The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services selection process has three stages – Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam (Objective Type), Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written), and a Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is prepared with the name of the aspirants eligible for the recruitment on the basis of marks obtained in the mains examination and interview test, provided the documents submitted are according to the requirement.
IAS Preliminary Exam 2021
IAS Prelims 2021 Exam is scheduled to be conducted on 27th June 2021. UPSC comprises two papers of multiple-choice questions of a maximum of 200 marks each from various subjects, including General Awareness, English Language, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, etc. Marks scored in IAS Prelims will not show in the Final merit list but are only considered for shortlisting candidates for the main exam.
- Duration of IAS Prelims examination is 2 hours
- Total Number of Questions Paper-I consists of 100 questions and Paper-II consists of 80 questions
- Both the papers are of 200 marks and the candidates need to score the marks equal to or more than the IAS cut-off marks prescribed by the UPSC.
- Objective Type of questions
IAS Main exam
The performance of an aspirant in IAS Mains is deciding factor for their success and becoming an IAS official. It's considered as one of the most difficult phases of the IAS exam, the mains exam is infamous for its highly set cut-off and competitive question pattern. The Mains exam is divided into two parts: (1) IAS Main- written and (2) IAS main- Personality test. The marks secured in the IAS main exam will decide the final merit list. Indian Language (only qualifying), General Studies Paper 1, General Studies Paper 2, General Studies Paper 3, General Studies Paper 4, Essay Paper, and 2 Optional Papers (Optional Paper 1 & Optional Paper 2) are the total eight papers included in the Mains exam. The marking of the merit list will also include marks of essay paper, two optional papers, and four general studies papers carrying 250 marks each, whereas the marks of compulsory Indian Language (300) is not considered in the final marking for merit list of the UPSC IAS Exam.
IAS Personality/Interview Test
The personality test is the final phase of the IAS selection process, and for everyone selected, the chance of becoming an IAS official is very high when you are called for the IAS interview. The interviews are conducted in the IPSC office in New Delhi, and the candidates are required to appear in the office for the IAS interview.
IAS Medical Exam
Lastly, the medical exam is conducted, which essential for the conformity of claims is made for special quotas or categories and for the service allocation. The medical examination is scheduled after the IAS interview and is carried by a medical examination form for this purpose at a designated hospital in New Delhi. UPSC will send the recommended candidates list to the Department of Personnel and training, thus marking the end of the IAS selection process.
After the results, UPSC sends the recommended candidates list to the Department of Personnel and training. This marks the end of the IAS selection process.
India's most challenging Exam, the UPSC civil services, is highly competitive, with more than 200,000 students appearing every year for merely 800-900 vacant positions. On top of that, the comprehensive and rigorous exam pattern tests each candidate's potential on multiple levels. Sulekha understands the immense pressure, anxiety, and fear students have to face when preparing for an exam of this nature and wants every aspirant to get the chance they deserve. We help students find and connect with 1500+ verified and leading IAS coaching institutes by providing complete business details and reviews. All you have to do is share your requirements with the shortlisted experts, weigh the pros & cons, compare quotes, and check user reviews before joining the right course for yourself. Also, don't forget to check out the FAQ questions compiled by institutes.