UPSC Prelims is the first stage in the process of becoming an officer in the Indian Civil Services. Aspiring candidates aiming to join the Indian civil services must successfully pass the prelims examination as part of the UPSC CSE exam requirements.

Candidates who undergo thorough preparation for the UPSC exam should face the examination with confidence. Effective preparation can be facilitated through reputable platforms like PWOnlyIAS, offering students a well-organized study plan and guidance from experienced faculty members.

Delhi state consistently sends the highest number of selected candidates due to factors like prestigious universities like DU and JNU, access to quality coaching institutes, and a large pool of aspirants.

The overall pass rate for the UPSC CSE (Civil Service Examination) is very low, hovering around 0.2%. This means that out of every 1000 aspirants who take the exam, only about 2 will ultimately be successful. The overall pass rate for UPSC CSE in 2023 is estimated to be somewhere between 0.125% and 0.1875%.

The chances of success can vary depending on various factors, such as:

• Stage of the exam: The Prelims stage has the highest number of applicants and the lowest pass rate (around 10-15%). In 2023, with approximately 14,624 candidates selected out of around 13 lakh who appeared, the pass rate comes out to be around 10-15%. The Mains stage is much more selective, with a pass rate of around 2-3% as in 2023. The Interview stage has the lowest number of applicants but also the highest pass rate, at around 50%.
• Category: There are reserved categories for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which have lower cut-off marks than the General category. This means that candidates from these categories have a higher chance of success.
• Optional subject: The choice of optional subject can also impact your chances of success. Some subjects, such as Public Administration and History, are considered to be more scoring than others.

It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).

General Studies Paper-I covers current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, environment and ecology, science and technology, and culture. CSAT tests comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Yes, only in General Studies Paper-I. One-third mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

Develop a consistent study plan, focus on current affairs, practice mock tests, and analyze your mistakes. Consider joining Vimarsha IAS or any other reputed institute’s coaching classes or online courses for additional guidance.

NCERT textbooks, newspapers, magazines, online resources like UPSC websites and platforms offering online courses, previous year’s question papers, and study materials from reliable sources like Vimarsha IAS.

The number of attempts depends on your category. General category candidates have six attempts, while OBCs have nine, SC/ST have unlimited attempts.

It consists of nine papers: Essay, General Studies-I to IV, Optional Subject Papers (two), a qualifying language paper (English or Hindi), and an Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude paper.

Each General Studies paper focuses on specific areas like Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, etc. Optional subjects cover a diverse range of disciplines like Public Administration, Mathematics, Engineering, Literature, etc. Check the detailed UPSC CSE Mains syllabus on the UPSC website.

Each paper carries 250 marks except Essay (200) and qualifying language papers (100 each). The total marks for the written exam are 1750. The Interview stage carries 275 marks.

Focus on in-depth understanding of topics, answer writing practice, time management, and maintaining consistency in your preparation. Consider optional subject coaching and mock tests tailored to the Mains format.

Previous year’s question papers, reference books for specific subjects, online test series, answer writing courses, and dedicated Mains coaching programs.

Choose a subject you genuinely enjoy, one you have a strong foundation in, and that aligns with your interests and career goals. Consider factors like availability of study materials and coaching, scoring potential, and compatibility with your General Studies preparation.

There is no official cut-off for the Mains exam. The final merit list is prepared based on combined scores of Mains and Interview.

After clearing the UPSC CSE Mains exam, you undergo a personality test (Interview) conducted by the UPSC. Those who clear the Interview are selected for various All India Services and Central Services based on their rank and service preferences.

No. Clearing the Prelims exam is mandatory to qualify for the Mains stage.

It’s a personality test lasting 30-45 minutes. The UPSC board asks questions assessing your personality, knowledge, decision-making abilities, and suitability for various services.

Questions can be based on your DAF-1 or DAF-2, current affairs, your hobbies and interests, ethical dilemmas, and your understanding of diverse issues. Be prepared for follow-up questions and probes into your responses.

The board assesses your integrity, communication skills, leadership qualities, analytical ability, and mental alertness, along with your knowledge and understanding of subjects.

Practice mock interviews, focus on current affairs, develop strong opinions and justifications, and hone your communication skills. Research diverse topics and showcase your strengths and passion.

Mock interview sessions with experienced mentors, current affairs magazines, books on personality development and communication skills, past interview records, and videos/articles with successful candidates’ experiences. The UPSC Interview Toolkit Part-1 and Part-2 by Vimarsha IAS can help you a lot in your UPSC CSE interview preparation.

Dress formally and professionally, maintaining a neat and respectful appearance. Choose attire that reflects your personality and conveys confidence.

No. You cannot use any external materials during the interview. It’s entirely memory-based.

It’s okay to admit you don’t know something. Be honest and explain your approach to finding the answer or your understanding of the topic. Avoid bluffing or getting flustered.

Don’t panic. Acknowledge your mistake, politely correct it if possible, and move on. Don’t dwell on it and let it affect your overall performance.

VIMARSHA IAS INSTITUTE provide study materials, reference books, and other resources as part of their coaching programs. These materials include subject-specific notes, practice papers, previous years’ question papers, and online resources to support the preparation of students. The institute will provide details on the coaching materials and resources provided.

We offers additional support services such as mentorship programs, individual counseling, Daily doubt-clearing sessions, and guidance from experienced faculty members. These services aim to provide personalized support and assistance to students during their preparation journey.

Yes, you can visit the Vimarsha IAS to get a better understanding of the facilities, infrastructure, and faculty. It is advisable to contact the institute in advance and schedule a visit or inquire about any designated open house events or admission information sessions we may conduct.

We provide hostel or accommodation facilities for outstation students. These facilities may have limited availability and may incur additional charges. It is recommended to inquire with the administration staff regarding accommodation options and their availability.

We understand the needs of working professionals and offer flexible timing options or online classes to cater to their requirements. These options allow working professionals to pursue their preparation alongside their professional commitments. You can inquire with the office regarding their offerings for working professionals.

Remember, the path to success in the IAS examination begins with the right guidance. Choose vimarshaias.com and let us be your partner in your pursuit of excellence in the civil services arena.