01 · Preliminary Examination
Two objective papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Screening stage; CSAT is qualifying, subject to official rules.
Understand Prelims →UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
UPSC Civil Services Examination
Understand the examination, its stages, syllabus and selection rules before building a serious preparation strategy.
THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
The examination at a glance
Three stages, different objectives. Understand the selection process before choosing study resources.
02 · Main Examination
Written papers, including qualifying language papers and merit-counting Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject papers.
Understand Mains →03 · Personality Test
Interview stage for candidates shortlisted after the written Main Examination. Final ranking is determined according to the applicable rules.
Explore selection stages →THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
How the marks work
An examination structure reference—not a substitute for the current notification.
| Stage | Structure | Role in selection |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | GS Paper I: 200 marks; CSAT: 200 marks | Screening; CSAT requires 33% to qualify; Prelims marks are not counted in final merit |
| Mains written | Two qualifying language papers; Essay, GS I–IV and Optional I–II | Merit papers total 1,750 marks, subject to qualification rules |
| Personality Test | Interview: 275 marks | Added to written merit marks for a total of 2,025 |
THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
Choose your next step
Follow a preparation route suited to your current stage.
Starting from scratch
Begin with eligibility, syllabus mapping, source selection and a realistic study sequence.
Explore preparation →Already preparing
Audit syllabus coverage, identify weak areas and strengthen revision and test routines.
Explore the system →Prelims or Mains focused
Use stage-specific practice, previous papers and structured review.
Explore practice →THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
Primary official resources
Use these links to verify examination rules and obtain original papers.
UPSC official website
Notifications, examination calendar, instructions and updates.
Visit UPSC →Previous question papers
Read original papers to understand syllabus interpretation and question demand.
Browse official papers →Examination notifications
Read the current Civil Services notification for eligibility, attempts and application requirements.
Official UPSC website (check current notifications) →Official information takes precedence. Eligibility, dates, attempts, vacancies, paper instructions and any rule changes must be checked against the applicable UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in.