The Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is one of the toughest exams in India. More than 170000 candidates appear for the examination. The UPSC is proposing some changes in the pattern of the Preliminary examination to be held in May 2011. There will be two compulsory papers of objective multiple choice questions.
This Paper will include the following: General Science, Current Events of national and international importance, History of India and Indian National Movement, India and World Geography, Indian Polity and Economy and General Mental Ability.
The Main Written Examination
The Main Examination is to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of the candidates. The Written Examination in the Main Examination consists of 9 papers and is conducted according to the following pattern:
| PAPER |
SUBJECT |
DURATION |
MARKS |
QUESTION TYPE |
| I |
One Indian language from those included in the Eighth Schedule* of the Constitution |
3 hrs |
300 |
Essay Type |
| II |
English |
3 hrs |
300 |
Conventional Type |
| III, IV & V |
Essay ,General Studies |
3 hrs |
200, 300 for each |
Essay Type |
| VI, VII, VIII & IX |
Two papers in each of two Optional ** Subjects |
3 hrs |
300 for each |
Essay Type |
|
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|
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