The Civil Services Examination (Prelims) — Paper I (General Studies) is the UPSC’s screening test for candidates aiming for India’s most prestigious administrative careers. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this Preliminary Examination selects you for the next stage by evaluating your grasp of current affairs, core GS concepts, and fundamentals across multiple disciplines. Clear this phase to progress towards the Civil Services Main Examination and ultimately top-level government postings.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Events | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| History of India | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| Indian and World Geography | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| Indian Polity | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| Economic and Social Development | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| Environment | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| General Science | ~14 | ~28 | ~14% |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 100% |
Total Questions: 100 | Total Marks: 200 | Duration: 120 minutes | Negative Marking: None
Build a daily current affairs routine using reliable sources, and convert facts into quick revision notes. For static subjects (Polity, History, Geography), focus on NCERT-level clarity, then practice UPSC-style MCQs to improve recall and elimination skills. Take timed sections to simulate the 120-minute exam flow, and review mistakes to avoid repeating concept gaps. Since there is no negative marking, prioritize accuracy first, then optimize speed.
