total points are removed; however, there is no penalty for questions that go unanswered.

  • Candidates will receive 2 points for accurate responses in General Studies (Paper I), and 0.66 points will be subtracted for each incorrect response.

  • For each successful response on the CSAT (Paper-II), applicants will receive 2.5 points, and 0.833 points will be subtracted for each incorrect response.

  • The Prelims exam marks will not be included in the final score (merit list).

  • A qualifying paper, Paper II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, will be required to receive at least 33% of the total possible points.

Conclusion

One of the most challenging exams in India, the IAS Exam, is challenging because of the broad UPSC syllabus and fierce competition. However, you may pass the UPSC test on your first try if you follow a disciplined study plan and receive the appropriate coaching. Every year, the UPSC publishes the call for applications in the month of February. About 10 to 12 months are given for the exam session during the test window (usually from June of one year to June of the next year when the results are announced). Visit the official website at https://www.upsc.gov.in to always remain informed.

Back to top