FAQs for UPSC CSE Exam


Q: What is UPSC CSE exam?

A: UPSC CSE (Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination) is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India, including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE exam?

A: The eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE exam include the candidate's age, educational qualification, and nationality. The candidate should be between 21 to 32 years of age, must have completed graduation from a recognized university, and should be a citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.

Q: What is the selection process for UPSC CSE exam?

A: The selection process for UPSC CSE exam includes three stages - Preliminary Examination (Objective Type), Main Examination (Written), and Personality Test (Interview).

Q: What is the exam pattern for UPSC CSE exam?

A: The exam pattern for UPSC CSE exam is as follows:

Preliminary Examination: The exam consists of two objective-type papers, each of 200 marks, and of two hours duration. The first paper tests the candidate's general studies knowledge, while the second paper tests their aptitude and comprehension skills.

Main Examination: The exam consists of nine papers, of which two are qualifying papers, and the remaining seven are counted for ranking. The seven papers are Essay, General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, General Studies IV, Optional Paper I, and Optional Paper II.

Personality Test: The test carries 275 marks and is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers who assess the candidate's overall personality and suitability for the job.

Q: What is the syllabus for UPSC CSE exam?

A: The syllabus for UPSC CSE exam is vast and includes topics like current events, history, geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environment, ecology, biodiversity, and climate change, general science, ethics, integrity, and aptitude.

Q: What are the optional subjects available for UPSC CSE exam?

A: UPSC offers a wide range of optional subjects, including Anthropology, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, etc. The candidate can choose one optional subject for the Main Examination.

Q: Is there any negative marking in UPSC CSE exam?

A: Yes, there is negative marking in UPSC CSE exam. For the Preliminary Examination, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking in the Main Examination and Personality Test.

Q: Can a candidate apply for multiple services through UPSC CSE exam?

A: Yes, a candidate can apply for multiple services through UPSC CSE exam. The candidate needs to fill the relevant options in the application form.

Q: Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories in UPSC CSE exam?

A: Yes, there is age relaxation for reserved categories in UPSC CSE exam. For SC/ST candidates, the upper age limit is relaxed by five years, and for OBC candidates, it is relaxed by three years. The upper age limit for physically handicapped candidates is relaxed by ten years.


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