IAS PRELIMS EXAM PATTERN
It consists of two Objective type papers (multiple choice questions) and carry a maximum of 400 marks. On the basis of the marks obtained by the candidates in the Preliminary Examination, the candidates will be declared qualified for admission to the Mains Examination, but the marks obtained in Preliminary Examination, will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. Thus these two papers will be qualifying in nature. Both these papers will be of matriculation or equivalent standard. Candidates will qualify for Civil Services (Main) Examination based on the criterion of minimum qualifying marks of 33% in General Studies Paper-II of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination and total qualifying marks of General Studies Paper-I and II of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination as may be determined by the Commission. There will be negative marking for incorrect answers. The number of candidates to be admitted to the Mains Examination will be about twelve to thirteen times the approximate number of vacancies notified by the UPSC.
Generally there are two papers in prelims exam. They are:
Prelims Paper |
Duration |
Questions |
Marks |
General Studies -I |
2 Hour |
100 |
200 |
General Studies -II |
2 hour |
80 |
200 |
The question will of multiple choices, objective type. The Preliminary Examination evaluation is based on negative marking Pattern from 2007 onwards. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.
Actually, the purpose of the Preliminary Examination is only to adjudge the aptness of the candidate; in the Final Selection its marks are not taken into account. While applying for preliminary examination, the candidate has to indicate his optional subjects (these can be changed while filling the Main detailed application form).
Syllabus of GeneralStudies-I
Paper I – (200 marks) Duration: 2 Hours
MAINS EXAMINATION
The written examination will consist of the following papers : Compulsory Qualifying Papers:
Paper-A
Languages 300 marks
One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Not compulsory for candidates hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & Sikkim.
Paper-B
English 300 marks
(25% marks in ‘Indian Language and 25% marks in English are minimum qualifying marks in these two compulsory qualifying papers.)
Compulsory Papers to be counted for final order of merit are as under
Paper-I
Essay 250 marks
Paper-II
General Studies-I 250 marks
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History & Geography of the World and Social Issues)
Paper-III
General Studies-II 250 marks
(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
Paper-IV
General Studies-III 250 marks
(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
Paper-V
General Studies-IV 250 marks
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
Paper-VI
Optional Subject - Paper 1 250 marks
Paper-VII
Optional Subject - Paper 2 250 marks
Sub Total (Written test) 1750 marks
Interview (Personality Test)275 marks
Grand Total 2025 marks