The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 follows a three-stage selection process: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personality Test (Interview). Below is the detailed exam pattern, including marks distribution and marking scheme.
1. UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Preliminary Exam is a screening test, and its marks are not counted for the final merit list.
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Total Papers: 2
- Total Marks: 400
Paper-Wise Distribution:
| Paper | Subject | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Studies (GS) | 200 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | CSAT (Qualifying – 33% Marks Required) | 200 Marks | 2 Hours |
2. UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The Mains Exam consists of 9 descriptive papers, out of which 7 papers are considered for the final ranking.
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Type: Descriptive (Essay & Subjective Questions)
- Language: English/Hindi & Other Indian Languages
- Total Papers: 9 (2 Qualifying + 7 Merit-Based)
- Total Marks: 1750
Paper-Wise Distribution:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
| Paper A | Indian Language (Any of the listed languages) | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper 1 | Essay | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper 2 | General Studies 1 (History, Geography, Society) | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper 3 | General Studies 2 (Polity, Governance, IR) | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper 4 | General Studies 3 (Economy, Science & Tech, Environment) | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper 5 | General Studies 4 (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper 6 | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper 7 | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | Counted for Merit |
- Candidates must score at least 25% marks in both Paper A & Paper B (Qualifying Papers).
3. UPSC Personality Test (Interview) 2025
- Mode: Face-to-Face Interview
- Total Marks: 275
- Purpose: Evaluates personality, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
4. UPSC Final Merit Calculation
- Mains Exam (7 Papers) Marks: 1750
- Interview Marks: 275
- Total Marks for Final Merit: 2025
5. UPSC Marking Scheme 2025
- Prelims: Negative marking of 1/3rd marks for incorrect answers.
- Mains: No negative marking, but answers must be well-structured and relevant.
- Interview: No fixed marking scheme, but assessed on various personality traits.
6. UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 – Key Changes & Updates
? No changes announced in the Prelims Exam pattern
? No major revisions in the Mains structure
? CSAT remains qualifying with a minimum 33% marks requirement
Important Links:
- Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Exam Calendar: UPSC Annual Calendar 2025