Stage 1-----CSAT (Prelims) Pattern
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers of Objective type (multiple choice questions) and carry maximum of 400 marks. This exam is only a screening test; the marks obtained in the prelims are only for qualifying for main exam and are not counted for determining final order of merit.
| Prelims Paper | Duration | Questions | Marks |
| Paper I - General Studies | 2 Hours | 100 | 200 |
| Paper II - Aptitude (*Need 33% Qualifying marks) | 2 Hours | 80 | 200 |
| Total | 400 |
*According to UPSC 2015 Notification
Stage 2----- Civil Services (Mains) Pattern
The pattern has changed from 2013 main examination. The new pattern is:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies - I | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies - II | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies - III | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies - IV | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper 2 | 250 |
| Total | 1750 | |
| Stage 3 | -----Interview (Personality Test) | 275 |
Grand Total | 2025 |
Optional Subjects for Civil Services Main Exam
This is the complete list of optional subjects for civil services main examination. You have to opt for Any one subject. Optional paper consists of two papers of 250 marks each. Click on the subject name to view its syllabus.
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
Indian language for Civil Services Main Exam
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English
Subjects For The Main Examination.
Main Examination
The written examination will consist of the following papers:
Qualifying Papers:
Paper : A - (One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution). 300 Marks
Paper : B English 300 Marks
Qualifying Paper marks:-
*30% in Indian Language (90/300)
*25% in English (75/300)
*According to RTI released in 2014
Qualifying Paper marks:-
*30% in Indian Language (90/300)
*25% in English (75/300)
*According to RTI released in 2014
Papers To Be Counted For Merit
| Paper | Subject Name | Marks |
| Paper-1 | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-2 | General Studies–I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-3 | General Studies –II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) | 250 |
| Paper-4 | General Studies –III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio‐diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-5 | General Studies –IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-6 | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper-7 | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
| Sub Total (Written test) | 1750 | |
| Personality Test | 275 | |
| Grand Total | 2025 |
Interview Test
- The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of his career. He will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental caliber of a candidate. In broad terms this is really an assessment of not only his intellectual qualities but also social traits and his interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
- The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross‐examination but of a natural, though directed and purpose conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.
- The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an
intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own State or Country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well educated youth.
