Question decoding
Identify the directive, demand, scope and analytical dimensions.
UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
UPSC Mains & Personality Test
Understand written paper groups, merit structure and the skills needed for answer writing.
THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
Written papers and interview
The Main Examination requires analysis, structured writing and consistent practice.
| Paper group | Standard marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Language (Paper A) and English (Paper B) | 300 each | Qualifying; exemptions, where applicable, concern Paper A and must be checked against the current official notice |
| Essay | 250 | Merit |
| General Studies I, II, III and IV | 250 each | Merit |
| Optional Subject Papers I and II | 250 each | Merit |
| Personality Test | 275 | Final merit |
THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
What good Mains preparation needs
Knowledge alone is insufficient without answer construction and repeated feedback.
Answer writing
Practise introductions, balanced arguments, evidence and conclusions within time limits.
Essay and ethics
Develop argument structure, examples, case-study judgement and sustained writing.
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.
Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 revised notification. Qualifying Paper A (Indian language) and Paper B (English) carry 300 marks each and require 25% each where applicable. Paper A exemptions are specific; do not assume they also exempt Paper B.