UPSC has exam has various stages to it. The first is the Prelims exam. The next is Mains and the final round is the Personal Interview. The prelims exam comprises of 2 objective type papers namely General Studies 1 and General Studies 2. GS 2 is also called CSAT. This is for a total of 400 marks. Both papers are held on the same day in 2 sessions in pen paper mode. GS 1 has 100 questions and there is a negative marking of 0.66 for every incorrect answer. GS 2 has 80 questions 0.83 marks will be taken away in the form of negative marking.

GS 1 Syllabus:

Current Events of National and International Importance

History of India and Indian National Movement

Indian and World Geography

Indian Polity and Governance

Economic and Social development

General Issues on Environment

General Science

GS 2:

Comprehension

Interpersonal skills during communication skills

Logical reasoning and analytical ability

Decision making and problem solving

General mental ability

Basic numeracy

Data interpretation

English Language