UPSC CSE Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims, Mains & Personality Test Scheme

UPSC CSE

Union Public Service CommissionNational Offline (Pen & Paper / OMR for Prelims | Conventional Essay for Mains) Apply Online (upsconline.nic.in) Annual hard

Overview Syllabus Eligibility Exam Pattern Cut-off

Examination Architecture

Stage	Papers / Modules	Marks	Role in Merit
Stage-I: Prelims	GS-1 (200) + CSAT (200)	400 Marks	Screening Only
Stage-II: Mains	7 Merit Papers (Essay, GS 1-4, Optional 1-2)	1750 Marks	Counts for Final Merit
Stage-III: Interview	Personality Test at UPSC Board	275 Marks	Counts for Final Merit
Final Grand Total for Rank Formulation		2025 Marks	Final Merit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the negative marking in UPSC Prelims?

For GS Paper-I: Each correct answer gives 2 marks, while a wrong answer deducts 0.66 marks (1/3rd). For CSAT Paper-II: Each correct answer gives 2.5 marks, while a wrong answer deducts 0.83 marks.