CRACKING THE CODE: CHAPTER 2.3

The UPSC examination is a rigorous and comprehensive process that consists of multiple stages. Each stage is designed to assess different aspects of a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and aptitude. In this section, we will explore the various stages of the UPSC examination and understand what each stage entails.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

The first stage of the UPSC examination is the Preliminary Examination, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This stage is conducted to shortlist candidates for the next round of the examination. The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT).

General Studies Paper I covers a wide range of subjects including history, geography, polity, economics, science and technology, environment, and current affairs. It tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of these subjects. General Studies Paper II (CSAT) evaluates the candidate’s aptitude in areas such as comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving.

It is important to note that the marks obtained in the General Studies Paper II (CSAT) are not considered for the final ranking. However, candidates must score a minimum qualifying mark in this paper to be eligible for the next stage of the examination.

Stage 2: Main Examination

The Main Examination is the second stage of the UPSC examination and is conducted for candidates who have cleared the Preliminary Examination. This stage consists of a written examination followed by a personality test (interview).

The written examination in the Main stage consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature: one paper on any Indian language and one English language paper. The remaining seven papers are evaluated for the purpose of ranking. These papers include Essay, General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, General Studies IV, and two papers on the candidate’s chosen optional subject.

The optional subject is an important aspect of the Main Examination. Candidates are required to choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The optional subject carries a significant weightage in the final ranking. It is crucial for candidates to choose an optional subject that aligns with their interests, strengths, and academic background.

Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)

The final stage of the UPSC examination is the Personality Test, also known as the Interview. Candidates who clear the Main Examination are called for the Interview round. The Interview is conducted by a panel of experts who assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services.

During the Interview, candidates may be asked questions on a wide range of topics including current affairs, national and international issues, their educational background, work experience, and hobbies. It is important for candidates to be well-prepared and confident during the Interview stage.

Final Selection and Merit List

The final selection of candidates is based on their performance in the Main Examination and the Interview. The marks obtained in the Main Examination (written papers) are added to the marks obtained in the Interview to determine the final ranking. The UPSC prepares a merit list based on the candidate’s overall performance, and the top-ranked candidates are recommended for appointment to various civil services.

It is important to note that the UPSC examination is highly competitive, and only a limited number of candidates are selected each year. Therefore, it is essential for aspirants to prepare thoroughly and perform well in each stage of the examination.

In the next section, we will explore the important dates and timelines associated with the UPSC examination, which will help candidates plan their preparation strategy effectively.