The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the UPSC Civil Services journey, serving as a screening test to select candidates for the Main Examination. It consists of two objective-type (multiple-choice) papers, both held on the same day.

Upsc Preliminary exam Syllabus


Overview of the Preliminary Exam Pattern

  • ​Total Papers: 2 (General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II/CSAT).

  • ​Total Marks: 400 (200 marks for each paper).

  • ​Duration: 2 hours for each paper.

  • ​Medium: Question papers are set in both Hindi and English.

  • ​Negative Marking: There is a penalty for wrong answers; one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect response.

  • ​Mandatory Appearance: Candidates must appear in both papers for evaluation; missing one paper results in disqualification.

Detailed Syllabus: Paper-I (General Studies)

​Marks: 200 | Duration: 2 Hours

This paper is the primary merit-ranking paper for the Preliminary stage. It covers:

  • ​Current Events: National and international importance.

  • ​History of India: Includes the Indian National Movement.

  • ​Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.

  • ​Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, and Rights Issues.

  • ​Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, and Social Sector Initiatives

  • Environment and Ecology: General issues on Bio-diversity, Environmental Ecology, and Climate Change (not requiring subject specialization).

  • ​General Science

Detailed Syllabus: Paper-II (CSAT)

Marks: 200 | Duration: 2 Hours

General Studies Paper-II is qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure a minimum of 33% (approx. 66 marks) to pass.

  • ​Comprehension.

  • ​Interpersonal Skills: Including communication skills.

  • ​Logical Reasoning: Analytical ability and logical thinking.

  • ​Decision Making: Problem-solving skills.

  • ​General Mental Ability.

  • ​Basic Numeracy: Numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc. (Class X level).

  • ​Data Interpretation: Charts, graphs, tables, and data sufficiency (Class X level).

Key Preparation Rules

  • ​CSAT Barrier: Your GS Paper-I will only be evaluated if you meet the 33% qualifying threshold in GS Paper-II.

  • ​Objective Nature: All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

  • ​Standard: The level for numeracy and data interpretation is limited to Class X.