The UPSC 2026 exam structure for Prelims, Mains, and Interview is outlined here for candidates preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
Overview
The UPSC selection process involves multiple phases, finishing with candidate selection for civil service roles. It includes the Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage tests different skills, knowledge areas, and aptitudes to ensure candidates are well-rounded for public service.
As per the official notice, the two stages are:
Stage I – Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
Stage II – Civil Services (Mains) Examination
UPSC Exam Pattern for Prelims 2026
The Prelims include two papers:
General Studies Paper 1 (GS1): Tests knowledge in subjects like History, Geography, and Polity.
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) / GS Paper 2: Assesses logical reasoning and analytical skills.
This stage acts as a screening test, allowing only top candidates to advance to the Mains.
UPSC Exam Pattern for Mains 2026
The Mains is the key evaluation phase, featuring:
Compulsory and optional papers.
Sections on languages, essays, general studies, and optional subjects.
Total papers: 9 (2 are qualifying-only; marks from the remaining 7 count toward the final score).
This stage judges a candidate’s subject understanding, idea articulation, and analysis skills.
| Paper Name | Time Duration | Total Marks | Nature of Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A – Compulsory Indian Language Paper | 3 hours | 300 | Qualifying in nature |
| Paper B – English Language Paper | 3 hours | 300 | Qualifying in nature |
| Paper I – Essay | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper II – General Studies I | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper III – General Studies II | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper IV – General Studies III | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper V – General Studies IV | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper VI – Optional Paper I | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Paper VII – Optional Paper II | 3 hours | 250 | Considered for Merit |
| Total (Written) | – | 1750 | – |
| Interview/ Personality Test | – | 275 | – |
| Grand Total | – | 2025 | – |
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for Interview Round
The Interview (Personality Test) evaluates personal traits like:
Mental alertness, clear expression, critical thinking, balanced judgment, leadership, and integrity.
Selection: Roughly double the number of vacant posts are called for interviews.
Process details:
Time: 20–30 minutes.
Panel: Experts (e.g., bureaucrats, academics, specialists).
Location: UPSC office in New Delhi.
Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims & Mains
Mains: No negative marking (subjective answers).
Prelims: Applies to both GS1 and CSAT (objective questions):
Penalty: 1/3 marks deducted per wrong answer.
Multiple answers: Even if one is correct, it is considered wrong (penalty applies).
No penalty: Unattempted questions.
