IAS-PATTERN

The pattern of Civil services examination has been designed to test the academic expertise of a candidate and that candidate's ability to present himself/herself in a systematic and coherent manner. The examination pattern intends to assess the overall intellectual traits and understanding level of the candidates. The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2021 is conducted in two stages namely, Prelims and Mains, which are then followed by an interview. 

UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam Pattern (400)

The IAS Preliminary exam consists of two papers –

General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). 

Both the question papers will be of the objective type

. Paper-2 (CSAT) in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%. The Prelims consists of two papers of 200 marks each The question papers will be set in both Hindi and English. However, questions related to English Language Comprehension skills would be provided only in English. Blind candidates would be allowed an extra 20 minutes of time for each paper 

IAS Mains Marks Distribution- Mains and Interview

Candidates will have to score a minimum percentage in the Mains. The question papers are prepared to test the intellectual and interpersonal skills of the candidate. The essay-type questions will test the student's understanding of the subject and the concept. The students will be tested on the strength of an Indian Language. There would be two optional papers that the candidates would have to select.

 

Title of the Paper            Marks Allotted

Essay writing                   250 Marks

General Studies–         I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)                

250 Marks

General Studies –        II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)                                                    250 Marks

General Studies –        III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio‐diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)  

250 Marks

General Studies –                    IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) 250 Marks

Optional Subject – Paper 1          250 Marks

Optional Subject – Paper 2          250 Marks

Sub Total in the written Test      1750 Marks

Personal Interview                       275 Marks

Grand Total                                    2025 Marks

 

IAS Mains Marks Distribution- Mains and Interview

Candidates will have to score a minimum percentage in the Mains. The question papers are prepared to test the intellectual and interpersonal skills of the candidate. The essay-type questions will test the student's understanding of the subject and the concept. The students will be tested on the strength of an Indian Language. There would be two optional papers that the candidates would have to select.