There have been no changes in UPSC exam pattern since 2013. UPSC is the toughest exam in the country.? It recruits candidates for highly renowned posts with attractive salaries. The IAS exam is not an easy task. It?s a long process. Syllabus of the UPSC exam is lengthy. It?s important to have clear knowledge about the syllabus and the pattern of the examination.
Candidates should have prepared according to the best study material. Solving previous year question papers helps to understand the marking scheme of the UPSC examination.
Here in this article we will share the details of the IAS exam pattern 2022 for both Prelims and Mains.
Prelims Marking system
UPSC Prelims Syllabus consist of two papers- 1. General Studie 2. CSAT(Civil Services Aptitude Test)
Prelims paper I is General studies paper. It has 100 questions of 200 marks. Each question is of 2 marks. There is negative marking for every wrong answer. ? marks will be deducted for wrong answers. Paper II(CSAT) has 80 questions out of a total 200 marks. It’s a qualifying exam. Candidates have to score a minimum 33% marks.
Marking system of Prelims
| Subject | Total | Duration | Number of questions | Negative marking |
| Paper-I GS | 200 | 2 hours | 100 | yes |
| Paper- II CSAT | 200 | 2 hours | 80 | yes |
- The IAS Prelims consists of 2 papers GS and the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT).
- Questions are objective in nature.
- It?s an offline exam.
- Questions are given in both English and Hindi Language.
- IAS Prelims is a qualifying exam, candidates need to get a minimum of 33% to be qualified for the Mains examination.
Negative Marking in Prelims exams
Candidates need to be very careful while attempting the questions in IAS Prelims exams. There is a negative marking in the prelims exam. Negative marking can reduce their score. There is a negative marking of ?, It means ? marks will be deducted for the wrong answer. So, it’s better not to attempt a question if you are not sure about it. No marks will be deducted for the questions left blank.
Mains Examination Marking System
Candidates have to score a minimum percentage in the Mains examination. After clearing Prelims, candidates appear for the Mains examination. The question papers of Mains are designed to test the intellectual and interpersonal skills of the candidates. They can show their intelligence and knowledge about the subject in the essay-type questions. There would be two optional papers which the candidates have to choose as per their interest.
| Paper | Marks |
| Essay writing | 250 Marks |
| General Studies?I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 Marks |
| General Studies ?II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) | 250 Marks |
| General Studies ?III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio?diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 Marks |
| General Studies ?IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) | 250 Marks |
| Optional Subject ? Paper 1 | 250 Marks |
| Optional Subject ? Paper 2 | 250 Marks |
| Total | 1750 Marks |
- Total of Mains examinations is 1750 marks.
- Candidates will be evaluated based on opinion, Content flow, understanding the problems, offering feasible solutions, presentation, and language.
- They will be questioned on the basis of two optional papers which they have chosen. The candidates must check out the syllabus of several and exam patterns before appearing the exam.
Marking system of Personality test/ Interview
| Personality Test/Interview | 275 marks |
| Total marks of IAS exam | 2025 marks |
There is no set pattern for the IAS personality test/interview. It can differ from candidate to candidate. When candidates clear all the written tests, they will be called for an interview. In the IAS interview test, candidates will be judged in the IAS interview on the basis of Mental Alertness, Critical Powers of Assimilation, Clear and Logical Exposition, Ability for Social Cohesion and Leadership and Intellectual and Moral Integrity. Candidates need to prepare for the interview just after the mains exam. The test will be conducted in the language of the candidate’s choice.The candidates must be aware of the IAS officer?s roles and duties before they appear for the Interview. If you want to crack the IAS examination, so you can join IAS Coaching in Delhi you have to be dedicated towards your preparation.
Medical Examination after IAS Interview
Each candidate has to go through a medical examination after clearing the IAS personality test. There will be a Central Standing Medical Board (CSMB) which will examine the mental and physical status of the candidate based on the service they allocated.
It?s important to know the marking system and the syllabus of the IAS exam. Hard work is the key to success.
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