Stage 1 – Preliminary Test – consists of objective questions with penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers.

Paper 1 – General Studies (200 marks) 2 hours

Paper 2 – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) (200 marks) 2 hours (This will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%)

There is a cut-off in the Preliminary Test which varies every year and is decided by the UPSC.

 The Mains Exam consists of 9 papers which are usually held in around 5-7 days. The current pattern of Mains examination is as follows:-

General Studies

Paper 1 – 250 marks (3 hours)

Paper 2 – 250 marks (3 hours)

Paper 3 – 250 marks (3 hours)

Paper 4 – 250 marks (3 hours)

Optional Subject 1

Paper 1 – 250 marks (3 hours)

Paper 2 – 250 marks (3 hours)

Essay – 250 marks (3 hours)

English Language 300 marks (qualifying paper; marks not included in Mains Exam)

Indian Language 300 marks (qualifying paper; marks not included in Mains Exam)

Both the papers of either General Studies or Optional subject are held on the same day.

Students who qualify for Interview are called by the UPSC. The Interviews usually start 2 weeks after the Mains Exam results are announced.

This is computed on the basis of the total marks scored by candidates in Mains Examination (1750) and Personality Test or Interview (275). The final result is declared in May.

Final Ranking and Service allocation is based on the combined marks scored in Mains Examination (1750) and Interview (275) and on the preferences given by the candidates at the time of filling up of the Mains Examination application form.

The selection process includes:

1. Written Examination (Part I: Tamil Language Eligibility Test)
2. Written Examination (Part II: Main Written Examination)
3. Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
4. Endurance Test (ET)
5. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
6. Certificate

UPSC publishes the advertisement for holding the Civil Services Examination every year for the Preliminary Test to be held the next year.Applications are invited by UPSC until the stipulated date of that year more specifically mentioned in the year’s advertisement.

Students must be degree holders or graduates (degree recognized by University Grants Commission) to appear for this Examination. Indian students holding a foreign degree need to ensure that their degree is accredited or recognized by UGC.

Candidates belonging to General category and OBC (creamy layer) must have attained the age of 21 on 1st August of the year of the Exam but must not have attained the age of 32 on 1st August of the year of the Exam.

Candidates belonging to OBC (non creamy layer) category must have attained the age of 21 on 1st August of the year of the Exam but must not have attained the age of 35 on 1st August of the year of the Exam.

Candidates belonging to SC category must have attained the age of 21 on 1st August of the year of the Exam but must not have attained the age of 37 on 1st August of the year of the Exam.

Candidates belonging to ST category must have attained the age of 21 on 1st August of the year of the Exam but must not have attained the age of 37 on 1st August of the year of the Exam.

General category and OBC (creamy layer) category have a maximum of 6 attempts.

OBC (non creamy layer) have a maximum of 9 attempts.

For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe category candidates there is no limit on the number of attempts till they attain the age of 37 years.

Students belonging to OBC/SC/ST can give the first 4 attempts as General category candidates (if they so desire) and thereafter they can avail the relaxation in the number of attempts by availing the category benefits.