The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is conducted in three distinct stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). The Prelims are objective and qualifying, while the Mains (descriptive) and Interview determine the final merit, with negative marking applicable in the Prelims.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers (MCQs) and is designed to screen candidates for the Main Examination. Both papers are for 200 marks each, with a duration of 2 hours for each paper.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
This stage tests a candidate's general awareness, analytical ability, and comprehension skills. Paper II (CSAT) is a qualifying paper, where candidates must score a minimum of 33%.
Negative Marking: For every incorrect answer in the Prelims, one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
Main Examination
The Main Examination consists of nine descriptive papers, out of which two are qualifying and seven are counted for merit. This stage assesses a candidate's academic talent, ability to present knowledge coherently, and depth of understanding.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | One Indian Language (chosen by candidate) | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations) | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management) | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject. Paper 1 | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject. Paper 2 | 250 | 3 hours | Merit |
Candidates must choose one optional subject from a list provided by UPSC. The qualifying papers (Indian Language and English) require a minimum of 25% marks each. The marks obtained in these two papers are not counted for merit.
Negative Marking: There is no negative marking in the Main Examination.
Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are called for a Personality Test. This stage assesses a candidate's mental calibre, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Personality Test | 275 |
The interview is not a test of knowledge but of personality and suitability for a career in public service. The total marks for the Main Examination (7 papers) and Personality Test combined are 2025.
Marking & Normalization
The marks obtained in the Main Examination (seven papers) and the Personality Test are added to determine the final merit list. There is no normalization process for the descriptive papers of the Main Examination. For the optional subjects, if a common scale of marking is not possible across different subjects, UPSC may use a scaling method to ensure fairness.
Pattern FAQs
Q1: Is the UPSC CSE Prelims exam qualifying?
Yes, the Preliminary Examination is strictly for screening purposes. Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted towards the final merit list.
Q2: How many optional subjects can I choose for the Mains exam?
You can choose only one optional subject for the Main Examination, which will have two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII).
Q3: Is there negative marking in the UPSC CSE Mains exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the descriptive papers of the UPSC CSE Main Examination.
Q4: What is the minimum qualifying percentage for the CSAT paper in Prelims?
Candidates must score a minimum of 33% marks in Paper II (General Studies II / CSAT) of the Preliminary Examination to qualify for the Mains.