General Studies Paper I
Objective questions across history, geography, polity, economy, environment, general science and current events. Its marks determine shortlisting for Mains, subject to UPSC rules.
UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
UPSC Prelims
Understand GS Paper I, CSAT, screening rules and an effective practice sequence.
THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
Two papers. One screening stage.
The Preliminary Examination tests breadth, judgement and speed.
General Studies Paper II — CSAT
Comprehension, reasoning, decision-making and basic numeracy. Qualifying threshold is 33% under the standard scheme.
Negative marking
Incorrect answers generally attract a one-third penalty for questions with assigned marks. Check paper instructions for exceptions and exact rules. Candidates must appear in both compulsory Prelims papers under the standard CSE scheme; verify the applicable notification.
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.
THE UPSC BLUEPRINT
A disciplined Prelims workflow
Move from reading to recall, application and error correction.
Learn
Build concept clarity with syllabus-linked subject coverage.
Practise
Use chapter-wise MCQs, official PYQs and timed mixed practice.
Review
Maintain an error log and schedule targeted revision.
Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 revised notification. Both papers are compulsory (200 marks each, two hours each); Paper II requires at least 33%, and absence from either paper disqualifies the candidate from evaluation.