EXAM FORMAT
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. It serves as the gateway to high-profile government positions, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). While the exam process—spread over Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages—receives considerable attention, one of the most critical aspects often overlooked is its marking scheme. This article aims to provide a clear overview of how the UPSC marks and evaluates candidates throughout the examination process.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination has three distinct stages, each designed to sift through thousands of aspirants and find the most capable among them:
Paper I: General Studies (GS)
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying)
Paper B: English (Qualifying)