The exam consists of three stages:

Prelims consists of objective questions i.e you just have to choose an answer out of the given multiple choices. There are two papers in Prelims of 200 marks each. However, the second paper of prelims which consists of 80 questions of maths, reasoning, comprehension , etc is qualifying in nature. It means that you have to just pass in that paper by getting at least 33% marks and the marks that we get in this paper will not be added to our total marks while deciding our selection. The 33% marks and the marks that we get in this paper will not be added to our total marks while deciding our selection.

The first paper consists of 100 questions of 2 marks each, The questions are based on General Studies -History, Polity, Economics, Geography, Environment, Current Affairs etc.

Mains consists of subjective questions i.e you have to write the descriptive answers as you have been doing in your school and college exams. There are four GS papers of 250 marks each, and essay of 250 marks and optional subject of 500 marks. Thus, MAIN Examination consists of a total of 1750 marks.

However, you have to appear in two qualifying papers in which you just need to pass by getting a minimum marks of 25 % . These two qualifying papers are: 1) English of 300 marks, 2) One regional language in which you feel comfortable – Hindi/Bengali/Tamil/Telugu/Kannad/Nepali etc of 300 marks. If you fail in either of these two, you fail in Main exam.

Interview consists of 275 marks. Final selection is decided on the basis of total marks obtained in Mains+ Interview i.e. out of 1750+275=2025 marks. Prelims marks are not added while deciding the final selection. Generally, one ,who gets 850+ out of 2025 gets selected, though this cut off varies year to year and its different for different categories viz. General, OBC, SC, ST, PH, etc.