UPPSC 2026 – Exam Pattern (Prelims, Mains & Interview)
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts the Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Examination (commonly known as UPPCS). The exam is held in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). The pattern below reflects the latest official notification and modifications implemented by UPPSC.
🔹 Stage I – Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is the first screening stage and consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day. Both papers carry 200 marks each with negative marking (⅓rd) for wrong answers.
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies I | 2 hours | 200 | Counted for Merit (Cut-off deciding) |
| Paper II | General Studies II (CSAT) | 2 hours | 200 | Qualifying (minimum 33%) |
Note: Both papers are compulsory. Only candidates who qualify the Prelims are admitted to the Mains Examination.
🔹 Stage II – Main Examination
The Main Examination is descriptive in nature and forms the basis for merit shortlisting for the interview. It consists of eight papers as per the revised pattern — replacing optional subjects with two Uttar Pradesh-specific General Studies papers.
| Paper No. | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Hindi | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Essay | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies I – History, Culture, Geography of India & World | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Studies II – Polity, Governance, International Relations | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Studies III – Economy, Science & Technology, Environment | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper VII | General Studies V – Uttar Pradesh Specific Topics (Society, Governance, Development, Culture) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper VIII | General Studies VI – Uttar Pradesh Specific Economy, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Schemes | 200 | 3 hours |
Total Marks (Written): 1,500 Marks
Nature of Papers: All descriptive.
📝 Important: The UPPSC has officially removed optional subjects from the Mains pattern. Instead, two additional UP-specific General Studies papers (V & VI) are included to enhance state relevance.
🔹 Stage III – Personality Test / Interview
- Marks: 100
- Mode: In-person interaction at UPPSC office, Prayagraj.
- Purpose: To evaluate intellectual curiosity, balance of judgment, critical powers of assimilation, leadership, and moral integrity.
- Final Merit Calculation: Based on Mains (1500) + Interview (100) = 1600 marks total.
📈 Summary of UPPSC 2026 Exam Pattern
| Stage | Components | Total Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Prelims (GS I + CSAT) | 400 | Objective |
| Stage II | Mains (8 papers) | 1500 | Descriptive |
| Stage III | Interview | 100 | Personality Test |
🟢 Final Merit = Mains (1500) + Interview (100) = 1600 marks
💡 Indian Civils Support
At Indian Civils, our UPPSC-focused programs are structured strictly around the latest pattern — with special emphasis on UP-specific GS Papers V & VI and integrated answer-writing practice.