The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which is considered to be one of the toughest examinations in India. The exam pattern and syllabus for the UPSC CSE have remained the same since 2013. In this article, we will provide an overview of the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus for CSE 2023.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2023
The UPSC civil services exam pattern is officially divided into two stages: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. However, in practice, it is a three-stage exam, with the third stage being the Personality Test/Interview.
Stage 1: UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims Exam for UPSC CSE 2023 is scheduled to be held on 28th May 2023. The UPSC exam pattern for the Preliminary stage consists of two papers, conducted on the same day. Both papers comprise objective type questions with multiple-choice answers. The Prelims examination is a qualifying stage to filter candidates for the Main Examination. The marks secured in the Prelims stage are not counted towards the final merit list, but candidates must still prepare well for this exam as the cut-offs can vary each year. Here are the details of the UPSC Prelims pattern:
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Paper 1: General Studies I
- Type: Objective
- Number of questions: 100
- Total marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative marking: Yes
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Paper 2: General Studies II (CSAT)
- Type: Objective
- Number of questions: 80
- Total marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative marking: Yes
To sit for the Prelims, candidates must fill out the application using the UPSC Apply Online portal.
Stage 2: UPSC CSE Mains Exam Pattern
The UPSC exam pattern for the Mains stage consists of 9 papers conducted over 5-7 days. Only candidates who clear the Prelims and meet the cut-off criteria are eligible to appear for the Mains Examination. The Mains phase is crucial as the marks obtained in this stage directly affect the final scores and merit declaration. Here are the details of the UPSC Mains syllabus and exam pattern:
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Paper A: Compulsory Indian language
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 300
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Paper B: English
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 300
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Paper I: Essay
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
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Paper II: General Studies I
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
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Paper III: General Studies II
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
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Paper IV: General Studies III
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
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Paper V: General Studies IV
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
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Paper VI: Optional I
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
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Paper VII: Optional II
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total marks: 250
All of the Mains papers, except for the language papers A and B, are of a merit ranking nature. Paper A and B are of qualifying nature, and candidates must score at least 25% in each of these papers for the marks from their Paper I to Paper VII to be given weightage.
The optional subjects for Paper VI and VII of the Mains examination can be chosen from a list provided by the UPSC. Candidates can select one subject from the list, which includes subjects like History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, and more.
Stage 3: UPSC CSE Pattern for Interview
The final stage of the UPSC CSE is the Interview/Personality Test. This stage is considered part of the Mains Examination for merit ranking purposes. The interview is conducted by the UPSC board to assess the candidates' suitability for a civil services career and associated responsibilities. The board consists of competent and unbiased observers who evaluate the candidates' mental and social traits. The interview carries a total of 275 marks, bringing the total marks for the Mains and Interview stages to 2025.
The entire UPSC CSE exam pattern is comprehensive, and the competition is intense. Aspirants should start preparing well in advance, as the examination process lasts for almost a year. Failing to clear any stage means starting from scratch the following year.
For more information on the UPSC exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation resources, candidates can refer to the official UPSC website and other reliable sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UPSC Civil Services Examination follows a well-defined exam pattern consisting of the Preliminary stage, Mains stage, and Interview stage. The Prelims stage acts as a qualifying round, while the Mains stage carries significant weightage in the final merit list. The competition for the UPSC CSE is intense, and candidates should prepare thoroughly to succeed in this prestigious examination.
Note: The content provided here is based on the available information and may be subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website and relevant sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus.