Exam pattern
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Paper I: General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Prelims | Paper II: CSAT (qualifying) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Mains | Paper 1: Marathi (qualifying) | Written | 300 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Paper 2: English (qualifying) | Written | 300 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Paper 3: Essay | Written | 250 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Papers 4 to 7: General Studies I to IV | Written | 250 each | 3 hours each |
| Mains | Papers 8 and 9: Optional subject, Papers 1 and 2 | Written | 250 each | 3 hours each |
| Interview | Personality Test | 275 |
Prelims marks only decide who goes on to the Mains. A wrong answer costs one quarter of that question's marks, and CSAT needs 33%. The ranking adds the seven counted Mains papers (1,750 marks) and the Personality Test (275).
Prelims: Paper I, General Studies
- Current events of state, national and international importance.
- History of India, with special reference to Maharashtra, and the Indian National Movement.
- Geography of Maharashtra, India and the world.
- Polity and governance of Maharashtra and India: the Constitution, Panchayati Raj and public policy.
- Economic and social development.
- Environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change.
- General science.
Prelims: Paper II, CSAT
- Comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making and problem solving.
- General mental ability, basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class 10 level).
- Marathi and English comprehension (Class 10 level).
Mains: Essay and General Studies
- Essay: essays on several topics, written in an orderly, concise way.
- General Studies I: Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world and society, with Maharashtra.
- General Studies II: governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations, with Maharashtra.
- General Studies III: technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security and disaster management, with Maharashtra.
- General Studies IV: ethics, integrity and aptitude.
Mains: Optional subject
- One subject from the commission's list, in two papers, at graduation level.