Complete UPSC CSE Exam Structure & 2026–2027 Schedule
Master the exact 3-stage blueprint of the Civil Services Examination: Prelims scoring logic, Mains 9-paper matrix, Personality Test rubrics, and the official annual timeline.
Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
General Studies Paper 1 (GS-1)
200 Marks / 100 MCQsDetermines Prelims qualification cutoff. Covers History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, and Current Affairs.
• Marking: +2.00 per correct answer
• Negative Marking: -0.66 per wrong answer (1/3rd penalty)
• Duration: 2 Hours (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM)
CSAT Paper 2 (Aptitude)
200 Marks / 80 MCQsStrictly qualifying in nature. Must score a minimum of 33% (66.00 Marks). Covers Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and Basic Numeracy.
• Marking: +2.50 per correct answer
• Negative Marking: -0.83 per wrong answer
• Duration: 2 Hours (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
Mains Examination (Descriptive Writing)
| Paper | Subject / Domain | Max Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language (Schedule VIII) | 300 Marks | Qualifying (25%) |
| Paper B | English Language | 300 Marks | Qualifying (25%) |
| Paper I | Essay (2 Essays across Section A & B) | 250 Marks | Counted for Merit |
| Paper II | GS Paper 1 (Indian Heritage, History, Geography & Society) | 250 Marks | Counted for Merit |
| Paper III | GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR) | 250 Marks | Counted for Merit |
| Paper IV | GS Paper 3 (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security) | 250 Marks | Counted for Merit |
| Paper V | GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude & Case Studies) | 250 Marks | Counted for Merit |
| Paper VI & VII | Optional Subject (Paper 1 & Paper 2) | 500 Marks (250 x 2) | Counted for Merit |
Personality Test (Interview)
Conducted by the UPSC Board in Dholpur House, New Delhi. Evaluates mental alertness, critical assimilation powers, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, and moral integrity.
Grand Total Marks for Final Merit Ranking = 1750 (Mains) + 275 (Interview) = 2025 Marks.
Official UPSC CSE Annual Lifecycle & Calendar
Standard timeline followed by the Union Public Service Commission
Official Notification & Registration
UPSC releases official CSE notification, vacancy count, and opens online application window.
Preliminary Examination
GS-1 and CSAT conducted across 70+ cities in India in a single day.
Mains Examination
5-day descriptive writing schedule for the top ~14,000 qualified aspirants.
Interviews & Final Merit List
Personality tests in New Delhi followed by the All-India Rank list and service allocations (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS).