UPSC, one of the most prestigious examinations in India, is designed with a three-tier system to select the best candidates for various civil services positions. Let's delve into the structure of this examination.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination, often known as 'Prelims', is the first hurdle in the UPSC journey. It is an objective type test divided into two parts - General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Each paper carries 200 marks, making a total of 400 marks for this stage.

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Main Examination
The second stage is the Mains Examination, which is much more comprehensive. It comprises 9 papers in total, including a compulsory Indian language paper, an Essay paper, two optional papers of your choice, and four General Studies papers. Each paper carries a different weightage, with the total marks summing up to 2250.

Personal Interview
The final phase of the UPSC examination process is the Personal Interview. Candidates who clear the Mains are called for this stage, where they are tested on their personality and understanding of various issues. This round holds a maximum of 275 marks.
For additional information, you may refer to the following resources:
For a better understanding of the IAS Interview process, you can check here.
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