Prelims, Mains and interview
UPSC Exam Pattern
Understand what each Civil Services Examination stage tests and how to prepare for it.
The Civil Services Examination has three successive stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test. Prelims screens candidates for Mains; the final ranking is based on the marks counted under the current Main examination and interview scheme.
Exam pattern at a glance
| Stage | Format | What to practise |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Objective GS Paper I and qualifying CSAT Paper II | Timed MCQs, elimination, comprehension, numeracy and error control. |
| Mains | Descriptive qualifying and merit papers | Answer structure, analysis, evidence, examples and word limits. |
| Personality Test | Board interaction | DAF, judgement, awareness, clarity and balanced opinions. |
Prepare stage by stage
- Prelims: solve full papers and maintain an error log.
- Mains: write answers before Prelims so skills are not delayed.
- Optional: choose on syllabus interest, resources and answer-writing fit.
- Interview: prepare your profile and issues with multiple perspectives.
Paper rules, marks and qualifying conditions can change. Verify the current notification on the official UPSC website.