By Ishika Satwika Singh
UPSC Exam pattern is set by the conducting body, i.e., the Union Public Service Commission. It is a yearly conducted examination and the paper pattern for the IAS Exam has been the same since 2013.
– The UPSC exam pattern for the Mains stage consists of 9 papers conducted over 5-7 days. – Only those candidates who secure at least the declared cut off in General Studies I and 33% in General Studies II in Prelims can appear for Mains.
UPSC Mains Paper Pattern
– As per the exam pattern of UPSC Mains, all of the papers consist of descriptive answer type questions. – It is an exhaustive phase and the total marks in UPSC mains can directly affect your final scores.
– All of the mains papers except for the language papers A and B are of a merit ranking nature. – Paper A and B are of qualifying nature and candidates must score at least 25% in each for the marks from their Paper I – Paper VII to be given weightage.
UPSC Mains Paper Pattern
All the papers except the Language papers A and B can be answered in English or any of the languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
After the Prelims, a candidate hardly has three to four months for the preparation of the Mains Exam, so it is always suggested to prepare well in advance.