The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three successive stages. Each stage tests different abilities.
Two objective papers of 200 marks each. GS Paper I is used for the merit cut-off; CSAT Paper II is qualifying (33%). There is negative marking of one-third.
Nine descriptive papers totalling 1750 marks counted for merit (Essay, GS I–IV, two Optional papers), plus two qualifying language papers.
The interview carries 275 marks. The final merit is based on Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks.
Yes, one-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for a wrong answer.
2025 marks — Mains 1750 plus Interview 275.
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