UPSC Preliminary Examination Syllabus

How many papers are there in the UPSC Preliminary Examination?

The UPSC Preliminary Examination has two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II, also known as CSAT. Both papers carry 200 marks and have a duration of two hours.

What subjects are covered in UPSC Prelims Paper I?

Paper I cover current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity and governance, economic and social development, environment and ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science.

Is CSAT compulsory in the UPSC Preliminary Examination?

Yes. Candidates must appear for CSAT, or General Studies Paper II. However, CSAT is qualifying in nature, so candidates need only the minimum required marks to qualify.

How many marks are required to qualify for UPSC CSAT?

Candidates need to score at least 33% marks in CSAT to qualify. The marks obtained in CSAT do not count toward the Prelims cutoff or final merit.

Which paper decides the UPSC Prelims cutoff?

General Studies Paper I determine the Prelims cutoff. Candidates must also qualify CSAT separately to become eligible for the UPSC Mains Examination.

What topics should I prepare for the UPSC CSAT paper?

CSAT includes comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and data interpretation.

Is UPSC CSAT based on the Class 10 level syllabus?

Basic numeracy and data interpretation in CSAT are based on the Class 10 level. However, the paper also tests comprehension, reasoning, analytical ability, and decision-making skills.

Are UPSC Prelims questions objective type?

Yes. Both General Studies Paper I and CSAT contain multiple-choice, objective-type questions. Each paper carries 200 marks.

Do UPSC Prelims marks count in the final selection?

No. Prelims marks are not included in the final merit list. The Preliminary Examination acts as a screening stage for candidates who qualify for the Mains Examination.

What is the difference between UPSC Prelims Paper I and Paper II?

Paper I tests general studies subjects such as history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science, and current affairs. Paper II, or CSAT, tests aptitude, comprehension, reasoning, numeracy, and data interpretation. CSAT is qualifying in nature.