The Prelims screens candidates via two objective papers. Paper I (GS) counts for merit; Paper II (CSAT) is a qualifying test with minimum 33%. Appearing in both papers is mandatory for evaluation.
Paper I (GS)
200
2 hours • MCQ
Paper II (CSAT)
200
2 hours • MCQ • 33% min
Total
400
For screening only
Pattern
Objective
MCQ • OMR/CBT
Prelims GS 1 — Topic Composition by Year
Each bar sums to 100 questions; shows the share of each topic per year.
CSAT — Topic Composition by Year
Each bar is the share within the year (out of 80 questions).
Key Exam Rules
- Both papers are mandatory to attempt.
- CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying (minimum 33%); GS (Paper I) determines the Prelims merit list.
- Questions are objective, multiple-choice.
- Negative marking applies: one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
- If more than one option is marked for a question, it is treated as wrong and attracts negative marking.
- No penalty for questions left blank/unattempted.
| Paper | Questions | Marks / Q | Wrong Answer Penalty | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I — General Studies | 100 | 2.00 | −0.66 (1/3 of 2) | 200 |
| Paper II — CSAT (Qualifying) | 80 | 2.50 | −0.83̅ (1/3 of 2.5) | 200 |
Recommended Programs
Paper I — General Studies (200 marks) — 2 hours
| Area | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
| Current Events | National & international importance; government initiatives & reports; major indices; summits, groupings & agreements; science-tech developments; awards; sports; culture; defense & space; environment milestones. |
| History of India & National Movement | Ancient to modern; 18th–20th c. transitions; nationalism phases; Gandhian & revolutionary strands; key acts/commissions; socio-religious reform; post-independence consolidation (overview). |
| Indian & World Geography | Physical (geomorphology, climatology, oceanography); resources & industries; agriculture; population; urbanization; regional planning; Indian physiography, monsoon, disasters & management basics. |
| Polity & Governance | Constitution; political system; Panchayati Raj; public policy; rights issues; salient features; institutions; elections; transparency & accountability; citizen charters; e-governance basics. |
| Economy & Social Development | Sustainable development; growth & inclusion; poverty; demographics; employment; social sector (health, education, welfare schemes); budgeting & basics of macro indicators. |
| Environment | Ecology, biodiversity, climate change (conceptual, non-specialist); protected areas; conservation measures; impact assessments; environmental governance & conventions (overview). |
| General Science | Everyday science; basic physics/chemistry/biology applications; human body & diseases; biotech/space/IT awareness at a general level. |
Paper II — CSAT (200 marks; Qualifying 33%) — 2 hours
| Area | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | Reading comprehension passages; theme, inference, tone; fact vs opinion; best response MCQs. |
| Interpersonal & Communication Skills | Basic interpersonal scenarios; clarity, empathy, appropriateness; formal vs informal tone. |
| Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability | Arrangements, coding-decoding, syllogisms, statements–assumptions, arguments, conclusions; cause–effect; data sufficiency (qualitative). |
| Decision-Making & Problem-Solving | Situational judgement; ethical & practical trade-offs; prioritization; public-service orientation. |
| General Mental Ability | Series, patterns, analogies, classification; basic set theory, Venn diagrams; clocks & calendars. |
| Basic Numeracy (Class X) | Numbers & relations; BODMAS; percentages; ratios; averages; profit-loss; SI/CI; time–work; time–speed–distance; permutations & combinations (baseline). |
| Data Interpretation (Class X) | Tables, charts, graphs, data sufficiency; unit conversions; orders of magnitude; approximations. |
CSAT is qualifying only; ensure ≥ 33% to have Paper I evaluated for merit.