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UPSC CSE Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Preparation
UPSC CSE recruits IAS, IPS, IFS and allied services through prelims, nine-paper mains and interview. Graduates aged 21 to 32 with limited attempts can apply on upsc.gov.in.
Reading time: about 10 minutes. Verify dates, vacancies and post-wise rules in the official notification before applying.
What this guide covers
UPSC CSE exam overview
UPSC Civil Services Examination recruits IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and allied Group A and B services through India's most competitive selection. Roughly a thousand vacancies draw nearly a million applicants across prelims, mains and interview, so preparation spans at least a year. Authentic information appears only on upsc.gov.in.
| Stage | Format | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | GS 1 (200 marks) + CSAT (200 marks, qualifying) | Screening for mains |
| Mains | Nine papers, 1750 merit marks | Merit with interview |
| Interview | 275 marks personality test | Final merit (2025 total) |
Eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Final-year students may apply provisionally for prelims |
| Age | 21 to 32 years as on 1 August of the exam year, with relaxation for OBC, SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen. Verify the exact table |
| Attempts | General 6, OBC 9, SC and ST unlimited within age. Verify the current rules |
| Nationality | Citizen of India for IAS and IPS; notified categories for other services |
Exam pattern
Prelims
GS Paper 1 (200 marks, 100 questions): history, polity, geography, economy, environment, science, current affairs. CSAT Paper 2 (200 marks, 80 questions): comprehension, reasoning, maths at qualifying 33 percent. One-third negative marking. Prelims marks do not count toward final merit.
Mains
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Indian language (qualifying) | 300 |
| English (qualifying) | 300 |
| Essay | 250 |
| GS 1 (history, geography, society) | 250 |
| GS 2 (polity, governance, IR) | 250 |
| GS 3 (economy, science, security) | 250 |
| GS 4 (ethics) | 250 |
| Optional Paper 1 and 2 | 250 each |
Merit counts seven papers (1750) plus interview (275). Each paper runs 3 hours with descriptive answers.
Syllabus, subject by subject
History: ancient, medieval, modern, freedom movement, post-independence, art and culture. Polity: Constitution, governance, federalism, judiciary, bills and acts. Geography: physical, Indian, world, resources, mapping. Economy: growth, sectors, banking, budget, surveys. Environment: ecology, biodiversity, climate, conventions. Science: NCERT plus applied developments. Ethics: attitude, aptitude, integrity case studies. Optional: one subject at postgraduate depth chosen for interest and material availability.
Important dates and how to apply
UPSC publishes the CSE calendar on upsc.gov.in with prelims, mains and DAF schedules. This guide carries no dates. Fill the DAF carefully after prelims results since service and cadre preferences bind allotment.
Selection process
- Prelims screening with GS cut-off and CSAT qualifying.
- Mains descriptive merit with qualifying language papers.
- Interview and combined final merit.
- Medical and service allocation by rank, preference and vacancy.
How to prepare
Build NCERT foundations first, then standard GS texts with daily current-affairs notes linked to the syllabus. Write one mains answer daily from month three, take weekly prelims mocks with one-third-negative discipline, and revise with short notes rather than re-reading books. Choose the optional early and finish its syllabus before prelims season.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Reading without answer writing until after prelims.
- Chasing multiple sources per subject instead of revising one.
- Ignoring CSAT until it causes failure.
- Choosing an optional by topper interviews rather than aptitude.
- Neglecting revision and mock analysis.
Career opportunities
IAS postings lead districts and ministries; IPS leads police and security formations; IFS handles diplomacy; IRS handles tax administration; allied services cover audit, railways, defence estates and information. Promotion rises to apex grades with deputation and study leave.
Practise with Pratiyogita Kosh
Use Pratiyogita Kosh the way toppers use any test series: take a timed mock for UPSC CSE, review every error within 48 hours, then build a custom practice set around your weakest topics and re-test. Your dashboard tracks accuracy by subject and topic so each session targets real gaps.
Pratiyogita Kosh is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with any exam body. Archived papers credit their source on the paper page.
Frequently asked questions
What is UPSC CSE?
The Civil Services Examination for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and allied Group A and B services.
What qualification is needed?
A bachelor degree in any discipline. Final-year students may apply provisionally.
What is the age limit?
21 to 32 years as on 1 August of the exam year, with relaxation for reserved categories.
How many attempts are allowed?
General 6, OBC 9, SC and ST unlimited within age. Verify current rules.
What is the UPSC pattern?
Prelims screening, nine-paper mains with seven merit papers, then a 275-mark interview.
Do prelims marks count?
No. Final merit uses mains and interview only, but CSAT must be qualified.
How to choose an optional?
By interest, material availability and answer-writing comfort, finished well before prelims season.
Where can I practise UPSC mocks?
On Pratiyogita Kosh: GS mocks and custom sets for polity, history, geography, economy and current affairs.