Welcome to Excel UPSC-CSE: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually, with the aim of recruiting candidates for various prestigious posts in the civil services of India. The examination is conducted in three stages:

  1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
  2. Main Examination (Mains)
  3. and Personality Test (Interview)
Frequency and Dates:
Examination Fee:

The examination fee for UPSC-CSE varies based on the category of the candidate. For general category candidates, the fee is ₹100, while female and SC/ST candidates are exempted from payment.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Nationality: A candidate must be a citizen of India. For other details regarding nationality criteria, refer to the official notification.
  2. Age Limit: The candidate must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1 of the examination year. There are age relaxations for candidates belonging to certain categories (e.g., SC/ST/OBC).
  3. Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification. Candidates appearing in the final year of their degree are also eligible to apply, but they must submit proof of passing the exam at the time of the main examination.
  4. Number of Attempts: The number of attempts is limited for candidates based on their category:
    • General Category: 6 attempts
    • OBC Category: 9 attempts
    • SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts until the upper age limit
  5. Other Conditions:
    • A candidate must be physically fit according to the physical standards for admission to Civil Services.
    • A candidate must not have been convicted of any criminal offense or debarred from the UPSC examination.

Exam Pattern:

1. Preliminary Examination:

Paper-I: General Studies
Marks: 200
Duration: 2 hours
Objective-type questions on current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science, and technology.

Paper-II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
Marks: 200
Duration: 2 hours
Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, data interpretation, decision-making, and general mental ability.
Note: Paper-II is qualifying in nature, and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% to qualify for the Mains.

2. Main Examination:

Paper-A: Indian Language (Qualifying)
Marks: 300
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-B: English (Qualifying)
Marks: 300
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-I: Essay
Marks: 250
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-II: General Studies-I
Marks: 250
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-III: General Studies-II
Marks: 250
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-IV: General Studies-III
Marks: 250
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-V: General Studies-IV
Marks: 250
Duration: 3 hours

Paper-VI & VII: Optional Subject (Paper 1 & 2)
Marks: 250 each
Duration: 3 hours each

Note: Papers A and B are qualifying in nature, and their marks are not counted for the final merit. The candidate can choose one optional subject from a list of available subjects.

3. Personality Test (Interview):
Interview/Personality Test
Marks: 275
Candidates are interviewed by a board to assess their suitability for a career in public service.

4. Final Merit List:
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview.
Candidates should regularly check the UPSC official website or the latest notification for any updates or changes in the exam pattern. It's important to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to UPSC aspirants on your website.