Courses
UPSC – PRELIMS
PRELIMS:
UPSC Prelims Exam – Overview
The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. It is objective in nature (MCQs) and acts as a screening test. Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted for final ranking but are essential to qualify for the Mains.
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📘 Papers in UPSC Prelims
- General Studies Paper I
- Total Marks: 200
- Questions: 100
- Time: 2 Hours
- Subjects Covered:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- History of India & Indian National Movement
- Indian & World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)
- Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution, Political System, etc.)
- Economic & Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion)
- Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT) – Qualifying only
- Total Marks: 200
- Questions: 80
- Time: 2 Hours
- Subjects Covered:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal Skills (including communication skills)
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy (Class X level)
- Data Interpretation (Class X level)
- Qualifying Marks: 33% (66 out of 200)
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🧪 Test Pattern & Marks
- Both papers are objective-type (MCQs).
- Negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each wrong answer.
- Paper I decides cut-off for appearing in Mains.
- Paper II (CSAT) must be cleared with 33%.
The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Preliminary Examination, commonly known as UPSC Prelims, is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in India. It is a highly competitive examination that serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, known as the UPSC Mains.
Key features of UPSC Prelims:
- Objective-type Exam: The UPSC Prelims is an objective-type examination with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It consists of two papers: Paper I and Paper II.
- Paper I (General Studies): This paper tests candidates’ knowledge on various subjects such as history, geography, economics, polity, environment, current affairs, and general science. It is designed to assess a candidate’s understanding of diverse topics and their ability to apply general concepts.
- 3. Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test – CSAT): The CSAT is a qualifying paper with questions based on comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, data interpretation, and decision-making skills. Candidates must score a minimum qualifying mark in this paper, which is usually set at 33%.
- Negative Marking: There is negative marking for incorrect answers in both Paper I and Paper II. For each incorrect response, one-third of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
- Eligibility: Candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including age limit, educational qualifications, and nationality, to appear for the UPSC Preliminary Examination.
- Online Application: Candidates need to apply for the examination through the UPSC’s online application portal. The notification for the examination is usually released several months before the exam date.
- Centres and Admit Card: UPSC Prelims is conducted in various cities across India. Candidates receive an admit card with details of the exam centre, date, and other essential instructions.
- Cut-off Score: The UPSC sets a minimum qualifying cut-off score for Paper I (General Studies). Those who score above this cut-off are considered eligible to appear for the Mains Examination.
It’s important to note that the UPSC Prelims is only the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. Candidates who qualify in the Prelims will be eligible to take the UPSC Mains, which is a written examination comprising nine papers followed by a personal interview (Personality Test).
The Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by the UPSC to recruit candidates for various prestigious services of the Indian government, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. The selection process is rigorous, and candidates need thorough preparation, dedication, and a deep understanding of diverse subjects to succeed in the examination.