UPSC Exam Pattern 2024

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a highly competitive and prestigious exam in India, conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is structured into three distinct stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview).

The Preliminary Examination, scheduled for May 26, 2024, consists of two objective-type papers that serve as a qualifying round to filter candidates for the next stage. Candidates who successfully clear the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains Examination, which comprises nine descriptive papers. This stage is critical as it significantly impacts the final merit list, with a total of 1750 marks allocated.

Finally, the Personality Test, or Interview, assesses candidates' suitability for a career in civil services and carries 275 marks. The cumulative score from the Mains and Interview determines the final ranking of candidates. Understanding the exam pattern is vital for aspirants to strategize their preparation effectively and enhance their chances of success in this rigorous selection process.

The UPSC exam pattern involves multiple stages that lead to the selection of candidates for various civil service positions. This process includes the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Each phase is designed to assess different skills, knowledge areas, and abilities, ensuring that selected candidates are well-prepared for public service roles.

The UPSC CSE Exam Pattern is divided into two main stages, as outlined in the official notification:

Stage I - Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
Stage II - Civil Services (Mains) Examination

Stage 1: UPSC Exam Pattern for Prelims 2024

The Preliminary Exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper 1 and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), also known as General Studies Paper 2. General Studies Paper 1 covers a wide range of topics such as History, Geography, and Polity, while the CSAT evaluates candidates' logical reasoning and analytical skills. The Prelims act as a screening test, with only a limited number of candidates advancing to the Main Examination.

Stage 2: UPSC Exam Pattern for Mains 2024

The Main Exam is the core assessment stage, comprising both compulsory and optional papers. These include language papers, essay writing, general studies papers, and optional subject papers. This stage evaluates a candidate's depth of understanding, ability to express ideas, and analytical skills.

The written exam includes nine papers, two of which are qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in the other seven papers, along with the interview, are considered for the final merit list.

Stage 3: UPSC Exam Pattern 2024 for Interview Round

The final phase is the Interview or Personality Test, where candidates' personal attributes are assessed. A panel of experts evaluates qualities like mental alertness, logical reasoning, leadership, social cohesion, and moral integrity. About twice the number of available vacancies will be invited to the interview stage, aiming to gauge the candidate's readiness for the diverse challenges of civil service roles. The interview generally follows this pattern:

• Duration: Typically lasts for 20-30 minutes.
• Panel: Conducted by a group of experts, including seasoned bureaucrats, academics, and specialists.
• Location: Usually held at the UPSC office in New Delhi.

Negative Marking in UPSC Exams

Negative marking is a crucial aspect of the UPSC Prelims, while it does not apply to the Mains exam since the latter involves subjective, descriptive answers.

In the Prelims, both GS Paper 1 and CSAT consist of objective-type questions, with the following negative marking rules:

• Penalty for Incorrect Answers: For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the assigned marks will be deducted.
• Multiple Answers: If multiple answers are provided for a single question, it will be considered incorrect even if one of the answers is correct, and the same penalty applies.
• Unattempted Questions: No penalty is imposed for questions left unanswered.

UPSC CSE 2024 Exam Day Instructions

The admit card gives clear instructions for the UPSC exam day. It's very important for candidates to read and understand these instructions to avoid any issues on the day of the exam. Below are some general guidelines candidates should follow during the examination:

There are a few small changes in the application process for the IAS exam, and the format of the UPSC CSE Prelims admit card has been updated. The admit card now includes the identity card number, and candidates must bring a matching government ID to the exam center.

Candidates should reach the UPSC exam centers at least 30 minutes before the UPSC CSE prelims exam starts. There will also be a security check, which might take some time.

Electronic or communication devices are not allowed at the exam center. Candidates cannot bring their mobile phones, even if they are switched off. If a candidate is caught with such a device, strict action will be taken, which could include a ban from future exams.

Candidates must use only a black ballpoint pen to fill in their answers on the OMR sheet. Answers marked with any other color will not be accepted.

Candidates should also be careful when filling in details on the OMR sheet, especially their Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code. Any mistakes in these details could result in the rejection of their answer sheet. However, corrections can be made at the exam center if allowed by the invigilator."