Understanding the Extent of the UPSC Civil Services Examination

Thank you for asking this question. The Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) is the central agency responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to recruit candidates into top government services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

Scope of UPSC Recruitment

UPSC conducts exams not only for civil services but also for other services, including the Combined Defence Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA), and others. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is perhaps the most competitive and important exam in the country, demanding rigorous preparation and commitment from aspiring candidates.

Preliminary and Mains Examinations

UPSC conducts the preliminary and mains examinations annually as part of the recruitment process. The preliminary exam serves as a screening test for potential mains candidates. The mains exam, on the other hand, is a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation designed to assess a candidate's analytical and decision-making abilities.

The preliminary exam consists of two papers, both objective in nature. Paper 1, known as General Studies, is a 200-mark paper. Paper 2, an aptitude test, is also a 200-mark paper. Candidates must clear both papers to progress to the mains exam.

The mains exam, consisting of nine papers, is a subjective-type examination. Detailed and comprehensive answers are expected, and the marks obtained here are crucial for national ranking.

Exam Pattern Breakdown

Preliminary Exam

The preliminary exam is divided into two papers:

**Paper 1 (General Studies):** 200 marks, 3 hours duration

**Paper 2 (Aptitude):** 200 marks, 3 hours duration

Mains Exam

Paper A (Indian Language)

Paper A allows candidates to choose any one Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This paper is 300 marks and 3 hours long.

Paper B (English)

Comprising 300 marks, Paper B tests candidates on comprehension, abstract writing, vocabulary usage, and other English-language skills. The paper duration is also 3 hours.

Paper 1 (Essay)

Comprising 250 marks, Paper 1 requires candidates to write two essays on different subjects within 3 hours. Each essay carries 125 marks.

Paper 2 (General Studies – Paper 1)

Also known as "Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the Environment and Society," this 250-mark paper is one of the seven papers that make up the mains exam.

Paper 3 (General Studies - Paper 2)

This 250-mark paper covers governance, law, politics, social justice, and international affairs. It includes 20 compulsory questions.

Paper 4 (General Studies - Paper 3)

With a maximum of 250 marks, this paper covers science and technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.

Paper 5 (General Studies - Paper 4)

Focused on ethics, integrity, and aptitude, this paper also carries 250 marks and 3 hours to complete.

Papers 6 and 7 (Elective/Optional Subjects)

Candidates can choose from 26 optional subjects. Each paper carries 250 marks and is crucial for adding to the overall score.

Interview/Personality Test

The interview or personality test, conducted by a board of interviewers, evaluates a candidate's personality and decision-making abilities. This paper is worth 275 marks and is vital for the final selection process.

Total Score Calculation

From the written mains examination, 1750 marks, and the interview/personality test, 275 marks, make up the total score of 2025 marks. This total is used to assess the performance of candidates in the mains examination.

Conclusion

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