Exam pattern
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | General Studies Paper I | 150 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Prelims | General Studies Paper II (CSAT, qualifying) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Mains | General Hindi | Written | 150 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Essay | Written | 150 | 3 hours |
| Mains | General Studies I to IV | Written | 200 each | 3 hours each |
| Mains | General Studies V and VI (Uttar Pradesh) | Written | 200 each | 3 hours each |
| Interview | Personality test | 100 |
Prelims marks only decide who goes on to the Mains. A wrong answer costs one-third of that question's marks, and CSAT needs 33%. The ranking adds the eight Mains papers (1,500 marks) and the Interview (100).
Prelims: General Studies Paper I
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and the Indian National Movement.
- Indian and world geography.
- Indian polity and governance.
- Economic and social development.
- Environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change.
- General science.
Prelims: General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
- Comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making and problem solving.
- General mental ability, elementary mathematics and data interpretation (Class 10 level).
- General English and General Hindi (Class 10 level).
Mains: General Hindi and Essay
- General Hindi: comprehension, précis, official letters, grammar and usage.
- Essay: three essays, one from each section: literature, culture and society; science, environment and technology; agriculture, industry and trade; national and international events; natural disasters; national development programmes.
Mains: General Studies I to IV
- General Studies I: Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world and society.
- General Studies II: governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations.
- General Studies III: technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security and disaster management.
- General Studies IV: ethics, integrity and aptitude.
Mains: General Studies V (Uttar Pradesh)
- History, civilisation, culture and ancient cities of Uttar Pradesh, its architecture, festivals, folk dances, literature and regional languages.
- Uttar Pradesh's part in the freedom struggle and its eminent personalities.
- Political system, governance, Panchayati Raj, public services, law and order, and welfare schemes of Uttar Pradesh.
Mains: General Studies VI (Uttar Pradesh)
- Economy of Uttar Pradesh: planning, agriculture, industry, trade, infrastructure and investment.
- Geography of Uttar Pradesh: physical features, natural resources, climate and population.
- Environment, ecology, science and technology, and current affairs of Uttar Pradesh.