The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. Managed by the Union Public Service Commission, this three-stage process selects candidates for elite administrative roles like the IAS, IPS, and IFS.
If you are aiming for the UPSC 2026 cycle, understanding the latest exam pattern is the first step toward a successful strategy. Below is a detailed breakdown of the recruitment process, marking schemes, and qualifying criteria.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Stage)
The Prelims is an objective-type (MCQ) screening test. While the marks obtained here are not counted in the final merit list, qualifying is mandatory to reach the next stage.
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | 1/3rd (-0.66) |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude) | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours | 1/3rd (-0.83) |
-
Qualifying Nature: Paper II (CSAT) requires a minimum of 33% (66 marks).
-
Cut-off Calculation: Your entry into the Mains depends solely on the cut-off score of GS Paper I.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written Test)
The Mains exam is descriptive and consists of 9 papers conducted over several days. This stage is designed to test a candidate’s intellectual depth and ability to articulate complex ideas.
Qualifying Papers (Not counted for Merit)
-
Paper A: One Indian Language (from the 8th Schedule) – 300 Marks.
-
Paper B: English Language – 300 Marks.
Note: Candidates must score at least 25% in these papers for their merit papers to be evaluated.
Merit-Based Papers (Rank-Determining)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I (History, Geography, Society) | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Polity, Governance, IR) | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Economy, S&T, Environment) | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
| Total | Written Examination Total | 1750 Marks |
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear the Mains cut-off are summoned for the Personality Test at the UPSC Dholpur House in New Delhi.
-
Total Marks: 275 Marks.
-
Objective: To assess the candidate’s mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, leadership, and moral integrity.
-
Final Merit: Your final rank is calculated based on the sum of Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 Marks.
Major Changes in UPSC 2026
The 2026 notification introduced several administrative updates to enhance security and transparency:
-
URN System: The old OTR (One-Time Registration) is replaced by a permanent Universal Registration Number (URN).
-
Live Photo Capture: Candidates must now capture a live photograph during the application process.
-
Strict Modification Rules: Unlike previous years, there is no correction window allowed after the final submission of the application form.
-
Face Authentication: Mandatory biometric and face verification will be conducted at the exam centers.
Quick Tips for UPSC 2026 Aspirants
-
Integrated Preparation: Study for Prelims and Mains together, as the syllabus overlaps significantly.
-
Focus on Current Affairs: Link static subjects (like History or Polity) with daily news.
-
Choose the Right Optional: Since the Optional subject accounts for 500 marks, select one based on interest and availability of resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many papers are there in the UPSC Mains 2026?
Ans: There are a total of 9 papers in the UPSC Mains. This includes 2 qualifying language papers (Paper A & B) and 7 papers that are counted for the final merit (Essay, 4 General Studies papers, and 2 Optional papers).
Q2: Is there negative marking in the UPSC Prelims?
Ans: Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect answer. For GS Paper I, the penalty is -0.66, and for CSAT, it is -0.83.
Q3: What are the qualifying marks for the UPSC CSAT paper?
Ans: Candidates must secure a minimum of 33% in the CSAT (General Studies Paper II) to qualify. This equates to approximately 66 marks out of 200.
Q4: Do Prelims marks count toward the final IAS merit list?
Ans: No. The Preliminary examination is a screening test only. Your final rank is determined solely by the marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1750 marks) and the Personality Test (275 marks).
