Know the UPSC Prelims Total Marks 2026 including GS Paper I and CSAT. Check marking scheme, cut-off trends, syllabus coverage, and how to calculate marks in the UPSC Preliminary Exam.
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Preliminary Examination, popularly known as UPSC Prelims, is the first step in the Civil Services Examination. Understanding the UPSC Prelims total marks and its marking scheme is important for aspirants to prepare effectively.
The UPSC Prelims total marks system is straightforward but demands careful planning and focused preparation. With 400 marks at stake, a clear understanding of the marking scheme, syllabus, and strategy is essential.
| UPSC Prelims Total Marks Breakdown | |
| Paper-wise Distribution | General Studies Paper I: 200 marks |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT): 200 marks (qualifying paper) | |
| Duration | Each paper is conducted for 2 hours |
| Question Count | GS Paper I: 100 questions.
CSAT: 80 questions |
| General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I) |
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| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) |
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These figures indicate the competitive nature of the exam.
The marks of the candidates scored out of UPSC Prelims total marks are considered for evaluation for determining the cut-off marks and clearing the prelims and these marks further will not be considered in the main examination.
To evaluate performance, candidates must understand how to calculate their marks accurately:
Out of UPSC Prelims total Marks candidates have to score the cut-off marks decided by UPSC.
The two papers in the UPSC Prelims include negative markings. Each paper is worth 200 marks, making the UPSC Prelims total marks 400. It is important to note that negative marking is applicable in the IAS Prelims.
The General Studies Paper-I in the UPSC Prelims is assigned 200 marks, consisting of 100 questions. Each question is worth 2 marks, and candidates are given two hours to complete the paper.
No, Marks scored in UPSC Prelims are not considered for final evaluation to determine the rank of candidates.
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