IAS Exam Pattern

A. Preliminary Examination

The Examination shall comprise two compulsory papers of 200 marks each.

NOTE
(i) Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions).
(ii) The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English. However, questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level will be tested through passages from English Language only without providing Hindi translation thereof in the question paper.
(iii) Details of the syllabi are indicated in Part A of Section III.
(iv) Each paper will be of two hours duration. Blind candidates will however; be allowed an extra time of twenty minutes at each paper.

B. Main Examination

The written examination will consist of the following papers:
Paper I One of the Indian languages to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.  - 300 marks
Paper II English - 300 marks
Paper III Essay - 200 marks
Papers IV General Studies and Paper V for each paper  - 300 marks
Papers VI Any two VII, VIII subjects to for each and IX be selected from paper the list of the optional subjects set out in para 2 below.  - 300 marks
Each subject will have two papers.

C. Interview Test will carry 300 marks

Other Important Links

About IAS Exam
IAS Syllabus
Eligibility Criteria
How to Choose Optional subjects