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Latest UPSC Notes for General Studies and Optional

Topic-wise notes for Prelims and Mains across the GS papers and optional subjects, each one dated so you always know how current it is.

Latest UPSC notes

Current affairs, tagged to the syllabus

Every day's news, filtered down to what's actually relevant for Prelims and Mains.

The UPSC Civil Services exam at a glance

Three stages decide your rank. Know what each one tests, and where the marks actually come from, before you plan your study time.

Prelims

Objective screening test

Papers
GS Paper I and CSAT (Paper II), 200 marks and 2 hours each
Questions
100 in GS Paper I, 80 in CSAT
Negative marking
One-third of a question's marks is deducted for each wrong answer
Counts towards your rank?
No. GS Paper I decides who reaches Mains, and CSAT only needs 33% to qualify
Prelims syllabus

Mains

Descriptive written exam

Papers
9 papers of 3 hours each, with no negative marking
Qualifying only
Indian language (Paper A) and English (Paper B), 300 marks each
Counted for merit
Essay, GS I to IV and two Optional papers, 250 marks each, 1,750 in total
Mains papers and strategy

Interview

Personality Test, 275 marks

Format
A face-to-face conversation with a UPSC board
What it looks at
Your suitability for public service: clarity of thought, balanced judgement, depth of interest, leadership and integrity
What you are asked
Your background, optional subject, interests and current affairs
Full exam pattern

Where the 2,025 marks come from

Your final rank is Mains (1,750) plus Interview (275).

  • GS Papers I to IV1,000 marks (49%)
  • Optional, 2 papers500 marks (25%)
  • Essay250 marks (12%)
  • Interview275 marks (14%)

The marks above are based on the UPSC Civil Services exam pattern. UPSC can change the pattern, so always check the latest official notification before you finalise your plan.

History & Culture Geography Indian Polity & Constitution Economy Environment & Ecology Science & Technology International Relations Governance & Social Justice Internal Security Disaster Management

Learn on YouTube

Watch detailed video tutorials for GS, Mains and Optional on the Civilszy YouTube channel.

Watch on YouTube

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