UPSC Civil Services 2026 - Exam Pattern: Prelims 400, Mains 1750, Interview 275 (Total 2025)

Published 15 Nov 2026 · Updated 15 Nov 2026

As per the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 notification, the Preliminary exam has two compulsory objective papers of 200 marks each, two hours each, set in Hindi and English. General Studies Paper-II is qualifying with a minimum of 33%; the Mains list is drawn on that and on the Paper-I qualifying marks fixed by the Commission. One-third (0.33) of a question's marks is cut for a wrong answer (more than one answer also counts as wrong); blank answers carry no penalty. The Main written exam has 9 conventional essay-type papers: two qualifying papers of 300 marks each (Paper-A, an Indian language from the Eighth Schedule, and Paper-B, English) and seven merit papers of 250 marks each - Essay, General Studies I to IV and Optional Subject Papers 1 and 2 - for 1750 marks. About twice the number of vacancies are called for the Interview/Personality Test of 275 marks (no minimum qualifying marks), making a grand total of 2025. Summary in our own words from the official notice; this is not an official website.

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