Preliminary Stage
In the initial phase of the examination lies the Preliminary stage. The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination comprises two papers, each consisting of objective-type questions (multiple choice questions) and holds a total weightage of 400 marks. It is important to note that this examination primarily serves as a screening test. The marks secured in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, by candidates who qualify for the Civil Services (Main) Examination, do not contribute to their final order of merit.
The number of candidates eligible to progress to the Civil Services (Main) Examination is approximately twelve to thirteen times the total number of vacancies to be filled that year through this examination. Eligibility for the Civil Services (Main) Examination is extended exclusively to those candidates declared qualified in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination for that specific year, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Note on Negative Marking:
- For every question, there are four alternatives for answers. If a candidate provides an incorrect answer, a penalty of one-third (0.33) of the marks allocated to that question will be deducted.
- In the event that a candidate submits multiple answers for a single question, even if one of those answers is correct, it will still be considered an incorrect response, and the same penalty as mentioned above will apply.
- Leaving a question unanswered, i.e., providing no response, incurs no penalty.
The Examination Structure:
The examination comprises two compulsory papers, each worth 200 marks.
Important Notes:
- Both question papers will be in the objective type format (multiple choice questions) and will have a duration of two hours each.
- The General Studies Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination serves as a qualifying paper, with a minimum qualifying mark set at 33%.
- The question papers will be available in both Hindi and English languages.
As you embark on your UPSC CSE journey with DHI Academy, keep this preliminary stage in mind as the gateway to your ultimate goal of serving the nation as a civil servant.
