UPSC CSE Marks

Introduction To UPSC CSE Marks

The following article provides an outline for UPSC CSE Marks. UPSC exam is conducted in 3 phases which are Pre, Mains and Interview. The aspirant is required to score marks above the cut-off criteria in order to pass each stage.

Below is the distribution of marks over different phases:

• Prelim Exam Total Marks: 400 Marks
• Qualifying Mains Total Marks: 600 Marks
• Mains Exam Total Marks: 1750 Marks
• Interview Marks: 275 Marks

What Is UPSC Exam?

UPSC or Union Public Service Commission is recruiting committee for Civil Services across all India for group A and group B posts. The commission was formed in 1926, and its headquarter is in Delhi.

UPSC conducts examination for CSE or Civil Services Examination. The committee peculiarly designs the exam so that candidates’ ability to present his/her capabilities in a consistent manner can be tested. The Exam is conducted for high-level posts of IAS, IFS, IPS, etc.

UPSC Marks, UPSC Negative Marks

As UPSC conducts the competitive exam, the first thing for the candidate is the mark distribution for each section and paper. What kind of marking is there, is there negative marking for the wrong answer, what is the cutoff for different phases of exams?

UPSC Marks Distribution

Below is the marks distribution for the UPSC exam:

1. Prelims Exams

• • General Studies Paper-I: 

    • Number of question: 100
    • Marks: 200
    • Negative marking: Yes (1/3rd)
    • Medium: Hindi, English
    • Type of exam: Multiple Choice objective type questions
    • Duration: 2 hours

• • General Studies Paper-II (CSAT): 

    • Number of question: 80
    • Marks: 200
    • Negative marking: Yes (1/3rd)
    • Medium: Hindi, English
    • Type of exam: Multiple Choice objective type questions
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Min qualifying criteria: 33%

2. Mains Exam

Those who have made their way out of pre by getting marks above cutoff from prelims would be allowed to appear for the mains exam. Here is the Marks Distribution for Mains Exam.

• Paper A: Indian Language (Compulsory)

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: As per the candidates’ choice.
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min Qualifying Criteria: 25%

• Paper B: English

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper I: Essay

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper II: General Studies -I

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper III: General Studies -II

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper IV: General Studies -III

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper V: General Studies -IV

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper VI: Optional – I

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

• Paper VII: Optional – II

  • Marks: 300
  • Medium: Hindi, English
  • Type of exam: Subjective
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Min qualifying criteria: 25%

The last thing the candidate needs to know about the marking system of the Interview.

• Interview:
  • Marks: 275

Recommended Articles

This is a guide to UPSC CSE Marks. Here we discuss a brief overview, what is UPSC exam? along with UPSC marks, UPSC negative marks. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more–

1. UPSC CSE Previous Year Paper
2. How to Prepare for UPSC Exam?
3. UPSC Exam Syllabus 2021
4. UPSC CSE Eligibility