UPSC Exam Pattern - 2019

UPSC Exam important date

• Date of UPSC Notification : 19 FEB 2019
• Last Date to Apply : 18 March 2019 (Apply Online)
• Date of Preliminary Examination : 02 June 2019 (Sunday, 1 Day)
• Date of UPSC MAINS Exam: Starting from 20 September 2019

Know all about the UPSC Civil Services Examination pattern (in details)

• The civil services examination is a nation wide competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India, including Indian Administrative Service (IAS) , Indian Foreign Service (IPS) among others.
• The UPSC civil services exam is conducted in two phases – a preliminary examination consisting of two objective type papers(general studies and aptitude test) and the main examination consisting of nine papers , followed by personality test(interview)
• From 2011 onwards, the preliminary examination officially called as General studies paper I and General studies paper II intends to focus on analytical abilities and understanding rather than the ability to memorize.
• The new UPSC civil services examination pattern includes two papers of two hours duration and 200 marks each. Both papers have multiple choice objective type questions
• Paper I of the civil services preliminary tests the candidate’s knowledge on current events, history of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change and general science
• Paper II of the UPSC civil services preliminary Tests the candidate’s ability in comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making and problem solving ability, basic numeracy, data interpretation and general mental ability
• The main examination is a written examination consisting of nine papers, two qualifying and seven for ranking purpose. Candidates who pass the qualifying papers are ranked according to marks obtained in the remaining 7 papers. The selected candidates are called for the Interview or Personality Test at the commission’s discretion
• There is one paper on essay for 250 marks wherein the candidate is required to write two essays, of 175 marks each, in three hours.
• There are four papers of General studies for 250 marks each which comprises of Indian Heritage, history and culture, Geography of India and the World, Indian Polity, constitution and governance, Social Issues, International relations Indian economic development, biodiversity and environment, security and disaster management as well as ethics integrity and aptitude
• Besides the GS papers, the candidate will also have to answer 2 papers of 250 marks each from a subject chosen from a list of Optional subjects. Two qualifying papers are of Indian language and English
• The overwhelming share of General studies in the total scheme of examination warrants an extensive preparation of these subjects for getting qualified in this examination. Selection of optional subject is also very important in the overall context