UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the UPSC Prelims exam pattern 2026 is crucial for effective preparation. Prelims is screening stage; marks not counted in final merit.
Key Highlights of Prelims Exam Pattern:
Paper/Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
General Studies Paper 1 (GS-1) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT - Qualifying) | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Total | 180 | 400 | 4 Hours |
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Mains consists of 9 papers (total 1750 marks for merit + 2 qualifying papers). Descriptive type.
Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 Hours |
Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 Hours |
Paper 1 | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours |
Paper 2 | General Studies 1 | 250 | 3 Hours |
Paper 3 | General Studies 2 | 250 | 3 Hours |
Paper 4 | General Studies 3 | 250 | 3 Hours |
Paper 5 | General Studies 4 (Ethics) | 250 | 3 Hours |
Paper 6 | Optional Subject Paper 1 | 250 | 3 Hours |
Paper 7 | Optional Subject Paper 2 | 250 | 3 Hours |
Total (Merit) | 1750 | - |