Consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). The CSAT is purely qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required).
Screening only. Marks do not count toward the final merit list. Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying.
General Studies Paper-I200 marks · 2 hours
- 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer penalty
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT)200 marks · 2 hours
- 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer penalty
Preparation Timeline
Suggested phase-by-phase study plan
Phase 1: Foundation (NCERTs & Core Books)Months 1-4
Build a strong base with NCERTs and standard books. Cultivate a daily newspaper reading habit.
Read NCERTs (Class 6-12) for History, Geography, Polity, and Economy.
Start reading 'The Hindu' or 'The Indian Express' daily for 60-90 minutes, making brief notes.
Select an Optional subject and gather its primary resources/coaching material.
Phase 2: Advanced Syllabus & OptionalMonths 5-9
Complete standard books for GS, finish Optional subject syllabus, and begin Answer Writing.
Study standard reference books (Laxmikanth, Spectrum, GC Leong) thoroughly.
Complete at least 80% of your Optional subject syllabus.
Start daily answer writing practice (1-2 answers) focusing on structure and presentation.
Cover GS-3 and GS-4 (Ethics) using case studies and current examples.
Shift entirely to objective mode. Focus on revision, CSAT, and rigorous mock test solving.
Attempt at least 40-50 full-length Prelims mock tests and analyze mistakes.
Revise the entire year's Current Affairs from monthly compilations.
Practice CSAT papers to ensure you comfortably cross the 66-mark qualifying threshold.
Stop answer writing practice 2 months before Prelims to focus on factual retention.
Exam Details
Concise and stable information snapshot
Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest examinations in the world. It recruits candidates for India's premier civil services. The exam consists of three successive stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective type for the selection of candidates for Main Examination), Main Examination (Written/Descriptive type), and a final Personality Test (Interview).
Posts
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)
Various other Group 'A' and Group 'B' Central Services
Eligibility
Educational QualificationA degree from a recognized University or equivalent
Age Limit21 to 32 years (as on 1st August of the exam year) years
Age RelaxationOBC: +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwBD: +10 years | Defense Personnel: +3 to +5 years
NationalityFor IAS, IFS, and IPS, a candidate must be a citizen of India. For other services, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or persons of Indian origin may apply.