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UPSC Exam Guide

Understand the complete UPSC Civil Services examination process.

UPSC Examination Stages

Expert UPSC coaching sessions with curated study resources at Samkalp IAS

Prelims

Objective (GS + CSAT)

Value added UPSC study materials with individual attention at Samkalp IAS

Mains

Descriptive (9 Papers)

IAS IPS mentorship sessions with serving officers at Samkalp IAS Academy

Interview

Personality Test

UPSC Prelims - General Studies and CSAT screening test explained

Prelims

The preliminary examination consists of two papers — General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). It serves as a screening test for the Mains examination.

  • Paper I (GS): Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science
  • Paper II (CSAT): Comprehension, Reasoning, Quantitative aptitude, Decision making
  • Format: 200 marks each, 2 hours, Objective (MCQ)
UPSC Mains exam - 9 theory papers including essay and optional subjects

Mains

The main examination consists of 9 theory papers including an essay paper, 4 GS papers, 2 optional papers, and 2 qualifying language papers. Strong answer writing skills are essential.

  • Paper A & B: Language papers (qualifying)
  • Paper I: Essay
  • Paper II–V: General Studies I to IV
  • Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject (2 papers)

Tips: Practice answer writing daily. Focus on structure, clarity, and analytical depth.

UPSC Interview - personality test conducted by UPSC board

Interview (Personality Test)

The final stage is a face-to-face interview conducted by the UPSC board. It carries 275 marks and tests the candidate’s personality, awareness, and suitability for public service.

Samkalp’s Interview Guidance Programme (IGP)

  • Mock interview sessions with retired civil servants
  • Interaction with serving IAS/IPS officers
  • DAF (Detailed Application Form) analysis
  • Personality development workshops
  • Current affairs discussion panels

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the UPSC Civil Services Examination and Samkalp IAS Academy's guidance.

What is the UPSC Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) at Samkalp IAS Academy?
Samkalp's Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) prepares candidates for the UPSC Personality Test through mock interviews, DAF (Detailed Application Form) analysis, personality development workshops, current affairs discussions, and interactions with experienced IAS and IPS officers.
What are the stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination has three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview). Candidates must qualify at each stage to progress to the next.
What is the difference between UPSC Prelims and Mains?
The UPSC Prelims is an objective (MCQ) screening examination, while the UPSC Mains is a descriptive written examination that tests a candidate's analytical ability, subject knowledge, and answer-writing skills.
Is the CSAT paper qualifying in the UPSC Preliminary Examination?
Yes. The CSAT (General Studies Paper II) is a qualifying paper. Candidates must score at least 33% in CSAT and meet the General Studies Paper I cut-off to qualify for the UPSC Mains Examination.
How many papers are there in the UPSC Mains Examination?
The UPSC Mains Examination consists of nine papers, including two qualifying language papers, one Essay paper, four General Studies papers, and two Optional Subject papers.
What is the UPSC Interview (Personality Test)?
The UPSC Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It carries 275 marks and evaluates a candidate's personality, communication skills, decision-making ability, and suitability for public service.
How does Samkalp IAS Academy help students prepare for each stage of the UPSC examination?
Samkalp IAS Academy supports aspirants at every stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination through structured coaching for Prelims and Mains, answer writing practice, current affairs sessions, mock tests, and its Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) for the Personality Test.
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